A road trip through Scotland would never be complete without a visit to Loch Ness to search for Nessie.
After a stay in Edinburgh we drove to Loch Ness, Inverness in around 3 hours, 40 minutes. The drive was truly beautiful, right up through the Highlands. I had to keep pinching myself, I simply couldn’t believe the weather – it was glorious sunshine and we could see for miles at some points. At times it was hard to believe we were driving through the UK – the scenes we were being treated to were worthy of spectacular parts of Canada or New Zealand. Stunning, rich green hills, snowy topped mountains, streams and rivers.
I will always remember our first glimpse of the Loch itself. It was enormous, wild and captivating but serene and beautiful at the same time. And I don’t care what anyone says, as you drive alongside the Loch you are totally looking out for glimpses of Nessie.
Our first stop was The Loch Ness Centre just through Drumnadrochit. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, was opened by Sir Ranalph Fiennes over 30 years ago. It is a fantastic educational facility – just perfect for giving you all the information available about the history of the Loch and the mystery that surrounds it. It is great to visit before you go to the Loch itself as really sets your imagination going! The children were captivated by the tales of adventure.
The Loch Ness Centre features 17 language translations and 11 language narrations. A hi-tech multi-media presentation leads you through 7 themed areas and 500 million years of history, natural mystery and legend revealing the unique environment of Loch Ness and the famous Nessie legend.
The staff are very friendly and obviously passionate about their job. Having thoroughly enjoyed our tour we decided to get lunch in the café and we were so pleased we did! A modest, warm, cosy restaurant with a great view of the Loch. The menu wasn’t big but the food and service was excellent.
The cafe is run by a local and dedicated coffee company named Cobbs. Cobbs is named after John Cobb who tragically crashed and died on Loch Ness whilst attempting to break the water speed record in 1951. If you haven’t already visited the Exhibition you can learn all about this man in a section dedicated to the ‘Gallant Gentleman’.
As we were leaving I asked a member of staff to take a photo of us outside the building. He was delighted to help, and then took us around the other side of the building where there was a little lake and none other than Nessie herself lounging in the shallow waters ( well, a statue, but a great photo opportunity !).
When you go to Loch Ness a visit to the Loch Ness Centre is a must!
Adult | £7.95 |
Concession | £6.75 |
Child 6-15 (Children under 6 free) |
£4.95 |
Family (2 adults and up to 2 children) |
£22.95 |