Drumnadrochit, UK — Could the Loch Ness monster be real or is it just a myth? Since the 6th century there have been reported sightings of a monster affectionately known as “Nessie,” in the waters. While the scientific community has yet to prove his existence, many believe he is real and inhabits the loch. Perhaps I was inspired by all those National Geographic and Jacques Cousteau specials I watched as a kid, but I wanted to find out for myself.
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in the United Kingdom. It contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. It ‘s 22 miles long, more than a mile wide at its widest and has a depth of 800 feet at its deepest point. While the water does not freeze, it remains a chilly five degrees all year round. It’s visibility is murky and extremely low due to the high peat content in the surrounding soil, making its conditions ideal for a monster or something large to hide in.
My search for Nessie begins in the the village of Drumnadrochit. The village is ground zero for Nessie hunters. Tourists come here to take cruises on boats armed with sonar hoping to find the monster, visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition and take home t shirts, a stuffed Nessie or other souvenirs. Unfortunately, I have come here at the wrong time of the year. I’m in Drumnadrochit in the middle of November. The tourists are mostly absent. The few shops and restaurants here close early or have closed for the season and worst of all there are no boats departing from the village in the winter .
Lucky for me, The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition was open with limited hours. The centre features a multi media presentation about the geological formation of the loch and the monster, including eye witness accounts of sightings and attempts by scientists to find Nessie. https://www.lochness.com/
From the centre, I choose to hike up to Urquhart Castle, a ruined castle from the 13th to 16th centuries. It’s cold outside. You can see the frost on the leaves and trees. There are sheep grazing in the fields. I wish I had some of their wool to keep me warm. The hike takes about 45 minutes, but some of the best views of Loch Ness are from the castle and the frosty but fresh air I’m breathing is exhilarating. I search from many points of the castle hoping to spot something in the water, but I don’t see anything. The fog is rolling in giving the loch an eerie feeling. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle/
I didn’t find Nessie today, but I’m not disappointed. I learned a lot about the loch, the monster and I got some great views. I don’t know if Nessie exists, but I do believe that most people who claim to have seen him are not lying and did see something and perhaps someday we will discover if Nessie is real or just a myth. While I failed to find Nessie today, I did find a Monster on my hike to Urquhart Castle. Someone left a can of that horrible energy drink on the road. You’d think they could at least respect the beautiful nature that this area has to offer? I pick up the empty can and place it in recycle bin. I guess the real monster isn’t in the loch today. It’s instead walking on two legs.
