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It is impossible to think of Scotland without thinking of the mythical Loch Ness lake! This gigantic expanse of water, located inland in the Highlands, feeds many passions among Scots and travelers alike! It must be said that this wild lake, in addition to offering remarkable landscapes, has its share of mysteries and legends! A frightening monster would live there, hidden in the dark waters… What to crystallize all the passions!
Reconstruction of the Nessie monster – © Karrrtinki
For centuries, there has been a mysterious aura around Loch Ness… This is due to the grandiose wild landscapes, but also to a myth, which never ceases to fascinate people all over the world! It is of course the monster Nessie, a kind of marine creature halfway between the dinosaur and a big sea lizard, which would have been seen many times in the waters of the Scottish lake!
Whether you are skeptical or not, there are many testimonies that attest to the presence of this strange monster. Some of these testimonies date back to ancient times, the first recorded sighting going back to 565 AD! Thus the texts claim that Nessie would have been seen for the first time by a human being at the time when Saint Columba would have saved a man who had been attacked by a “watery beast”. Amazing isn’t it?
And it is not finished: the testimonies followed one another until our days, maintaining the myth of a lake in the not elucidated waters.
A phenomenon that attracts every year thousands of tourists who come to scrutinize the surface of the water, in search of an apparition of the dark creature!
If Nessie doesn’t fascinate you more than that, you should know that Loch Ness is above all a lake worth admiring! The place is wild and has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland! Its shores are full of splendid views: nature is beautiful, wild and changes with the light.
Moreover, the lake coexists notably a historical castle, which reinforces the serious charm of the lake.
On the spot, it is impossible to get bored as there are so many things to do around Loch Ness. You can take a boat trip on Loch Ness, have a picnic by the water, visit Urquhart Castle or take a walk in the woods. But most of all, you can admire the unparalleled beauty of the place! The color of the water, which merges with the sky… not to mention the wild beauty of the mountains reflected in the light!
Because Loch Ness changes every minute, according to the weather, its cloudy passages, its regular showers, or its light lines! It gives a magnificent picture, out of time!
Urquhart castle and Loch Ness – © Sam
Urquhart Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland. It is located on the shores of Loch Ness and has a rich history dating back to the 13th century.
It was originally built by William Comyn, Earl of Buchan, who was a powerful Scottish nobleman with extensive lands and influence. As he was also an important figure in the government of King Edward I, it seemed highly unlikely that he could have carried out such a project without royal approval.
In 1330, King Edward I granted Urquhart Castle to his son Edward II as a wedding gift for his marriage to Isabella of France.
Edward II spent less than three months at Urquhart before being deposed by his father and replaced by his son Edward III.
It remained in royal hands for centuries until it became private property in 1884 when it was purchased by Sir James Matheson, 1st Baronet (died 1933). of Rothesay.
The castle has been the setting for a number of novels and a television series, “Outlander”. It is open to the public as a listed ancient monument.
A boat trip on Loch Ness is also a great opportunity to “hunt” the famous monster in its natural habitat. Some of the best places to take a boat trip are: Inverness, Dores, Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit.
Don’t forget to be well covered: it can be cold on the boat and the Scottish weather can be harsh!
A trip to Loch Ness can be a great day out for the whole family. It’s not too far from the centers of Inverness and Fort Augustus, both of which are well known for their impressive castle ruins. There are plenty of hotels nearby that allow visitors to stay close by and take day trips into the area as well as find interesting walks for those who want to explore further.
There are many ways to explore Loch Ness, including walking along its shores. If you’re looking for great views in Scotland, this could be the perfect activity for you. Above all, go with good walking shoes, which are not afraid of mud or moisture. Feel free to follow the topography of the lake by following its shores, stopping for a well-deserved picnic, and then heading off to other trails!
Kayaking is also a great way to explore Loch Ness! Loch Ness Kayak offers the perfect experience if you’re not afraid to get wet!
Offering half-day kayak tours for beginners only a few miles from Inverness, you’ll discover the beauty and history of this legendary lake! You’ll get up close and personal with local guides who will ensure a fun and memorable experience on the water.
Hear the stories of St. Columba, the highland raids and visit the unique Loch Ness Lighthouse!
Nessieland is a museum dedicated to the Loch Ness monster. It has been a tourist attraction for many years and people from all over the world come to visit it!
Nessieland is one of the most popular attractions in Scotland, especially for those interested in cryptozoology. The museum has been around for about 20 years and has been visited by over 10 million people to date. It looks at the legend of this alleged monster, records its various appearances, testimonies… and also compares the legend with scientific explanations!
You can even discover the caves where the monster is supposed to live!
Looking almost like an amusement park, the place will delight the whole family!
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