What to See
5 highlights📍 Tap the pin for directions
The Scottish Highlands — The Drive North
The landscape around Inverness and northward is among the most dramatic in Europe — ancient Caledonian mountains, wild heather moorland, deep fjord-like lochs, and a scale of emptiness that is genuinely rare in Britain. The A9 north toward Golspie and Brora, the road west into Glen Affric, and the drive along Loch Ness are all outstanding. The towns along the Dornoch Firth (Dingwall, Tain, Dornoch) are beautiful and almost entirely off the tourist radar — stop whenever something looks interesting.
Highland Golf Courses
The golf courses in the Inverness area are some of the finest and most scenic in Scotland, played in near-total peace by Scottish standards. Check out Cabot Highlands (formerly Castle Stewart Golf Links) and Nairn Golf Club. Castle Stuart, now rebranded as Cabot Highlands, has extraordinary panoramic views across the Moray Firth and is a world-class modern links. It also has natural terrain with many elevation shifts, while Nairn is flatter with scenic sea views and high fescue that will keep your balls hostage. Royal Dornoch — about an hour north — is consistently ranked in the world's top 10 links courses and remains far less crowded than its quality would suggest. Inverness Golf Club itself is welcoming and very playable.
Loch Ness
The famous loch extends 37km southwest from Inverness — dark, deep, and genuinely atmospheric whatever your position on the monster. Urquhart Castle on the western shore (14th century ruins with loch views) is worth the stop. Drive the B862 along the quieter southern shore for the best scenery and fewest tour coaches. The Great Glen Way walking route follows the loch for those who want to experience the scale properly.
Cawdor Castle
A beautifully preserved 14th-century castle with stunning formal gardens about 15km east of Inverness — the ancestral home of the Thanes of Cawdor (the Shakespeare connection is disputed but adds atmosphere). The family still lives here seasonally. The gardens are outstanding in summer and the castle interior is genuinely interesting.
Ben Nevis (from Fort William)
Britain's highest peak at 1,345 metres rises from Fort William, about 1.5 hours south of Inverness. The main Pony Track from the visitor centre at Glen Nevis is well-marked and manageable for anyone in reasonable fitness — allow 6-8 hours for the round trip. The summit involves some scrambling near the top in clear conditions; in mist (which is frequent), navigation requires attention. Views from the summit on a clear day are extraordinary — the whole Highland panorama. Proper boots, waterproofs, and food are non-negotiable regardless of forecast. Highly recommended.