One of Scotland's most notable geological features is its 'Great Glen' – a fault line that comprises a valley with a series of long narrow lakes running northeast/southwest from Fort William to Inverness.
The lakes were joined together in the early 1800s by the Caledonian Canal (pictured here are its staircase locks at Fort Augustus), now allowing shipping to cut across the country without needing to go up and around the top and back down again.
Best known of the four lakes (or lochs as they are called in Scotland) is Loch Ness. Sure, it is a naturally beautiful lake and redolent in Scottish history, vividly portrayed by the ruins of Urquhart Castle on a promontory. But probably the biggest reason for Loch Ness' fame is the reputed monster that may live beneath its surface.
Is there really a monster? How would you get to Loch Ness, where would you stay, and what else would you see and do in the region?
Well, the short answer to at least some of those questions is that you should treat yourself to our upcoming Scotland's Islands and Highlands Tour, which of course features Loch Ness and the Great Glen, with a visit to Urquhart Castle, to one of the Loch Ness monster exhibitions, and an overnight stay in lovely Fort Augustus and time for an optional cruise on Loch Ness too.
But if you're unable to join us for this June tour, you can see a longer answer to these questions in two new pages just now added to the website – An Introduction to the Loch Ness Region and Loch Ness and the Loch Ness Monster.
