Inverness Castle

Join an open-top double-decker bus tour for an insight into the development of the city from the original street between Castle and Kirk, with the oldest building Abertarff House, to the recently completed Highland Archive Center. Inverness has had 5 castles through the centuries with many famous visitors, not all welcome, Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie among them. Plan your day from the top of a double-decker bus, with 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Visit the many churches, including St Andrews Cathedral, one of local architect Dr Alexander Ross’s finest buildings. On the Western outskirts of the city, see Tomnahurich Hill and the Caledonian Canal, hop-off for great panoramic views of Kessock Bridge, The Black Isle and the Inverness Firth out to Fort George. Discover the flight of 5 locks at Muirtown, constructed in 1822 by Thomas Telford to bring the Caledonian Canal to sea level. Finally, pass by the South side of Inverness Castle to see Flora MacDonald’s statue, the 3 Graces, then along General Wades road by Bellfield Park to Holm Mills shopping village. Tour Stops: 1. Bus Station, Stance 6 2. Bridge Street 3. Bellfield Park War Memorial 4. Bishops Road, St. Andrew's Cathedral 5. Bught Drive, Inverness Ice Rink 6. Dochgarroch Loch 7. Telford Street

-This online travel guidebook helps you create a bespoke road trip to help with planning your break before you travel as well as when you are on your break, with 12 months of access. -Therefore, we suggest you don’t wait until your travel date, purchase the guidebook in advance to help you with your planning. Choose an early date and get planning straight away! • Embark on the picturesque North of Scotland, based on the well-loved NC500 route, tracing Scotland's north coast from Inverness. • Marvel at dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and rugged coastlines. • Visit historic gems like Dunrobin Castle and Eilean Donan Castle. • Get the best out of your break with our user-friendly, online guide that will make planning a breeze. Simply cherry-pick from the options provided ensuring you won’t miss a thing! Scotland’s North Coast: • The online guidebook's suggested mapped route is fully flexible, helping you plan your trip with places to go and things to see and do, whether for 3 to 14 days. • The route is a fully flexible route that can begin at Inverness and traces the north coast of Scotland. As a circular route, this is around 500 miles, or conclude by taking a detour from the “official” route with a visit to the Isle of Skye. • This route is around 400 miles with a drive time of around 10 hours and 35 minutes. • Depending upon stops, however, you can adjust this to between 3 and 14 nights. • The North Coast boasts Scotland's breathtaking beauty, featuring striking mountains, wild coastlines, and charming villages. • The North Coast is steeped in history and culture, inviting exploration through its myriad castles, museums, and historical sites. • Engage in a multitude of activities on the North Coast 500, from invigorating hikes and fishing expeditions to captivating wildlife watching and enjoyable rounds of golf. • Look in awe at magnificent sea stacks and bustling sea bird colonies along the coastline, and venture to the Orkney Islands to discover its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Online & Interactive Destinations Guidebook: • Save hours using our inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect North Coast of Scotland (based on the NC500) driving route. • The destination guidebook covers 30 destination locations and guides on essential places to visit including iconic John O'Groats and the Orkney Islands with its UNESCO World Heritage sites • The destination guide includes over 100 attractions, experiences and activities to uncover your own North Scotland coast. • The Uncover More map includes: 60+ Viewpoints, 140+ Places of interest, 25+ Hidden gem, 10+ Wild swim spots • The Overnight Stay map includes: 50+ North Coast of Scotland Campsites, 15+ Motorhome stops, 55+ Hotels, 125+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

A visit to Inverness, often known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, offers an enchanting experience combining history, culture and access to some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes. This small town is known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich history dating back centuries. Inverness Castle: The tour can start at Inverness Castle, situated on a hill with panoramic views of the River Ness. Although the current castle is mostly from the 19th century and is not fully open to the public, its grounds and observation tower offer spectacular views of the city and its surroundings, perfect for taking photographs. City Centre: Walking through the center of Inverness, you can explore the Victorian and Georgian streets, visit local shops, and enjoy Scottish cuisine in cozy pubs and restaurants. The Victorian Market, a beautiful covered market, is ideal for searching for unique souvenirs and trying local products. St. Andrew's Cathedral: Don't miss St. Andrew's Cathedral, which stands out for its impressive stained glass windows and Gothic architecture, a haven of peace that contrasts with the bustling city. River Ness and Ness Islands: A walk along the River Ness is a relaxing way to enjoy the city from a different perspective. The Ness Islands, small islands connected by suspension bridges, offer a lovely spot for a picnic or simply to enjoy a moment of tranquility. Excursions nearby: Inverness also serves as an ideal base for exploring the Highlands. Excursions to the famous Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield are just a short drive away. Loch Ness is a vast body of water known worldwide for the legends of the Loch Ness Monster, and Culloden offers a moving glimpse of the last battlefield on British soil. To visit Inverness is to immerse yourself in the heart of the Highlands, where history and natural beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

We begin our tour in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Inverness is a vibrant city steeped in history, with the impressive Inverness Castle dominating the landscape. Built in the 19th century, this castle stands on a hill overlooking the River Ness. From here, you can explore the picturesque town, enjoy a walk along the riverbank, and visit St. Andrew's Cathedral, a 19th-century architectural gem. We continue our journey towards Bealach na Bà, a mountain pass on the Applecross Peninsula. This is one of the highest and most challenging walks in the UK, offering spectacular views of the Scottish landscape. The steep, winding path is an adventure in itself, rewarding you with stunning panoramas of the sea and surrounding islands. We descend into the quiet village of Applecross, known for its natural beauty and hospitality. Here you can enjoy lunch at the famous Applecross Inn, which offers fresh seafood and traditional Scottish dishes. The picturesque setting, with views of the sea and mountains, makes this stop a perfect place to relax. We head towards Torridon, a region famous for its majestic mountains and wild beauty. The area is a paradise for hiking and nature lovers, with routes varying from gentle walks to challenging climbs. The Torridon Mountains, formed millions of years ago, are a spectacle of nature and an ideal place to explore. Our next destination is the fishing port of Ullapool, located on the west coast. This charming town is the starting point for exploring the Outer Hebrides. You can stroll around its lively harbour, visit Ullapool Museum to learn about local history and enjoy dinner in one of its cozy restaurants. We continue towards Smoo Cave, an impressive sea cavern in Durness. This cave, formed by the action of the sea and the river, has a massive entrance and an internal waterfall. It is one of the most spectacular places on Route 500, offering a unique experience of Scottish nature. Our tour takes us to the majestic Dunrobin Castle, one of the largest and oldest castles in Scotland. This castle, with its architecture inspired by French castles, is a perfect example of Scottish splendor and history. The gardens and interior of the castle are impressive, offering a glimpse into Scotland's aristocratic past. We conclude our adventure at John O'Groats, the northernmost point of the route. This place is known as the tip of the British Isle and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the perfect place to reflect on the journey and enjoy the serenity of the Scottish landscape. Did you know that Dunrobin Castle has been inhabited since the 13th century and is still the home of the Sutherland family? The Bealach na Bà is one of the few roads in the UK that is still described as an "alpine pass", with hairpin bends and steep gradients.

Get to know Inverness at your own pace on this interactive guided app walking tour. You'll explore the city on foot and get points for solving different types of tasks: Find sights: You will use hints to find the best sights and hidden gems throughout the city. The map function in the app will guide you there. Solve questions: Once you’ve arrived at the place you’re looking for, you’ll be asked questions about the sight. Most of the time, the answers are hidden in signs, pictures, etc. A great and fun way to learn new things about the city. Have fun: During the adventure you can also expect exciting photo tasks that require a lot of creativity. If you master the snapshots, you will be rewarded with points. Along the way, you’ll reach amazing places like the “Inverness Castle", "Inverness Town House", "Gellions Bar" and many more! After booking, you’ll get a code via email with instructions on how to start. Head to the “Train Station" and use the code to unlock the guided tour in the app. The tour ends at the “Inverness Cathedral”. The experience is not limited in time. You can explore the city at your own pace and take breaks. The tour lasts on average about 1-2 hours.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness Begin your journey north with a visit to the iconic Kelpies and explore the historic Stirling Castle. Admire the charming Doune Castle, known for its appearances in Monty Python, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Glen Coe and catch a glimpse of the majestic Ben Nevis. Learn about Loch Ness and its legendary inhabitant, 'Nessie'. Arrive in Inverness and enjoy leisure time. Take a stroll along the picturesque River Ness or visit Inverness Castle for panoramic views. Later, unwind at local bars or savor a meal at charming restaurants. (Overnight: Inverness) Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway Explore the awe-inspiring Corrieshalloch Gorge and embark on a picturesque ferry ride from Ullapool to the Isle of Lewis. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins. Visit the renowned Harris Distillery and return to Stornoway, the main town on Lewis, for the night. (Overnight: Stornoway) Day 3: Stornoway Discover the Neolithic wonders of Callanish Standing Stones and the Iron Age marvel, Dun Carloway. Experience 17th-century island life at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the island's northernmost point, with its solitary lighthouse. Enjoy free time in Stornoway to explore the harbor and indulge in local cuisine. (Overnight: Stornoway) Day 4: Stornoway to Portree Pay tribute to island history at a poignant memorial. Explore Harris' beautiful beaches and medieval church. Ferry 'over the sea to Skye' to Portree, the main town. Enjoy local seafood and whisky or embark on a scenic walk. (Overnight: Portree) Day 5: Portree Marvel at the enchanting Sligachan River and the majestic Cuillin mountains. Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, featured in Highlander and James Bond films. Enjoy free time in Portree, exploring shops, savoring meals, and soaking in the picturesque harbor. Visit Skye's landmarks: Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. (Overnight: Portree) Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh Explore the Isle of Skye and ferry to Mallaig. Experience the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train (if option selected). Journey through the Cairngorms National Park en route to Edinburgh, concluding an unforgettable adventure.

Embark on a whirlwind journey through Inverness with our ‘Inverness Whirl: Iconic Landmarks & Highland Highlights’ tour. This two-hour walking tour begins at the resource-rich VisitScotland Inverness iCentre and takes you past key city landmarks. Admire the Neo-Gothic Inverness Town House and take in breathtaking highland views from Inverness Castle. Pay homage at the Flora Macdonald statue and immerse in tranquillity amidst the statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity in Cavell Gardens. Experience the city’s vibrant arts scene at Eden Court and marvel at the Gothic splendor of Inverness Cathedral. The tour concludes at Balnain House, a beacon of the city’s musical heritage. This walking tour is a perfect blend of history, architecture, and culture.