Inverness-day-trips

Best Day Trips from Inverness, Scotland

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a perfect base to explore some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes and attractions. Here are the best day trips from Inverness:

1. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

  • Distance: 30 miles (48 km), 45-minute drive
  • Must-see: The legendary Loch Ness, home to the famous monster “Nessie”
  • Visit Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century ruin with stunning loch views

Take a scenic drive along the shores of Loch Ness and stop at Urquhart Castle. Enjoy a picnic lunch or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes in Drumnadrochit.

2. Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye

  • Distance: 120 miles (193 km), 2-hour drive
  • Must-see: The picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, perched on a small island
  • Explore the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye, with its iconic Old Man of Storr and Quiraing landscapes

Drive to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. Then, take a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, where you can explore the island’s stunning natural beauty.

3. Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns

  • Distance: 10 miles (16 km), 20-minute drive
  • Must-see: The site of the final Jacobite Rising in 1746, Culloden Battlefield
  • Explore the ancient Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age cemetery

Visit Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces clashed with the British army. Then, head to Clava Cairns, a fascinating archaeological site featuring three large cairns and a range of other ancient monuments.

4. The Black Isle

  • Distance: 20 miles (32 km), 30-minute drive
  • Must-see: The picturesque villages of Cromarty and Rosemarkie
  • Enjoy the scenic coastal route, with its stunning sea views and dolphin spotting opportunities

Take a leisurely drive along the Black Isle’s coastline, stopping at charming villages like Cromarty and Rosemarkie. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

5. The Cairngorms National Park

  • Distance: 40 miles (64 km), 1-hour drive
  • Must-see: The ancient Caledonian Forest, home to red squirrels and capercaillie
  • Explore the stunning mountains, rivers, and lochs of the Cairngorms

Head into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where you can hike, bike, or simply enjoy a picnic amidst breathtaking scenery.

These day trips from Inverness offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, showcasing the best of Scotland’s Highlands.