As a way to see some of Scotland's finest sights, Inverness makes a perfect hub. On a map it appears to be at the centre of a wheel, with spokes radiating out to different locations. The A82 runs south-west to Glasgow via Fort William and is renowned as one of Britain's most scenic drives. It skirts Loch Lomond and also takes in Ben Nevis, Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe.

The latter is volcanic in nature and a fine place to park up and explore. As Inverness is small for a city, its roads are quite narrow and busy at peak times, but are easily navigable. There are some one-way systems in operation, however there is plenty of parking.

The A9 bisects Inverness, heading to the far north but also providing another scenic route to the south-east. That way lies the Cairngorm Mountains and the national park. Following it all the way leads on to Perth and the east coast. Driving north-east out of Inverness on the A96 provides a link to Aberdeen by way of Nairn and Elgin.

Nowhere in the north or centre of Scotland is too far to drive, especially if you plan to stop en route. Glasgow and Edinburgh are accessible, while John o' Groats is on many a tourist checklist. Another breathtaking drive is to head north on the A9, join the A832 at Tore and drive north-east to Fortrose, then follow the Ness Road to Chanonry Point.

This spit of land juts into the Moray Firth and is a famous place to spot bottlenose dolphins. Even if you miss them, the still active lighthouse is worth a visit and there are many fine camping spots along the way.

Whether you're here to walk the Highlands, hunt for Nessie or just take in the historic buildings, you'll soon see there’s plenty to do in Inverness and why it’s such a magnet for tourists.

The mythical beast

Only a few minutes’ drive from Inverness, Loch Ness is the home of an excellent visitor attraction. Whether you're a true believer or a sceptic, the myths around 'Nessie' are still well worth exploring, while the beautiful surroundings more than repay the short drive.

The Loch Ness Centre offers an interactive exhibition that examines the hoaxes as well as the alleged sightings, and also provides a look at the rich geological history of the area. The shop sells the obligatory Nessie memorabilia, as well as kilts and woollens.

Best foot forward

The stunning vistas of the Highlands attract walkers from all over the world, from scenic strollers to hardy hikers. There are many official and unofficial trails to follow, including those that skirt Loch Ness, the Great Glen Way and the Caledonian Canal. A shorter walk through the city itself could take in both new and old towns and their fine array of Victorian buildings.

The 19th century castle isn't currently open to tourists, but can be viewed from outside, while the walk will also take you to the Gothic Town House, the looming Tollbooth Steeple and the 1841 library.

Delving even further back into time, Abertarff House was built in 1593 (it now houses the offices of the National Trust in Scotland) while the Old High Church, Inverness' oldest place of worship, was constructed in the 18th century but has parts of the bell tower dating from the 15th. It sits on a site that has hosted some form of church as far back as the 12th century.

Highland history

Scotland is spotted with ancient burial sites known as cairns, and one of the finest is the Corrimony Chambered Cairn near Inverness. A passage grave believed to date back some 4,000 years, it sits in a charming glen, next to an RSPB nature reserve.

There are also many spots where chiefs of famous clans were buried, whether at the ruins of Beauly Priory, founded in 1230, or at the Wardlaw Mausoleum in Kirkhill, completed in the 1630s to house the bodies of chiefs of the Fraser and Lovat clans.

Brodie Castle is a well-maintained 16th century National Trust building with a 6,000-volume library and secret passages. Spring is a great time to visit due to the sea of daffodils stretching across the grounds.

The Scottish larder

While much of Scottish cuisine is traditional, many chefs have taken the region's incredible ingredients to new heights with modern and innovative techniques. Rocpool Restaurant, on Ness Walk, has amazing views of the castle and river, while the menu makes a virtue of provenance with Isle of Skye crab, Scotch beef and Speyside venison.

If heading into the Cairngorms, The Cross at Kingussie is a highly commended destination restaurant. A converted water tweed mill on the River Gynack, its tasting menu may take in loin of George Gow's lamb with cannelloni of shoulder or local venison with braised oxtail.

The city is truly the gateway to the Highlands of Scotland, and car hire with Hertz at Inverness opens up all of this naturally beautiful area to you.