- Inverness
- (20)
-
United Kingdom
Perfect for midwinter mystics.
Just a mile or so from the newly modernised Culloden Battlefield visitor centre, with its thousands of visitors and large car park and other 21st century facilities, is the small but perfectly formed and well preserved 4,000-year- old burial site of Clava Cairns with ring cairns and standing stones.
The site is tucked away in a valley close to the Nairn river and in sight of a high railway viaduct.
When we visited it on a bright, frozen New Year's Day it was under a blue sky and the low winter sun cast long shadows from the standing stones. Visit on Midwinter Solstice and watch the sun send rays of light along the entrance passages and illuminate the back wall of the ancient burial mounds.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_067&PropName=Clava%20Cairns
Google map: bit.ly/nL6OdI
This is a bed and breakfast in the wonderful Highland countryside. A hidden gem, with fantastic views, food and wonderful hosts.
www.carndaisyhouse.co.uk
Easter Urray, Muir of Ord, IV6 7UL
+44 (0)1463 870244
Google map: bit.ly/iP7FRa
The Loch Ness Monster or Nessie as she is affectionately known. Was first brought to prominance in the early 1930s when a journalist for the Inverness courier published an item about sightings of a dragon or prehistoric animal carrying an animal in its mouth.
Since that time there have been many more supposed sightings many backed up with photographic and video evidence.
Whether she exists or not the Loch ness monster is one of scotlands leading tourist attractions and even if you dont see a monster, Loch Ness is still a very beautiful place to visit.
Loch Ness, Highlands, Scotland
www.visitlochness.com/
Google map: bit.ly/gKLVdV
Highlanders! If, like me, you hate travelling, wasting a precious day of what remains of your life and arriving sweaty, dishevelled and exhausted in central London, forget the plane.
The Caledonian Sleeper leaves Inverness every evening. Standard Class passengers travel in a spotless, comfortable berth with bunk beds, a sink, towels, soap, hangers and bottles of Scottish spring water. There's a lounge car on the train which serves food and drinks.
It is a lovely feeling to be lulled to sleep by the movement of the train. You're woken by a member of staff who brings you tea or coffee and a biscuit and get into Euston just before eight o'clock feeling wonderfully rested and ready for a day of metropolitan business or pleasure.
There are a number of "Bargain Berths" each month.I booked online. My ticket cost £39, but some are even cheaper. Lone travellers may be required to share with someone of the same sex. I travelled mid-week and had the berth to myself.
I'll never fly to London again.
www.scotrail.co.uk/caledoniansleeper
in person - principal staffed stations
Scotrail Telesales - 08457 550033
This upcoming Scottish festival is perfect way of combining urban sound in breathtaking rural surroundings. So once you are done with Haggis-munching, hill-walking, whiskey-tasting (and possibly golfing), make your way to RockNess and get ready to rock while witnessing the most picturesque stage in Britain.
On top of that you won’t be disappointed with the Scottish banter. Scots don’t leave entertainment to anybody but themselves. This festival is an experience, and not just a musical event.
Inverness
If you want to be part of helping to save the planet,and you are on the low budget, alternativ transport beside taking the train is liftshare.
https://www.liftshare.com/uk/
So find somebody traviling Your way so you can share your journey.
Loch Ness is a short drive from the city centre of Inverness and a cruise offers you a chance to relax and enjoy some breathtaking scenery.
There are plenty of beautiful towns and villages around the area such as Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit that are worth a detour and Inverness offers a perfect base for exploring the area.
www.hotelsininverness.net - Great for finding a place to stay in Inverness
This website has a good selection of hotels, b&bs and hostels to choose from in Inverness. There is also travel, attractions and shops information for Inverness.
A lovely B&B in peaceful surroundings - it has beautiful rooms and welcoming owners who will cook a nice evening meal for you if you don't want to go out to eat.
There are red kites behind the house and the famous dolphins to see in the firth at Fortrose, two miles from the B&B.
Hillhaven, Ordhill, Fortrose, The Black Isle, Scotland IV10 8SN
01381-620826
07719-889550
A small shop and tea room - sounds average, but it's anything but that. They stock a lovely range of high quality household items and gifts, prints and paintings by local artists.
The tea room is bright, comfortable and contemporary, staffed by people who know how to look after their guests/customers - proper service. First class all the way.
On the road up to Cawdor Castle in Nairnshire, about six or seven miles east of Inverness. Parking available opposite.
01667 404455
Friday - trains to Inverness with bike on board.
Saturday - head west and into Glen Affric - one of the longest and most beautiful. Narrow lanes, east side of Strathglass, lead to forest track to single track with fantastic scenery. Youth hostel at Allt Beithe in remote spot at head of glen.
Sunday - west past Camban, some bike pushing needed, and Allt Granda Falls followed by long descent along Gleann Lichd to west coast at Morvich. Road to Skye, over bridge and down Sleat peninsula. Fabulous views of Knoydart for free. Youth Hostel at Armadale.
Monday - first ferry to Mallaig and train, via scenic West Highland line to Fort William, Glasgow and back home in time for work Tuesday.
Mountain bikes needed but the route has everything - beautiful forest, lochs, mountains and coast combined with scenic train journeys and great hostels.
Youth Hostels at Inverness, Glen Affic and Armadale.
Trains at Glasgow, Inverness, Mallaig and Fort William.
As a regular visitor to Inverness, for me this is the best restaurant in town with an exciting mix of European/Scottish food. The stylish interior and warm welcome everyone receives make it a must.
1 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE Tel: 01463 717274
www.rocpool.com
Best beaches are Oldshoremore (sublime) out west from Kinlochbervie and the incomparable Sandwood bay if you have the energy for the hike. Please leave both as you found them.
A location sent from heaven. If you only ever visit one place in Scotland, then make it this one - for there is nowhere else on earth which holds such beauty. And I have no doubt then, that you will return to show family, friends and strangers the jewel that you have found, as I have done for the last 35 years. And please, remember the camera.
Sutherland, Scotland
Not really an island but a really beautiful area, Fortrose, Avoch (pronounced och!!) and Cromarty are really beautiful. See dolphins at Channonry Point near Fortrose.
Across the Kessock Bridge and you're there, five minutes from the centre of Inverness City.
The few tourist who come this way go to the more famous Sandwood bay, but this is even better. Some of the best golden sand in Europe and you should feel agrieved if you can't find 10 acres of empty space to put your beach towel on.
Loch Ness is truly an amazing place and a must for every Highland visitor. The amazing blue colours are truly spectacular, and keep on changing with the day, and you might just end up watching Nessie the monster, who seems to be asleep every time I’ve been there. It’s truly a romantic place and you can even take a boat ride on the Loch through Jacobite Cruises.
For a spectacular view of Loch Ness, visit Urquhart Castle, situated on the banks of the Loch. Its visitor centre is new and really good, and the castle (now ruins) provides an excellent spot for pictures.
Try catching these places on a nice sunny morning, otherwise you might miss all the beauty of the mist. Private tours are available (specialised and affordable) but you can always join in on the regular day trips from Inverness city centre. If you are a bike freak, hire a bike from hotels or local shops. Loch Ness is one place you will never forget.
Loch Ness is approximately 1 Hr drive by car from Inverness and Urquhart Caslte is just on the way there. Buses depart from outside the tourist office in Inverness;
www.lochnessguide.com;
www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/cycle.htm
Really snug hotel on the village square in Grantown-on-Spey, about 20 miles from Inverness. It makes a perfect base for exploring the Cairngorms and Monarch of the Glen country. All the rooms have recently been refurbished in a modern boutique style - beige walls and purple throws - but without the boutique prices. From £38pp B&B.
Castle Road, Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire. 01479 872836
www.garthhotel.com
This ancient military fortification is still in use by the army, but also functions as a monument and museum of army life at the fort. It's visually stunning and fascinating for military buffs, but just as fascinating for lovers of nature - dolphins and numerous types of wild sea bird can be seen. Bring your binoculars.
Ardersier, near Inverness (easily accessible by Tourist Bus from Inverness town centre)
This late 14th-century castle is a must-see when visiting the Highlands. Steeped in history, the fascinating and diverse art collection within is just as impressive as the castle itself. There are plenty of activities for people of all ages, including woodland walks and duck feeding.
Nairn, near Inverness (easily accessible by Tourist Bus from Inverness town centre)
This gorgeous riverside restaurant compares favourably to any of Scotland's popular upmarket restaurants. Although it may seem pricey compared to some places in Inverness, the food is worth every penny and considerably cheaper than what you'd pay for similar quality in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
16 Fraser Street, Inverness
Is this your business?Search Been there
