Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands is best known for its resident monster, but this area has a lot more to offer than a potential encounter with 'Nessie'.

The loch is one of the most beautiful stretches of water in Scotland, and the single biggest tourist attraction in the highlands. On this visit, we journey round the loch, starting on the lesser-known south side, working round and taking in the fantastic views.

The day began fair and warm, but before long the thunderous clouds had rolled in, making Loch Ness a dramatic sight indeed. Lets begin our journey around this famous Scottish landmark.

Loch Ness is about 23 miles long and an average of 1 mile wide, and sits in the Great Glen - a huge gash in the land that cuts the highlands in half. With an incredible depth of up to 1000 feet, the loch is over double the volume of Loch Lomond, even though its surface area is smaller. We begin our journey on the south side, travelling along the road built by General Wade (1673-1748) to open the highlands after the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion. He was the commander-in-chief of North Britain from 1724-1740, and built some 240 miles of military roads in the highlands, and 40 bridges.

The road on the south side of the loch is often overlooked by visitors. Its a much smaller road, but has easier access down to the waters of the loch. There are small lay-by's, or parking areas, and paths leading down to the loch, whereas on the double-track newer road on the north side, the road is set back from the loch and its more difficult to gain access. The road is much busier on the north side too, carrying much of the tourist and local traffic. A word of caution to anyone with a large vehicle planning to use the south road. The road is fine but much smaller than the north road, just a single-track - (the width of ONE car). Whilst this is acceptable for cars and smaller vehicles, motorhomes and cars pulling caravans/trailers should be careful. If you are not used to single track, it can be daunting.

On our way round we pass through the small village of Foyers. There is a youth hostel there and other facilities. Foyers has been a regular sighting-spot for the monster, and there is no doubt that the village and surrounding area is well worth a visit. Just along from Foyers we drive along a long straight part of road that climbed the side of a slow hill.

At this point, the road had veered away slightly from the lochside, by maybe 3-4 miles, so it was a landscape view looking back towards Inverness and area. Upon reaching the top it becomes apparent this must be a popular viewpoint, as there is a small car park and, amazingly, a burger van! So a cup of tea, a venison burger and a great view provides an enjoyable break.

After a good munch we set off again, and soon reach the point where the narrow single track road rounds the end of the loch and enters the small highland village of Fort Augustus. This village, named after the duke of Cumberland, is a favourite stopping point for tourists admiring the locks of the Caledonian Canal, the old abbey (sadly now empty) and wonderful views of loch Ness and the Great Glen.