Loch Ness
Loch Ness is one of four lochs (lakes) in the Great Glen region of Scotland, the Great Glen being formed by a geological faultline that runs across the Scottish Highlands. With a massive surface area of over 20 square miles Loch Ness is second only the Loch Lomond in the list of the largest Scottish lochs. However it's also incredibly deep and by volume is by far the largest.
Loch Ness is also linked to other lochs in the Great Glen both by natural rivers and by the man-made Caledonian Canal.
So how deep is Loch Ness lake? It's difficult to say exactly because of the thick layers of silt on the bottom (which some believe might provide a home for any monster). It's generally estimated that at its deepest point Loch Ness goes down over 750 feet. This one loch contains more water than all the freshwater lakes in England and Wales combined! Some also believe that the loch houses underwater caves which could extend its effective size still further.
The main tourist destination on the lochside is probably Drumnadrochit, the home of the Nessie "industry" with exhibitions and monsster hunting boat trips available. Even if you don't believe in monsters, a boat trip on the Loch with a knowledgeable local captain is a great way to spend an hour or so. As a major tourist centre Drumnadrochit contains the accomodation, pubs and gift shops you'd expect from a relatively small village. The Glen Urquhart Youth Club in Drumnadrochit has recently begun an annual "Midwinter celebration of light, fire, warmth, colour and music" called Drums and Rockets.
A little to the south of Drumnadrochit is the wonderful ruin of Urquhart Castle which offsets the natural beauty of the Loch.
The area is also popular with anglers, especially the River Ness which run some six miles from Loch Dochfour through the centre of Inverness and on to the Beauly Firth. Make sure you have relevant permissions before fishing any waters.
On a rather more disreputable note, Boleskin House and estate is situated on the south east of the loch. Boleskin House was once home to the infamous Aleister Crowley who bought it in 1899.
External Links:
Drums and Rockets - Drumnadrochit