No trip to Scotland would be complete without visiting Loch Ness, the nation’s most famous natural attraction. Located in the spectacular Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish loch and home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

The surrounding countryside is ruggedly beautiful and teeming with wildlife. Nearby towns and villages such as Cannich, Fort Augustus, Foyers and Drumnadrochit all have their unique charm and personality. However, most visitors will be heading straight to the shores of Loch Ness in order to catch a rare glimpse of “Nessie”.

While walking along the shore is a very special experience, many tourists opt to take a tour on the loch itself. Numerous companies run boat excursions, from shorter trips to modern ‘cruises’. The more expansive tours often take tourists to Urquhart Castle, a medieval stronghold overlooking the loch near the village of Drumnadrochit. Although the castle is largely in ruins, it still remains an impressive sight (and one of the hotspots for “Nessie” sightings). The village of Drumnadrochit is also home to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre.

For walkers, the South Loch Ness shore is ideal for a leisurely stroll. For trekkers wishing to see more of the surrounding area, the 70 mile long Great Glen Way is one of the most stunning trails in the Highlands.

Getting to Loch Ness is not difficult. The A82 road links the loch to Inverness, from where private or public transport can be taken. Inverness itself has an airport and good railway connections with Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.