This steep-side great glacier-gouged trench runs from coast to coast with Loch Ness as the largest loch of three which, linked together, form the Caledonian Canal. Loch Ness has many myths and legends associated with it. Its peaty-brown water never freezes and some say that it never gives up its dead. It can even generate its own weather!

These same waters are prone to mirage in still, warm conditions - just one explanation that has been offered for the phenomenon that has made Loch Ness famous around the world. Since the 1930s, people have been seeing something here that appears to defy all explanation. Drumnadrochit has visitor centres with a monster theme, where the story of strange sightings is told and there is also a guided tour with its own Loch Ness AV presentation - and visitors can make up their own minds.

But, monsters aside, Loch Ness also has many other attributes - for example, fine walking and cycling in the forests, angling, cruising, gardens and castle visiting - and all within easy reach of Inverness.

A number of tours and cruises operate to and on Loch Ness. Find details of these by searching our database of tour and cruise operators