subject: Weekend Break in Loch Ness [print this page] Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands south-west of Inverness. Loch Ness is famous for the mythical watery monster Nessie, said have first spotted by St. Columba in the 6th century. It was the photographs taken in the 1930's made Nessie world famous. If you are planning a visit to Loch Ness and would like to learn more about Nessie, you should make the trip to Drunadrochit. Here you can choose between two Loch Ness Monster exhibitions, both open daily all year but with more restricted hours in winter.
There are four lochs in the Great Glen, with Loch Ness by far the most famous. The Loch Ness area is attractive with a huge lake framed by mountains and castles which cuts the highlands into two. The remote village of Cannich lies twelve miles west of Drumnadrochit and is the gateway to a series of spectacular glens extending further west.
Another interesting part of the Loch is the Urquhart Castle, which lies south of the Drumnadrochit. It is built on the shores of Loch Ness. It is one of Scotland's best known castles. Its history has bloodlines, and the castle have repeatedly changed hands over the centuries. All year through out the visitors are welcome to enjoy the stunning views from the five storey tower house at the north end of the site. The excellent visitor centre will make your journey worthwhile. There is a small settlement
Loch Ness's attractive small settlement of Invermoriston lies on the west side towards its southern end. The A887 is also lies towards Kyle of Lochalsh from where it branches off the main A82. Another attractive thing for you to enjoy in the area is located at the south-west end of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus, which is marked for it's beauty has a staircase of five locks on the Caledonian Canal raise and lower boats by 40 feet as they pass through. The Fort has a large Benedictine Abbey, sadly not in use now. You can take in boat trips which run from Fort Augustus offering cruises on the Loch. The Clansman Centre in the village offers an interesting slant on traditional Highland culture and you
can be photographed in period costume.
The Great Glen Way launched in 2002 is an interesting 73 mile, long distance footpath running the length of the Loch Ness Area en route from Fort William to Inverness and taking in Fort Augustus, Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit. Before you depart from the Loch Ness area, it is worth noting that a "B" road runs alongside much of its eastern side, staying close to the loch between the village of Foyers and its northern end. This route is used as a scenic alternative to the busy A82 running up the west side of the loch. The intersting thing to note about this route is that much of this alternative is made up of single track roads.
At the south of Fort Augustus the A82 meets the A87 from the west at Invergarry, an attractive little village complete with the ruins of Invergarry Castle in the grounds of the Glengarry Castle Hotel. If you are interested in some outdoor fun and activities, travel some 30 miles to reach Rothiemurchus Estate, where you can enjoy Clay Pigeon Shooting or Quad Biking. Loch Ness is also a fine location to arrange stag or hen weekends. Other activities you can enjoy in the area area Golf, Cycling (local mountain bike hire available) fishing, walking (local Guided walks available / Great Glen Way), Karting(Aviemore), Ski-ing( Aviemore) and Rafting (Great Glen water Park).
The Loch Ness area offer every visitor comfortable accommodation choices during your visit. Choose from hotels, hostels, guest houses, Self-catering Cottages and other accommodation in the Loch Ness area. Plan your visit today and enjoy everything the Loch Ness area has in offer.
