A Monster Motorhome or Campervan Trip – Visiting Loch Ness

It has become one of Scotland’s most famous destinations. Though some might feel that it’s a bit of a cliche, visiting Loch Ness is an absolute must for any adventurer exploring the Highlands in a motorhome or campervan. This world famous loch is quite the magical destination, not just for its stunning scenery and historical sites but for the enduring mystery that surrounds it — the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

In this edition of the Dicksons Of Perth blog we delve into the legend itself, explore the castle that sits on the loch’s shore and discover the best places to park up, enjoy panoramic views and unwind with local food and drink.

The Loch Ness legend

Surprisingly, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster dates all the way back to the 6th century, when Saint Columba reportedly encountered a beast in the River Ness. According to the ancient story, he repelled the creature and saved a man from certain doom. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that ‘Nessie’ became a worldwide phenomenon and turned this beautiful Scottish loch into one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Stretching 22.56 miles (33.3 km) long, 1.7 miles (2.75 km) wide and with depths reaching over 750 feet (228 metres), Loch Ness is vast. An ideal setting for a creature of mystery.

In 1933 a road was built along the shore of Loch Ness opened up the area, and as visitors increased there came an increase in unusual sightings with the most famous of these coming just a year later. Known as ‘the Surgeon’s Photograph’ (because it was taken by a doctor), a picture purported to show the Loch Ness Monster’s head and long curved neck emerging from the water.

In 1994, a mere 60 years after it had graced the pages of the national press, this world famous photo was revealed to be a hoax by someone who’d been mischievously involved in its production. However, in the intervening decades the photo had sparked massive interest and cemented the idea of a monster lurking in the depths.

Other famous sightings

Over the years there have been countless sightings of the Loch Ness Monster. Some of the most notable include:

• 1933: A driver claimed to have seen a large, dragon-like creature crossing the road in front of his car as he was passing Loch Ness. He described the creature as having a long neck and a bulky body, and said it moved quickly into the water.
• 1960: A former aeronautical engineer filmed what he believed was Nessie swimming across the loch. Some experts dismissed it as a boat, others suggested it could be a large animal. This footage remains one of the most debated pieces of evidence.
• 1991 – present: Steve Feltham, one of the most dedicated Nessie hunters, has lived in a converted van at the shores of Loch Ness since 1991. Though he hasn’t spotted anything conclusive, his lifelong dedication to spotting the monster has earned him a place in the Guinness World Records.

Nessie theories

Over the years, there’ve been many theories proposed on what the Loch Ness Monster is, and they range from the sensical and plausible to the outlandish and ridiculous.

• Plesiosaur: Some say that Nessie is a surviving plesiosaur – a long-necked marine dinosaur. This charming idea was bolstered by various descriptions of Nessie as having a long neck and a small head (much like those of a plesiosaur). However, scientists argue that plesiosaurs were cold-blooded and would therefore not survive in the very cold waters of Loch Ness.
• Eel: Another theory suggests that Nessie could be a giant eel. These creatures are known to inhabit Loch Ness and some can grow to impressive sizes. Footage captured underwater by the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board in 2019 shows a large eel-shaped creature swimming and feeding in the loch. While this general theory certainly explains the long, serpentine shape often attributed to Nessie, it doesn’t account for other sightings of a creature with a head and long neck.
• Illusion: Some experts argue that many Nessie sightings are simply cases of mistaken identity. Logs, waves and even birds can often create unusual illusions on water that can lead people to believe they’ve seen a monster. The unique geography and dark waters of Loch Ness can also create visual distortions.
• Hoaxes or misidentifications: Many alleged sightings and photographs have subsequently been debunked as hoaxes or misinterpretations. As mentioned earlier, the truth that the so-called Surgeon’s Photograph was a staged image, using a toy submarine, eventually surfaced.

Despite numerous investigations but a lack of concrete evidence, somehow the legend of the creature endures. It continues to capture the public’s imagination, drawing thousands of visitors to the loch each year, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster. Many of these visitors also enjoy what the area has to offer further afield from the loch itself, including the stunning Urquhart Castle.

Glimpsing history at Urquhart Castle

Perched on the banks of Loch Ness, the 13th century Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins. This fortress has witnessed centuries of conflict and power struggles, its strategic position meaning it was a coveted stronghold during the wars for Scottish independence. By the 17th century it had fallen into disrepair and was deliberately destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from being used by Jacobite forces.

Today, visitors to Urquhart Castle can take time to explore the castle’s fascinating ruins, including the Grant Tower (which offers spectacular views of Loch Ness) and the remains of the Great Hall and Chapel. There’s a visitors’ centre where you can learn more about the castle’s history and the surrounding area, plus a gift ship and cafe. Ample parking makes it the castle a convenient stop for anyone in a motorhome or campervan. Postcode: IV63 6XJ.

The grounds of Urquhart Castle provide a great spot from which to admire the sweeping vistas of the loch – an ideal location to keep an eye out for strange ripples in the water…

Motorhome and campervan travel around Loch Ness

There are several excellent spots around Loch Ness where you can park your motorhome or campervan for a night or two. A great recommendation is Loch Ness Shores. Located on the quieter south shore near the village of Foyers, this Camping & Caravanning Club site offers stunning views of the loch and its surrounding hills. With modern facilities including electric hook-ups, showers and a small shop, it’s a great base for exploring the area. Postcode: IV2 6YH

Loch Ness vantage and visitor points

Some of the best vantage points to enjoy breathtaking views of Loch Ness – and, of course, so spend some time trying to spot the monster – include:

Dores Beach: Located on the northern shore, the shingle of Dores Beach crunches underfoot and offers an atmospheric spot for some expansive views, described by spotter Steve Feltham (mentioned earlier) as possibly the best place from which to view the loch. It’s a great spot for Nessie hunters – with the added bonus that the Dores Inn, a nearby pub (postcode: IV2 6TR), means you have a very hospitable location to sit back and enjoy a pint while keeping your eyes fixed on the water.

The Suidhe Viewpoint: For a panoramic view of Loch Ness and the surrounding hills, stop at the Suidhe Viewpoint (postcode: PH32 4BZ). Located on the B862, this is one of the highest points around Loch Ness and provides visitors with incredible scenery that is perfect for photography.

Fort Augustus: This charming village at the southern tip of Loch Ness offers excellent views and plenty of parking for motorhomes. If you need a break from your monster-watching you can always enjoy a stroll along the Caledonian Canal and watch the boats pass through the locks. The popular Lock Inn, a cosy pub along the canal (postcode: PH32 4AU), serves tasty pub meals and fine local ales in a warm atmosphere.

Blending legend, history and nature, visiting the places mentioned in this travel edition of our blog offers you some of the best of the Scottish Highlands. Whatever the truth behind Nessie herself, a motorhome or campervan trip to Loch Ness will certainly give you a monster of a time!