Inverness & Loch Ness – Spring Itinerary

Highland spring itinerary

This is a one-day itinerary for guests of Ness Walk Hotel that takes you to some of the best spring attractions around the Highland area of Inverness and Loch Ness.

Morning

Breakfast – Start your day with a traditional Highland breakfast at Ness Walk Hotels Torrish Restaurant, before heading out on your highland spring adventure.

Stop 1 – From the hotel take a 45-minute walk along the river to Dolphin Spirit Inverness. Alternatively, you could also take a short 10-minute drive there. This is a nature lover’s dream tour where you’ll head to wildlife hot spots in the hope of seeing bottlenose dolphins, seals and otters. Choose between the large cruiser or a thrilling RIB experience. Trips last between 1-2 hours and it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Stop 2 – From here take a stroll along the river banks into Inverness to City Sightseeing Inverness. Here you can hop on and off the open-top buses discovering the sites, culture and history on a guided bus tour. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours so you can use the bus as much as you like to get around the city. This bus route also extends to Dochgarroch Lock, offering access to the Jacobite Cruise service bound for Urquhart Castle. You can book in advance or pay on the day.

Stop 3 – While in the city, make sure to hop off the bus and go inside Inverness Cathedral. It’s an amazing building with so much history and a key landmark to tick off your Inverness guide.

Afternoon

Lunch – Some great places to eat in Inverness city include The Mustard Seed, Cafe 1 and Girvans Restaurant. After a restful lunch and some delicious food, it’s time to head back out and discover what else Inverness has to offer.

Stop 4 – If you’ve come to Inverness there’s no way you can leave without visiting the iconic Loch Ness. Jump in your car and head 30 minutes south of Inverness to the Loch Ness Centre. You could also drive another 5 minutes to an amazing Loch Ness viewpoint for a brilliant photo opportunity. Don’t forget to look out for Nessie!

Stop 5 – While you’re in the area, Urquhart Castle is a 5-minute drive away. With a thousand years of history to explore the castle is an iconic figure on the banks of Loch Ness. You might also recognise this landmark from Outlander for those eagle-eyed viewers. There’s also a cafe here to grab a drink and afternoon snack.

Evening

Dinner – After a busy day, it’s time to head back to your accommodation at Ness Walk Hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxing fine dining experience in the Torrish Restaurant.

Stop 6 – If you’re looking for some evening entertainment, you could also explore Ness Islands at sunset for those looking for a romantic stroll. Only a 15-minute walk away from your accommodation you’ll reach this lovely woodland in the river connected by footbridges. It is as magical as it sounds.

If you have a few days to explore, take a look at the other sample itineraries in our Highland Holiday Itineraries section. Our Concierge Team are always there to help with itinerary planning during your stay with us, so please don’t hesitate to contact them if you need anything at all.

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