Loch Ness and the Loch Ness Monster

 
 
Attractions

Attractions
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Places to visit.
Loch Ness & the Loch Ness Monster
Castles and Cairns

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 Loch Ness

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 Loch Ness in winter looking towards Urquhart Castle 

Attraction in the Loch Ness Area

Loch Ness is the equivalent of Lake Ness in English. In Scotland we have lochs not lakes, which is rather confusing for those of you from afar. So Loch Ness is in fact the  English equivalent for Lake Ness.

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Here we have listed the various attractions one can do when touring the Loch Ness and trying to spot the famous Loch Ness monster. Loch Ness itself is a magnificent piece of water, the road follows the banks of the north shore and the route back to Inverness on the south shore is quieter, off the main tourist route offering a different view of Loch Ness while you will see some of the Highland countryside as well.


Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness.

Jacobite has been sailing Loch Ness for over 30 years with a five-star fleet, a passionate crew & a choice of exciting cruise & tour options. So, whether you want to go on a cruise, explore Urquhart Castle or visit the fascinating Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, Jacobite has the experience, the enthusiasm, the fleet &, perhaps best of all, gives you the opportunity to experience the sheer beauty, drama & history of Loch Ness.  Tel: 01463 233999 www.jacobite.co.uk . Open all year. Prices from £11


Information beside loch ness tell you its historyLoch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in Britain, holding more than all the lakes & reservoirs in England & Wales put together. 380 million years ago the earth’s crust fractured &moved which resulted in the formation of the Great Glen of which Loch Ness is part. It is 39km long, average depth of 132m. It is possible to drive right round Loch Ness. You will find explanatory plaques giving an excellent explanation of the loch and its history. Plaques in lay-by 6.8 mls from Drumnadrochit on A82.


Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster. The first recorded sighting of the monster was by St Columba in 565AD It was not until 1933 that the monster became world famous as the world newspapers reported the story. There are a remarkable number of eye witness accounts that ring true on close examination. So keep your eyes on the loch as you travel round, you never know you may be lucky and spot the monster too.
 


Fort Augustus - Loch Ness.

Fort Augustus stands exactly mid-way along the Great Glen. Originally named Kilchumein (Church of St Chumein). The name was changed after the construction of the fort which was built between 1729 and 1742. It was named in honour of Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and his victory at Culloden. Renowned as a fort until 1854. In 1879 it was given to the Catholic Church who made it into a Benedictine abbey and school. The abbey closed in November 1998. A series of locks in the centre of the village allow boat traffic to pass in and out of Loch Ness.

 


Caledonian Canal - Fort AugustusCaledonian Canal. The Caledonian Canal ‘links a chain of natural lochs to form the most beautiful waterway in Europe’. Constructed by Thomas Telford (the famous Scots engineer), it was completed in 1822. At Fort Augustus there is a series of canal locks where you can watch the crafts being lowered to or raised from Loch Ness. In the centre of Fort Augustus.

 


 A chambered cairn built in circa 2000BCCorrimony Chambered Cairn. Glen Urquart chambered cairn, built circa 2000BC, is of a type known as a passage grave, encircled by 12 standing stones. A particularly clear example of a prehistoric burial tomb. Open all year. Free. Historic Scotland. Signposted turning situated off A831 at Buntait, 4.5 miles from Canrich. 0.6 miles to car park then short walk along road to cairn.


Aigas Dam Fish PassAigas Dam Fish Pass. The fish, mainly salmon, are allowed to pass through the massive dam via a special system whereby a passage holding the fish trying to go upstream is flooded with water. Once the water in the passage reaches the height of the dam the fish swim upstream. Full explanation plaque at the dam. Viewing access to the chamber. Open Mon to Fri 10am to 11am & 3pm to 4pm (Fri 2.30pm to 3.30pm). Park vehicles on side of the road to the dam. Scottish Hydro-Electric. Situated 3.1 miles from A862 junction


MacGillvrays Clan

MacGillivrays, who are part of Clan Chattan Confederation, have had the home of their chiefs at Farraline since the 14th century. In the 1745 uprising against the government, the MacKintosh chief was a serving officer in the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, ‘The Black Watch’. His 20 year old wife, ’Colonel Anne’, Lady MacKintosh raised the Clan for Bonnie Prince Charlie and was commanded by Alasdair Macgillivray. Situated just south of the B851 approx 1 mile east of junction with B862.

 


John Cobb Memorial Cairn S. DrumnadroichtJohn Cobb Memorial Cairn On 29 September 1952, travelling at 206 mph in attempt to gain the world's water speed record, John Cobb lost his life. Dirt lay-by, beside cairn. Situated beside A82 and Loch Ness, 3.5 miles south of Drumnadroicht.

 

 


Great Glen's First Road

Great Glen’s First Road. General Wade built the first road from Inverness to Fort Augustus and Fort William on the southern side of Loch Ness, between 1726 and 1733 as part of the London government’s attempt to control the Highlands. The purpose of the military road network was to allow rapid troop movement in order to try and control the Jacobite Highland Clans.


Attractions / Places of Interest around the Inverness Area / Places to visit. / Loch Ness & the Loch Ness Monster / Castles and Cairns