Where is Loch Ness? 

During a recent visit to New Zealand, we were surprised to hear so many Kiwis ask the question, "where is Loch Ness? Living there ourselves we  took it for granted that everyone knows where Loch Ness is because of the world wide fame of "Nessie" the Loch Ness Monster! We thought that everyone in the world knows the story of Nessie and that the location of Loch Ness is in the Highlands of Scotland, how wrong we were! 

Most people know that Scotland is part of the UK, some know that Loch Ness is in Scotland but didn't really have much idea where. We have at times been disappointed to hear even  UK residents hesitate when asked the whereabouts of Loch Ness! though generally speaking most British folks have a good idea how to get to the famous loch.

Many visitors to the UK visit Edinburgh and other central belt locations, but it is surprising how many tourists fail to venture north of the central belt attractions in or near Edinburgh and Glasgow.  

Loch Ness is 130 miles north of Edinburgh, only three hours by road from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. In just over an hour you can fly into the Highland capital Inverness from London, Manchester or Birmingham. Inverness is a mere 15 minute drive from Loch Ness. See our map and travel information page  

For travellers planning to visit Scotland from the other side of the world it is a great shame to come all this way and then not get to see one of the most beautiful Scottish destinations, Loch Ness, especially as the real scenic beauty of Scotland gets better and the mountains get higher once north of Edinburgh. 

Even if time is limited for your visit to Scotland and you havent allocated any days to stay at Loch Ness there are some excellent daily  tours to Loch Ness from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.  We can personally recommend any of the tour companies mentioned below.

Luxury tours departing from Edinburgh/Glasgow, try Timberbush 5 star coach Tours and Highland Explorer Loch Ness tours 

Haggis Adventures offer Cheap tours Scotland daily Loch Ness tours from Edinburgh for travellers on a budget.

If you plan to drive or  fly to Inverness you will be spoilt for choice with Jacobite Loch Ness tours and cruises  who offer 5 star bus and boat tours of Loch Ness. Jacobite luxury coaches pickup in Inverness and take passengers straight to the Jetty.

We want all visitors to Scotland to go home happy and would highly recommend tourists venture beyond the central belt cities so please allocate a few days for  your visit to Loch Ness, our accommodation at Fort Augustus Abbey is just fabulous!