You don’t want to miss these places and things Inverness and the surrounding area!
Expansive hilly landscapes, waterfalls and beautiful forests that are full of moss-clad trees. But also delicious food, hospitable people and an abundance of fun things to do. Let the magic of the Scottish Highlands sink in and enjoy all the beauty Scotland has to offer! If you are staying in the city of Inverness or you are in the area, then you must have done the following activities.
About Inverness
Inverness is located in the north of Scotland. It is a so-called royal burgh, that’s how the cities were called in Scotland in the Middle Ages. It is the unofficial capital of the Scottish Highlands. The accessibility is fine. You can travel to Inverness by train from many cities in the UK.
1. Visit Culloden Battlefields
A stone’s throw from the city of Inverness is the historic Battlefield where the last major battle on British soil took place. With more than 1,200 dead in just an hour, it was an extremely bloody battle. The modern visitor center provides extensive information about this historic event. On the battlefield itself, flags indicate where the lines are and the mass graves are visible. All very impressive and definitely worth a visit.
2. Whiskey tasting
A visit to Scotland without tasting Scotch whiskey is almost unthinkable. Even if you don’t really love it (like I do), you can’t escape it. As with wine, the whiskeys are also divided into regions. These regions all produce their own whiskey that is determined not only by geographical location but also by geology. During a visit to a distillery, the history of the whiskey comes to life and you get to know the production process. And of course you end your visit with a tasting of different types of whiskeys. A fun experience to be part of!
3. Visit Leakey’s second-hand bookshop
Be sure to check out Scotland’s largest bookshop Leakey’s which is located in the old Gaelic Church in Inverness and dates back to 1793. In addition to a general stock of over 100,000 different books, you can also find beautiful rare prints and old maps. What is immediately noticeable upon entering is the wonderful warmth and accompanying smell that the burning wood in the fireplace causes. Yes, you read that right, the fireplace has already surprised many customers!
4. Visit Clava Cairns
Near the city is one of the best preserved Bronze Age cemeteries. The Clava Cairns consist of three separate stone burial mounds, each enclosed by stone circles. The mounds pose many mysteries to historians because they have never been able to determine exactly what the function was. A very special and mysterious place that you should actually visit at sunrise or sunset.
5. Discover the beautiful surroundings of Inverness
The Inverness area also provides a good starting point for various hikes and walks. I really looked out for all the beautiful things I saw. If you want to go hiking here yourself, definitely take a look at this website. Here you will find no fewer than 1921 different walks that you can walk in the Scottish Highlands.
6. Visit Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the second largest loch in Scotland and is about half an hour’s drive from the city of Inverness. This lake is best known because according to Scottish mythology a monster resides here, the Loch Ness monster, called ‘Nessie’. The legend of the monster begins in the year 565 AD and was done by St. Columba. The first publication followed in 1868 when the local newspaper reported a large fish thrashing about in the water. In 1934 the phenomenon was given a boost by a photo taken by RK Wilson. This photo clearly shows a domed neck with a snake-like head protruding above the water. According to some scientists, it could be an evolved version of the prehistoric Plesiosaur, while others think more of a large eel. A considerable number of photos and even some film fragments of the monster have been made, but its existence has never been proven. And whether you believe in it or not, the Loch Ness Monster is one of the top tourist attractions.
7. Enjoy the Scottish food and drink
There are quite a few good restaurants where you can enjoy a fine dinner and a good glass of wine. Of course you can also choose from one of the many authentic pubs to enjoy Scottish pub food. In almost all pubs, some with live music, you will find a very wide range of whiskeys and beers. On weekends, the local population (young and old) flock to the city center to socialize and even have a dance.
8. Explore Falls of Foyers
On the east side of Loch Ness you will find the beautiful falls of Foyers. Via a short but spectacular walk you reach the viewpoint within 10 minutes from where you have a beautiful view of the waterfall (51 meters). The area is also excellent for continuing the walk after seeing the waterfall.
Be surprised by the cordial hospitality and the excellent gastronomy. If you still have enough energy afterwards, dive into the vibrant nightlife!
Enjoy Inverness!
