Why is Inverness One of The Best Places to Visit in Scotland?

Posted by Maris on 5th Dec 2023

Why is Inverness One of The Best Places to Visit in Scotland?

Inverness, a little city in the Scottish Highlands that offers far more than its small size suggests, is nestled between a mountain and the sea. The following list of eight reasons to visit includes a promise of a warm Highland welcome.

1. The entrance to the Highlands is there.

loch-ness
loch-ness

Most visitors to Inverness are more interested in the surroundings than the town itself. From Inverness, you may easily travel to several amazing places like:

  • Loch Ness
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Culloden Battlefield
  • Culver Castle

2. Strangely lovely wild nature

inverness-wildlife
inverness-wildlife

Inverness is in a perfect location for visitors to explore the natural splendor of the Highlands, including wildlife, trees, plants, and everything from mushrooms to shellfish. The range of natural landscapes and seascapes is remarkable and easily accessible. You don't even need to leave the city to see things, with Merkinch Local Nature Reserve on the banks of the Beauly Firth or the hill of Craig Phadrig rising above the homes below.

It is possible to stroll or ride a bike just outside of town and feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere. The River Ness and the Caledonian Canal also provide additional chances for nature observation.

3. From Loch Ness, it takes only 20 minutes.

loch-ness-cruise
loch-ness-cruise

Most people visit to Inverness to see this famous Loch. Stories of the intriguing creature rumored to lurk beneath the surface entice visitors from all over the world.

4. Urquhart's Castle objectives

Urquhart-Castle-Loch-Ness-Scotland
Urquhart-Castle-Loch-Ness-Scotland

Urquhart Castle, built in the 13th century, is tucked away on the shores of Loch Ness. It has a lengthy history and was once home to royalty. It was also invaded on occasion by the MacDonald clan. The kitchen and stables may still be seen, and visitors can climb one of the towers for views of Loch Ness, despite the fact that much of it has crumbled.

Admission is £9 at the main entrance, or it can be combined with a Loch Ness boat cruise for an extra £9. The cruise leaves you off at Urquhart for an hour before reboarding.

5. Its history is indisputable.

Inverness
Inverness

Inverness is rich in history, whether it's personal memories of the past or historical events that shaped the future of the United Kingdom and the entire world, such as the nearby Culloden battlefield. Many people come from far and wide in quest of their ancestors or the homes that their families lived in before emigrating from Scotland.

For the Scottish Highland diaspora, Inverness is the place to be, and the Highland Archive Centre frequently provides enticing and revelatory indications. Such a visit may elicit strong emotions.

6. No matter the season, it is very lovely.

inverness-spring
inverness-spring

Whatever time of year you visit Inverness, the Highlands will provide a spectacular backdrop with stunning views and hues. The hills become purple in the summer when the heather blossoms, gold and crimson in the autumn, and white in the winter as the mountains are blanketed in pristine snow.

Everything is green and brilliant in the spring because it is overflowing with new life. Because it lasts late into the night in the middle of the year, this time of prolonged daylight is known as "The Gloaming" in the Highlands.

Winter's chillier weather are great for cuddling up with a dram of whiskey close to a roaring fire. Visitors who appreciate taking photographs should pay close attention to the seasons because the light changes constantly.

7. The castle's perspective

Inverness-Castle
Inverness-Castle

Looking for the town's greatest view? You may enjoy views of the rolling landscape and snow-capped mountains by climbing up to Inverness Castle. You can climb the tower for £5. Even without climbing the tower, a visit to the castle is free and worth it.

8. Regardless of how you get there, the journey is amazing.

inverness-route
inverness-route

Both the bus route and the rail ride to Inverness are breathtaking. You'll have to travel through the Cairngorms National Park, which is a highlight in and of itself, coming from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Numerous guesthouses and mountains provide tour and adventure programs. It seems that Nat Geo even listed it among the top 20 locations to visit in the globe. Seeing it while traveling to Inverness is a fantastic alternative if you are un