Everyone has heard of Loch Ness in Scotland, the famed home of the Loch Ness Monster, right!?
Loch Ness is a vastly deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands, renowned worldwide for its stunning natural beauty and the enduring mystery of its elusive, alleged inhabitant, "Nessie." Approximately 23 miles long and plunging to depths of over 700 feet, it is said to hold more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, contributing to its dark, often brooding appearance. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush decidous forests, the loch almost looks like any other lake, until you begin to think about its immense scale and depth. The surface of the water also frequently appears calm, despite the wind and (rather limited) boat traffic.
Overlooking the central portion of the Loch is Urquhart Castle, built in the 13th century. Now in ruin, this castle played a pivotal role in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century and the Jacobite Uprisings of 1692, which ultimately brought about its demise. Other notable sites on shores of Loch Ness include the Loch Ness Centre, located in what was formerly The Old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where the legend of Nessie first started; and the Fort Augustus Locks at its south end, a part of the 60-mile long Caledonian Canal stretching between east and west coasts, designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1822. Reaching Loch Ness is about a 20 minute drive south of the City of Inverness in northern Scotland. Driving its entire length can take about twice that long, or one can complete a leisurely drive through highlands around its full circumference in a couple of hours.
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