In Scotland, lakes are called lochs, and in this one the fabled monster affectionately known as Nessie is said to live. No one has ever seen it, but rumors of sightings still proliferate in the media every summer.  

Nessie is no new invention: an Irish monk, St. Columba, is said to have encountered the monster as early as 565 AD. Scientists prefer to keep to the facts: Loch Ness, at a length of 37 kilometers, is the second largest Scottish loch. It's 230 meters deep. 

The ruins of Urquhart Castle are a popular day trip destination on the lakeshore. Its old walls provide a sweeping view, and if you stare at the water long enough, you might just spot a monster.