Explore Inverness

Loch Ness and the Loch Ness Monster.

Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water by volume in Britain, (Loch Lomond has the greatest surface area of water). It holds more water than all the lakes and reservoirs in England and Wales put together.

The story began 380 million years ago when the earth's crust fractured and moved, resulting in what we call the Great Glen today. The fault line runs over 60 miles from Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south, of which Loch Ness is part.

Loch Ness is 15.8 m (52 ft) above sea level, it is 39km (24 miles) long, with an average depth of 132m. Its deepest point is 230 m (755 ft), near Castle Urquhart. It is possible to drive right round Loch Ness.

Loch Ness is best known for sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as "Nessie", the Loch's water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the surrounding soil, making the mystery of Nessie even more intriguing.

The main road along Loch Ness runs along its northern shore passing Castle Urquhart, while the route back to Inverness on the south is much quieter, away from the main tourist route offering a different view of Loch Ness and the Highland countryside.

The loch never freezes because of the great amount of water in the loch, a thermo cline lies at around 100 feet down in the loch. The top 100 feet of water alters temperature depending on the weather conditions but below the thermo cline, the temperature never alters from 44 degrees Fahrenheit. So as the surface water cools in winter and nears freezing point it sinks and is replaced by the warmer water from below. This can cause the loch to steam on very cold days.

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.

Affectionately known as Nessie. There are a remarkable number of eye witness accounts that ring true on close examination.

Lots of Video links available, showing people's experiences with Nessie Watching!. So keep your eyes on the loch as you travel around, you never know you may be lucky and spot the monster......Is it a myth?  Never say never!!