Loch Ness is the stuff of legends. Setting out onto the waters you really get a sense of why this is. There’s something magical and mysterious about this stretch of water where the weather seems to change endlessly and the dark waters swirl and snake, hiding who knows what beneath the surface. My children were just as excited as me as we set out on a memorable adventure exploring Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises. One of the best Loch Ness cruise experiences that takes you across the waters and on to Urquhart Castle. If you are looking for a Loch Ness tour then this is perfect.
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Arriving
Arriving at the edge of the Loch, where the River Ness flows connecting this stretch of water to nearby Inverness, we couldn’t really believe we were here.
The Loch, a skinny stretch of water on our map, is filled with legends and stories that we all grew up with as children.
Loch Ness is actually huge. I was so surprised by how big it is, 23 miles in length and the largest lake (by water volume) in the British Islands.
It is also really deep, stretching down 755 feet which lends itself perfectly to the idea of creatures in its depths.
Drumnadrochit
Our starting point was the sweetest little harbourside village of Drumnadrochit where Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruises are located. Ready to take a four hour trip out on their ship Jacobite Rebel, the perfect Loch Ness cruise.
Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruises have a little coffee shop here and the sweet shop is packed full of cuddly Nessies and other local crafts.
There was time for a quick wander around Drumnadrochit before boarding the boat.
Many of the working cottages buildings remain here. Somehow timeless and trapped in an age when stories of monsters lurking in the deep may have been even more believable.
The quaint and whimsical buildings add something extra to the allure and charm of this beguiling Loch.
The Jacobite Rebel – The best Loch Ness cruise? A review of Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises, Inverness
The Jacobite Rebel is the perfect vessel for the trip. It is wide and feels very stable, no rocking about and came with a guide who was full of interesting facts all about Loch Ness.
There was plenty of space to sit and just let the waters slip past. And to take in the whole of this beautiful trip by stepping outside and feeling the autumn winds which were blowing across the water’s surface.
We were fascinated to learn that the water is the murky brown tea colour it is as it picks up peat as it runs down the local hillsides.
There’s something about the colour and the depth and coldness of Loch Ness that really adds to its mysterious look.
We stocked up on some warming drinks in the bar on board and tucked in to some haggis flavoured crisps (which were seriously amazing) and settled back for the journey.
The children absolutely loved being on board.
My seven year old spent the whole time gazing out for Nessie as he was convinced he was going to spot her. While the older two loved pouring over the photo albums that were there for passengers to look at and showing some of the pictures people have taken through the years of unexplained creatures and shapes in Loch Ness.
There was also a handy guide on the tables. this meant we could identify the sites we could see out of the window.
There was plenty to entertain all the members of the family as we skimmed across the water. Spotting birds circling high above us and looking out for local landmarks like the Bona Lighthouse.
Urquhart Castle
An hour in to this Loch Ness cruise we arrived at Urquhart Castle. Here we disembarked for two hours of exploring.
We had travelled a third of the Loch and were ready to get out and have a look around.
The weather which had given us cloud, and then rain which had decided to clear so we had pale blue skies above us as we set out to discover more about Urquhart Castle.
Urquhart was once one of Scotland’s greatest castles and stood for over 500 years as a seat of power.
Now the ruins of this great fortress are all that remains. But you can still get a sense of the size and importance of the castle that stood here by exploring the grounds, rooms and tower.
The castle saw power snatched back and forth by the Scots and English throughout the Wars of Independence.
When the government troops left for the last time, during the Jacobite Risings the castle was largely destroyed. So to get a real sense of what stood here it’s well worth stopping into the visitor centre where not only do you have the most magnificent views, you also discover how pivotal the castle was for centuries.
We loved Urquhart. There’s something very atmospheric about this castle which has hundreds of years of history.
We clambered up stone staircases, ran our hands across the tops of long extinguished fire places and peered out of glass-less windows.
This is the perfect spot to look out across Loch Ness too. To watch clouds dance high in the sky and the waters still and at the same time with its own unique rhythm.
Cafe
The weather took a turn again and we headed in to the Scottish Trust’s cafe for warming hot chocolates and cake. It was the perfect spot to pause and look down on the castle.
Then we spotted our boat coming back in for us.
The return journey – The best Loch Ness cruise? A review of Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises, Inverness
We skipped back to it for the return journey across the loch. The sun peeped out and warmed our faces as we stood on the back taking in the beautifully fresh Scottish air and the stunning scenery.
If you’re looking for a Loch Ness Cruise which provides comfort, expert chat and the perfect itinerary then Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises is for you.
We loved it and now I just want to go back and enjoy those beautiful unique views once more.
Find out more about Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises here. And and read all about our weekend in Inverness here.
This post is in collaboration with Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises but all opinions are our own.
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