Loch Ness is known all over the world for its beauty, wildlife and of course, it’s monster Nessie. That’s one of the reasons is so popular on our Scottish Day Tours.
If you haven’t visited yet or would just like to know more about this fantastic area, here are some must know facts for you.
1. Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined – but it’s not Scotland’s biggest Loch, that’s Loch Lomond which you can see on our Loch Lomond, The Highlands & Stirling Castle Tour .
2. The loch itself is only 6°C all year round making it pretty chilly but even in the winter, it never freezes over and on very cold days you can spot steam rising from it’s surface as it is warmer than the surrounding air!
3. Loch Ness is part of the Caledonian Canal which was built in the 19th century to allow ships to make their way from the North Sea to the Atlantic without having to face the dangers of the Pentland Firth.
4. The waters of Loch Ness are very dark due to the peat washed from the hills into the Loch. Perfect cover for any creatures that might be living in the depths – including a monster!
5. Loch Ness only has one island, the tiny “Cherry Island” which you can see near Fort Augustus. it’s an artificial island called a “crannog”, which was built during the Iron Age.
6. Before we had modern roads along the shores of Loch Ness, people travelled over the Loch by Paddle Steamer. A boat trip is still the best way to see Loch Ness, which you can do on our Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland Tour.
7. Did you know the first ever Nessie sighting was way back in 565AD by St Columba? According to legend, a “water beast” attacked the Irish monk’s servant. However, this is said to have happened on the River Ness rather than the Loch itself.
8. Loch Ness has it’s two tartans. The original Loch Ness tartan is a brown and red design. The newer design is blue with red accents and is exclusively licensed by Harris Tweed on the Isle of Skye.
Visit Loch Ness from Edinburgh on our Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland Scottish Day Tour.
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