The Loch Ness Monster - is Nessie real?

We all know that the tale of the Loch Ness Monster lurking in the dark expanse of Loch Ness in the Highlands is not just a tale. Nessie does really exist, and there are over 1,000 eye witness accounts and lots of unexplained evidence, leaving scientists baffled.

What does Nessie look like?

She's long and thin, usually green and with black humps, tail and snake-like head. And she's shy.

Confessions of a Loch Ness Monster Hunter — The Loch Ness Monster
© VisitScotland/Tessa Minshull

When she's emerging from the water, you can just see her body breaking through the waves. You'll be strangely mesmerised by the sight, and you'll instantly know that you saw her when you spot perfect circles of disturbed water that she leaves behind as she swiftly disappears again to the depths of the loch.

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I am a temperate man, but I am willing to take any oath that we saw this Loch Ness beast. I am certain that this creature was of a prehistoric species.

Tracking Nessie

Tales of a great monster in the waters of Loch Ness date back at least a thousand years. The first reported sighting was by St Columba in the year 565AD. However, it wasn't until the 1930’s that the enigma really took hold of the public imagination.

In 1933, a Mr George Spicer reported seeing a large creature in the loch when on holiday with his wife: “I am a temperate man, but I am willing to take any oath that we saw this Loch Ness beast. I am certain that this creature was of a prehistoric species.”

Since then there have been many sightings, and some famous hoaxes too. In the 1970’s a photograph by Dr Robert Rhines gained worldwide attention. Unfortunately it was later revealed that this was an ingenious hoax.

Operation Deepscan

In 1987, a major sonar exploration of the loch was conducted – called Operation Deepscan. 24 boats equipped with high-tech machinery searched fruitlessly for Nessie. They did pick up large objects in the water around Urquhart Castle, but it is thought that these were salmon or seals. Today you can sail the loch on a sonar boat and look for yourself…

In fact, there are all kinds of boating experiences around Loch Ness. If sonar exploration isn’t your thing, have you considered a boating holiday along the Caledonian Canal? The perfect way to unwind at a gentle pace.

Hire a yacht or canal cruiser

Where can I see Nessie?

Visit Loch Ness and keep your eyes peeled as you explore the area!

Urquhart Castle viewed from Loch Ness
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The iconic Loch Ness is one of the largest and deepest expanses of water in the UK.
Its steep banks plunge to a depth of over 800 ft, and it's the largest in a string of lochs along the Great Glen.
Situated just south west of Inverness, the 'capital of the Highlands', you can drive along its western edge.
This area is renowned for its dramatic scenery, and is bordered by picturesque villages such as Foyers and Dores.
You can also take a closer look at Nessie by hopping aboard a boat cruise from various locations on the loch.

Don't forget your camera, or how else are you going to snap a Nessie selfie?!

Points of interest

Nessie-hunting isn’t all about catching a glimpse of the monster. It’s important to enjoy your surroundings and chill out on your holiday. Why not ditch the car and travel by boot, boat and bike around Loch Ness? Here are some places you could go.

The Loch Ness Centre

Everyone has heard of Nessie, but only some people know the real story. Located in the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, discover this global phenomenon at the newly refurbished Loch Ness Centre.

The Great Glen Way

A 79-mile walk through Scotland’s most famous Glen, The Great Glen Way takes you through beautiful forests, peaceful working canals and alongside brooding lochs.

The Caledonian Canal Centre

The new Caledonian Canal Centre in Fort Augustus allows you to explore the rich history of the Caledonian Canal. In the heart of the Great Glen, just a few steps from Loch Ness, this is the perfect place for a spot of monster hunting.

Above Fort William looking down the Caledonian Canal
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Urquhart Castle

Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of beautiful Urquhart Castle.

Drumnadrochit

Drumnadrochit is a great location for exploring the Highlands. The village is surrounded by Glen Urquhart and Glen Moriston, as well as the Great Glen that reaches across from Inverness in the east to Fort William in the west.

Plodda Falls

Stop by one of Scotland’s most spectacular waterfalls, Plodda Falls, a real hidden gem. Enjoy a walk through the forest to get to the best viewpoint.

The Loch Ness 360 Trail

This epic trail loops the entire circumference of Loch Ness. You can start and finish in the Highland Capital of Inverness, or join the Loch Ness 360 Trail at any point of your choice.

Other things you might like

Things to do

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The Loch Ness Monster - is Nessie real?