Eighty Miles of Moving Memories

Visible from Outer Space is The Great Glen of Scotland and is the most prominent fault in the British Isles. The fault originated 400 million years ago and runs from Fort William on the West Coast of Scotland to Inverness on the East. This gigantic fault splits the Highlands of Scotland from the Lowlands and was formed by melting glaciers 10,000 years ago. 

The Great Glen (An Gleann Mor) is 80 miles of stunning scenery, lochs rivers linked by a series of short waterways that form the Caledonian Canal. The largest and most famous is Loch Ness.   

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is quite simply stunning; its shores are steeped in folklore and mystery. The Loch is the second largest freshwater Loch in Scotland and due to its depth of 230 metres (126 fathoms; 755 feet),.it has the largest volume of water in the United Kingdom. Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined and is the largest body of water in the Great Glen.The Loch is believed to have got its name from Nessa who worked for Beira, The Queen of Winter. Beira had a fierce temper and would smash her hammer against the mountains to whip up violent storms. One day Nessa, her maid became slapdash while doing her daily chores and, in a rage, Beira transformed Nessa into a river.

Nessa was so upset, she cried for days and her tears of anguish formed a huge pool of water which formed Loch Ness.

Loch Ness has become world-famous for being the home of Nessie, The Loch Ness Monster. Underneath her murky waters, the fault zone of the Great Glen still has volcanic activity taking place. The shifting of the tectonic plates generates waves and bubbles to the surface of the water, giving the illusion of something large moving underneath supposed to be the increased activity of Nessie. But does it matter Loch Ness is full of mystery and a visit allows you to stretch your imagination back to a time when the world you see now was forming. 

Loch Oich

Loch Oich is smaller than Loch Ness. This picturesque loch is the third deepest in Scotland and abundant in wildlife. Every Autumn the Atlantic Salmon migrate through Loch Oich. The Roman word for Salmon is Salar meaning leaper and throught-out Loch Oich you can see these beautiful fish leaping as they swim towards their spawning grounds.  

On the eastern shore of Loch Oich stands a monument erected in 1812 to commemorate The Keppoch
Murders, the name associated with the murders of Alexander MacDonald, and his
brother Ranald, who was murdered by rivals who wanted to claim the Chieftainships of
the MacDonalds of Keppoch.

The seven people responsible were eventually caught two years after the murder, and their bodies were decapitated with the same weapon they had used to murder The Macdonald brothers. Their heads were then washed in Tobar nan Cean, Scottish Gaelic meaning The Well of the Seven Heads. The statue is topped with a sculpture of a hand holding a dagger with seven severed heads and serves as a reminder not to get too involved with family issues.

Laggan Swing Bridge

Between Loch Oich and Loch Lochy is the Laggan Swing Bridge which crosses part of the Caledonian Canal. The small hamlet of homes alongside is known as Lagan Achaidh Droma, “hollow at the field of the ridge. Nearby, frozen in time is the Invergarry Rail Line built-in 1903 to connect Fort Augustus and Spean Bridge. The Railway line closed in 1947and is now under the care of The Invergarry Preservation Society who are clearing the track beds to create a static museum.

Loch Lochy

Loch Lochy is a scenic loch steeped in forested hillside giving a fjord-like feel to the landscape. As you approach Loch Lochy, a sign on the left points to the Eagle Barge. The Eagle is a converted Dutch Barge and is the perfect place to stop for a snack and admire the fabulous views along Loch Lochy.

To keep up with its rival Loch Ness, Loch Lochy claims to have its mythical creature. Folklore mentions The Lord of the Loch, a supernatural being that emerges to overturn passing ships and also entices livestock grazing nearby into its watery den.  

The Battle of the Shirts was fought near Loch Lochy. In July 1544 rival clans, MacDonalds along with their allies The Clan Cameron fought against The Clan Fraser of Lovat. Written in clan records it states that the day was so hot that both sides threw off their chain mail and continued to battle in their undershirts, hence the name The Battle of the Shirts. 

Loch Lochy is captivating and provides awe-inspiring backdrops of towering mountains flanked by lush forest. Along the roadside Rhodendrums blossom adding a touch of Spring colour.  

Leaving Loch Lochy, you drive past the remains of Crofting Settlements before arriving at the Commando Memorial. 

Commando Memorial

In a magnificent setting looking towards The Grey Corries and Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the Uk) is the Commando Memorial. The memorial stands 17fr (5.2 metres) overlooking the training areas of the Commando Units. The bronze statue is dedicated to the brave men who gave their lives during WW2 and later conflicts.  

Loch Lhinnie 

Loch Lhinnie is the only sea loch in the Great Glen and has a special attraction due to its fantastic
scenery and sunsets. Located beside Fort William the Outdoor Capital of Scotland it hosts many activities such as kayaking, fishing, and sailing. Sealife around  Loch Lhinnie includes Seals, porpoises and dolphins. 

Across from Loch Lhinnie is the Ardamurchan peninsula a wild remote yet stunning place full of wonderful scenery. From the loch, you can see the red-roofed croft house of times gone by still inhabited today.     

If you are feeling peckish then a visit to the Crannog Restaurant is a must. The red-roofed restaurant site near the pier at Fort William serves the freshest Scottish seafood caught locally. Enjoy mouth-watering mussels, scallops or prawns while you sit and absorb the fantastic views along Loch Lhinnie and the Ardamurchan peninsula. 

Whether you walk, sail or drive through the Great Glen it is a place of wonder and will leave you with unforgettable memories.

If you’re looking for more information about how to buy a title with Loch Ness Titles, and help the conservation efforts of Brackla woods, read through our How to Buy a Title guide. You can also get more information from dedicated Buy a Scottish Lord Title, Buy a Scottish Lady Title, and Buy a Scottish Laird Title.