One of Scotland's most popular attractions, Loch Ness is surrounded by stunning scenery.
However, it's the loch's most enduring mystery, the monster that is said to hide beneath its surface, that is one of its biggest draws.
What could be better then, than combining the chance to do a spot of Nessie hunting with a wonderful drive around the loch itself, exploring the area and learning all about its history.
That's what the aptly named Monster 66 road trip offers, the brainchild of the team behind the Official Loch Ness Monsters Register, the route circles the 66 miles around the loch.
The Route
Heading south to Fort Augustus from Inverness on the north side of the loch on the A82, the route swings round at Fort Augustus to head back to Inverness along the B862 on the south side of the loch.
The circular route, which is easy to follow covers the 66 miles of road around the loch.
What can you expect to see?
Other than hopefully the monster, the route offers loads of fun locations to visit such as the spectacular Urquhart Castle and the always welcoming Dores Inn.
Beginning in Inverness, where you can visit the Museum and Art gallery and see Pessie, Nessie's prehistoric cousin, the route takes in stops such as Wellington Bay, where a WWII Wellington Bomber crash landed during the war before being raised from the loch in the 80s, and the Cobb memorial - a tribute to John Cobb who died at the loch trying to beat the world water speed record in the 1950s.
Other spots of interest include Foyers village, where legendary monster hunter Frank Searle was located in the 1970s, and the ruin of the house of infamous occultist Alisteir Crowley, once also owned by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.
Refuelling
There are plenty of places to receive that famous Highland welcome on the route with some great wee spots to pull over and refuel.
The Clansman Hotel and the Cobbs shop on the A82 is one of the first on the list for a quick bite or a coffee, while Drumnadrochit has not one but two Nessie centres (great for topping up on food and souvenirs) and the Fiddler's pub which does comfort food and an amazing range of whisky.
The famous Dores Inn which you'll find near the end of the route is the best place to finish with some delightful food and last minute Nessie watching in the beer garden (if you're lucky and there is space) overlooking the loch.
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