Your NC500 Gateway: Top Things To Do In Inverness!
As you prepare to embark on the renowned North Coast 500, or perhaps having just crossed its finishing line, Inverness, the esteemed capital of the Highlands, presents itself as an excellent add-on to your NC500 itinerary. This vibrant city, rich in history and encompassed by breathtaking scenery, offers a diverse array of things to see and to do!
We encourage you to look beyond Scotland’s most iconic road trip and immerse yourself in some of our favourite Invernessian activities, which seamlessly blend local history, esteemed Highland hospitality, and invigorating exercise. Whether you’re a fresh-faced road-tripper with some time to kill or a NC500 veteran looking for a budget-friendly epilogue, our guide to this hearty Highland hub will hand you some ideas!
The Gateway to the North
Inverness, the undisputed capital of the Scottish Highlands, boasts a rich and often tumultuous history.
Its strategic position at the mouth of the River Ness, leading to Loch Ness, has made it a significant settlement for centuries – evidence of Pictish settlements abounds, and the city later became a key stronghold for Scottish monarchs. Macbeth, famously dramatised by Shakespeare, held a castle here, though not the one whose ruins stand today.
The city played a pivotal role in the Jacobite Risings, most notably near the site of the decisive Battle of Culloden in 1746. Throughout its past, Inverness has grown from a vital trading port to a bustling modern city, yet its historical echoes resonate through its ancient streets and landmarks, offering a tangible link to Scotland’s dramatic heritage!
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Roam The Riverside!
Get your Invernessian bearings with a stroll along the River Ness. The imposing Inverness Castle, majestically situated on a cliff overlooking the river, immediately commands attention. While the castle itself is not accessible as it currently houses the Inverness Sheriff Court, the castle grounds provide an excellent vantage point for photography and local orientation.
Continue along the riverbanks, where you will encounter the enchanting Ness Islands. These natural islets are interconnected by a series of elegant Victorian suspension bridges, forming a serene sanctuary at the very heart of the city!
It is a cherished locale for both residents and visitors, offering a peaceful respite amidst a beautiful array of flora and fauna. You might even spot salmon leaping in the river – a true Highland totem!
Delve Into The Inverness Museum
For a more profound exploration of the rich tapestry of Highland history, a visit to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is indispensable. Not far from the castle, this welcoming museum depicts the area’s captivating past, from its geological origins to the Jacobite rebellions and the evolution of Highland culture.
Within its collections, you will discover an impressive array of Pictish stones, ancient weaponry, and traditional Highland attire. The art gallery showcases works by both local and national artists, frequently reflecting the dramatic landscapes and distinctive way of life in the Highlands.
It serves as an excellent means to get a bird’s-eye view of the region you are about to explore (or have just traversed) on the NC500. The staff are also exceedingly knowledgeable and consistently kind enough to impart local insights, embodying genuine Highland hospitality!
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Visit Culloden Battlefield
A short drive from Inverness brings you to Culloden Battlefield, a site deeply connected to Scottish history. This windswept moor witnessed the final, brutal clash of the Jacobite Rising in 1746, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Duke of Cumberland’s redcoats.
The award-winning visitor centre provides an immersive and profoundly moving experience, explaining the events leading up to the battle and its lasting impact on Highland culture. A walk across the battlefield, marked by clan gravestones, conveys the solemnity of the site.
We found it to be a truly humbling experience that created a real connection to the past and offered us a better understanding of the struggles that shaped modern Scotland.
Explore Loch Ness
No visit to Inverness would be complete without an excursion to the legendary Loch!
While the elusive Nessie often remains unseen, the loch itself is a magnificent natural marvel, extending for 23 miles and descending to depths exceeding those of the North Sea!
We recommend experiencing Loch Ness via a boat excursion. Several operators depart from Inverness or the nearby Drumnadrochit, offering cruises that combine stunning scenic views with informative commentary regarding the loch’s geology and, naturally, the enduring monster legends.
For an even more immersive loch-side experience, visit the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, majestically situated on the loch’s shore. This historic stronghold has borne witness to centuries of conflict and affords incredible views across the expansive waters. Imagine the history those stones have seen!
Hike to the Hill Fort
For those seeking both physical activity and local historical immersion, an ascent of Craig Phadrig is highly recommended.
This prominent hill, located immediately west of Inverness, hosts the remnants of an Iron Age vitrified fort. On this fascinating archaeological site, the stone walls have fused due to intense heat!
The walk itself is of moderate difficulty, offering rewarding panoramic views over Inverness, the Moray Firth, and the surrounding Black Isle. It presents a splendid opportunity to inhale the invigorating Highland air and envision life within this ancient fortress. The clearly marked paths ensure accessibility, making it an excellent means to experience nature and history without venturing far from the city centre!
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Indulge in Highland Hospitality!
Inverness boasts a remarkable culinary and beverage scene, ideally suited for rejuvenation after your NC500 adventure or for fortifying yourself before the journey ahead.
From intimate traditional pubs serving robust stews and local ales to sophisticated restaurants showcasing the finest Scottish produce, there is an option to satisfy every palate. Do not overlook the opportunity to sample fresh seafood from the Moray Firth, or perhaps a dram (or two) of local whisky!
The Victorian Market is also well worth a visit: characterised by its ornate cast-iron and timber roof, it has been an integral component of Invernessian life for over a century! It provides a delightful setting for browsing independent shops and absorbing the local ambience.
Make sure to check out Leakey’s Bookshop (the largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland) for some reading material for your trip, or just enjoy the crackle of the log-burning fireplace as you’re comforted by the smell of old books!
Journey To The Fairy Glen
If you’re looking for a magical escape from Inverness, the Fairy Glen Falls near Rosemarkie is an absolute must-visit! This enchanting spot, just a short 20-minute drive from the city, feels like stepping into a storybook. While public transport options are limited (a bus will get you close, but a car offers the most flexibility), the journey is well worth it.
The Fairy Glen is incredibly popular, especially on sunny days, so aim for an early morning or late afternoon visit to beat the crowds. Despite its popularity, the glen maintains its mystical charm, with moss-covered trees, babbling brooks, and the picturesque waterfalls themselves. The short, circular walk is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
It’s a truly authentic Scottish experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and connected to nature’s whimsical side!
Inverness: A World Within
Inverness is considerably more than a mere transit point for the NC500; it is a destination in its own right, offering a harmonious blend of historical intrigue, stunning natural beauty, and genuine Highland charm.
Therefore, whether you are embarking on your NC500 adventure or concluding it, dedicate time to experience this captivating city fully: enjoy the chatter and rumble of local pubs, dip into local shops and eateries, brush up on local history, and take time to savour the way of life in this storied and ancient Highland hub.
And remember, if you’ve set out on the NC500 and are lamenting that you didn’t have enough time in the charming city of Inverness, fear not: if all goes to plan, she’ll be there to greet you on your triumphant return!
Happy travels!
NC500: Useful Links
- NC500 Website
- walkhighlands
- Met Office (weather)
- Traffic Scotland
- Visit Scotland
- Cal Mac Ferries
- Highlands2Hammocks (Our Site) – check out other blogs, our online shop or our brand-new campervan rental service!
