It’s easy to spend time outside of Inverness, as you have many opportunities to do so. While public transportation can get you to many of the city’s top sights, others may require a car or a guided tour to reach.
Nessie in Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a must-see for any visitor to Scotland. The famous Loch Ness is only eight miles from the city of Inverness, which is located on the River Ness. The Loch Ness monster, also known as Nessie, is the most well-known resident of Loch Ness.
Other things make Loch Ness famous besides Nessie. Loch Ness has more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales put together, making it the largest loch in the British Isles. A boat ride on Loch Ness, the ruins of Urquhart Castle, the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, the Falls of Foyers, and the picturesque villages lining the loch shore are just a few of the highlights of a trip to Loch Ness. Drumnadrochit, with its Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, and Fort Augustus, where the impressive seven-stage locks connecting Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal can view, are two such places.
We also went on some quieter backroads with beautiful highland views, and we spent some time on the south side of the Loch, which is less crowded. We always have a great time on Rabbie’s tours; not only are the guides knowledgeable and personable, but the new Mercedes buses are extremely comfortable. However, you can also travel to Loch Ness on your own. You can spend as much time as you like at Loch Ness and its surrounding areas if you drive yourself or rent a car and make a short trip from Inverness. For more help organizing your day in Loch Ness, check out our comprehensive guide.
You can also take public transportation to get to Loch Ness
Buses leave from Inverness and make stops at most of the major sights on the way to Fort Augustus. It will take some preparation, and you should bring a bus schedule with you just in case you miss the ride back to the city after you’ve finished sightseeing.
From Inverness, you can take the Hop on Hop off the bus to the docks where the Loch Ness boat tours leave. Starting here, you can embark on a cruise of Loch Ness that includes a visit to Urquhart Castle. You can also arrange for a tour that takes you on a boat ride, lets you explore a castle, and transports you back to your starting point and back again. Pre-arranging a trip with a tour group, such as Rabbie’s, is the most convenient option. Our day trip from Inverness to Loch Ness was another enjoyable experience on one of their tours. Find out about costs and availability right here.
Cairngorms
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest in the United Kingdom and Scotland’s second national park. It is located roughly 20 miles to the south of Inverness, making it possible to visit in a day; however, due to the park’s size, you will not be able to see everything. Still, the Cairngorms are compact enough that a day trip will allow you to see a lot. Aviemore, located just to the south, is home to a plethora of restaurants and stores, as well as the Strathspey Railway, which runs steam trains between Aviemore and Broomhill.
Transportation Systems in Inverness
From Inverness, you can take the train to either Aviemore or Carrbridge. As you venture further into the park, you’ll come across several of Scotland’s ski resorts, great hiking and wildlife viewing, Balmoral Castle (the British royal family’s summer retreat), and some world-famous whisky distilleries like Glenfiddich and Dalwhinnie. We have a comprehensive guide to the Cairngorms, including information on where to stay, how to see reindeer, and how to drive on snowy roads, among many other things.
The Cairngorms are easily accessible by car from Inverness; however, park visitors should be aware that the park’s roads are winding and may lengthen the trip there. Keep in mind that snow and ice can make driving conditions hazardous, especially in the park’s more elevated regions, during the winter months.
The park is accessible by public transportation, and in particular, there are good rail connections to Carrbridge and Aviemore; however, if you only have a day to visit, you will not be able to see very much of the park using public transportation. If you’re taking the bus or train, your travel arrangements should be thought out ahead of time. From Inverness, you can also visit Aviemore, Loch Morlich, and the Tomatin Distillery, among other places.
The Field of Culloden
The last battle on British soil occurred at Culloden on April 16, 1746. The Charles Edward Stuart, or “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” Jacobites were one group. As devout Catholics, they desired to see the Stuarts reinstated to the British throne. British government forces loyal to George II of the House of Hanover, led by the Duke of Cumberland, fought against them to put down the uprising and ensure that a Protestant remained on the throne of England.
Backstory
Although casualties occurred on both sides, the British government was victorious and the Jacobites were severely outnumbered (roughly 1,500 killed to the government’s 50). After fleeing the country, Charles Stuart eventually settled in France. The Jacobite uprising came to an end after this. After such a devastating loss, strict policies were instituted in the Scottish Highlands to prevent a repeat of the uprising. The centuries-old warrior clan system in the Highlands was put to rest by the prohibition of swords and the wearing of tartan or kilts, among other cultural practices.
That, then, is the backstory. The Culloden Battlefield that exists today is both a memorial to the lives lost on both sides and an educational resource about the conflict’s origins, its significance, and its aftermath. The National Trust for Scotland maintains a first-rate visitor center at the site, and the battlefield itself is open for exploration.
Visitors who are not National Trust members will need to pay an entry fee upon arrival or in advance when booking a reservation online. Several of the featured sights also maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. An NTS membership is worth it if you plan to visit several of these locations, as it will provide you with free admission. Our membership has more than paid for itself through the many times we’ve used it in different parts of the United Kingdom. That’s the place to get one, by the way.
A Short Trip to Culloden
If you have a car, you can easily make the short trip to Culloden Battlefield from Inverness. There are some other sights to see in the area, such as the Clava Cairns, making this a great choice. From Inverness, getting to Culloden Battlefield on the bus takes about half an hour, and they run frequently throughout the day.
Lastly, you can take a tour that leaves from Inverness and stops at Culloden; however, these tours typically include a full day of sightseeing and you should only consider this option if it also includes stops at other sites that you plan to visit. For instance, we discovered this small group tour that not only visits Culloden but also the Loch Ness Monster, the Clava Cairns, and the Glen Ord Whisky Distillery, all within a day’s journey of Inverness.
This Rabbies small group tour is fantastic, and it includes visits to Culloden, the beautiful Glen Affric, and the Clava Cairns. Fans of the Outlander series and books can also visit the Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns. Check out our Outlander filming locations in Scotland guide for more info on the show.
Island of Darkness; The Black Isle
The Black Isle is a large peninsula to the north of the city of Inverness, but it is neither black nor an island. The Moray Firth and the Cromarty Firth, both large bodies of water, contribute greatly to its isolation, while the island’s dark hue is likely the result of its once-extensive forest cover.
The Black Isle is a beautiful place to visit for the day from Inverness, regardless of the name. Cromarty, located at the tip of the peninsula, is a great place to go on wildlife tours and see dolphins and other marine life. One of the best places in Britain to see dolphins from the shore is at Chanonry Point, which is located on the southeast side of the peninsula. The dolphins come here to feed on the salmon.
Hugh Miller, a famous geologist of the nineteenth century, once called his home in Cromarty his laboratory. Also on the Black Isle is the Black Isle Brewery, where you can take a tour and try some of the finest Scottish beers around. Check out our comprehensive guide to the Black Isle for more information on the many other things to see and do there, such as waterfalls, ruined cathedrals, and lessons in Pictish history.
Whisky Distilleries of the Speyside
Scotland is likely to bring to mind a few specific things. Things like bagpipes, kilts, haggis, and breathtaking scenery are likely to be on the list. To add to that, I’m willing to bet that Scotch Whisky ranks pretty high on your list of things you associate with Scotland. There are more than 120 working distilleries in Scotland. These distilleries can be found in every region of the country. Speyside is one of the five main regions in Scotland used for whisky production. There is usually a noticeable difference in flavor between regions. Speyside whiskies, for instance, can have either a light, grassy flavor or a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Speyside is a small region of the Highlands to the east of Inverness, but it contains the majority of Scotland’s distilleries. Several distilleries in the area get their water from the River Spey, hence the name. Speyside distilleries produce a wide variety of world-renowned whiskies, such as Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Benromach, and Macallan, to name just a few. In Scotland, many distilleries welcome visitors for tours and tastings, where you can learn all about the whisky-making process and, of course, try some for yourself.
In addition, most distilleries aren’t in convenient areas, so taking public transportation would be a bad idea if you plan on visiting one. Instead, we recommend departing from Inverness on a tour like this one, which not only visits some of the area’s most renowned distilleries but also shows you some of the region’s other attractions, since you probably won’t want to spend the entire day imbibing.
There’s Nairn, Elgin, and Fort George.
After the battle of Culloden, the British government decided to establish military outposts all over the highlands to maintain control. Most notably, Fort George is still in use as a military barracks despite its impressive history. Located on the Moray Firth, 11 miles east of Inverness, Fort George offers breathtaking views of the Black Isle and the surrounding countryside. It’s massive, with walls as high as 12 meters protecting the interior buildings from outsiders.
Unfortunately, Fort George was never used. Although, once you see it for yourself, you can see how the sheer size of the place might have discouraged any would-be invaders. The facility is still in use by the military, but tours are available to the public and can easily fill up to three hours.
Visiting the places in East
Visiting the Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, and the Clava Cairns in one day is possible if you have access to a car. It is also recommended that you keep going east along the coast from here, stopping in Elgin and Nairn along the way. The city of Elgin is famous for its cathedral ruins, which have been in disrepair since the lead was stripped from the roof in 1568. The cathedral’s spectacular ruins are open to the public today. The Elgin Museum is another fantastic suggestion.
If you plan on visiting Fort George, Elgin Cathedral, and other attractions in the Inverness area like Uruquart Castle, you may want to consider purchasing a Historic Scotland explorer pass. Finally, you could end your day trip by visiting Nairn. The area features two world-class golf courses, as well as a beautiful beach, scenic walkways, and a wide selection of dining options.
Your own set of wheels is probably best for this day trip. The closest town to Fort George is called Ardersier, and it is about a half-hour walk from here. Direct buses will take you to Elgin (in about an hour) or Nairn (in about 30 minutes). No tours that start in Inverness and make their way to Fort George, Elgin, or Nairn have come to our attention.
The Castle of Dunrobin & Dornoch
Dunrobin Castle, located about 50 miles north of Inverness on Scotland’s east coast, is one of the most enchanted-looking castles in the Highlands. You can make a day trip out of it and see some of the other sights along the North Coast 500 route, which includes this one of our highlights. The original structure of Dunrobin Castle was built in the 15th century, but the current structure dates back to the early 19th century and is reminiscent of French castles. You can explore many of the castle’s 189 rooms at your own pace, making it the largest castle in the northern Highlands.
There are also beautifully landscaped gardens and a museum from the Victorian era that has been left exactly as it was when it was established, with many displays crammed into a small area, most of them involving stuffed animals. It’s a fascinating look into Victorian aesthetic preferences. The falconry show at Dunrobin Castle is another major attraction. You should time your visit so that you can see these, as they are the top-rated feature of the attraction.
Recommendations for Stopping in Dornoch
We also recommend stopping in Dornoch on your way to or from Dunrobin. Golfers from all over the world travel to The Royal Dornoch, located here, to play at one of the world’s most prestigious courses. There’s also a beautiful cathedral, a town heritage museum, and a plaque marking the spot where Scotland’s last accused witch was executed in 1727.
Driving yourself between Inverness and Dunrobin Castle and Dornoch is the most convenient option, as it allows you to stop whenever you like and move at your own pace. From Inverness, you can take the train, which will take two hours, or the bus, which will take about an hour and a half. If you don’t feel like taking a tour or renting a car, you can get to the castle easily enough by walking to the nearby train station or bus stop.
A few day trips from Inverness include a stop at Dunrobin Castle. After looking into it, we found no other option. However, this three-day North Coast 500 tour offered by Rabbie’s is an option to think about if you have more time.
Island of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a popular tourist destination and one of our favorite places to take photographs in all of Scotland. Incredible natural beauty, quaint towns, fascinating past, and even dinosaur tracks on the beach are all part of this area’s many attractions. While we think it’s essential to spend more than a day on Skye (especially if you want to avoid the crowds), we realize that not everyone will have a lot of spare time during their Scotland trip, so we wanted to make it possible to visit Skye as a day trip from Inverness.
There will be a lot of driving involved, as this is a long trip. The island of Skye is located off the west coast of Scotland, while the capital city of Inverness is located in the country’s northeast. So the first step is to travel across Scotland. Skye is also sizable, and the most notable attractions can be found all over the island. That means there will be a lot of time spent in the car on a day trip.
To that end, a day trip to Skye is best undertaken from Inverness rather than any of the other Scottish cities. Getting to the island from Inverness will take about two hours. Day trips like this are perfect for guided sightseeing adventures. There will be a lot of driving involved; you might as well let someone else do it while you relax and take in the sights of Scotland. We suggest Rabbie’s Day Trip to Skye, which visits all the top attractions on the island and even includes a stop at Eilean Donan Castle (see below).
Self-driving is an option, though we recommend staying the night on the island to make the most of your time there.
The Castle of Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan, Scotland’s most photographed castle, is a popular tourist destination, and we can’t say we blame them. Although the original Eilean Donan Castle destroyed by British government forces in 1719, the version that stands today restored in the early 20th century and dates back to the 13th century. The restoration is so good that only a true castle expert would be able to tell that this structure built after the 13th century.
Taking your own time to explore the castle and, of course, taking lots of pictures, are two of the highlights of a trip there. There are several excellent lookouts, but one of our favorites is from across the water near the town hall, where one can see the castle, the loch, and the mountains. Since Eilean Donan, like Skye, is located on the west coast of Scotland, visiting there for the day requires a significant amount of travel time. Therefore, once again, we advise booking a tour if you wish to make this a day trip.
We recommend two different excursions. Our first option is the Isle of Skye trip described in the previous entry, which includes a visit to the castle and gives you ample time to explore the grounds. The second is a day trip that takes in Applecross and Torridon in addition to Eilean Donan castle.
If you don’t mind a lot of driving and a full day of adventures, we think you’ll enjoy either day trip.
The Affric Glen
Glen Affric, often called the “most beautiful Glen in Scotland,” is a pleasant day trip from Inverness and is located roughly 15 miles from Loch Ness. In addition to the chance to see stags and other wildlife, this area offers a variety of hiking opportunities among ancient Caledonian pines and breathtaking scenery.
Glen Affric is the place to go in Scotland if you want to experience a place that history seems to have forgotten. Getting to Glen Affric is easy; you can do it one of two ways. From Inverness, a self-drive trip will take about an hour; after that, you can choose from a variety of hikes, from short strolls to multi-day expeditions.
We advise you to choose between two different tours. The first is a scenic walk in the Glen itself, as well as visits to Beauly Priory, Loch Ness, and Strathpeffer Village. This tour is the second option, and it takes you to the Culloden Battlefield, the Clava Cairns, and the Beauly Priory.
Inverness Lodging Options
Inverness, the largest city in the Highlands of Scotland, offers a wide selection of hotels at a wide range of prices. We have been to Inverness on multiple occasions and have impressed by the range and quality of the hotels, B&Bs, apartment rentals, and even a castle hotel that we have stayed in. Budget-friendly to luxurious, here are some suggestions for your stay.
The Kingsmills Hotel
This was our first hotel in Inverness, and it is a beautiful four-star property with its golf course, located about a mile from the city center. You can take a cab from the downtown area, but if you have a car, the hotel’s free, large parking lot is a better option. The Palace Milton Hotel is a convenient Best Western in the heart of Inverness, making it a great home base for exploring the area. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, this is a fantastic alternative.
We pampered ourselves with a night at the beautiful Scottish mansion Bunchrew House, located a short drive west of Inverness. However, having a car is essential during your time here. In addition, they offer afternoon tea. In the heart of Inverness, and at a reasonable price, is the No. 29 Bed & Breakfast. Nice people are running the place, the rooms are clean, and the breakfast is delicious.
We recommend the Ardentorrie Guest House, which is located directly across from Inverness Castle and boasts a beautiful view. There are beautiful vistas to take in, the rooms are nice and cozy, and parking is free.