Inverness Travel Guide (The Great Glen and Strathspey/Scottish Highlands/Scotland/United Kingdom/Britain and Ireland/Europe)

Introduction to Inverness
List of Places to Visit in Inverness
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Inverness: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Inverness
Best Things to Do in Inverness: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Inverness
Food and Drink Scene of Inverness
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Inverness: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Inverness: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Inverness
Best Time to Visit Inverness
Do’s and Don’ts of Inverness
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Inverness
- Health in Inverness
Getting to Inverness: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Inverness
Where to Go Next from Inverness: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Inverness

Inverness is a charming town located in the Scottish Highlands, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and friendly locals. The town lies at the mouth of the River Ness, making it a popular spot for fishing and cruising. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Scottish Highlands, as it’s close to many other scenic destinations, including the famous Loch Ness. Whether you’re interested in cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or just soaking up the local culture, Inverness has it all.

List of Places to Visit in Inverness

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Inverness. Here are some of the top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Inverness Castle
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
Abertarff House
Clava Cairns

Natural Attractions of Inverness: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

River Ness
Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle
Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park
Craig Phadrig

Hiking/Biking Routes of Inverness

Inverness offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking, with a range of routes suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. Here are some of the most popular routes:

Great Glen Way
South Loch Ness Trail
Whisky Trail
Caledonian Canal
Affric Kintail Way

Best Things to Do in Inverness: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Inverness. Some of the best things to do include:

Take a boat tour on Loch Ness
Visit the Ness Islands
Attend a traditional Scottish ceilidh
Go on a distillery tour
Explore the Caledonian Canal

Week-Long Itinerary for Inverness

Day 1: Arrive in Inverness and explore the town centre, including Inverness Castle and the River Ness.

Day 2: Visit the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, followed by a hike on the Great Glen Way.

Day 3: Take a boat tour on Loch Ness and explore Urquhart Castle.

Day 4: Rent a bike and explore the South Loch Ness Trail.

Day 5: Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and Abertarff House.

Day 6: Go on a whisky tour and explore the local distilleries.

Day 7: Spend the day exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands, including the Cairngorms National Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Inverness

Inverness has a thriving food and drink scene, with a range of local specialties and international cuisine on offer. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Haggis
Cullen Skink
Cock-a-Leekie Soup
Cranachan
Arbroath Smokies

Local Beverages

Whisky
Scottish ale
Scotch ale
Tennent’s Lager
Red Kite Ale

Where to Stay in Inverness: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Inverness offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some popular choices:

Kingsmills Hotel Inverness
Craigmonie Hotel
Inverness Youth Hostel
The Gatehouse Hotel

What to Buy in Inverness: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Inverness is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and locally produced items. Here are some ideas:

Harris Tweed products
Celtic jewellery
Local whisky
Shortbread
Handmade soap

Local Culture and Customs of Inverness

Inverness has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong Scottish identity and a friendly local community. Some customs to be aware of include:

Scottish ceilidhs
Bagpipe music
Tartan dress
Whisky drinking
Scottish language

Best Time to Visit Inverness

The best time to visit Inverness is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild and sunny, and the days are long. However, the town is beautiful all year round, and each season offers unique experiences.

Do’s and Don’ts of Inverness

Do:

Learn some basic Scottish phrases
Try the local cuisine
Attend a ceilidh
Respect local customs and traditions
Take a boat tour on Loch Ness

Don’t:

Wear a kilt without proper Scottish attire (sporran, jacket, etc.)
Be disrespectful to bagpipers
Forget to tip in restaurants and bars
Ignore the stunning natural beauty of the area
Forget to take warm clothing and waterproofs

Safety and Health

Safety in Inverness

Inverness is generally a safe town, but common sense precautions should be taken to prevent theft and ensure personal safety. Here are some tips:

Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas
Keep valuables out of sight and hidden away
Watch out for traffic and use designated crosswalks
Follow safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities

Health in Inverness

Inverness has good healthcare facilities, including hospitals and doctors’ offices. However, it’s always advisable to take out travel insurance before visiting any new destination. Visitors should also be aware of the risks of tick bites, particularly when hiking in wooded areas.

Getting to Inverness: Transportation Options and Logistics

Inverness is easy to reach by road, rail, or air. Here are some options:

Airports Near Inverness

Inverness Airport (8 miles from the town centre)
Aberdeen International Airport (105 miles from Inverness)
Edinburgh Airport (155 miles from Inverness)

Bus Stations Near Inverness

Inverness Bus Station
Farraline Park Bus Station

Other Options

Train station in the town centre
Car rental companies in Inverness
Taxis and private hire cars

How to Get Around in Inverness

Inverness is a small town, so it’s easy to explore on foot. Bikes are also available for rent, and there’s a good local bus network. Taxis and private hire cars are also available, but they can be relatively expensive.

Where to Go Next from Inverness: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Inverness is the perfect base for exploring the Scottish Highlands, with many other scenic destinations within easy reach. Some of the most popular nearby destinations include:

Loch Ness
Cairngorms National Park
Isle of Skye
Fort William
Glencoe

Conclusion

Inverness offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for travellers looking to experience the best of Scotland. Whether you’re looking to explore the town’s rich historical attractions or to get close to nature, Inverness has something for everyone. This travel guide has provided a comprehensive overview of Inverness, from the top things to see and do, to practical tips and advice for visitors. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of this charming Scottish town.