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

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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