Is Loch Ness Worth Visiting? Loch Ness, Urquhart & More
As a blogger who focuses primarily on Scotland, is Loch Ness And Inverness worth visiting is a question that I get from people all the time.
After all, Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous Loch.
For some reason, people love to say that Inverness is just another city in Scotland and that really it’s not worth visiting.
They say that Loch Ness is just another body of water, and there are plenty of other places to see.
Let me go on the record by saying that I could not disagree more!
Inverness and Loch Ness are two of my favorite places to visit in all of Scotland, and I would never recommend that you skip them
Loch Ness is 100% worth visiting, and I’m going to tell you exactly why:
So, Is Loch Ness Worth Visiting?
Loch Ness is absolutely worth visiting. There is so much in the area to see- you have the home base of Inverness, a bunch of different historic sites, a lovely local flavor and culture, and, of course, the legend of Nessie is baked into everything you’ll see.
My Personal Experience Visiting Loch Ness
I have visited Loch Ness myself multiple times. And each time I visit, I seem to bring back more people to experience it with me.
What I have found with the Loch Ness area is that every time I’m there, I find something new to experience and appreciate.
⭐ I think it’s a pretty common assumption to think that Loch Ness is a drive-by experience that you can do in an hour or two. However, I would actually recommend that you stay in the Loch Ness and Inverness area for a few days.
How to Get to Loch Ness
You can drive to Loch Ness pretty easily. From Edinburgh, it’s about a 3-hour drive.
Most people (myself included) tend to stay in Inverness, which is quite near Loch Ness. There is plenty to do in the area of Inverness, and it’s about a 25-minute scenic drive from Inverness to Loch Ness.
When to Visit Loch Ness
While you can visit Loch Ness at any time of year, I recommend you visit in the fall.
I personally love the fall in Scotland in general, but this is also a time where you won’t be too hot or too cold along the banks of the water.
In addition, the foliage along the shores of Loch Ness is tragically beautiful in the fall season, and you’ll also encounter fewer crowds…win, win!
Can You Walk Around Loch Ness?
Yes, you can walk around Loch Ness. You can literally walk all the way around Loch Ness (if you have 6 days and feel like trekking 80 miles), AND you can take a quick meander along it too.
There are plenty of great places to walk around the banks of the loch, including Urquhart Castle and Dores Beach.
🔥 Hot Tip: Although you can walk around Loch Ness, I do NOT recommend that you swim in Loch Ness unless A. you’re well-trained in wild swimming and B. you’re looking to be cold (No joke, the water is pretty much always freezing!).
The Scottish Legend of Loch Ness
Obviously, a huge reason to go to the Loch Ness area is the legend and folklore surrounding Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
Whether you believe in her or not, there’s something kind of magical about standing at the edge of Loch Ness and wondering what might be lurking below.
The legend goes way, way back—like monks-writing-about-it-in-the-500s kind of back—but Nessie really splashed into pop culture in the 1930s, and people have been spotting (or imagining) her ever since.
Do I think there’s a monster in Loch Ness? Who’s to say. But I do think there’s something about this place that just feels… different. Quiet. A little eerie.
And maybe that’s the real magic of the legend—it keeps you looking.
If you’re of the sort who would want to search for her, I’ve included more on how to find Nessie in the best things that I think you should do in Loch Ness below.
What to do Near Loch Ness (+ Inverness!)
One of the reasons I don’t hesitate to say that you absolutely should visit Loch Ness is because there is SO much to do around the area. Things that have to do with the Loch Ness Monster…and things that don’t.
Loch Ness Cruise
One of the most popular things to do in the Loch Ness area is to take a boat cruise.
The best cruise to take, in my opinion, is a cruise that goes round-trip to Urquhart Castle. This way, you get a chance to see the waters of Loch Ness and explore Urquhart Castle (more on that later).
Plus, many of the boat rides include portions where you will “search” for the Loch Ness Monster, which is fun.
I will say that a boat ride on Loch Ness is not my favorite thing to do…sometimes it’s a bit too kitschy for my taste, but I will definitely do it when I take my kids to Loch Ness later this year!
⭐ This is the Loch Ness Boat Cruise that I Typically Take and Would Recommend!
Loch Ness Centre
The newly opened Loch Ness Centre is a fun way to explore the history of the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.
This museum/experience actually really surprised me. It was light years more immersive and interesting than I thought it’d be! And, I love that you really don’t need more than like 45 minutes to fully experience it.
They do a great job of involving you in exploring how the legend of the Loch Ness Monster came about, walking you through some of the sightings, and providing you with facts on both sides.
At the end, they ask you to decide: Do you think Nessie is a myth, a monster, or a possibility? We had a great time arguing on this one for the remainder of the day! Lol.
Is Urquhart Castle Worth Visiting?
A historic site that gets lumped in with Loch Ness and Inverness quite a bit is Urquhart Castle. The reason for this is that Urquhart Castle stands on the banks of Loch Ness.
Now let me say that I have been to multiple castles in Scotland. The first time I visited, people said I absolutely could not skip Edinburgh Castle. And while I agree that Edinburgh Castle is a great place to visit, Urquhart Castle far outweighs Edinburgh Castle for me.
Urquhart Castle is one of the most unique castles I’ve ever visited across the entirety of Europe. It is a well-preserved ruin that feels like you’re exploring a story that has crumbled to the ground.
You can walk around and read the different plates that give historic information, and not only is the scenery beautiful, but the tales of what happened there make you feel like you’re experiencing the history yourself.
In addition, there’s an amazing Visitor’s Center with a really unique video that kind of puts you back in time to really help you understand firsthand what life at Urquhart Castle would have been like during the Highland times.
⭐This Tour includes the Loch Ness Boat Ride AND Entry to Urquhart Castle From Inverness! I’ve taken it myself and found it to be incredibly convenient!
Dores Beach
Dores Beach is an awesome spot to head to for a relaxing afternoon on Loch Ness. If you’re looking for a slow, quiet space…this is the one.
While there’s technically not “much” to Dores Beach, I find it particularly charming.
There is a beach area to walk along the shores and enjoy the view. While there, I recommend you grab a coffee at Ness Coffee (the cutest little coffee shack), enjoy a lunch outside at the famed Dores Inn, and visit Ness Gifts for some local-made gifts and souvenirs.
Drumnadrochit
While near Loch Ness, I also typically visit the town of Drumnadrochit for a wander and a quick bite.
This is where the Loch Ness Centre is located, but it also has a few restaurants, cafes, and gift shops.
If you’re not up for a cruise on Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit is a great place to drive to; you can then park at Urquhart Castle and visit from the road instead of via the water!
Is a Loch Ness Tour Worth It?
Yes, I think a Loch Ness tour is definitely worth your time. I have taken a boat ride on Loch Ness three times now, and I will still do it again.
Even if you’re not really into the legend of Nessie and searching for the Loch Ness Monster, Loch Ness is still an incredibly popular body of water…and it is best seen, well, from the water.
It’s all well and good to see Loch Ness from the banks of Dores Beach or Urquhart Castle, but there’s something different about experiencing it from the actual water.
⭐Check out my favorite Loch Ness Tour here!
Where to Stay Near Loch Ness
When it comes to where to stay near Loch Ness, I have three main places I’d recommend depending on what kind of traveler you are and what type of trip you’re taking.
Here are my favorite locations for a stay near Loch Ness:
Where to Stay in Inverness
I often opt to stay in Inverness when I visit Loch Ness. This is simply because it allows me to maximize my time during my trip. I would rather be able to walk out of my accommodation and explore Inverness (especially at tea time!) than take in a more serene setting.
My favorite Hotel in Inverness: Ness Walk Hotel
My top place to stay in the Inverness area is the Ness Walk Hotel. It is a stunning property on the River Ness, and it offers the most incredibly peaceful stay. It’s also walking distance to downtown Inverness. It’s a 10/10 for me.
Historic Stay Inverness: Royal Highland Hotel
Staying at this hotel smack dab in the center of Inverness felt like I was stepping back in time- with a mix of the Highlands and the Titanic (because, you know, the big staircase). There’s just something about The Royal Highland Hotel and it’s tartan plaid carpet that screams historic Scotland. I love it.
Local B&Bs near Loch Ness
If you’re searching for a peaceful escape and some downtime during your Scotland trip, I can definitely recommend you stay along the banks of Loch Ness. There are some absolutely incredible locally-run bed and breakfasts or hotels.
Here are two of my favorites:
Loch Ness Country House Hotel
I’m obsessed with the Loch Ness Country House Hotel. It is THE place for relaxation if you’re thinking of staying outside Inverness. Between the gardens, stunning rooms, afternoon tea, and amazing views…it’s like a breath of fresh air. Perfect for feeling like you’re staying in Scotland.
Loch Ness Castle Stay: Aldourie Castle Estate
A castle stay is pretty high on most people’s Scotland list, so I must deliver to you- Aldourie Castle Estate. This refurbished 300-year-old castle is magnificent and will check off all of those Scotland boxes you have in your head. It’s right along the banks of Loch Ness, and it’s adorable.
Drumnadrochit
Another great option to stay near Loch Ness is Drumnadrochit. This town has a slower pace than Inverness, and there’s not as much around. However, you’ll be closer to Loch Ness itself, including Urquhart Castle, but still within a close drive to the sights around Inverness.
Bed and Breakfast Near Loch Ness: Kilmore Farmhouse
This small bed and breakfast near Loch Ness is a great place to wind down and enjoy a heartfelt Scottish stay in the small town of Drumnadrochit. Book one of the five Clan rooms with en-suites at the Kilmore Farmhouse and enjoy the banks of Loch Ness from a more local perspective.
Drumbuie Farm Bed and Breakfast
Around here we give the people what they want…and what they want is HAIRY COOS! Listen- Drumbuie Farm has it all- a lovely family-run B&B, a tearoom, highland cows on premises…I mean, I just could not say enough fantastic things about this property. While I haven’t stayed here myself, it is very high on my list for upcoming visits.
FAQ: Is Loch Ness Worth Visiting?
Here are answers to many of the questions I am frequently asked about visiting Loch Ness:
How Long Should You Spend at Loch Ness?
One day is enough time to spend at and around Loch Ness. With a day, you can easily take a boat cruise on Loch Ness, visit the Loch Ness Centre, and even explore Urquhart Castle. However, you’ll need at least one extra day in Inverness to see other historic sites and fully experience the city.
Is It Better to Stay in Loch Ness or Inverness?
It is better to stay in Inverness if you don’t have a ton of extra time built into your Scotland itinerary. There is much more to see and many more places to eat and explore in Inverness than in the Loch Ness area.
What’s So Special About Loch Ness?
Aside from the whole “Is the Loch Ness Monster real?” thing, Loch Ness is also incredibly dramatic, misty, and massive. It’s Scotland’s most famous loch for a reason.
Conclusion: Is Loch Ness Worth Visiting?
So… is Loch Ness worth visiting? 100%, yes. And I will die on that hill- lol.
Whether you’re into the Nessie legend or not, this area has a way of pulling you in. It’s not something you just drive past on your way to somewhere else—it’s a spot that deserves your time.
Every time I’ve gone, I’ve found something new to love. It’s got history, great local spots, and this kind of eerie calm that makes you want to stick around longer than you planned. Don’t skip it.
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