This area, centred on Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, offers a wide range of places to visit.
With the Moray coast to the east, Loch Ness to the south and the wide open spaces of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross to the north and west, its easy to see why many visitors see this region as a perfect base from where to start some serious exploring.
Does "Culloden" ring a bell? Why not visit this 1746 battlefield east of Inverness. And what about the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle sitting on the shore of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit.
All these places are within easy reach. Although you'll probably not see any sign of the creature supposedly lurking beneath the surface of the loch, the scenery is superb.
Site rating:
Although the featured attractions, sites and landmarks are always chosen by me, I have made a serious effort to differentiate 4 levels:
- (***) This is, for whatever reason, a very personal favourite! Will definitely be on my itinerary! Could possibly be disappointing for someone else though.
- (**) A major must-see tourist attraction that you can find in many a brochure.
- (*) Worth seeing and possibly interesting if you happen to be in the vicinity.
- (-) A hefty dollop of imagination is a must, but it might be interesting if you know the background.
My very personal selection:
Location: Dufftown / Plus code: FV3G+73X Keith
Location: Culloden / Plus code: FWH3+4P Culloden Moor, Inverness
Location: Cannich / Plus code: 7287+HJ Cougie, Beauly
Location: Drumnadrochit / Plus code: 8HGG+88H Whitefield, Inverness
Location: Nairn / Plus code: G5X2+Q3 Nairn
Location: Drumnadrochit / Plus code: 8HF5+M5 Drumnadrochit, Inverness
And than there are.......
Location: Auldearn / Plus code: H5CQ+X9V Nairn
Location: Beauly / Plus code: FGMR+RV Beauly
Location: Cullicudden / Plus code: JPV4+9P6 Dingwall
Location: Cawdor / Plus code: G3FG+32 Nairn
Clava Cairns **
Location: Culloden / Plus code: FWFG+CGX Nairn
Location: Foyers / Plus code: 6GX5+J9 Foyers, Inverness
Location: Ardersier / Plus code: HWMH+GC8 Fortrose
Location: Ardersier / Plus code: HWMH+CF Ardersier
Location: Invermoriston / Plus code: 7F7C+C7R Grotaig, Inverness
Plodda Falls **
Location: Tommich / Plus code: 74CR+X6 Cannich, Beauly