United Kingdom
Loch Ness
Welcome to the Scottish Highlands! Loch Ness is a long, deep lake surrounded by green hills, famous the world over for tales of a mysterious creature said to live in its dark waters.
Why is it special?
It holds more water than any other lake in Great Britain because it is so incredibly deep.
Its dark, mysterious water and old legend make it one of the most famous lakes on Earth.
How does it work?
The loch was carved out long ago by a moving river of ice called a glacier, leaving a long, deep valley that filled with water.
Tiny bits of decayed plants called peat wash into the loch and turn the water a dark, tea-like color, which makes it hard to see very far below the surface.
Amazing facts
Loch Ness stretches about 23 miles long, roughly the distance of a marathon race!
At its deepest point, it plunges about 755 feet down — deep enough to hide a very tall building.
Quick facts
- Loch Ness stretches about 23 miles long, roughly the distance of a marathon race!
- At its deepest point, it plunges about 755 feet down — deep enough to hide a very tall building.
- The ruins of an old stone castle called Urquhart Castle sit right on its shore.
- The loch never freezes over, even in the coldest Scottish winters, because it is so deep and large.