Top Inverness Outdoor Activities

Set sail across the misty waters of Loch Ness and discover the eerie legend of the Loch Ness Monster on this sightseeing cruise from Inverness. Cruise past the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle as you explore one of Britain’s largest freshwater lakes and use the ship’s sonar system to seek out the loch’s notorious resident.

This biking tour around Inverness takes you to more places than you'd see on foot and to places that buses and cars cannot reach. The Waterways Tour rides along the River Ness and The Caledonian Canal, making many stops along the way to learn about the area from your guide who has lived in Inverness all their life.

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye on a 10-hour day trip through the Scottish Highlands. Pass through glens and rugged mountain scenery, with stops at Loch Ness, Broadford and the ruins of Eilean Donan Castle, before reaching the purple heather–swathed hillsides of Skye. Then see the isle of Eilean Ban on the journey back to Inverness.

Seek out Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, on a 2-hour cruise from Dochgarroch Lock. The boat is fitted with a special Nessie sonar, but if the elusive monster doesn’t show up, the area's other sights will charm you instead. Pass along the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the crash site of a World War II bomber. You'll learn about the loch’s history and legends as you cruise.

Explore Loch Ness at your own pace on this independent 1-day cycle tour from Inverness. Hop on your bike in Bellfield Park and — with your map and directions to hand — head into rural Scotland toward Loch Ness. Head along winding country roads at your leisure and enjoy fine views over the countryside scenery. Spin through the peaceful village of Dores to the banks of Loch Ness, then perhaps enjoy lunch in a local café before strolling along the shoreline. Bike hire, map and directions are included on this tour.

Take a break from the city on a full-day trip through the Isle of Skye with convenient round-trip transport from central Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide offers commentary about the area’s top landmarks, including Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Bring your camera: This trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural landscape.

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s spectacular natural landscapes on a day tour of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness. In a small group limited to eight, visit Loch Ness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster at Chanonry Point. Plus, stop at the Clava Cairns (Stones of Clava), Culloden Battlefield, and Glen Ord Whisky Distillery.

Get out of town and into the scenic countryside—without the hassle of driving—on this guided tour from Inverness. Head for the famed Loch Ness, where you will join a cruise to view the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Enjoy some free time in Beauly and visit Culloden battlefield.

From ancient ruins to cinematic landscapes, Loch Ness to Ben Nevis, see the Scottish Highlands’ key sights in the space of a single day. With just a small group for company, travel by climate-controlled bus, and trade the bustle of Inverness for the beauty of the countryside. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous in the 'Harry Potter' films), and more.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Explore the best of the Scottish Highlands' scenery on this day tour from Inverness. Soak up the views and learn all about Scottish history as you cruise across the mysterious Loch Ness, visit Fort Augustus Abbey and loch-side Urquhart Castle, admire the majestic Falls of Foyers, and wander along Dores Beach.

Explore the landscape and legends of Loch Ness and the Highlands on a sightseeing tour from Inverness by Mercedes mini-coach. Take an optional cruise across the loch to see Urquhart Castle and enjoy an easy-going walk from Invermoriston to see lush forests and waterfalls. This Highlands tour includes pickup and drop-off at a central location in Inverness, and is limited to fifteen people for personal service.

Check out the Isle of Skye on a day trip from Inverness. With a Scottish local in a kilt as your driver-guide, you’ll discover the history behind the island plus some famous landmarks along the way. Pass Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, then cross Skye Bridge to spend time on the island itself. Visit the town of Portree, travel through the Cuillin mountains, and discover beguiling natural sights such as the Old Man of Storr. Numbers are limited to just eight people for a small-group experience.

Check a visit to John O’Groats, the northernmost point on British mainland, off your bucket list on a full-day tour through the Northern Highlands with convenient round-trip transport from Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide provides live commentary and anecdotes about each stop on the itinerary, from Dunrobin Castle to lunch in the ancient Viking town of Wick (own expense).

Learn about the rich culture and see the unforgettable scenery of the Isle of Skye on this private tour of one of Scotland’s most famous western isles. See hills and glens as you travel through mountain passes and by lochs and rugged coastlines. Hear local folk stories and learn about the history of the area from your knowledgeable local guide. Explore historic castles, visit local villages, or take some time to sit and enjoy the views from on top of the world.

Spend the day exploring Scottish scenery and whisky on a full-day tour from Inverness to Cairngorms National Park and the Glenfiddich Distillery. Join an experienced guide for a trip through the park’s scenic highlights, then learn the secrets of Scottish distilling at a family-owned distillery that makes the best-selling single malt whisky on earth. This tour includes round-trip transport from Inverness in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and is limited to sixteen people for a personal experience.

Discover many of the Scottish Highlands’ highlight attractions—as well as locals-frequented areas that many tourists miss—on this full-day tour from Inverness. Meet in the city center, and set off with just a small group for company. Visit scenic Loch Ness and Glen Affric, and explore Plodda Falls: one of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls (take a plunge, if you wish). You’ll also drop by charming villages, will stop for refreshments (own expense), and more.

Beyond its incredible scenery, the Scottish Highlands produce one of the world's most widely-loved spirits: Scotch whisky. Join your kilted guide for an adventure to taste some of the best whisky around, with hassle-free transportation between your tastings. Stop at Dornoch Castle Hotel and select distilleries—with tasting fees at your expense—and even sip a few drams of single malt from your host's collection.

Whisky-tasting around Scotland loses some of its appeal when you have to designate a driver. This private tour lets you avoid making that tough decision. Your Highlander guide will drive you through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery on your way to several of Speyside's best distilleries, including Macallan and Glenfiddich.

Journey around the Scottish Highlands in style. This private tour from the Inverness area takes you exploring in one of the most advanced and luxurious tour vehicles in Scotland, a BMW X5 M50d 4x4 SUV, which can reach places others cannot. Visit Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, and the Clava Cairns, and enjoy a cruise on the infamous Loch Ness. Along the way, enjoy chocolate-paired whisky tastings from your guide's extensive private collection.

The River Garry is one of our most popular white water rafting rivers. The Grade 3/4 conditions mean that you’ll experience some great rapids that will provide plenty of thrills as we paddle down the river together. The dam-release system that controls this river ensures that you get to experience consistent, high-water fun and big, bouncy rapids. This stretch of river is short, so we’ll run it twice in every trip to make sure that you maximise your experience with us. This also means that the rapids are in quick succession without long stretches of flat water. We tailor every trip to suit you and your groups needs so get in touch with us if you have any requests!

Perfect for true whisky enthusiasts, this private, 4-day tour will introduce you to many of Scotland’s top distilleries—including every distillery on Islay. On the first day, meet your guide at your preferred Scottish address and head via comfortable car to Oban via Loch Lomond, for your first distillery visit and bed-and-breakfast stay. The next day, board a ferry to Islay. During your stay, you’ll enjoy tutored tastings, behind-the-scenes distillery tours, and more.

With years of experience in exploring the UK mountain landscapes, City Mountaineering specialise in taking the road less travelled, getting off the crowded tourist trails and into the wilderness. Our qualified Mountain Leaders aim to show you the very best of what Britain’s mountains have to offer and to provide you with experiences that you’ll remember for a lifetime

Gavin Nicholson, the two metre tour guide has been discovering Scotland his whole life and over the last 8 years he has become one of the most sought after tour guides in Scotland. Gavin is a knowledgeable and passionate born and bred Scottish Highlander who will entertain you with stories and anecdotes about growing up in Scotland. Sit back and relax while you tour in one of the most technologically advanced luxury tour vehicles in Scotland. Gavin's BMW X5 M50d 4x4 SUV can take you to parts of Scotland other tour vehicles can only dream of. An elevated vantage point so that you can see more of the beautiful Scottish Highland scenery throughout your tour. Panoramic roof for 360° degree views. Widescreens front and back to view maps and information throughout your journey. Heated seats front and back for those chilly days where you need warmed up. Chocolate paired whisky tastings from Gavin's extensive private collection.