Experience the ethereal beauty of Loch Ness, Scotland’s legendary lake, with Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide. Thisy renowned travel guide is your ultimate companion to discover the secrets of the world’s most enigmatic lake. Whether you’re a history buff, an avid traveler, or just looking for the perfect getaway, this blog post will take you on a journey deep into the heart of Loch Ness. Discover the myths, legends, and natural wonders that make Loch Ness a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Scotland. Let’s dive in!
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/DDiq5C34KL4 Monster-peeping is hard to resist along Loch Ness, the largest of the lakes filling the vast fault line that slashes the Scottish Highlands in two. More Scotland travel info: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #lochness
Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.
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• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio
• European Tours: https://www.ricksteves.com/tours
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• Travel Classes: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks
• Rick Steves Audio Europe App: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-europe
Rick Steves, America’s most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
Loch Ness: Scotland’s Legendary Lake – Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide – Travel Bite
Introduction
Loch Ness is a deep, freshwater loch located in the Scottish Highlands. This beautiful lake is known worldwide for its legendary monster, the Loch Ness Monster, commonly referred to as “Nessie.” Despite the many eyewitness accounts and pieces of evidence, the existence of the creature remains unproved.
The beautiful, scenic lake draws thousands of visitors every year, and there’s much more to see besides hoping to spot Nessie. Rick Steves, the famous travel guide writer, has covered quite a bit of Scotland, including Loch Ness, in his Europe Travel Guide, and today, we’ll dive into the beauty of this legendary lake.
Let’s get started!
Hotels in Edinburgh: Rating
| Hotel | Stars | Discount | Price before and discount | Select dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Waterloo Place Hotel | ★★★★ | -13% | 261 227 | View hotel |
| Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel | ★★★★ | -9% | 257 235 | View hotel |
| The Haymarket Hotel | ★★★ | -24% | 214 162 | View hotel |
The Beauty of Loch Ness
Loch Ness is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages, making it a fantastic destination for tourists from around the world. Here are some of the beautiful sights you can expect to see:
The Ruins of Urquhart Castle / Urquhart Castle
The ruins of Urquhart Castle, resting on the shores of Loch Ness, are perhaps the most iconic attraction in the area. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has seen its share of battles, bloodshed, and harrowing tales. Visitors can wander the ruins, climb the towers, and imagine themselves back in a very different era.
The Beautiful Loch Ness Scenery / Scenic Beauty of Loch Ness
One of the main attractions of Loch Ness is its stunning scenery. The loch is surrounded by a variety of landscapes, including hills, mountains, and forests, as well as plenty of open water. A walk around the edge of the loch is a great way to take in its beauty.
Nessie / The Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster, lovingly referred to as Nessie, is the most famous Scottish legend of all time. While the existence of Nessie has not been proven, sightings of the beast are reported every year. The loch’s visitors keep an eye out for a glimpse of this elusive creature, and there are various tours and experiences based on the Loch Ness Monster.
The Village of Drumnadrochit / Drumnadrochit Village
Drumnadrochit is a charming Highland village that is worth a visit if you’re exploring Loch Ness. The village boasts picturesque cottages, plenty of local shops, and traditional pubs serving local Scottish whiskey. There are also plenty of tours and activities based in the area.
Getting to Loch Ness
If you’re planning a trip to Loch Ness, there are plenty of ways to get there. Some of the most popular options include:
- Flying into Inverness Airport and renting a car to drive to the loch
- Driving from either Edinburgh or Glasgow
- Taking a bus tour from various cities in Scotland
- Riding a bicycle from the coast on the Great Glen Way
No matter how you decide to travel, you’re bound to get a stunning view of Scotland’s countryside.
Conclusion
Loch Ness is a beautiful place that certainly lives up to its legendary reputation. There’s plenty to see and do in the area, including exploring the ruins of Urquhart Castle, taking in the stunning landscape, and even trying to catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster. Whether you’re driving through the Highlands or taking a bus tour, Loch Ness should definitely be on your Scottish travel itinerary.
FAQs
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What’s the best time of year to visit Loch Ness?
A. The best time of year to visit Loch Ness is during the summer months, between June and August, when the weather is at its warmest and the days are longest. -
Can you swim in Loch Ness?
A. Yes, you can swim in Loch Ness, but it’s always best to do so with a guide, as the loch is very deep and can be dangerous. -
Are there any guided tours of Loch Ness?
A. Yes, there are plenty of guided tours of Loch Ness, ranging from boat tours to walking tours. -
What is the cost to visit Urquhart Castle?
A. The cost to visit Urquhart Castle varies depending on the season, with adults paying around £12, and children getting in free. -
What are some nearby places to visit while exploring Loch Ness?
A. Some nearby places to visit while exploring Loch Ness include Glencoe, Skye, and the Cairngorms National Park.
