2 Incredible Highland and Steam Train Travel Tours
Recommended | Highland and Steam Train Tour
Update: June 21, 2022
When you visit the Scottish Highland, there are some activities which you simply must experience! One of the best experiences awaits those who go on the Highland and Steam Train travel tours.
This article and related articles are sprinkled with affiliate links.This means thatwe may earn a commission from qualified purchases and bookings at no additional cost to you. These links have no influence on the editorial content we produce.
Visiting Scotland?
Best Tips: Book tours and tickets beforehand so not to miss:
Our Best Selling Day Trips and Multi Day Trips to undertake when visiting Scotland:
The Highland and Steam Train travel tours depart from Inverness and Edinburgh. You could select your departure point to suit your itinerary.
Which ever departure point you select, your tour encompasses picturesque views of the Highland with several stops for photo opportunities. The magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct awaits where you could see the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by the wizardry world of Harry Potter chugging away on the Viaduct. Itinerary for each tour differs as the route dictates what highlights are covered.
The West Highland and the Jacobite Steam Train is undoubtedly one ofBritain’s most scenic train journeys. The train ride take travellers on a nostalgic journey through misty lochs and sweeping glens with mountains in the backdrop. The route passes Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain and Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The trip between Fort William in the West Highland and Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast is 135 km (84-mile) round-trip. However, on this tour, it is a one-way journey, from Mallaig to Fort William.
if you are a Harry Potter fan or if your kids are, then this is a train ride that must be experienced. As for steam train enthusiasts, you know you want to be on this Highland and Steam Train tour as soon as you possibly can!
Ensure that you…
Read each itinerary before selecting what suits you best.
PLAN AHEAD: Train rides/tours available between May and October.
Depart Inverness early and begin your journey along the world-famous Loch Ness, stopping for photo opportunities. Your journey continues West, and visit the Commando Memorial which overlooks the Nevis Range; home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Next, set your sights upon the Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the iconic arches on the Glenfinnan Viaduct, before taking the stunning “Road to the Isles.”
Take the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood in the fishing town of Mallaig, at your own expense. After lunch, board the Jacobite Steam Train and enjoy a scenic journey to Fort William.
The beautiful scenery continues into the evening with a stop in Fort Augustus to see the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness up close.
You arrive back into Inverness around 8:00 pm.
Includes:
Steam Train ride
Local Scottish guide
Roundtrip transportation to and from central Inverness
Escape the city for a day and be whisked away to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highland. During the journey, learn about Scotland’s connections to Harry Potter.
Journey north, passing the magnificent Forth Bridge. Admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct on a stunning drive up the West Coast.
Travel across its iconic arches from Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express.
After experiencing one of the world’s most beautiful scenic journeys, you shall head to Glencoe. Continue through the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, listening to tales from Scotland’s past.
Jump back on the coach to return to Edinburgh, arriving back at the city in the late evening.
Includes:
Steam Train ride
Expert local guide
Roundtrip transportation to and from meeting point in Edinburgh.
*Always check what is provided by each tour operator. Information is correct at time of writing but may be subject to change/modifications by the respective tour operators which TTS has no control over.
“Just as I board the West Highland and Jacobite Steam Train”
Travelling by train is one of the best ways to travel around Britain and UK. The UK has one of the best rail networks in the world. It is well connected from city to city and a swift journey along beautiful countryside is quite an experience to be had.
However, the train network is a little complex with 28 national train companies operating throughout the UK. To avoid confusion as to which train companies to select, it is best to focus on the route you want to travel on rather than the train company to travel with. For this reason I use Trainline in Britain and UK for all of my travels within the country. From local trips to cross-country adventures, I Trainline it! I use Trainline to book for Europe travels as well when not using an Interrail Pass.
Visiting north-east Scotland and wondering where to stay? You are in the right place. In this guide, I share the reasons why Inverness should be your base to explore the northeast of Scotland along with my carefully selected top 5 hotels in Inverness city centre that will make an ideal base for you.
This article and related articles are sprinkled with affiliate links.This means thatwe may earn a commission from qualified purchases and bookings at no additional cost to you. These links have no influence on the editorial content we produce.
Visiting Scotland?
Best Tips: Book tours and tickets beforehand so not to miss:
Our Best Selling Day Trips and Multi Day Trips to undertake when visiting Scotland:
Why Select a Hotel in the Heart of Inverness City Centre
Where to stay in Inverness
hotels in Inverness
The small city of Inverness in the northeast coast of Scotland, is a perfect base for exploring Loch Ness and the unspoilt Scottish wilderness. Loch Ness is the most famous loch in the world for the legendary resident, the Loch Ness monster, Nessie. In addition, Inverness is at a central point and a gateway to the northeast coast offering opportunities to explore the breathtaking landscapes, the ancient sites, the multitude of castle ruins, the wider region of the Highlands and the Scottish wilderness. Moreover, the location of Inverness itself makes it a special place to be. As such, the city offers a number of accommodations to suit all budgets and lifestyle.
Here are some reasons to select the city centre as your point of stay when exploring the Scottish Highlands.
1 | A compact city
Inverness is compact and is easy to walk around the city. The main attractions in the city are all within easy reach and public transportation is not really needed.
2 | Choices in Entertainment and Eateries
Traditional Scottish pub along River Ness| Where to stay in Inverness
The city is lively and offer great choices in entertainment in the evenings. As well, there are a good selection of restaurants and eateries for you to try classic Scottish recipes. Visit one or more of the many Scottish pubs dotted around the city for the hospitality, ambience and a classic Scotch on the rocks, for a memorable experience.
As for places to eat, try the Castle Tavern which is popular amongst visitors to Inverness. Known for good service, it is said to serve the best haggis in town!
Address: 1 View Place, Inverness IV2 4SA Scotland
3 | Myriad of Things to do during the Day
There are so many things to do in and around Inverness during the day that you will not be bored!
Inverness Castle, Inverness, Scotland | Hotels in Inverness
Forplaces to visit in Inverness city centre, I would highly recommend a visit to Inverness Castle. The red sandstone fortification sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. Although the Castle is used as a Court house and there is no public access into the castle, visitors can purchase a ticket to access the viewpoint at the Castle Tower. The Castle Tower offer 360° degree views over the city of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
For more recommended activities to do on your visit to Inverness City, the Complete Guide to the Capital of the Highlands offers 11 suggestions for you to experience in the city itself and further activities that you could do around Inverness. Day trips and multi-day trips options included also.
Attractions conveniently located within the Top 5 hotels in Inverness City Centre
Just so you know, all of the hotels listed below, Top 5 hotels in Inverness City are conveniently located to the following popular attractions:
Furthermore, accessibility to public transportation such as Inverness train station and the bus/coach station is convenient and located only within minutes of any the following centrally located hotels.
With so many choices, finding the most suitable place to stay can be time consuming. Therefore, in this article, you shall find carefully selected top 5 hotels in Inverness city centre for you to peruse, select and book your stay.
Top 5 Hotels in Inverness City Centre
As you may know, my go-to place for booking accommodations is Booking dot com. Booking offers vast choices in accommodation style such as hotels, hostels and aparthotels to suit varying budgets. In addition Booking offers a choice of cancellation policies and depending on the properties you select, you could either pay in full upfront or pay later.
Here are the selected top 5 hotels in Inverness which I know is a great place to stay.
1 | Ness Walk
Hotels to stay in Inverness City Centre
Ness Walk, Inverness| Hotels in Inverness
Ness Walk is located in a beautiful setting along River Ness and is rated as superb with friendly staff and world-class service by customers. Within steps, you would be walking along River Ness and enjoy a stroll to Ness Island, watch the sunset over the city of Inverness or the adventure in you may lead you along the Caledonian Canal which is a stone’s throw away. Whatever you choose to do during your stay at Ness Walk, you are assured of a celebrity treatment.
The accommodation comes with free WiFi, continental breakfast daily and attractions within minutes of the property.
Located along the banks of River Ness, Inverness Palace Hotel offer direct views of Inverness Castle which looks glorious at sundown. The hotel offers swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi. Riverside restaurants and bars are within steps of the hotel. Train and coach stations are about 10 minutes walk – you need to take the bridge across River Ness.
Literally just about 10 steps from the entrance/exit of Inverness train station is the The Royal Highland. One of the oldest in Scotland, The Royal Highland has been around for 160 years.
Grand staircase at The Royal Highland Inverness | hotels in Inverness
Boasting a grand staircase that was an inspiration for the very same in the movie “Titanic”, the decor is traditional, rich and warm. Dining here is an experience in itself —Ash is contemporarily styled and serves an à la carte menu. Food is sourced locally — fish comes from nearby lochs and rivers. Ash Restaurant is one of the best drinking and dining venues in Inverness.
Located at just 200 metres from Inverness train station, Mercure Inverness Hotel is best if you have to join guided tours or if you wish to explore surrounding areas by train. Guided tours usually drop you off at about 8 p.m. by which time you may just want to head straight to your hotel.
Mercure Inverness offers breakfast daily and free WiFi.
Inverness is well-served by both train and air along with good ground transportation such as bus/coaches. Roads around Inverness are good, and it was nice to drive around. Just remember that in Scotland as is in the rest of United Kingdom, we have a right-hand drive but drive on the left side of the road.
1 | Train travel to Inverness City
where to stay in Inverness
Train services to Inverness is mainly served by ScotRail trains. There are frequent services from Aberdeen to Inverness (2 hours 12 minutes), Glasgow to Inverness (3 hours 13 minutes), and from Edinburgh to Inverness (3 hours 33 minutes).
If you are travelling from London to Inverness, the journey with no changes of trains takes about 8 hours.
Georgina:I travelled to Inverness recently from London aboard the Azuma – it was a comfortable train ride. Long 8 hours but the comfort of the First Class carriages and the scenic route made the journey pleasant. If you are not driving to Inverness, Scotland, I would recommend a train journey.
2 | Travel by Air to Inverness
Inverness Airport is located in Dalcross, about 13 kilometres (8.1 miles) northeast of Inverness city. It is an international airport offering a range of flights daily to and from key destinations such as London, Amsterdam and Dublin. The Airport Terminal provides customers with a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops.
For great money savers to Inverness, look-up budget flights as part of a package offered by Easy Jet, Jet2 and On the Beach . There are great protection to be had from booking flight and accommodation together. For a greater selection on air travel, Opodo is pretty good – link below.
3 | By Car
Exploring Inverness and the Scottish Highlands by car is one of the best ways to see and experience the many dramatic vistas of this region. Car tours are specially useful if you have only a few days where you would like to maximise your time and cover lots of areas.
Pro tips to Consider
If you are considering travelling by train or by air to Inverness city and would like to explore more of the Scottish Highlands, then you may find the following suggestions helpful:
1 | Hire a car when you arrive in Inverness if you wish to explore at your leisure;
2 | Book day or multi-day guided tours with reputable sight-seeing providers so your booking is secure, refund is possible if you change your mind and tour guides are local as well as knowledgeable to maximise your experience.
Pro tip 1 | Combine a stay in Inverness and Explore the Scottish Highlands by Car
As a gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Inverness allows you to explore more than just the city and its immediate surrounds. It would of course depend very much on your time and what you plan to achieve when visiting Inverness. Taking a road trip to the Scottish Highlands allows you to explore at your leisure. You will experience more of the beautiful scenery and many Scottish heritage, castle ruins and dramatic coastlines. You will navigate through mountainous peaks, shimmering lochs and single track roads with friendly hairy Highland cows beckoning a stop for a photo-shoot. The unbelievable natural beauty will have you planning your next trip in no time.
The Isle of Skye is one of the most visited destinations in the Highlands. Skye can be visited from Inverness in one day and the journey is about 3 hours each way. Whilst this is possible, it is a lot of driving. To make the best of your visit to the Isle of Skye, I recommend either one or two overnight stays in Portree, a charming harbour town or any other place you would prefer.
The highlights on this road trip may include Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, Skye Bridge, Quiraing, Fairy Pools, Bridal Falls, Kilt Rock The Old Man of Storr, Lochalsh, Portree and so many more depending on how many stops you make.
Suppliers of good value for money combination of an All-in-One
For great value for money holidays to the Scottish Highlands travelling by air or by train, take a look at EasyJetfor cheap flights and Travel Supermarket for unbiased information. Select what suits your itinerary and book in advance to avoid disappointment. Always check cancellation policies and fine prints before finalising your booking.
Combine cheap flights with handpicked 3, 4, or 5 star accommodations from self-catering, to boutique with EasyJet Holidays. Add any extras you may need such us car rental, airport transfers.
To save time and money, Travel Supermarket offers unbiased information on all travel products. You can compare prices and book a package holiday by selecting flights, hotels and car hire.
Where to stay in Inverness
Pro tip 2 | Book day or multi-day guided tours
To make the most of your stay in Inverness, and if you do not wish to drive, join a guided tour with a reputable tour provider and let someone else drive you around. You could easily do a day trip from Inverness or a multi-day trip to explore the Highlands. Here are a few carefully selected day and multi-day guided trips with reputable tour providers.
A final note on the Top 5 Hotels in Inverness City Centre
Whether you spend the day hiking, and exploring the wonders of Loch Ness, driving far and discovering the joys of single track roads or guided by knowledgeable locals, you are going to need a good night’s rest! I hope my selection of the top 5 hotels in Inverness will give the comfort and relaxation needed whilst away from home.
Finally, don’t forget Travel Insurance! Never leave home without it even if you are a domestic traveller. I use World Nomads so I get the best value to suit my travels.
Sincerely hope that this post is valuable to you in planning your visits to Inverness. If so, use the links embedded in this post and all related posts to book your stay in Inverness. Timeless Travel Steps earns a commission from qualifying purchases at zero cost to you. As always, your support is greatly appreciated.
Have a splendid time exploring Inverness and the Highlands.
Common Language: English. Gaelic is spoken by 1.3% of the population mostly in the west and in the Highlands.
Currency: £ – Pound (GBP)
Capital City: Edinburgh. Home to the first fire brigade in the world, and is the second largest city in Scotland. The largest metropolis in Scotland is Glasgow.
High season: Summer (July – August)
Religion: Christianity – 40% Church of Scotland. 15% Roman Catholic and 6% other Christian denominations. Minorities include Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh with a quarter of the population has been recorded as having no religion.
Social courtesies: Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. When visiting someone’s home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appreciated.
Top Things to do in Inverness | A Complete Guide to the Capital of the Highland
When I visited Inverness, autumn was beginning to dress herself for the season. Though the first leaves tumbled to the soil, most remain green, glowing with new hues. The subtle golden and earthy hues took a sweet turn all along the River Ness. The fresh calm air, soothing sounds of the waters and the sight of a salmon fisherman in the River were moments of serenity – moments that awaits every visitor.
Though a small city in Scotland‘s northeast coast. Inverness offers a wealth of discovery, so much more than a base to visit the infamous Loch Ness, or the surrounding attractions. From fine food, historic architecture, green spaces and Highland tales, Inverness is perfect for short getaways. Plan your itinerary to Inverness with this Complete Guide to the Capital of the Highland so that you do not miss the highlights of the city and things to do around the cultural city of the Highlands.
This article and related articles are sprinkled with affiliate links.This means thatwe may earn a commission from qualified purchases and bookings at no additional cost to you. These links have no influence on the editorial content we produce.
Visiting Scotland?
Best Tips: Book tours and tickets beforehand so not to miss:
Our Best Selling Day Trips and Multi Day Trips to undertake when visiting Scotland:
Inverness, means the mouth of River Ness as it is located at the best crossing place of the River Ness where it meets Moray Firth. It flows from River Ness at the east end of Glen Mor, commanding the route system of northern Scotland.
This small city is also known as the Capital of the Highland. Once an ancient settlement, Inverness had played key roles in Scottish history. One of the historic events was the visit of St Columbo in 565 AD when he converted the King of the Picts to Christianity. Then, in 843, the Kingdom of the Scots and the Picts were united to create the Kingdom of Alba which has developed into Scotland as we know today. In 1040, Macbeth is said to have murdered King Duncan at his castle in Inverness.
The real story though, Macbeth killed King Duncan I in August 1040 in a battle near Elgin, Morayshire.
Learn more about “Macbeth” – one of Shakespeare’s most important works that also reflects the tensions, battles and destruction that took place during this era.
The early Modern Ages sees tension escalating between the Highlands and the Scottish Crown, heightened when Mary Queen of Scots was refused entry to the castle in 1562 by the Highlands governor, who was later executed.
The city of Inverness covers a small surface area totaling 21 square kilometers (8 square miles) and is home to a population of over 46,000 residents.
2 | Climate
Inverness lies 7 metres above sea level and the climate is warm and temperate. Rainfall is significant with precipitation even during the driest months.
The average temperature is 8.0 °C | 46.4 °F. Precipitation here is about 740 mm | 29.1 inch per year.
3 | Culture
Inverness is the cultural centre for a number of events in the Scottish Highlands. Every September the city of Inverness hosts the Northern Meeting, for bagpipe players and lovers. Another major event is the annual City of Inverness Highland Games that can be traced back to 1822. Two summer music festivals are held each year, the Rockness and the Tartan Heart Festival, that bring a variety of music to the city.
Inverness is connected to three long-distance walking paths:
i | The Great Glen Way – Connects to Fort William along the Great Glen | 127 km (79 miles) | 5-6 days;
ii| The John O’Groat’s Trail – connects to John O’Groats along the coast;
iii| The South Loch Ness Trail – Connects to Fort Augustus along the southeast side of Loch Ness.
6 | Geographical location
Inverness is located in the northeast coast of Scotland, at the mouth of River Ness. It lies on the Great Glen Fault. There are minor earthquakes and the last one to affect Inverness was in 1934.
The City of Inverness is located at:
Latitude: 57° 28′ 44.69″ N | Longitude: -4° 13′ 26.33″ W.
Click on the image to view a larger scale | Google data
Things to do around the Capital of the Highland
Here is an outline of the things to do in and around Inverness to be included in your itinerary.
A great way to explore the cultural city of the Highlands is to stroll along River Ness. The beauty of this walk along the banks of the River is that one minute you are in the busy streets of the city, and the very next you are in the “countryside”. If you are lucky, you may spot some seals bobbing up and down between the two road bridges in the centre of Inverness.
The Ness Walk route starts from the castle and follow the riverside path along the Great Glen Way. There are a number of footbridges along the length of River Ness allowing you to cross from one side of the river to the other.
Along the route, look out for some iconic landmarks such as the Inverness Cathedral and the Inverness War Memorial. You might also see a salmon fisherman standing in the river – apparently, and the story goes that around here years ago, a fisherman caught a massive salmon weighing 29kg (64lbs) but returned it to the waters after having it photographed.
Georgina suggests: Walk upstream alongside one side of the River Ness to Ness Island and returning down the other bank. This allows you to have two different experiences of some magnificent views.
Inverness Cathedral is a cathedral dedicated to St Andrews. The Cathedral is not a large one but the serenity is one to be experienced. It is built of pink freestone from Conon Quarry near Dingwall. Dressed in warm cream coloured stone from Covesea Quarry near Lossiemouth, in Moray. It’s roof is green Westmorland slates and has a pine ceiling. Spend a moment or two here while on your walk along River Ness.
Address: Ardross St, Inverness IV3 5NN | Opening hours: Generally from 10 am.
3 | Ness Island
Walking upstream, you will reach Ness Island. Ness Islands is a collection of small islands in the middle of the River Ness. These small islands are connected to one another by a series of suspension foot bridges that gives a Victorian feel, sturdy and well built.
4 | Inverness War Memorial
A walk along River Ness on the east bank as it heads towards the southern outskirts of Inverness is the Inverness War Memorial. The memorial is dedicated to the men who fought in the Burma Campaign during World War II.
5 | Inverness Botanic Gardens and Nursery
flower – Inverness Botanic Gardens
A little beyond Ness Islands, is an oasis of calm and beauty. The Inverness Botanic Gardensand Nursery was formerly known as the Floral Hall is an explosion of colour, texture, impressive glass houses and subtropical horticultural gem.
Tea & cakes in the Cafe is highly recommended.
Entry: FREE | Hours: 7 days a week – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Address: Bught Lane, Inverness, IV3 5SS | Inverness Botanic Gardens
Georgina suggests: With the Ness Walk, allow yourself up to 2-3 hours for a complete circular walk. You can make this walk as long or as short as you like as there are a number of bridges that allows you to shorten your walk if necessary, so you could return to your starting point. Alternatively, you could extend your walk along the Great Glen Way.
An impressive statue and monument dedicated to the Cameron Highlanders who lost their lives during the war. Erected in 1893, the monument stands testament to the 142 soldiers from Inverness who lost their lives in the Egypt and the Sudan conflict (1882-1889). Names of the soldiers and references to the many campaigns are also engraved thereon. This memorial is situated immediately outside of the Inverness Railway station. The Station Square was purposefully chosen as the statue’s location to ensure maximum exposure and reverence from visitors to the Capital of the Highlands.
The beautiful Inverness Castle is made of red sandstone building and sits on a hill overlooking the River Ness. A castle had been on this site since 1057 but it had been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The present castle dates back to 1836, designed by architect William Burn.
Today, most of the Inverness Castle is closed to the public except for the Castle Viewpoint in the north tower. The Castle is home to the Inverness Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court. However, the Court is due to move to another location soon. There are plans to open up more of the castle for public viewing.
The Inverness Castle Viewpoint gives 360° view of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
Costs: Adults – £6.00 | Children – £4.00 for 25 minutes timeslot. Visits must be pre-booked.
Spend a few minutes at the Victorian Market, Inverness.
The original market was built in 1870 but was destroyed by fire in 1889. The only life lost was a faithful dog which refused to leave a shop it guarded. The market was rebuilt in 1890-1891. This picturesque market is home to a fish market (accessed from Church Street) as well as a wide selection of cool craft shops and independent boutiques which are great for unique souvenirs. There are a number of eateries as well for some freshly baked pies and cream cakes.
When in Inverness, the one place not to be missed and even more so if you are a literary lover is Leakey’s Bookstore on Church Street. Leakey’s is the largest secondhand bookstore in Scotland and is independently owned. Sprawling with 100,000 books or so from ceiling to floor, organised into sections albeit not in any great order. Leakey’s Bookstore is a paradise for both young and old alike. As it covers all genres, as well as antique prints and maps, any one of the books can easily leap off the shelves and find it’s way into your purchase basket.
Located in a former 17th century Gaelic church, the bookstore retains most of the Church’s features. The only exception being an iron spiral staircase connecting the two floors that was added after it opened in 1979. Complete with wood burning fire that heats the shop, visitors to Leakey’s will have an amazing experience, for sure 🙂
Address: Church St, Inverness IV1 1EY
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Monday – Saturday
10 | Meet the Unusual Greeter at Inverness Town House
Town House Inverness
Wolves at the door
The unusual greeters, wolves once roamed the Highlands and many places still bear their Gaelic name, madadh-allaidh. They greet visitors to the Town House to remind us of the wild landscapes that the Highlands is known for.
The wolves join an Inverness bestiary along with the camel and elephant on the city’s coat of arms, unicorn, falcon and gargoyles that you may see around the city.
While all of the above can easily be accomplished in one day, you may also wish to explore the surrounding areas of Inverness. The following are some suggestions for you which can easily be done as part of a day or as a day trip.
Day trips from Inverness, Capital of the Highland
Take a break from the city and explore the magical land of castles, myths and extraordinary landscapes that will leave you with moments of speechlessness. The Scottish Highlands offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural beauty which you would not want to miss! Here are some suggestions for you:
I did a boat trip with Dolphin Spirit Inverness. Dolphin Spirit Inverness boat trip takes you into the Moray Firth in search of dolphins, sea seals and a variety of sea birds. Each trip lasts about an hour fifteen minutes and run four times a day. I did not see any dolphins, but I guess such is luck.
Loch Ness needs little introduction. It is the most famous loch in the world, home to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. Located just a short distance from Inverness, you could either drive, cycle or hike the South Loch Ness Trail, connecting to Fort Augustus along the southeast side of Loch Ness.
The beautiful Urquhart Castle ruins stands on the banks of Loch Ness, and apparently it is one of the best places to spot Nessie. There are boat tours and visitor centre here as well.
Embark on a beautiful day trip to Loch Ness from Inverness for an unforgettable complete Loch Ness experience. Discover picturesque villages, ancient summerhouse and go on scenic walks.
Learn more about the complete Loch Ness experience and secure yourself a spot on this day tour > > Loch Ness Experience
4 | Culloden Battlefield
Culloden Battlefield
Visit the moorland where it all happened that changed the course of world history – The Battle of Culloden ended the Jacobite cause. There is a visitor centre and audio guides.
Experience the amazing scenery of this beautiful isle either in one day or over several days. The spectacular rock formations of the Quiraing and Trotternish Ridge are breathtakingly beautiful and one not to miss.
Ride one of the greatest train journeys in the world – onboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig and marvel at the scenic beauty of Scotland.
While in Inverness, give yourself plenty of time to explore the bars and the many restaurants for a Scottish culinary delight.
Places to Eat and Drink in Inverness
Inverness | by georgina_daniel
Scotland is renowned for its unique delicacies and dishes. These include haggis and black pudding to porridge with a wee drum and shortbread.
The Scottish Highlands is a great source for prime steak, organic vegetables, freshly caught kippers, salmon and mussels. It’s a gastronomical heaven.
Inverness offers a great selection but the one “dish” I have heard a lot of is the Mac n cheese pie – apparently you will either love it or hate it! I haven’t tried, so I can’t comment.
Here are some suggestions of restaurants and bars for you to try:
Inverness is a small and bustling city that is steeped in history, surrounded by landscapes untouched by time where monster myths and ancient mysteries are waiting to be discovered. With misty lochs, wildlife and fabulous traditions as well as warm hearty food, Inverness is a delight from the moment you arrive. I sincerely hope this guide has given you an inspiration to visit (if you haven’t already) which has famously become known as the Capital City of the Highlands.
Common Language: English. Gaelic is spoken by 1.3% of the population mostly in the west and in the Highlands.
Currency: £ – Pound (GBP)
Capital City: Edinburgh. Home to the first fire brigade in the world, and is the second largest city in Scotland. The largest metropolis in Scotland is Glasgow.
High season: Summer (July – August)
Religion: Christianity – 40% Church of Scotland. 15% Roman Catholic and 6% other Christian denominations. Minorities include Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh with a quarter of the population has been recorded as having no religion.
Social courtesies: Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. When visiting someone’s home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appreciated.
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Inverness | A Complete Guide to the Capital of the Highlands first published at timelesstravelsteps.comand is regularly updated. Last updated May 22, 2022
