Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands

© AWL Images/Danita Delimon

A monstrous tale. Monster spotting at Loch Ness

People love a good mystery. Maybe that's why we've been fascinated by mythical creatures like the Loch Ness monster for nearly 1,500 years. This 13th century ruin on the banks of the famous loch is Urquhart Castle, which offers great views over its mysterious waters.

As the legend goes, on 22 August 565, an Irish priest named Columba confronted 'Nessie' and commanded that the 'water beast' go away. Since then, people have claimed to spot, or even to have photographed the Loch Ness monster, as well as Bigfoot, the Beast of Bodmin, the yeti and other creatures around the world. They are practising cryptozoology - the study of hidden animals. Are any of these beasts real? Maybe not, but why spoil the fun?