Inverness has good looks married to a warm welcome – making it the perfect Highland base for your visit to these shores. This small city has a big heart and much to offer those who venture here, from local cuisine to the marvellous lochs and landscape all around.
Castles and cuisine
The city’ skyline is dominated by its red sandstone castle, a Victorian replacement for the original 12th-century castle built on a ridge to the east of the present structure. Below the castle is Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which includes a wealth of exhibits outlining the social and natural history of the Highlands.
Treat yourself to a bit of fine dining in Inverness’ extensive selection of high-quality establishments. Across the river from the castle is Riva, a stylish eatery that specialises in Italian delicacies, and Rocpool Restaurant, which couples an energetic contemporary atmosphere with resplendent river views for diners. After dinner, take a short walk south to find the city’s impressive Eden Court Theatre,which boasts a full card of fantastic dance, drama and music throughout the year. Round off your evening with a serene stroll along the banks of the River Ness to Bught Park, overlooking the Ness Islands.
Fantastic beasts
Scotland isn’t all hills and sprawling fields. Venture out and you’ll find that the Highlands has some other secrets to share with you. Discover the large pods of dolphins diving in the Moray Firth, stretching east from Inverness. Scores of these beautiful animals take to the estuary every year, and there’s a very good chance of seeing them, particularly between June and August. Several companies run dolphin-spotting boat trips from Inverness but it’s also worth heading to Chanonry Point, on the southern side of the Black Isle, one of the best dolphin-spotting sites in Europe.
Head south and arrive at one of Scotland’s most famous and popular attractions, Loch Ness, Britain’s deepest body of fresh water is one of the most scenic sights in all of Scotland. Have your camera at the ready; this is one of the world’s most picture-perfect places and you’ll want to remember it. Of course, the spellbinding scenery is not the only reason the loch is such a popular attraction. Visitors flock here every year hoping for a glance of its legendary inhabitant, the Loch Ness Monster. Spend some time gazing out over the hauntingly calm waters for signs of a ripple.
Highway to Heaven
Sensational scenery and eye-catching views is what the Highlands is all about, so take some time to drive the North Coast 500. Scotland’s answer to Route 66, it’s acclaimed as one of the world’s great scenic drives. Bringing together just over 500 miles (516 to be exact) of stunning scenery, the NC500 follows the main roads along the coast of the Northern Highlands. From Inverness, it goes across to Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to the misty and magical Isle of Skye, up the magnificent west coast to Durness, along the north coast to John O’Groats then back down the east coast to finish in Inverness. With ancient castles, pristine beaches and staggering scenery at every turn, it’s not hard to understand why the North Coast 500 proves so perennially popular with drivers.
Mountain highs
Less than an hour south-east from Inverness is Aviemore, gateway to the magnificent Cairngorms, Britain’s second-highest mountain range and largest national park. The Cairngorms offer excellent hiking, watersports, mountain biking and winter skiing opportunities at every turn. The park is also a refuge for some of Britain’s rarest wildlife, including ospreys, golden eagles, red squirrels and pine martens. Nearby is Strathspey, one of Scotland’s busiest tourist areas, famous for salmon fishing and whisky. With all of this natural goodness awaiting you, car rental in Inverness is essential.
