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 repay the short drive over and over. 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 4000 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 1630's 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 6000 volume library and secret passages. Spring is a great time to visit due to the widespread daffodil planting in 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.
Inverness is truly the gateway to the Highlands of Scotland, and car hire opens up all of this naturally beautiful area to you.
