Loch Ness
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-> Loch NessLoch Ness
Loch Ness is a narrow 23-mile long loch within the Great Glen which runs between Inverness in the north-east and Fort William on the west coast. It is renowned for claims of sightings of the Loch Ness monster but none of the more recent scientific explorations of the loch have produced clear evidence of its existence. The A82 travels along the western banks and the B852 runs along the eastern shore to Fort Augustus at its southern tip.
West Side of Loch Ness
Drumnadrochit lies 15 miles south of Inverness on the western banks of Loch Ness and its economy is centred around the Loch Ness monster myth. There are two exhibition centres providing information about the monster - the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition Centre and the Original Loch Ness Monster Exhibition. Boat trips down the loch to search for 'Nessie' or for fishing, depart from the village. The imposing ruins of Urquhart Castle stand high on a promontory overlooking the loch where many people have claimed to have sighted the monster. The village of Cannich lies 12 miles west of Drumnnadrochit on the A831 and is the main access to one of Scotland's most beautiful glens, Glen Afric and its surrounding mountains and lochs. Glen Afric National Nature Reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including wildcat, otter, red squirrel and eagles. There are many varied walks throughout the glen and several Munro mountains (over 1,000 metres) can be accessed from this valley. Invermoriston is a pretty village lying 13 miles south of Drumnadrochit where there are woodland walks to some stunning waterfalls.
Eastern Shore of Loch Ness
The single-track B852, which runs down the eastern shore of Loch Ness, is a peaceful alternative to the busy A82 on the west banks of the loch and passes through Foyers where there are many woodland walks and a majestic waterfall.
Fort Augustus
The village of Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, was built around the barracks established in 1715 during the Jacobite Rebellion and was developed further at the time of General Wade's local road-building operations. There are many locks on the Caledonian Canal at the village and the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre provides information on the history of the canal.
Information
There is a tourist office in Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. Hotels in the area include Benleva and Polmaily House near Drumnadrochit, and the Lovat Arms Hotel and Caledonian Hotel in Fort Augustus. Restaurants include the Glen Café Bar and Fiddler's Café Bar in Drumnadrochit, the Cluanie Inn near Invermoriston, Foyers House in Foyers and the Lock Inn, Bothy Bite and Poachers in Fort Augustus
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