Without a doubt, Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous loch. Legend has it that this lake is home to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. People travel all over the world to visit this famous loch, hoping to get a chance to spot the elusive underwater monster.
But does that make Loch Ness worth visiting? Our answer is “it depends.”
We visited Loch Ness while road tripping through the Scottish Highlands. It was a detour that added a few extra hours to our day, but when you’re that close to one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, skipping it just didn’t feel right. The FOMO was real.
And since we were traveling with kids, the decision became even easier. An ancient castle perched above a legendary loch, with tales of a mysterious monster lurking below the surface? There was no way we were driving past that.
In this guide, I’ll let you know what we thought, if it is worth it, and how to plan your visit.
The Legend of Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the largest loch in Scotland. It is the second largest by surface area after Loch Lomond and the second deepest after Loch Morar. Could this be the perfect home to a mysterious aquatic creature?
Legend of a sea serpent living in Loch Ness actually dates back to 565, with periodic reports throughout history of a monster fish or dragon living in the loch.
In 1933, the first modern reported sightings of the Loch Ness monster occurred. There were numerous reports of a large, strange looking “monster” swimming in the loch. In December of 1933, Nessie was photographed for the first time.
Since 1933, there have been sporadic reports and sightings of Nessie. Most photographs and videos taken of dark shapes or monster-like creatures in the water have been proven to be hoaxes, although many people still can’t help but wonder if the legend of the Loch Ness monster is true.
So, what do you think? Do you believe in the Loch Ness monster?
Is a Visit to Loch Ness Worth It?
Our answer is “it depends,” so let me explain why.
Loch Ness attracts a lot of tourists every year. It’s an icon of Scotland. When planning a trip here, it’s hard to skip Loch Ness. It just seems like a place that should be visited.
We talked to people who lived their whole lives in Scotland and still have not seen Loch Ness. What does that tell you?
If you believe in Nessie, then yes, a visit here is absolutely worth it.
If you are not a believer, then maybe your time is better spent in other areas of Scotland.
Loch Ness is located 168 miles (three and a half hours of driving) from Edinburgh. If you are in Scotland for just a few days, in our opinion, a day trip to Loch Ness is not worth it. A better day trip idea would be to visit stunning Glencoe (120 miles away, less than three hours of driving, and much more dramatic than Loch Ness).
If you are going on a road trip through Scotland, visiting the Isle of Skye, Inverness, the Highlands, or the whisky trail, then you might want to pay a quick visit to Loch Ness. It’s relatively easy to add Loch Ness to your itinerary if you are already planning to be nearby.
| If This Sounds Like You… | Then Loch Ness Is… | Why |
| You’re road tripping through the Scottish Highlands and will be nearby | Worth It | It’s an iconic stop and easy to add if you’re already passing through the area |
| You’re traveling with kids | Worth It | Castles, boat cruises, and the Loch Ness Monster legend make it fun and memorable |
| You enjoy famous landmarks and ticking off bucket-list sights | Worth It | Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most well-known places and hard to skip when you’re close |
| You love dramatic scenery and remote landscapes | Maybe | The loch is beautiful, but other Highland locations (Glencoe, Isle of Skye) are more dramatic |
| You have limited time in Scotland | Probably not | The detour can add several hours that might be better spent elsewhere |
| You’re expecting a “wow” moment just from the loch itself | Probably not | Without a cruise or castle visit, the loch alone can feel underwhelming |
| You dislike touristy stops | Not worth it | Popular viewpoints and cruises can feel crowded, especially in summer |
How to Visit Loch Ness
Loch Ness is long and skinny, stretching from Fort Augustus up to Inverness. Halfway up the loch, on the western shore, is Urquhart Castle. This is the most scenic spot to view Loch Ness and the prime location to spot Nessie.
If visiting Scottish castles excites you, Urquhart Castle is a great one to visit. It has a stunning location with the loch as a backdrop.
Loch Ness Cruise
Another popular experience is to take a cruise of Loch Ness. We did not do this, since we had limited time, but it’s worthwhile for those who like boat cruises and want a longer experience at Loch Ness.
Our Experience
We do not believe in Nessie, although it is a bit fun to think that just maybe there is an ancient sea creature lurking below the surface of the water.
We debated visiting Loch Ness. But we did it. Why? Sometimes you feel like you would be missing out on something if you didn’t do it.
We made a detour to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness when driving from Dornie to Glasgow. This detour (including time for lunch) added three hours onto our day.
We spent about 45 minutes at Urquhart Castle. There are lots of ancient rooms and towers to explore and a video to watch documenting the history of Loch Ness, but the best part is the castle’s setting overlooking the loch.
Was it worth it? Yes, we are glad we saw it. It is a picturesque part of Scotland, although honestly, Scotland is stunning everywhere you go.
Make Sure You See These First
If you have the time, Loch Ness is worth it. However, there are several places in Scotland you should visit before putting Loch Ness on your list.
Edinburgh
The Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Need a Lunch or Dinner Recommendation?
For a great restaurant located near Urquhart Castle, consider dining at the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel. This hotel/restaurant is located in Invermoriston, 15 minutes away from the castle. We were the first customers of the day, arriving right at opening time. The food was great and the hotel’s location is very convenient for those driving through the area.
If you are planning a road trip through Scotland, take a look at our post Driving to the Isle of Skye, Scotland. We offer different routes connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow with the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
Driving to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow
In this guide, we cover two different driving routes between the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh and Glasgow, with maps and photos.If you have any questions about how to visit Loch Ness or if you would like to share your experience, comment below.
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