The best thing about visiting Inverness is how much of the Scottish Highlands - including some of the area’s most popular attractions - can be explored whilst using it as your base.

Whether you fancy stepping 4,000 years back in time at the Clava Cairns, seeking out Nessie in her loch, climbing centuries old castle towers, sinking a few drams of Scottish whisky or following in the footsteps of your favourite Outlander characters, there is so much within an hour’s drive of this small city in the north of Scotland.

Here are the best day trips from Inverness, plus tips on how to do them independently or with a tour.

STEP BACK IN HISTORY AT CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD

On the 16th of April, a quick and bloody battle was fought on Culloden Moor.

The final clash of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, and the last to be held on British soil, it claimed the lives of more than 1,500 Jacobite soldiers and marked the first and only defeat of their forces. It also saw their leader, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’, abandoning his Highlanders and returning to France.

Fast forward nearly 280 years and visitors are able to spend time at the site of this most brutal of British battles alongside the highly researched, educational and interactive Culloden Visitor Centre. Featuring a 360-degree battle immersion theatre, and artefacts from both sides of the battle, they aim to show the true story of uprising from both the Government and Jacobite perspectives. In the words of National Trust of Scotland, “it is both a monument and a guide to a pivotal day in history”.

Visit Culloden Battlefield Independently

If you have your own vehicle, simply make the short 5 mile / 15 minute journey from Inverness (follow the brown signs to Culloden) and park in the designated carpark. You can find it on Google Maps here.

For public transport, there is an hourly bus from the centre of Inverness that drops you off just by the entrance to the site. Catch the bus #2 just outside Marks and Spencers (here on Google Maps), and check full timetable here.

The Battlefield itself is open at all times however the Visitor’s Centre is only accessible between 10 am and 4 pm daily. Entry costs £11 per adult, and £9.50 per concession. It is currently recommended that tickets are booked in advance, and this can be done via this link.

Take a Tour to Culloden Battlefield

If you’d prefer to visit Culloden Battlefield as part of a tour (and combine your visit with stops at other important historical sites in the area) we can recommend this full day tour which includes the Clava Cairns, Culloden and a short walk within the Caledonian pine trees of Glen Affric (with stops at waterfalls and photo spots).

Find out more here.

Seek out Nessie at Loch Ness

Whether you believe in it or not, there’s little doubt that the various sightings of a massive creature in the depths of Loch Ness - the long narrow lake from which the city takes its name - by a humble fisherman was the biggest marketing boon anyone could have come up with.

Films are made about it, there’s endless documentaries, there’s often a news story about a new sighting, thousands visit purely to try and catch a glimpse, and you won’t go far in Inverness or the surrounding area without seeing something branded with a cartoon of Nessie!

It’s a monster attraction, in more ways than one.

If you’ve got kids, by all means keep the myth of the Loch Ness monster alive to invoke a spirit of curiosity and adventure within them (or just give you a bit of peace whilst you’re out on the water) - one half of Along Dusty Roads fondly remembers his first childhood trip to Inverness and how much it excited him to imagine he’d be the one to finally spot it.

For those that tend to believe dinosaurs did indeed die out several millennia ago, or whatever was Nessie may not have survived this long, the vast loch that stretches 23 miles from Inverness to Fort Augustus is still an exceptionally beautiful place to visit and explore from the city.

Visit Loch Ness Independently

If you’re visiting the Highlands with your own vehicle, heading out on a scenic drive along and around Loch Ness is an absolute must do. Stop off along the way to see the various sites, or drive from one end to the other and simply enjoy the views - either decision is a good one.

Do note that the road that passes along the west bank of the loch hugs the coastline a lot tighter, and therefore allows for much better views over the water.

There are various designated parking places on the road around the loch, so use these for photo stops and to stretch your legs - do not park on verges or in random places on the roadside.

TOURS TO LOCH NESS FROM INVERNESS

A boat trip across Loch Ness from Inverness is the most popular way to experience the famous loch (and spot Nessie), with many including pick-up / drop-off. The following are highly rated:

Tour One | Spend a full day hunting for Nessie, cruising on Loch Ness, and exploring the pretty village of Fort Augustus. Also includes time at Falls of Foyers and Dores Beach, and the option to visit Urquhart Castle. Find out more here.

Tour Two | This full day tour takes in the best of the Loch Ness area, including an optional ferry ride for panoramic views of Urquhart Castle. Find out more here.

VISIT THE IMPRESSIVE URQUHART CASTLE

Despite roads passing on either side of this famous loch, access - and therefore sweeping views of it - are actually rather limited.

However, one of the best places to achieve unrestricted views of the water is from Urquhart Castle - a medieval marvel dating back to the mid-13th century that, despite being rather ruined, remains one of the most visited castles in all of Scotland.

There are those drawn here by the romanticism of Urquhart’s location (perched atop a rocky promontory that juts out into the loch) and others by its tumultuous history, which saw it ricocheting between English and Scottish control for much of its occupied lifetime.

Whilst wilful destruction (both following its abandonment in 1689 and more modern usage as a quarry) has removed much of the structure, there still remains a great deal for visitors to explore, including the Grant Tower - which you can climb for views over the iconic loch - intact prison cells, and parts of the Great Hall.

If you have time, absolutely grab a drink in the cafe to enjoy the backdrop of Castle, the loch and the hills beyond.

How to Visit Urquhart Castle Independently

Urquhart Castle can be found here on Google Maps and is an easy 35 minute drive from Inverness. There is ample parking available on site, which is free for ticket holders.

Alternatively, take the #917 (to Portree) from Inverness Bus Station. The journey time is around 35 minutes and will drop passengers off in the castle car park.

At present, tickets must be booked in advance via the official website. Entry costs £9.60 for adults, £5.80 for children and £7.70 for 65+.

Urquhart Castle Tours

Consider combining a visit to Urquhart Castle with other popular historic sites in the area (Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield) on this highly rated half-day tour.

Alternatively, this one-hour cruise focussing on Urquhart Castle is ideal to gain an alternative perspective on the ruins - and enjoy a relaxing time on the water.

FOLLOW THE OUTLANDER TRAIL

We have a confession to make: neither of us have watched a single episode of Outlander.

However, we haven’t been hiding under a rock for the last few years, and are well aware that this is a hugely popular TV show; a TV show where many scenes happen to have been filmed in this part of the world.

Follow the Outlander Tour Independently

Should you have your own vehicle, you can of course piece together your own DIY tour, visiting places such as Culloden, Loch Ness, Clava Cairns and Urquhart Castle within one day. Please refer to these individual elements elsewhere in this post.

Take A Tour

For those who crave a guide to bring all that wonderful Highlands history to light, as well as bring you right to the places you’ve seen on screen, we can recommend this highly-rated full day tour (run by excellent and knowledgeable guides, and including visits to 11 filming locations). It can be pretty pricey if you are travelling by yourself, but much more reasonable if there are three of you. You can find out more here.

Alternatively, this cheaper option includes most of the popular sites but not Urquhart Castle.

Read Later | Our Wee Travel Guide to Inverness

TAKE A SUPERNATURAL DETOUR

Should you have an interest in the supernatural, a fascination with the occult or simply like to have ‘different’ experiences you may want to consider visiting a couple of the area’s spookier attractions: Clootie Well and Boleskine House & Garden.

BOLEKSINE HOUSE AND GRAVEYARD

A location that will appeal to two very different types of tourists.

The historians will flock to Boleskine Graveyard, a historic burial ground which marks the final resting place of many members the Fraser Clan; however it is the house across the street that will pique the interest of those fascinated by ‘dark tourism’.

Legend has it that Boleskine House was built on the site of a church burnt down whilst its entire congregation was trapped inside - which is possibly why in 1899 it was purchased by infamous occultist Aleister Crowley. Known to have carried out all manner of black magic rituals and Satanic ceremonies within its walls up until his death in 1947, it was then purchased by none other Jimmy Paige (yes, from Led Zeppelin) who allegedly continued the tradition.

A fire in 2015 left the house in dire condition but having been bought by a charitable foundation, it is now in the process of restoration. And yes, they are open for tours - find out more here.

You will need your own car to visit Boleskine House, and organise the tour yourself.

CLOOTIE WELL

With roots in paganism, Clootie Wells are sacred places where you can call on water spirits for healing by leaving a small piece of cloth (or indeed entire piece of clothing) tied to a tree as on offering; as the cloth decays, the person’s illness departs.

These wells can be found across the UK, however there is one in particular (dating back to 620AD) near Munlochly on the Black Isle which is most famous, still visited by new-age pagans, and also somewhat of a tourist attraction.

So far, so not terribly spooky.

However stories do exist of children being left overnight - many of which sucumbed to their illnesses once left to the elements.

If you choose to visit and leave an offering, it’s super important that you only leave cloth or clothing of natural fibres (eg 100% cotton or linen) that will actually decay and not add to the synthetic waste pile which has unfortunately increased over the years.

Munlochy Clootie Well is easily accessible with your own vehicle and can be found here on Google Maps. Keep an eye out for the green Forestry Commission sign for the "Clootie Well" off the A832 where you find a small amount of parking.

We are unable to find any tour that specifically visit the Clootie Well. You may be able to arrange a visit with a local guide - we’d recommend speaking with your accommodation provider.

Take A Ride on the Jacobite Steam Train

Although it doesn’t leave from Inverness, the fact you’re so close to hopping aboard one of the best railway journeys in the world may make you adjust your plans slightly.

Taking visitors on a scenic 84-mile round-trip journey on the ‘iron road to the isles’ from Fort William to Mallaig, the Jacobite Steam train has been a popular activity for visitors to the Scottish Highlands for decades.

However, many people now know it better as the Harry Potter train in Scotland; if you’re looking for a surprise experience for a Potter fan whilst you’re in Scotland, this is the one.

Alternatively, lots of people choose to simply watch the real life Hogwarts Express cross over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct bridge in the morning or afternoon.

How To Do It Independently

From Inverness, it’s a 2+ hour drive to Fort William - the startpoint of the Jacobite Steam train - so you’d have to leave early to catch the morning service, or hedge your best and book the afternoon departure. Note that it only operates from April to October.

We have all the information on tickets, timetables, and logistics in this post: How To Take The Harry Potter Train in Scotland.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is also decent drive from Inverness (you can find it here on Google Maps). If you’re visiting purely to observe the Jacobite pass over the viaduct, you’ll need to ensure you arrive absolutely no later than 9.45 am.

We have written an entire post to help you plan ahead: How To Visit The Glenfinnan Viaduct (And Photograph The Train)

Take a Tour

If based in Inverness, you’re actually uniquely able to photograph the Viaduct and ride the Jacobite in the same day.

The recommended option is this full-day tour from Inverness.

Departing from Inverness to Mallaig in the morning, it includes lots of photo stops, including Urquhart Castle, the Nevis Range and - most importantly - to watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct (April to October). From Mallaig you will board the famous train and travel to Fort William where the driver will be waiting for more sightseeing along Loch Ness. It’s a jam packed day, but as well as fulfilling your Harry Potter train dreams, it also provides a lovely overview to this part of Scotland. Find out more or book here.

Visit CLAVA CAIRNS

Set on a wooded terrace not far from Culloden Battlefield are the exceptional remains of an ancient cemetery: the Clava Cairns.

Thought to be around 4,000 years old, they are said to provide many clues to the beliefs and traditions of the Bronze Age society and offer a fascinating insight for those with an interest in prehistoric history.

Just be warned, these have very much found themselves suffering from the ‘Outlander Effect’ and have surged in popularity over recent years - if you’d like to enjoy these in solitude, be sure to arrive early.

Visit the Clava Cairns Independently

You can find the Clava Cairns here on Google Maps. They are free to visit and open all year round. There’s free parking available for visitors.

You are unable to access Clava Cairns directly with public transport, but you can take the #2 bus from Inverness to Cumberland Stone (this is the same bus and route that allows you to access Culloden Battlefield) and then walk the 20 minutes of so to the Cairns.

Take a Tour to the Clava Cairns

Although you don’t really need a tour to visit if you have your own vehicle, if you’d like to combine the Clava Cairns with other popular historical sites in the area, we can recommend this full day tour which includes the Cairns, Culloden and a short walk within the Caledonian pine trees of Glen Affric (with stops at waterfalls and photo spots). Find out more here.

Hit Up The Distilleries

With more than half of Scotland’s 130 whisky distilleries being located in the Highlands, it would be somewhat scandalous for anyone with even a passing interest in what George Bernard Shaw refers to as ‘liquid sunshine’ to visit this part of the world and not indulge in at least a few small drams.

Whether you choose to do that in one of Inverness’ specialist whisky bars, as part of a tour or by visiting the distilleries independently will depend very much upon your time available, your budget and whether you have a designated driver!

How to Visit The Distilleries Independently

There are quite a large number of distilleries within an hours driving distance of Inverness, and almost all of them offer tours and tastings.

If you’d like to arrange your own DIY tour, we’d recommend heading over to our guide on the best distilleries near Inverness.

WHISKY TASTING TOURS FROM INVERNESS

If you’re as keen on the whisky tasting as you are on the distillery visits, we’d highly recommend booking yourself on to an organised tour.

There are a number of companies offering full day tours to various distilleries near Inverness, however we have noted that it is quite rare for the tour price to include all entrance fees (and rarely the additional cost of multiple tastings), even pricey tours such as this one.

Instead, we’d recommend this highly rated Speyside Whisky & Moray Firth Tour which includes transport, a knowledgeable guide and visits to the Benromach and the Glennfiddich Distilleries, time in the pleasant town of Elgin and a stop at Speyside Cooperage. Find out more here.

Venture over to the Isle of Skye

Over the last few years, the Isle of Skye has become quite the international sensation - and yet despite several visits to the Highlands we’ve still not driven across the bridge from the mainland as we’ve been unable to find the perfect week-long slot to truly enjoy her magic.

Because, if there’s one thing we know, it’s that the largest isle in the Hebrides deserves more than a fleeting visit.

Somewhat a victim of its own success, prior to 2020 Skye was beginning to suffer from the effects of overtourism, in no small part due to the sheer amount of day-trippers; this is why we’ve been in two minds about whether to include it in this list.

However, we do appreciate that not everyone has the time to explore slowly, and that some of you really do want to see as much as possible in your week-long Scottish holiday.

In that case, we can recommend this full day tour from Inverness that takes in the Isle of Skye’s biggest attractions including Portree, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, the Old Man of Storr and Strome Viewpoint, as well as a stop at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Find out more here.

However, do weigh up whether you want such a short time there, or whether you should rejig your itinerary for a slower, deeper travel experience in Skye.