Exploring Loch Ness in Scotland
Along the Fabled Loch’s Shores, Hike Through Heathered Hillsides, Past Historic Castles, and Maybe Catch a Glimpse of Nessie
I headed to the village of Drumnadrochit. “Drum,” as the locals know it, is “Nessie World” and to get through here without an encounter of the stuffed, ceramic or fiberglass kind of Nessie is an impossibility! As a guide here I’m often asked if I believe in Nessie, to which I reply, “Certainly I do. My livelihood depends on her!”
Moving on from Nessie, I reached Craigmonie Woodlands. Now managed by Woodland Trust Scotland, it was once part of a grand estate. In the Victorian years exotic trees such as giant redwoods and Douglas firs were introduced and many are still growing strong. The woodland is quite open so a rich variety of heathers, grasses and mosses carpet its hillside. I strode easily along the path breathing the crisp air as I slowly gained altitude.
Craigmonie Crag gave a view towards Loch Ness from under a canopy of Scots pine with their wispy needles fringing the horizon. A light mist fell on the distant hills, but it was dry where I stood and there was a solid wooden bench so I brought out my flask of soup and sup as I took in the vista. Nicely warmed up, I followed the circular walk down through the mixed forest back to Drum.
Before heading back I dropped by Urquhart Castle, the 2nd most famous thing at Loch Ness and one I can guarantee a sighting of! Ruined since 1692 during one of the Jacobite Rebellions, it now calmly stands as a reminder of this area’s troubled past.
As I turned homeward I reflected on my neighbor’s morning comments and realized despite this being my own backyard, there will always be new things to explore in my beautiful corner of Scotland. This walk turned out to be a perfect introduction to Loch Ness, Nessie, and our lovely home and I’m eager to share all of this and more with everyone who comes to visit!
-Photos and text by WT Trip Leader Skye McDonald, Highlands and Islands of Scotland
