Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish loch by surface area and the second deepest but the combunation of size AND depth ensure it is by far the largest total volume of fresh water in the country. The loch contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined!

Loch Ness is 23 miles (37km) long, 1.5 mile (2km) at its widest and about 750 feet (230m) at its deepest! The surface area is about 22 sq miles (57 km2).

There is only one island on Loch Ness; Cherry Island at the southwestern end near Fort Augustus. Cherry Island is thought to be the remains of a Crannog from the Iron Age.

The waters of Loch Ness are almost always very cold and have poor visibility due to a high peat content washed down from the surrounding hills and glens. The depth of water, enclosing high, steep mountains and murky water ensure that very little light and warmth penetrate to the lowest levels perpetuating the mystery and legend of Scotland's most famous monster!