Loch Ness tours are
arguably Scotland's most famous tourist attraction. Every year, people from
around the world visit this 24-mile stretch of water for its breath-taking
beauty, and of course to revel in the legend of the fabled Loch Ness Monster.
Loch Ness is just one of many lochs (or lakes) hidden amongst the awe-inspiring
Scottish countryside, and is also one of the most rewarding. There is so much
to discover along its picturesque shoreline and in the surrounding countryside,
providing families and the young at heart with fun, excitement and adventure.
The North Shore
Inverness is the essential starting point for a tour around
the Loch. Capital of the Highland Region in Scotland, Inverness is situated at
a strategic point where the waters of Loch Ness flow out into the Moray Firth.
Views along the wide river are very impressive, Inverness Castle sat high up on
the river bank being the photographer's favourite.
Loch Ness is some 15kms south-west of Inverness. Visitors
should take the A82 road towards Drumnadrochit on the north side of the lake.
Stunning views of the Loch can be enjoyed between the trees all the way along
the hilly shore road. Roughly a third of the way along the north shore the
dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle come into view.
Urquhart Castle dates back to the 13th century. As far as
romantic ruins go, this castle has it all. It is perched up above the trees on
a rocky outcrop, which plunges steeply down into the Loch. The waters of the Loch quickly reach a depth of 600ft and it is said that sometimes strange
ripples can be seen on the water in the shadow of the castle - signs that the
Loch Ness Monster is stirring!
Onwards along the north shore the road takes you through the
17th century hamlet of Invermoriston before reaching Fort Augustus at the
south-western tip of the loch. At Fort Augustus the staircase lock system on
the Caledonian Canal can be seen. The Canal was begun in 1803 by the great
industrial architect, Thomas Telford. If you want to tour the loch by boat,
Fort Augustus is the best place to do it from.
The South Shore
On the south side of Loch Ness the scenery becomes wild.
Single track roads hug the undulating shoreline. The south side is often more
tranquil, while the 100-foot falls at Foyer are an amazing sight! At Dores
towards the north-east end of the lake a small road switchbacks up into the
hills to the south. Here you will find a series of smaller lochs nestled at
altitude between the steep-sloped mountains - perfect if you're looking for the
ultimate in beautiful Scottish scenery.
If you are in Inverness
and looking for loch ness tours, you may consider a lot of companies offering sightseeing tours services.
