Today was the kind of day that feels like it belongs in a storybook, complete with towering mountains, deep mysterious waters, and even a glimpse of Nessie herself.

We set off bright and early from Edinburgh with Rabbie’s Tours for a full day adventure to Loch Ness, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Our driver and guide, Neil, was absolutely sensational. Friendly, funny, and full of knowledge, he brought Scotland’s history and landscapes to life with stories, music, and just the right amount of Highland humour. We can’t recommend him, or this trip, highly enough.

Our first stop was the charming town of Callander, where we visited a lovely little bakery. It was the perfect place to grab some fresh lunch to enjoy later during the cruise; crusty rolls and sweet treats.

As we headed deeper into the Highlands, the landscape changed dramatically. Our next major stop was Glencoe, where we visited the visitor centre in sight of the beautiful Three Sisters mountains. We picked up a few treasures there, some lovely jewellery, a small bottle of local whisky, and souvenirs to remember the day. Along the way, we also caught a glimpse of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain, rising quietly in the distance and adding to the stunning Highland backdrop.

The scenery all day was utterly captivating. The lochs were dark and still, creating perfect reflections of the surrounding hills, and the countryside was blanketed in every imaginable shade of green. We kept remarking how incredibly lush everything looked, so very different from home. The photos do not do them justice.

Our cruise on Loch Ness st off from Port Augusta. We braved the breezy top deck for the best views and were rewarded with the sight of mountain goats perched on the craggy slopes of the loch. And, believe it or not, a quick snap of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Okay, maybe it was a clever photo op, but we’re claiming it!

The guide on board the boat was great, sharing fascinating facts about the loch. We learned it’s a staggering 239 metres deep. That's deep enough to swallow the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty whole. The water is dark due to tannins from surrounding vegetation, which limits visibility to just 2 metres. Even more intriguing, scientists have discovered over 100 samples of unknown DNA in the loch. Spooky or exciting? Maybe both.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, on the way back, we stopped off for a chance to hand feed some Highland cows! Their shaggy coats and gentle eyes are so soulful. It's good that most are kept as pets for the tourists.

If you’re considering a Highland adventure, this tour is a must and if you’re lucky enough to get Neil as your guide, you’re in for something special.

Couldn't help myself!