When we arrived we were disappointed to find we had gotten there too late, the sight was closed, the steep pathway blocked by a gate, and padlocked shut.

The clouds and the wind only made the sight more dramatic and inviting. We decided we had traveled too far to give up now. We scaled the fence and traipsed down the long pathway to the castle and the lake.

The place felt as though it belonged to us, no tourists, no one to intrude on our moment. I was caught up with the reality of being somewhere I had seen so often in pictures. I felt the need to touch the water, feel the lake.

Walking over the numerous rocks I was surprised by how warm the water was. I felt the overwhelming need to swim, right where the monster had been sighted. Having no bathing suite, and not caring, I began to shed my clothes. My mother was a bit surprised, but she played along just fine. “Get a picture of me where the monster has been sighted” I instructed my mother.

I made my way over the rocks with cold bare feet, but was surprised how warm the water was once I was all the way in. I can’t describe the ecstasy of swimming naked beneath Castle Urquhart and looking at the ancient walls. I do have to admit that I felt a bit squeamish about the possibility of running into the monster, but I was overwhelmed by my surroundings.

Loch Ness – One of the most Complete Loch Ness sights on the net, with first hand accounts of sightings. It's hosted by PBS!

Loch Ness Live Cam! – Here's your chance to see Nessy!!

Hotel Accommodations – Need accommodations for your stay at Loch Ness?

Loch Ness Visitor's Center – Take a virtual walk through the Loch Ness Visitor’s Center.