Inverness

Inverness is the Capital of the Highlands, the largest city in the north of Scotland and the gateway to the North Coast 500, Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and the wider Highlands. It sits at the mouth of the River Ness, with a Victorian castle and a lively food scene.

Inverness makes an excellent base for the Highlands. The centre is compact and walkable, with good restaurants, an interesting castle, and the River Ness lined with Victorian townhouses. Loch Ness, Culloden and the Black Isle are all easy day trips.

Inverness is about 155 miles north of Edinburgh, roughly three hours by car on the A9 or 3.5 hours by direct train. It's a comfortable stop on a Hopscotch multi-day tour from Edinburgh.

It's the ideal base for Loch Ness, about 15 miles from Drumnadrochit and the Loch Ness Centre, with Urquhart Castle around 16 miles away. Day tours from the city take in Loch Ness, Culloden and the Black Isle.