Type of destination: Historic site/Natural attraction
Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours
Loch Ness is situated in the Scottish Highlands and is best known for alleged sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known as 'Nessie'. Stretching for approximately 37 kilometers southwest of Inverness, it is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the surrounding soil. Adjacent to Loch Ness is the Urquhart Castle, which dates back to the 13th to 16th centuries. The castle, now in ruins, once stood as a fortress during the Scottish struggle for independence and offers visitors insight into medieval times. Its strategic location presents grandstand views of the iconic loch and the Great Glen. Its exhibition and visitor centre detail its history. The area is not only rich in myth but also in natural beauty, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking the serene landscapes of the Highlands or hoping to spot the elusive Nessie.