PADDLESPORTS
When you see a lake like Loch Ness - a huge expanse of calm water, surrounded by woods and mountains and decorated with fairytale castles - it’s natural to feel a strong desire to walk out onto the water and see nature’s beauty in the round. Walking on water, however, is about as reliable as Nessie sightings, so we recommend the next best thing, paddlesports.
There are watersports centres around the loch which offer kayaking and canoeing trips to members of the public. Loch Ness is also at one end of the Great Glen, a huge valley which cuts across Scotland, from Fort WIlliam to Inverness. Guided trips of the Glen, by kayak or canoe, are offered by specialist guides. These are multi day expeditions which involve carrying gear and, often wil camping - a true adventure!
BOAT TRIPS
If you want to see the views of Loch Ness in style, and without having to work your arms too hard, we recommend taking a boat trip in the Highlands. Numerous companies offer cruises on the waters of the lake, most of which depart from Drumnadrochit, at the midpoint of the long lake, or Fort Augustus, at the southwestern extreme. Tours typically last between one and three hours, time enough to travel a good distance.
Another bonus for boat trips is that they can be an educational experience. Aboard ship, there’ll be a knowledgeable guide who will provide commentary on the sights of interest and tell the stories of the area. From the geological processes that created the Great Glen, the history of the clans and castles of the area and, yes, some Nessie lore, you’ll learn a lot on the voyage.
POWERBOATING
Boat trips on Loch Ness don’t have to be sedate, serene and, for some, a little dull. The lake is 23 miles long so there’s plenty of space to build up speed and have some fun. This is where powerboating in the Highlands comes into its own.
You can take a highspeed tour of Loch Ness on board a powerful RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) which can blast across the water’s surface at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour! There are 12 seats, some of which are located in “splash zones” to make the trip even more exciting.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Don’t like getting your feet wet? No problem! You don’t have to be on the water to experience Loch Ness. If you’re more of a landlubber, we recommend mountain biking in the Highlands. Cycling all the way around the loch is possible, but quite a feat. If you’re after something you can do in a few hours or a full day, there are fantastic routes that follow the lake shore or rise high above it on mountain roads and paths.
Best of all? You can save yourself some work and increase your range by renting an ebike. These clever pieces of kit feel just like a traditional bike, except somehow the uphill stretches of your route seem much easier than you’d expect. That’s because an electric motor kicks in when you start climbing and stops you running out of speed - perfect for exploring this dramatic part of the Scottish Highlands to your heart’s content.
