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Lake · Inverness, Escócia
Loch Ness
O lago de água escura que ocupa 37 km do Great Glen, ao sul de Inverness, conhecido pela lenda do monstro Nessie, com cruzeiros, trilhas e as vilas de Drumnadrochit, Dores e Fort Augustus.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Loch Ness
Lago Ness is a freshwater lake in the Great Glen, the large valley that cuts across Scotland from northeast to southwest, south of Inverness. It is about 37 km long, just over 2 km wide and reaches roughly 230 meters deep; because of this, it holds more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. The peat from the surrounding mountains darkens the water, making it almost brown.
The lake became famous for the monster legend, nicknamed Nessie. There are reports dating back to the time of São Columba in the 7th century, but worldwide fame began in 1933 with the construction of the road on the north shore, and grew after the 1934 photograph that decades later proved to be a hoax. In Drumnadrochit, the Loch Ness Centre tells that story and the valley’s geology.
Cruises depart from Inverness, from Drumnadrochit and from Fort Augustus at the southern end, where the Canal de Caledônia descends by a flight of locks to the lake. The north shore, along the A82, has Castelo de Urquhart and is the busiest; the quieter south shore passes the village of Dores, with a shingle beach and views across the whole lake, and the Foyers waterfall. The South Loch Ness Trail and the Great Glen Way follow the shores.
The water is cold year-round, even in summer, and the weather changes quickly in the valley.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for a cruise and a stop in a village; a full day to drive around both shores.
Best time
From May to September, when there are more cruises and the days are long. In the late afternoon, Dores beach has views of the lake towards the sunset. In winter the cruises are reduced.
How to get there
The northern end of the lake is about 10 km from Inverness. Along the north shore the A82 links Inverness to Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus; along the south shore the B862 passes through Dores. Buses from Inverness to Fort William follow the north shore. Tours and cruises depart from central Inverness.
Tip
Stop at the shingle beach at Dores on the south shore for the widest view of the lake, away from the traffic on the A82. In Fort Augustus, watch boats going up and down the canal’s flight of locks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Loch Ness
What is the Lago Ness monster?
A local legend, with old accounts and worldwide fame since 1933. There has never been proof of the animal's existence.
How to take a cruise on Lago Ness?
Boats depart from Inverness, Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, with trips of 1 to 3 hours; some stop at the Castelo de Urquhart.
Can you swim in Lago Ness?
The water is very cold year-round and the lake is deep. Most visitors only dip their feet on the shingle beaches.
Which shore should you visit?
On the north shore is the Castelo de Urquhart and more facilities; on the south, with Dores and the Foyers waterfall, it is quieter.