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Inverness Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Inverness Nature & adventure

Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

1. Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

Take in some of the most dramatic and stunning landscapes Scotland has to offer on an eco-certified tour from Inverness. Discover the Isle of Skye, including its capital Portree, Lealt Falls, and the Old Man of Storr. See Loch Ness from Invermoriston, Loch Carron, and Eilean Donan Castle. Meet your guide at Inverness Bus Station, where your group will board an air-conditioned coach. Head south out of the city. Then, follow the shores of Loch Ness to Invermoriston, where you will stop for a short break. Grab a coffee, take scenic photos, and try and spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Then, continue to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles, set on its own island at the head of Loch Duich. You will have time to visit the castle and learn about its history if you like (admission fees apply) or just admire the picturesque castle and its scenic surroundings. Next, journey to the Isle of Skye. Stop at Portree, a small colorful town fringed by cliffs and rolling hills. Take in these beautiful surroundings while enjoying lunch and the views of the boats in the harbor. Once your appetite has been sated, move on to tour the rest of the island. Head to the Old Man of Storr, an iconic rock formation. Next, take a walk at Lealt Falls to admire the beautiful waterfall and gorge. Finally, head back to Inverness via the panoramic Strome Viewpoint over Loch Carron.

Inverness: 2-day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools & Castles Tour

2. Inverness: 2-day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools & Castles Tour

Experience the Scottish Highlands on a tour from Inverness. Visit the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle, The Fairy Pools, and many more highlights on a tour escorted by a driver guide. Depart from Inverness and journey towards the Isle of Skye. Stop at Achnasheen for a quick break. Head to Loch Carron for a quick photo stop and then take a short break at Kyle of Lochalsh. Head to the 13th-century Dunvegan Castle, operated by the same family for over 800 years. Explore the castle or head into Dunvegan village to grab some lunch and explore the village. Then, it’s off to the imposing and dramatic Quiraing Mountain Range. See 3 more of Skye’s most iconic landmarks, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and the Old Man of Storr, and head to Portree for an overnight stay. Enjoy breakfast in the morning and head to one of the most magical places in Scotland, the Fairy Pools. Stop at Sligachan and Sconser and head to Broadford to enjoy lunch. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including otters, seals, and even killer whales. Visit Eilean Donan, situated on its own island at the head of Loch Duich. Return to Inverness via the scenic town of Fort Augustus at the foot of Loch Ness. Enjoy views of the massive loch, home to Nessie, on the way back to your meeting point.

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

3. From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

Embark on a 3-day guided tour of the Scottish Highlands and visit highlights, including Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Learn the history of this lush region from your guide and spend two nights in Inverness. Day 1: Departing Edinburgh, we will take our first short drive heading north and stop at the mysterious Kelpies. Scotland’s largest piece of outdoor art depicting mythical creatures of Scotland’s folklore that your driver will tell you all about. We’ll then continue on our journey and pass Stirling Castle. Be inspired by tales from your guide of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Continuing north, into the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, admire the scenery as your tour guide explains the remarkable tribal clan history of the Highlands. Discover beautiful Glencoe, the most famous valley in Scotland, and hear of its tragic history. Admire the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct then head north and arrive on the southern banks of Loch Ness to get photos of the infamous monster Nessie! Stop for photos of Urquhart Castle before arriving in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, where you'll stay for 2 nights, choosing from a local guesthouse, hostel, or hotel. Day 2: After breakfast, depart Inverness and drive across the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle and marvel at the spectacular scenery of Achnasheen and Loch Carron. Arriving on the Isle of Skye, venture north to explore the highlights of the island, including; the Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish Peninsula, Portree, the Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock and the famous Quiraing. In late afternoon, stop for photographs of the most beautiful castle in Scotland, "Eilean Donan Castle." Backdrop to many famous films, such as 'Highlander' and 'Made of Honor', this castle is another must-see iconic landmark! A scenic drive through stunning Glen Shiel follows, returning to Inverness to stay your final night. In the evening, visit a local Highland Pub to drink some Scotch whisky or beer and eat some traditional Scottish food, whilst listening to some local musicians perform. Day 3: Visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last Jacobite Rising, then 'Clava Cairns', incredible 4,000-year-old, Bronze-Age standing stones. Travelling south, stop at the Highland Folk Museum. Here you'll experience highland life in the 17th century. See the buildings, the clothes and weapons, and how people lived 300 years ago. Then, drive through the dramatic Cairngorm National Park. You will have the chance to experience a Scotch Whiskey tasting before you visit the historic village of Dunkeld on the banks of the mighty River Tay. Your journey back to Edinburgh takes you across the famous Forth Bridges. The expected arrival time back in Edinburgh is around 6:30 PM.

Inverness: John O'Groats and the Far North Tour

4. Inverness: John O'Groats and the Far North Tour

Your tour departs Inverness before traveling north, up to Loch Fleet to the village of Golspie. The village, situated on the north sea coast is nestled next to Ben Bhraggie and is an attractive little seaside resort complete with long sandy beaches. You will be able to spend time here for refreshments, before continuing on to Dunrobin Castle. A stately home in Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is the family seat of Clan Sutherland. It resembles a French chateau with it’s towering spires, and overlooks the Moray Firth. You will spend time here exploring the beautiful stately home whilst enjoying some refreshments. You will then continue north through the Helmsdale Clearance to the Highland town of Wick for your lunch break. A former Viking settlement, Wick is the principal town in the far north of mainland Scotland. You can spend time exploring the town and taking in the views across Wick Bay whilst you enjoy your lunch. From Wick, you will then travel to John O’Groats; the most northerly point on British mainland. Here you’ll be able to stroll along the cliff path, take iconic photos at the signpost, and enjoy dramatic coastal views, perhaps even seeing some local wildlife! From John O’Groats, you will begin to make your way back to Inverness. You will travel to Dunbeath Harbor for photos, and to Brora, famous for its golf courses and magnificent coastal scenery.

From Inverness: Loch Ness Day Trip

5. From Inverness: Loch Ness Day Trip

Explore the Scottish Highlands on a bus tour from Inverness. Take scenic nature walks, surrounded by violet heather, rolling hills, and forests. Look out for the Loch Ness monster on the shores of the deepest loch in all of Scotland or embark on a 1-hour boat cruise on the loch at your own expense. Depart Inverness and journey to the deep freshwater lake of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, where, on arrival, you will head to the Clansman Hotel for an optional boat trip across the water. Cruise around the loch for stunning views of the surrounding scenery, and get the chance to see Urquhart Castle from a different perspective. Look for the legendary Loch Ness Monster to work up an appetite, and then enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant (not included). Venture on with a gentle drive to Invermoriston, to take a stroll by flowing rivers, an ancient summerhouse, and the ruins of a picturesque stone bridge. Continue to the wee village of Fort Augustus, nestled between Loch Ness and the 60-mile Caledonian Canal. Journey back towards Inverness, stopping for short walks and coffee breaks at the charming villages of Foyers and Dores before arriving back in Inverness.

From Inverness: Loch Ness and The Highlands Day Tour

6. From Inverness: Loch Ness and The Highlands Day Tour

Try to catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster on this day trip from Inverness. Board an airconditioned coach and travel to iconic Highlands locations like Fort Augustus, the Caledonian Canal, and Invermoriston. Leave Inverness in the morning and follow the beautiful Caledonian Canal to its source at Loch Ness. The loch is home to the famous Loch Ness monster, affectionately known as Nessie. You'll spend most of the morning at Loch Ness, allowing plenty of time to look for Nessie. Choose to take a 5-star cruise across the loch to Urquhart Castle. If you’d rather see the loch from the shore, then stay on board the bus and your driver will take you to Urquhart Castle. Explore the ruins of the castle, enjoy the visitor center, and soak up the atmosphere of Scotland’s most famous Loch. Your tour continues to Invermoriston, where you'll pause to take photos of the bridge and Columbus Well. Afterwards, journey to Fort Augustus, the furthermost point of your full-day Highlands tour. Fort Augustus is a small town of only 650 people and a perfect spot to watch boats passing through the Caledonian Canal while you enjoy your lunch. After lunch you'll begin the journey back to Inverness, stopping at the Falls of Foyers. The waterfall was a favorite retreat for poet Rabbie Burns, and is truly breathtaking. Enjoy plenty of time here to appreciate the landscape before continuing on to Dores to see Dores Beach. Spend a short while wandering the sandy shoreline before boarding the bus for the final time and returning to Inverness.

From Inverness: Isle of Skye Scenery Tour with Fairy Pools

7. From Inverness: Isle of Skye Scenery Tour with Fairy Pools

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a guided day trip from Inverness. Drive along Loch Ness and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Make a stop at the Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains. Depart from a central meeting point in Inverness, where you will meet your guide and board the mini-bus. First, stop at Eilean Donan Castle and take plenty of photos as you admire the majestic beauty of this iconic sight in its wonderful coastal location. Upon arrival in Portree, make your way to the harbor viewpoint where you can see the pretty pastel-colored houses. Enjoy a short stop here, where you can also purchase a light lunch. Next, stop at a loch-side viewpoint, and discover the unique rock formation of the Old Man of Storr. See the 50-meter high pinnacle that juts out from the Trotternish Ridge and is recognizable from blockbuster films including Ronin 47, Snow White & The Huntsman, Prometheus, and The BFG. Continue to the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and pools surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains. Finally, stop for some photos of Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. Admire the sight of the castle on a distinctive peninsula jutting out onto the mysterious Loch Ness, before heading back to Inverness.

From Inverness: Skye Explorer Full-Day Tour with 3 Hikes

8. From Inverness: Skye Explorer Full-Day Tour with 3 Hikes

Departure from Inverness This tour departs from Inverness city centre at 7.45am. Eilean Donan Castle Our first stop is at one of the world's most photographed castles and we are here (you guessed it!) to snap a photo, from an iconic viewpoint. We will spend around 10 minutes admiring the castle in its coastal location and, from here, we are just a few minutes' drive to the Skye Bridge. Please note that there is not enough time to go into the castle. Fairy Pools The Fairy Pools are a series of stunning rock pools and waterfalls, which are famed for their clear aquamarine waters, and their impressive Cuillin mountain backdrop. We will spend around 1 1/2 hours at this wonderful location, which gives you plenty of time to walk up to the pools. The walk to the main pools is around 1.8 miles in total and will take around 40 minutes for someone of average fitness. Portree We will have a lunch stop in the cute coastal town of Portree. For those who have used our lunch pre-ordering service at the start of the day, this is your opportunity to collect your lunch, without having to wait around. For those who prefer to do their own thing there are a number of bakeries and eateries in the village (please note that there is not enough time for a sit down lunch). We'd recommend taking a wander down to see the pretty pastel-coloured houses that hug the shoreline, or explore some of the village's unique independent shops. Old Man of Storr As we drive north the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic - these are the awesome landscapes that draw visitors from all over the world to this tiny isle. Soon it's time for our second hike of the day, to the base of the mighty Old Man of Storr, a jagged basalt rock which is said to be a giant's thumb! From the base of the Old Man of Storr there are fantastic views of the surrounding rock pinnacles. On a clear day you will also be rewarded with the striking outlines of the Red and Black Cuillins, and views out over the Sound of Raasay to the isles of Raasay and Rona. We will spend around 1 3/4 hours here. Quiraing Our last stop is definitely one of the absolute highlights on Skye, instantly recognisable from films such as Stardust, Prometheus and many others. The Quiraing is a series of landslips that have combined to form awe-inspiring scenery. We will spend around 40 minutes here, and you won't have to venture far from the mini-coach to find your very own slice of Skye wilderness. The journey home After a day of adventure you will be able to sit back and relax on the journey home, knowing that you have truly experienced the wonderful Isle of Skye. Rest assured that your guide will still have plenty of stories and music up his sleeve to keep you entertained on the way back. We will arrive back into Inverness at 9pm, with stories and memories to last a lifetime.

From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

9. From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

Embark on a full-day guided bus tour of the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow. Marvel at the wild beauty of the Scottish countryside and visit highlights, including Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. Head north towards the Highlands and admire the lush pastures of the Scottish countryside from an air-conditioned bus. Stop for a cup of tea or coffee at a café on the shores of Loch Lomond before ascending into the Highlands. Traverse the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Glencoe, the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Learn about the events and history of the area from your guide. After lunch in the Fort William area, pass beneath Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen. At Loch Ness, opt for a sightseeing cruise on the loch or choose to admire the views from the shore. On your way back to Glasgow, cross the Grampian Mountains and admire the woodland scenery of Perthshire, including the Forest of Atholl.

From Inverness: Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour

10. From Inverness: Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour

Depart Inverness and travel through the spellbinding landscapes of Speyside towards Dava Moor for some great views of the Cairngorms National Park. Keep your camera ready to capture the vibrant color of blooming heather if you’re visiting in the summer and autumn months. Visit the forest village of Carrbridge. Here, you can get some refreshments, breathe in the cool mountain air, and wander around the Old Packhorse Bridge. Continue south to Glenmore Forest Park, where you'll have free time to explore. Take an optional walk through the woods to Loch Morlich, which is one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular lochs. You can admire a sandy beach and large and ancient pine trees before you make your way back to the mini-coach. If you prefer not to walk, there’s a café and exhibition at the visitor center. After working up an appetite, head to Aviemore for lunch at your own expense. Finish off with a dram of whisky at Tomatin Distillery*. Savor the aromas of fruit and spice, and feel the passion for community and environment in this little town clustered around the distillery. Leave the remote landscapes behind and start your journey back to Inverness, where you'll arrive in the early evening.

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What people are saying about Inverness

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,137 reviews

Luke was the best tour guide ever! The tour was really great and our tour guide Luke just made it amazing. It’s one of the best tours we have ever taken. Luke created such a fun environment on the bus for us all and he went out of his way to make sure we all had such a great time. I wanted to see highland cows and Luke took extra steps to find the cows for us all to see and even feed them carrots! I was just over the moon with the getting to see the cows. Luke took amazing pictures for all of us as well. My husband and I just love love the videos and pictures Luke took of us and we’ll cherish them forever. We listened to great music on the bus and Luke always had entertaining stories and history for us. He just created such atmosphere for everyone in our group to bond. The sites are beautiful. The highlands are just beautiful. If you book this tour, make sure you see if you can get Luke, you will not be disappointed at all, and you’ll make such wonderful memories on the Isle of Skye.

My overall experience was excellent, this being my first foray into Scottish Highlands. Steven, quite the quintessential guide, amiable, full of knowledge on things Scotland, and interesting folk tales from Coinnach Oer, stories of the Jacobites rebellions and myths on the Kelpies and Selkies. The Hairy coo is forever singed in my mind.

Would definitely recommend! We saw so much of the Isle of Skye even in the off season when many sites were closed. Marita was an excellent guide who kept the bus ride entertaining while sharing lots of information about Scotland.

Wonderful experience. Probably best way to explore highlands… go for there 3 day tour for best experience… the star of the tour was Anthony our guide and good friend… this wouldn’t have been same experience without him

Simply amazing tour, our tour guide Anthony was exceptional.