Inverness City Breaks - Insider's Guide

There's so much to do on an Inverness city break, especially if you know the right places to head for. Here's our top ten insiders guide tips to help you get even more out of your visit to the Highland capital.

The South Side of Loch Ness
Visit areas with names like Stratherrick, Gorthleck, Whitebridge, Errogie, Foyers, Dores, Boleskine and find out more about the history of each location and the stunning scenery that surrounds it. Read more about South Loch Ness.

Falls of Foyers
These dramatic falls are situated by the banks of Loch Ness and are best reached from Upper Foyers. There are two waterfalls - the smaller upper falls and the very impressive 100-foot lower falls, best seen from the viewing platforms. There are numerous trails to follow around the narrow wooded gorge. Walks can be extended by going into Lower Foyers on the lochside. Read more about Falls of Foyers.

Walk round the Ness Islands
Although within the city, the Ness Islands could be a million miles from it. The islands, linked by several old bridges, offer a quiet, scenic walk through tall, old native and imported trees and some of the best salmon pools on the lower Ness. An enjoyable family walk and it is suited to wheelchairs. Read more about the Ness Islands on our walking website.

Have a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain funicular
Taking you all the way up Cairngorm Mountain to just 400 feet below the summit, if you're a skier then this is the place for you. There's also a restaurant for those in need of refreshments to enjoy the beautiful views. Either way, this is an ideal way to see some of Scotland's most rugged countryside from the comfort of an enclosed carriage. Visit the Cairngorm Mountain website.

Go out to Chanonry Point and watch the dolphins
Lying at the end of Chanonry Ness - a spit of land extending over a mile southeast into the Moray Firth from Fortrose and Rosemarkie - the road leading to the point is surrounded by a golf course. So look out for stray golf balls. It's the place to enjoy the superb coastal scenery and to watch the dolphins fish and play in the turbulent waters off the point.

Visit the Ord Distillery
A delight to both the eye and the palate, you can see the Ord distillers at work creating the world-renowned malt whisky. Of course, a whisky distillery visit wouldn't be complete without a sample. Or two. Read more about the Ord Distillery. 

Moniack Castle Wineries
Situated seven miles from Inverness this unique location offers wines and preserves that reflect the natural ingredients growing around Moniack Castle. The tradition of making wines from wildflowers, fruits and tree sap is continued here and on the guided tour, you'll get an insight into just how interesting the whole process is. Visit Moniack Castle Wineries website

Riverside Dining
Eat out at one of the multitude of restaurants on the riverside. With wide variations of cuisines and styles, there's something for everyone along the banks of the River Ness. Establishments include: Abstract, Contrast, Eden Court, Riva, The Kitchen, The Waterside and Peat by the Bridge,.

Inverness Floral Hall
Offering a tranquil break amidst the beautiful floral displays, this is a unique visitor attraction that features a climatically controlled glasshouse, winding pathways, a superb array of subtropical plants, a cascading waterfall and a pool full of friendly Koi Carp. You can also see a range of vivariums that are home to a small range of exotic insects and reptiles. Visit the Inverness Floral Hall website.

Nairn Beach
Described as the Brighton of Scotland by a Victorian visitor, Nairn retains much of its charm today. Located on the coast of the Moray Firth some 15 miles east of Inverness, it enjoys one of the sunniest climates in the country and the beach is simply stunning.