Inverness-7-day-itinerary

Inverness 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Inverness

  • Morning: Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Check-in to your accommodation and freshen up.
  • Afternoon: Visit Inverness Castle, a historic fortress that now serves as a courthouse and offers stunning views of the city. Take a stroll along the River Ness and explore the High Street, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Head to The Mustard Seed, a popular restaurant serving delicious Scottish cuisine. Try their famous Cullen Skink (smoked haddock chowder).
  • Accommodation: Stay at Glenmoriston Town House, a cozy B&B with comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere.
  • Transportation: Inverness is easily accessible by car, train, or bus.

Day 2: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

  • Morning: Take a guided tour of Loch Ness, famous for the legendary monster “Nessie.” Keep an eye out for the mysterious creature!
  • Afternoon: Visit Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century fortress with breathtaking views of Loch Ness. Explore the ruins and learn about its rich history.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Dores Inn, a rustic pub serving traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties.
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for Nessie-themed souvenirs in Inverness!

Day 3: Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns

  • Morning: Visit Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising in 1746. Explore the visitor center and learn about this pivotal moment in Scottish history.
  • Afternoon: Head to Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age cemetery with ancient standing stones and burial chambers.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Boathouse Restaurant, located on the shores of Loch Ness, offering stunning views and delicious seafood dishes.

Day 4: Isle of Skye (Day Trip)

  • Morning: Take an early morning train or bus to Kyleakin, then a ferry to Mallaig. From there, drive to Skye Bridge, connecting the mainland to the Isle of Skye.
  • Afternoon: Explore the scenic island, visiting Portree, the capital village, and The Old Man of Storr, a iconic rock formation.
  • Evening: Return to Inverness in the evening and enjoy dinner at La Tortilla Asesina, a Spanish-inspired restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: Eilean Donan Castle and Dornoch

  • Morning: Drive to Eilean Donan Castle, a picturesque 13th-century fortress situated on an island in Loch Duich.
  • Afternoon: Visit the charming town of Dornoch, with its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and historic cathedral.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Dornoch Castle Hotel, offering delicious local cuisine and stunning views.

Day 6: Cairngorms National Park

  • Morning: Drive to Cairngorms National Park, one of the largest national parks in the UK. Take a hike through the ancient Caledonian Forest or explore the scenic trails.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and learn about these magnificent creatures.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Boat Hotel, located in the heart of the national park, offering delicious food and stunning views.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring Inverness before departing.

Things to Know

  • Inverness is a small city, easily explorable on foot.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable Scottish weather!
  • Try some traditional Scottish cuisine like haggis, neeps, and tatties.
  • Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.

Transportation

  • Inverness Airport (INV) receives flights from major UK airports.
  • Train services connect Inverness to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.
  • Bus services operate from Inverness to surrounding towns and cities.

Tips

  • Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the countryside.
  • Try to spot Nessie on Loch Ness – you never know!