I visited Loch Ness in May. This was my second visit. The first time we visited was a brief drive-by on the way up to the Scottish Highlands a few years ago. This time we stayed at a hotel in Pitlochry, which was about 2 hours drive away. A little further away than we had planned, (we didn't realise that most of the tourist attractions were situated on east side of the Loch). So we had to drive up towards Inverness and then round, through the city, to drive down the opposite shore, which all added to the travel time.
Even though the journey was longer than expected, the scenery certainly made up for it. Rolling hills, looming moutains, and deep valleys. We caught glimpses of the water between the branches of trees that were screening the Loch from the roadside. When we saw the Loch at it's full glory, it was was like looking at a sparkling ocean stuck down in the middle of the countryside. It was huge!
The first stop we visited was Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition in Drumnadrochit. Don't be fooled by their flashy website, the actual exhibition was rather disappointing. I guess my expectations were raised a little too high. We walked around the poorly lit displays, bundled from one room to the next. The sound and visuals were randomly placed so was difficult to follow the presentation. The information about the investigation methods were too technical, (even for me with a science degree!), to fully appreciate the work done at Loch Ness Research Centre.
I felt that the entrance fee did not give value for money. They did not accept the discount vouchers we obtained. The exhibition area was limited, even the shop area was bigger. There was no interactivity during the exhibition to keep your attention either. It ceratinly did not appeal to my children (aged 2 and 6 years) because the displays were placed too high for them to see much. It was probably aimed at technically-minded adults curious about the existence of the Loch Ness monster. I guess I wanted to believe in the Nessie legends too much, and the exhibition was just cashing in on people like me. I wouldn't visit again, unless it improves.
Next, we went on a boat trip tour on Loch Ness itself. It was reasonably priced for an hour on the water. It was wonderful experience and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The guide, who also steered the boat, was excellent as explaining things. My 6 year old son had a chance to be at the helm of the boat and had the controls for part of the ride - an unexpected treat! I learnt so much about the history and other interesting facts about Loch Ness, while watching the stunning scenery go by on the boat. My digital camera was filled to the max with photos by the end of the trip. I would highly recommed the boat ride.
By the end of our visit to Loch Ness, we found some attractions that were good, and some were not-so-good, but on the whole I would visit Loch Ness again and would recommend the area to others.
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Wouldnt it be great if Nessie did exist. What a great surprise for the world that would be.
memphisto_chick 24.07.2006 23:37
Your review has made me really want to go back, although this time I'll be older and not have an aunty who kept saying 'Look I really did see the monster' now the amount of times she said it made me believer her less and less.Great review there!
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