Is it real? Isn’t it real? Everyone loves to talk about the magic of the Loch Ness Monster.
And we’re Scottish, of course; we’ll tell you that the Loch Ness Monster is 100% real (we’ve seen her). The area (Loch Ness and Inverness) is so popular that it attracts over 1 million tourists annually. Do any of them actually catch a glimpse of Ness? Some say yes.
Still, if you don’t see the monster, the area is one of Scotland’s most outstanding. Renting a motorhome can take you around the beautiful area in search of the mythical beast!
As one of Scotland’s biggest, if not the biggest, myths and legends, where did the story come from? Read on to find out.
The Myth of the Loch Ness Monster
Ness is real, not a myth, remember! Still, this is how the myth started…
The myth about the Loch Ness Monster started centuries back. It was around 565 AD when Saint Columba reportedly saw a water monster at the River Ness. He claims this monster is actually a water monster, and frankly, we believe it was. Bundle’s island boat tales about that surrounding the Loch started the myth it is today. Manuscripts from the mediaeval era make note of a creature in the waters, but by the 5000s, the virus of the legend took off.
Nessie fever took off around 1933. Not long after this, people claim they saw an unusually large animal cross a road and submerge into the lake. A woman took a famous picture claiming she saw the beast casually crossing the road. The image that she clicked is known as The Surgeon’s Photograph, which is now the centrepiece of controversy claiming to hold the most notable photo of Nessie clicked in 1934.
Regardless of what is said or believed, Nessie’s story has most certainly outlived all accusations made against her. Underwater sonar searches, blurry photographs, and shaky video footage only add to the enigma. Let’s be honest, Scotland does love its folklore.
Has Anyone Ever Seen The Loch Ness Monster?
To some, the answer is most definitely yes. Although blurry and not so convincing, some still stand by the claim they saw it in full.
Sworn testimonies by fishermen claiming to see something massive brewing beneath the surface and bewildered tourists gaping at strange motions with their cameras in hand fuel the claims. Mid-sceptics have started to toss around the idea that this monster people claim to see is nothing but logs or waves fooling people. What’s the fun in that?
In 1954 a fishing boat’s sonar detector picked up something large, deep within the Loch and moving alongside the boat, then suddenly disappeared. For years, scientists have strived to resolve the Loch Ness enigma. They can find plenty of fish and eels along with some natural phenomena, but no monsters.
Legends do not slow down believers. They even created a Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register that tracks every purported sighting. We can’t lie, some reports are remarkably difficult to overlook.
Loch Ness and Inverness
Whether you catch a glimpse of Nessie or not, the available site is astonishing.
The Loch Ness lake is the deepest in the UK by volume. Its dark depths spread for approximately 23 miles with depths reaching over 230 meters or 750 feet.
Coated in mist waters, it has historic sites that make it compulsory to visit during a Scotland trip in one of our motorhomes. You must walk to Falls of Foyers. There’s an easy signposted trail near the lake. The nearby city of Inverness is known for its charm and castle ruins, stunning river walks, and cosy pubs. There’s the Culloden Battlefield or Inverness Castle that we absolutely love. Most importantly, it acts as the perfect base to go on a Nessie hunt.
The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is also worth checking out. And, of course, you have to book a Loch Ness boat tour!
The Best Time of Year to Find the Beast
It has to be summer, or more specifically, from May until September. The weather is warmer (always expect rain) and you’re guaranteed a good amount of daylight. The waters also become calmer, and any splashes become easy to notice.
We can’t deny that winter is beautiful. Winter adds a ‘white,’ albeit ghostly, touch. If you dare to face the Loch’s brisk water, the mist, cold, and isolation surrounding you become even more mystical. The difference between spring and summer is so subtle, and if you need a better chance to see Nessie, the prime time is at dawn or dusk.
Is the lass believed to be residing in Loch Ness real? For sure, Scotland wouldn’t be the same without her. The curious will keep looking, the dubious will keep speculating, and as for Nessie? She will continue to mystify the rest of us.
