Loch Ness (; , ) is a large, deep, freshwater
loch in the
Scottish Highlands extending for approximately southwest of
Inverness. Its surface is above sea level. Loch Ness is best known for alleged sightings of the
cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as "Nessie". It is connected at the southern end by the River Oich and a section of the
Caledonian Canal to
Loch Oich. At the northern end there is the Bona
Narrows which opens out into Loch Dochfour, which feeds the
River Ness and a further section of canal to
Inverness. It is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in
Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high
peat content in the surrounding soil.