The ride itself starts off pretty well, and though it shows its age, I appreciate the simplicity of it. You slowly move up a ramp shakily, but as you reach the peak you get a gorgeous view of the park, standing pretty high above the trees your able to see the other coasters as they tower around you. The first drop goes directly down towards the water, passing by the walkway which leaves room to wave at family and friends as you pass. You then go up the hill on the other side, careening around a soft turn while keeping up enough speed to stay interested, until the second hill which leads you to a beautiful loop, accented by a second loop that entangle themselves together masterfully; however, what comes next haunts my nightmares. After the loop you go up a creaky rail that leads you to the top of a mountain that appears constructed out of paper mache laid on a metal frame. The ride then sends you down a drop, reaching an unimaginable speed before sending you twirling for what seems like an eternity in an unrelenting darkness. The speed combined with how tight the area is forms a vacuum that sucks the air directly from your lungs. Prior to entering the tunnel, I firmly had my hands up, enjoying the ride for all it was worth, but as I entered the tunnel, I felt myself unable to keep my hands up, the strength fading from me. You exit the tunnel, dazed and confused, and get some respite in a pleasant, if not slightly shaky, climb before being sent through the second loop, which at this point seems like a cruel joke.I wake up in a cold sweat some nights, unable to breathe, dreaming of this ride.

Awesome classic Arrow coaster, althlugh a bit rough through the loops. Definitely worth riding, and it’s funny to think it was once the world’s tallest roller coaster. Don’t ride in the back if you want to avoid being jostled around a bit. The middle or toward the front is the best way to go.

Its time for me to go to Loch Ness Monster so I can really have some fun.

Easiest roller coaster to get to front the park entrance. Line is never too bad and it is a smooth, fun ride. Great intro roller coaster for new riders because the first drop is not that big compared to some of the other coasters at Busch Gardens.

An absolute classic. Recently turned 40 years old and still great. I get nostalgic for the Loch Ness as this was one the 2nd rollercoaster I rode. The Big Bad Wolf being the 1st. Loops are the best part. Ride isnt as smooth as modern coasters but give it a chance, its forty! I consider Loch Ness one of the main attractions at Busch Gardens.

The most classic ride there. Fast and the wait is usually never long at this ride.

42 years old, still one if the best

My first every looping coaster, over 30 years earlier my dad road on this coaster, it was his first ever time on a coaster

Its an overall fun ride, the first drops and loops, but its very shaky and rough. After the ride Ill get a headache from it and the seats on the ride are not very comfortable. You should try to ride it at least once during your visit for it being so iconic to the park and the drop and loops.

Plenty of room to scroll around...not over crowded. Lots of rides, entertainment and shops to visit. I do miss when the staff use to where period costumes through out the park. Some of the small food vendors were lacking in style/taste but the larger sit-down ones (Octoberfest) always are above expectations. Overall, this place is great for all ages.

The cleanest and friendliest parks Ive ever been to,,by far!

Still a great ride after 40+ years! It doesnt have the smoothness of the new steel coasters but it doesnt beat you up either. A must-ride for any Busch gardens trip.

One of the most iconic coasters in America, if not the world. An absolute must ride for coaster enthusiasts as this one is a classic, not to mention it is a very enjoyable ride. The first drop is amazing, the tunnel is fun, and the interlocking loops are one of the coolest photo ops in any theme park. This was my first big coaster when I was 8 and is certainly still one of my favorites of all time. I may be biased from nostalgia, but Nessie is one of the best!

One of the classics! No where near as rough as it once was, we rode again and again, as the lines were short that day. Has been 15 years since I last rode it, I WILL be coming back to use my summer pass before it expires!

My first looping coaster. Awesome coaster, love the loops, but it bangs your head a little.

A classic for sure, quite a bit more bumpier than the other rides. The Monster will definitely beat you up! This is a testament to design before the days of computers and perfectly angled rides for maximum comfort.

Perfect ride for anyone whos still alive. I remember seeing Thomas jefferson build this with his own hands. But i kinda killed him sorry

My very first roller coaster, thank you Nessie for awakening my coaster madness in the summer of 91. The LNM will always be my #1 coaster, all the others I ridden since, never duplicated the feeling I experienced with my first roller coaster.

Its fun

What a quick drop, I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t ridden a ride in a while but wow what fun.

Absolutely my favorite ride at Busch Gardens. Maybe its because I remember stories from my childhood of my dad telling me how much this ride scared him as a little kid. I always start and end my day at BG with this ride.

Iconic roller coaster. Still smooth as glass after forty years.

Its the oldest coaster in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, possibly original to the 70s park. There are a lot it seems who are sentimental about the ride, Im not one of them. The coaster is unrelenting to your body, especially back. I refuse to go on it, but my kids still enjoy.

Nice ride!! Kept my eyes closed entire time

Absolutely love this ride! The line is always short and is such a fun ride experience. The only downside to this coaster is that sometimes I bang my head on the harness. It is a pretty old ride though, so this is normal. The Lochness Monster never leaves me feeling nauseous and I could ride it over and over again!

A classic coaster that still packs plenty of thrills for families and thrill seekers alike. A must-ride every time!

Loch Ness is really fun and all but I dont like the drop. The drop still lifts me up.

One of the most iconic coasters in North America. A long ride and a bit rough in spots now but a true classic. The back is a rougher ride and should be avoided if your prone to headaches. I try to ride atleast once everytime just because it is a nice ride and fun. Twice if my body cooperates. Someday this ride will have to be retired and I dread being management and trying to figure out how to replace it as its a really big coaster and a staple. Kind of like going to the big Apple and not seeing the state of liberty.

Oh boy, what a disaster. I had so many issues with this ride, so let me list them all.1. The restraints - On the first drop, my restraint got about 6 inches away from my body, and I held it tight, which was the only way I could hold it down.2. The track - VERY rough and jagged turns, super uncomfortable, unless you’re in a helix or one of the two vertical loops.3. The train - Very uncomfortable and slid around in there a bit.4. Aftermath - Had a HUGE headache and backache after the ride, which I shouldn’t expect from a coaster.Verdict - 1/5 - I’d advise staying away from this ride.

Was about a quarter of an inch too small the first time I went when I was 5 in 1990. Went again when I was 14 and absolutely loved it. My 9 year old had a blast on it and we cant wait until my 5 year old is big enough...she should be next year if we go!

My family really enjoyed it. I watched from the bridge and peed a little on their behalf as they flew past me. 5 thumbs up!!!!

Good rideOne big drop. Lots of fast turn. Some upside downs

May have been better in its heyday, but this coaster is seriously outdated and uncomfortable. My neck was stiff and hurt for hours after the violent jarring it endured on this ride.

Classic roller coasters in the most beautiful theme park! FYI for those with sore spots: back of ride smoother than front.

Loch Ness monster is one of the most iconic roller coasters. The double loop is rediculus. However the ride beats you to death (its old) and it sucks that years ago they got rid of the smoke and strobe lights in the monsters cave

I have ridden this since it opened and have been on many others at various locations and still rate this one as the best all around !

A decent coaster. Alternates slow, then fast throughout the ride. Would love to see what it feel like with new cars, these ones are small and awkward.

The Best Roller coaster in Virginia.

Its super fun. Did it 5 times in a row

Excellent, just like it was the first time I rode it 30 years ago.

The kids loved this ride!

Closed until spring. This is the favorite of the grandbabies.

The ride is the best 2 minutes ever.

I love ride loch ness monster super fun ride

This is a fun entry-level ride. Great for my timid 10 year old. It encouraged her to ride the bigger rides, which is awesome!

Oh my goodness what a ride

It was a great ride but once you enter the tunnel its very very shaky

Could have been faster, but liked the loop at the end, and the tunnel.

When working its a great coaster. Broke down twice while on the line. Second time a train with riders got stuck on the course.

Do people really read reviews of roller coasters? Ok...This is an oldie, but a goodie. At 40 years young, this coaster is still one of my favorites. It has a few very thrilling drops, and the novelty of interlocking loops. 4 stars instead of 5 because it is starting to show age - it can really shake you around, and I miss the lit-up Nessie in the cave portion.My seven year old son adores this ride with the passion only small boys can express. Highly recommended, but do NOT rest your head on the head rest unless you dislike your neck vertebra.

Great rollercoaster even for 8 year olds!

My best ride.

At the top I liked the view and when you went on the drop close to the water that was fun.

This my second favorite Loch Ness Monster.

Great experience! Was a little bit disappointed that it wasnt a water ride, which makes the name a little confusing. Would have been great for the 170-degree day.

Its old yeah but if you want a great experience try this coaster!

Classic 1970s Arrow Development looper, by some reckonings the best one they ever made. Its smoother than most, probably since it sticks to vertical loops: its only inversions are the iconic interlocking loops, the first and, at this point, only such element in the world.Those are wonderfully photogenic, but the rest of the layout is really what makes this ride special: the first drop into the river valley, the looong dark helix tunnel (which used to have strobe lights, dont think it does now), and the way it generally uses the beautiful surrounding terrain to great effect.Im amused by all the reviews calling this a fun entry-level coaster and such, because I remember when this was the tallest complete-circuit roller coaster *in the world*.

Its a great coaster by Arrow Dynamics-- the best Arrow Ive been on! It is a bit jerky, but not rough or headbanging. It has a long ride duration, so thats good. The interlocking loops are pretty cool, as well.

Great great great coaster. Only with interlocking loops and its really smooth for its age. The history behind this fun and exciting coaster makes it so legendary. Arrow did good with this one. One of my favorite coasters.

I LOVE this ride! It is a great thriller to kick-off your day at Bush Gardens! My only complaint is that riding in the back is a bit jerky and it is not as thrilling as riding towards the front, but other than that it is a great ride!

Great piece of roller coaster history

Easier coaster with two loops. Lost one star because the seat depth is pretty small, and my knees hit the back of the seat in front of me.

This ride is more a showpiece you can sit on. The interlocking loops over the Rhine are an image that needs seeing to believe. The loops however are more fun to look at than ride. What you dont see in the photos are the wonderful drop straight into the river and this massive left turning helix in a tunnel. Ride it for those and the historical significance, not those wonky loops.

This ride is aging, though it can still be fun. I once got stuck on the first hill up and they left us sitting there for 45 minutes with very little communication before having us walk down the stairs to the ground. Certainly an item I now never need to include on my bucket list, because Ive already done it: Walked Down 100 Feet Of Roller Coaster Stairs. Ive ridden the ride subsequently a few times, and its just starting to feel rough. I dont know if its because newer rides are so much smoother or if the ride is just aging, but its not my go-to in the park, and Ill skip it if the lines are longer than 10 minutes.

Fun ride, but a little boneshaking.

Classic roller coaster, still enjoying it after 25 years!

I was scared to ride it dont be though its really fun

Good old standard. Never get tired of two loops.

Have been riding this ride for 40 years. Its one of my favorites and stands the test of time.

It may have some age on it, but its a landmark for any thrill seekers.

For a legend this coster is still one of the greatest, a must ride at the park and a great introductory ride for anyone!

Nostalgia galore this ride is an old but a goodie!

40 years of Loch Ness! This was my first inverted roller coaster, and now its my sons I still love riding it, and make sure to whenever we go to the park.

Long wait but worth it.

Not too rough for a ride of its age. Has character! Great, original layout. A coaster that is worth riding.

Great old coaster you have to ride this one before it retires

A wonderful, classic, fun rollercoaster.

Great beginner roller coaster if your not accustomed to them, one of my favorites too.

This was my first big roller coaster and what an experience to have ridden it with my son as his first big one, too! I love that we have the photo, also. Talk about traditions. Although I didnt feel much from the drop (Ive been riding these things for decades now), it was fun remembering the days when the drop knocked my breath away. My kid loved it, too. Great times ahead. So glad this classic is still going strong ... although its age does add to my scare level!

My daughter loves at age 8 but its a little rough to ride

Fun for kids, but this ride its getting old, it hurts!

I have rode this ride for years my 1st ride when i get into the park!+

Ride was really bumpy, not smooth

I didnt like it. My head and neck always get slammed on the head rest.

Love this coaster. 2 loops. Plenty of drops to create butterflies in the belly plus a fast pitch black tunnel portion in the middle.

It is an A.C.E. landmark for a reason. Great ride every time. Line usually long in the morning and not so much in the late afternoon.

It was a good ride but just rough.

A classic we never miss

This roller coaster has met its time limit. Im all for classic rides, but this one is just ridiculous. It was fun 30 years ago, but its just rough and bumpy now and can barely make it up the lift hill. Time to make a change...

Classic thrill!

We rode it multiple times

Awesome ride! My favorite in the park! A bit rough in a few areas, but still a great experience!

It had a lot of twists and turns and Loops

Awsome Sauce

Not too scary even the kids enjoyed it

This classic roller coaster still offers substantial thrills, and offers great views of the surrounding topography during the ride.

This is a fun classic. One of the better Arrow Dynamics roller coasters.

Very cool ride, only coaster with interlocking loops. If u sit in the back, i actually got some air time coming up and down those drops.

One scary monster! Fun ride, great time @ Busch gardens

Definetly a 5 star review.