27 Jun See Loch Ness from a new perspective!
A flick of the tail, a roar, and a spray of white water. Then the beastie leaves all in her wake as she surges forward and over the murky and mysterious depths of Loch Ness.
But it’s clear this is no monster as the roars of joy and giggles of glee reverberate towards the shore while the dark shape begins to fade into the distance.
These sights and sounds have become a regular occurrence and are welcomed by local and visitors alike. The Wee Beastie is now well and truly at home on Loch Ness!
She’s delighting passengers on a daily basis as they enjoy a speed boat tour with a difference … combining the thrilling experience on board with stirring Scottish music, Highland tales, and unforgettable views that can only be fully appreciated from the water.
The people who’ve already been on board describe it best. For example, Theresa Moss said: “It was awesome! Fully enjoyed the trip around the loch with great stopping points, interesting facts, and plenty of laughs.”
The points of interest and local tales include:
The Wellington Bomber
The spot where a Wellington bomber – code name “R for Robert” – was ditched on New Year’s Eve, 1940, after a fierce snow storm caused engine failure. Everyone had baled out except Squadron Leader Marwood-Elton and Co-Pilot Slatter and somehow they steered the lumbering bomber to a safe landing on the loch before they escaped the sinking craft.
Bona Lighthouse
Bona Lighthouse sits at the head of Loch Ness and was built in 1815 by Thomas Telford, the creator of the Caledonian Canal. The lighthouse was the UK’s smallest, manned, inland lighthouses and was operational for more than 160 years, guiding vessels through the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.
Join us, and you will discover much more. Matt Ordish said: “This speed boat experience had everything. Robbie, the guide, was funny, informative, and super friendly. The boat ride was amazing. You get some fantastic views of the loch and stop off at some great places so that Robbie can give a bunch of great info and stories.”
Amongst the places of mention are:
Aldourie Castle
Aldourie Castle is the only habitable castle on Loch Ness. It was first recorded as a mansion house in the 17th century and is now a 5-star exclusive-use venue that caters for weddings, events, and often celebrities.
Dores Beach
Dores is a small village situated on the southern shores of Loch Ness, about eight miles from Inverness. The village features a beach and the Dores Inn and was the location of the Rock Ness music festival, which was first held in 2006.
Loch Ness Monster hunter Steve Feltham set up his home at Dores in a former mobile library in 1991 and has resided there ever since, answering queries from tourists and making Nessie models.
It’s all part of the interest of the trip on Scotland’s most famous loch. In the words of Louise Innes: “It was absolutely fantastic. Despite being ‘local’ we still learnt history we didn’t know and had lots of fun along the way. It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning.”
The trip also includes hovering over the deepest point of Loch Ness, at up to 754 feet (230m). It is the second largest freshwater loch in Scotland, after Loch Lomond. The loch stretches for almost 22.6 miles (36.4km) and is the second deepest loch after Loch Morar. It is the largest in terms of volume and holds more water that all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
- Paul Black said: “The kids and I had an ace time. Great way to search for Nessie. A mix of boat ride, stories, history and, legends, with a bit of adventure thrown in.”
- Neil Brydon echoed: “Hang on to your goggles, folk! Get to see Loch Ness from a whole new perspective!”
- Matthew Wade added: “I can’t recommend this highly enough! Excellent guide and pilot. Beautiful as Loch Ness is from the shore, you can’t beat actually being on it, and this is the best way to do that!”
Of course, no trip on Loch Ness would be complete without getting close up to the majestic Urquhart Castle.
Situated on the north-western shore of Loch Ness, the iconic Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions, offering visitors fascinating insights into its dramatic history and spectacular views over the world-famous loch.
Some people believe that the castle was originally the site of a Pictish fort, visited by St Columba in 565AD. No one can say for certain that was the case. However, there was almost certainly a Pictish settlement in the area at the time, as it would have been a key site from which to control the Great Glen and Northern Scotland.
And you get the best Urquhart Castle view from the loch on board the Beastie Boat. Then, once you have had your fill of the history and landmarks, in the words of captain Robbie “It’s time to go fast!”
In his skilled hands, passengers enjoy the thrill of being on board the high-performance rigid-inflatable boat.
As others have said:
- “You can view beautiful scenery with your heart in your mouth as the boat flies over the waves at full speed.”
- “Hold on tight for the last 10 minutes – my kids thought this was the best part!”
- “Zooming over the stunning water made for a great new experience and sets this far apart front the usual visitor stuff.”
So, give yourself a treat, and take a trip on The Wee Beastie. You cannot be sure of a Nessie sighting but you’re certain to have a great time. In the words of Gary Leslie Mackay …
“What an amazing experience from start to finish. The weather was raining, windy, then sunshine and, even at its worst, it was still amazing fun and, obviously, beautiful scenery. I would highly recommend to anyone.”
