Explore the Mystery & Beauty of

Nessie: The Loch Ness Monster
FROM INVERGORDON

By: Terry Ward

It’s hard to imagine a lake legend more widespread than that of the Loch Ness Monster. Also known as Nessie, the marine creature was allegedly first sighted back in 1933, when a local couple living in the Scottish Highlands reported seeing “an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface” of Loch Ness, a 23-mile-long freshwater lake not far from the charming port town of Invergordon.

A media circus naturally ensued. For decades after, researchers launched expeditions, unsuccessfully, to try to find and document the alleged creature using everything from sonar operations to underwater photography during their forays into the loch.

Over the decades, more than 1,000 eyewitnesses have claimed to have spotted the Loch Ness Monster. It’s often described as having a snake-like head that breaks the water’s surface as parts of the creature’s body surface behind it, rising above the waves. When Nessie disappears back into the loch, she’s said to leave circular patterns of disturbed water at the surface as she descends. Her stand-out features are often similarly cited by witnesses — a long, thin body of a greenish color with black humps.

It’s safe to say that most travelers who call into port in Invergordon — a small Scottish port town in the eastern Highland region, within easy striking distance of Loch Ness — have likely heard of the mythical creature said to call these waters home. And if you’re looking to learn more about the lore of Nessie, there are all kinds of fun ways to experience her habitat at Loch Ness. Read on for a few adventurous and more mild forays you can make into the region during a port of call in Invergordon.

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Baltic Grandeur

Deep Dive into Nessie’s Past, Present and Future at Loch Ness Centre

After a major transformation of nearly $1.9 million was completed in Spring 2023, the Loch Ness Centre in the town of Drumnadrochit, on the northwest shore of Loch Ness, takes visitors on a fascinating journey through 500 million years of the region’s history. A corny gift shop hawking green monster mugs and magnets this is not. Come to the visitor center to learn how Nessie became intrinsic to Scottish Highland lore. The upgraded facility will share not only the legends of Loch Ness but the scientific research in the region, too, shedding new light on one of Scotland’s most iconic locales.

Experience the New Loch Ness 360° Trail

With easy trails to stroll and more challenging routes that lure seasoned cyclists and hikers, the Loch Ness 360° Trail, which officially debuted in 2022, covers 80 miles around the entire circumference of the lake. And while you won’t have time to tackle the entire trail in a day, there are a few iconic viewpoints overlooking Loch Ness along its northern stretch that are worth seeking out (bring your binoculars to scout the water’s surface for Nessie).

If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 94 steps to the top of Inverness Castle’s North Tower for 360-degree views over the River Ness. About nine miles south from there, on the loch’s northeast shore and also along the Loch Ness 360° Trail, Dores Beach is an extremely popular place to scout the water for sea monster action (and a great spot to dip into the chilly waters of the loch for a wild swim, too, if you’re game).

And on Loch Ness’s opposite shore, not far from the Loch Ness Centre, the ruins of the 13th century Urquhart Castle (also referred to as the Loch Ness Castle) jut picturesquely out onto a peninsula. Bring a picnic and consider mustering the energy to climb five stories to the top of the castle’s Grant Tower for more expansive Loch Ness views.

How Deep Is Loch Ness?

Scouting for Nessie from a distant viewpoint on the shoreline is one thing. But whether or not you buy into the lore of it all, there’s something undeniably otherworldly about cruising out onto the waters of Loch Ness, which plunge 745 feet down at their deepest (all the better to hide a mythical creature, of course). Views of the surrounding mountains and valley carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age make the scenery during a boat ride on the loch all the more spectacular.

Some boat tours take you by coach to Loch Ness’s edge from Inverness, just south of Invergordon, and include a visit to Urquhart Castle after you’ve finished cruising the loch in search of its shyest resident.

The best part? Even if you don’t spot Nessie herself, the joy is always in the journey when traveling through the Scottish Highlands. So be sure to enjoy the ride.

Search for Nessie on a Northern Europe Cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises^® has consistently delivered ultra luxury travel experiences with the very best value for over thirty years. Aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet^®, enjoy unrivaled onboard space, unforgettable shoreside excursions, incomparable culinary experiences, and exceptional Heartfelt Hospitality^™. See if you can spot the Loch Ness monster on one of our all-inclusive Northern Europe luxury cruises.

Freelance travel writer Terry Ward is based in Florida but is frequently on the road (or at sea!) to report stories. Her work has been published by such outlets as Travel Channel, the Washington Post, Travel+Leisure and Cruise Critic. Visit her website at www.terry-ward.com to learn more.

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