Cathie Dunn writes...

Last week, hubby and I travelled north again - to visit the outlaws living near Loch Ness and enjoy a short break. This time, we enjoyed the stunning, varied landscapes of the Highlands, Perthshire, Argyll and the Trossachs on our way back. But let's start at the beginning. Two days before we set off we had a call from the B&B we'd booked, cancelling the booking. A family emergency abroad called the owner away. So we ended up staying in two different places in  Drumnadrochit  (aka Drum, or Nessie town), managing to get a good deal. It's August, after all, prime season in Scotland's most popular destination. Loch Ness

Today, I'm taking you on a visit to a dear old friend: Nessie ! Loch Ness is the most popular loch in Scotland. Perhaps not quite with the romantic reputation of Loch Lomond, but its long-standing inhabitant, Loch Ness attracts millions of visitors. Urquhart Castle on the shore of Loch Ness We are fortunate in that my in-laws (or outlaws, as I call them) live only a mile from Nessie Town, also known as Drumnadrochit  (where you can find the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition). So we have plenty of opportunities to visit over and over again. As if we needed an excuse... I love the atmosphere around Loch Ness. Its deep, dark waters lapping against the shore, the high-rising hills either side, it's a beautiful area. The rugged ruin of Urquhart Castle peeking out over the water is a magnet for tourists and a fabulous site to visit. I've taken a boat out several times, always amazed by the calm, black waters. It's incredibly soothing, both from a boat and from ...