How to Plan Your Wednesday Tour to Fort William and Glencoe in Inverness
Do you have just one day to explore the Scottish Highlands? Don’t waste your time navigating public transit or unfamiliar roads. Instead, opt for a guided tour from Inverness that takes you to Loch Ness and across the Highlands, visiting top attractions like the haunting landscape of Glencoe, the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Ben Nevis. This full-day guided tour of the Scottish Highlands offers an excellent opportunity to check off multiple attractions on your bucket list. You’ll learn all about Scottish history from your knowledgeable guide, and since it’s a small-group tour with a maximum of eight participants, you can have a more personalized experience. Plus, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. What’s Included:- Guide/Driver
- Private transportation
The meeting point is Highland House of Fraser Scottish Visitors Centre at 4 Huntly Street Inverness IV3 5PR. Outside the center, onboard our distinctive minibus, our friendly driver Billy will be waiting to welcome you aboard at 8:30 AM.
What to Expect:Loch Ness
Your first stop is Loch Ness – home of the infamous Loch Ness monster – for a 15-minute admission. This freshwater Loch is the second-deepest in Scotland at 230 meters (750 ft), and its dark, deep waters stretch for over 23 miles (37 kilometers), and it has a dark history that your guide will share with you.Fort Augustus
The tour continues to Fort Augustus, a beautiful village located on the southern end of Loch Ness. Here, you can witness the engineering marvel of the Caledonian Canal, which is 60 miles long and connects several lochs. Fort Augustus is also a bustling gateway to the Great Glen Way and an ideal spot to sit back, relax, and watch the boats ride through the locks.Glenfinnan Viaduct
Next up is the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. It’s an iron railway viaduct that spans Glenfinnan, a village in the West Highlands of Scotland. Not only is it an engineering marvel, but it’s also an icon boasting stunning views.Glencoe
Our final destination is Glencoe, a hauntingly beautiful valley covered with stark, rocky slopes and slopes of heather. This site is famous among hikers and mountaineers, but with us, you can sit back and enjoy the views while learning about this place’s tragic past from your knowledgeable guide.What’s Not Included:
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees to any attractions except Loch Ness
Frequently Asked Questions about Inverness
Inverness is a historic city in the Scottish Highlands that offers stunning natural landscapes, castles, museums, and more. The city has a rich history and is often referred to as the capital of the Highlands. Here are some frequently asked questions about Inverness:1. What is the best time to visit Inverness?
Inverness is best visited during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and the days are longer. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and bigger crowds. However, in the winter months, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, and if you are willing to brave the cold, it can be an excellent time to visit.2. How do I get to Inverness?
Inverness has its own airport, and you can also take a train or drive. If you are coming from Scotland, the train is the most convenient option, with services from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. If you are driving, take the A9 from Perth or the A96 from Aberdeen.3. What are the must-see attractions in Inverness?
There are many must-see attractions in Inverness. Here are some of the most popular:- Inverness Castle: Located on a hill overlooking the city, the castle is currently used as a courthouse and isn’t open to the public.
- Inverness Cathedral: A beautiful historic cathedral with stunning stained glass windows.
- Culloden Battlefield: The site of the last battle fought on British soil where the Jacobite rising came to a brutal end.
- Loch Ness: The famous lake that is home to the legendary monster, Nessie.
- Urquhart Castle: A ruined castle on the shores of Loch Ness that dates back to the 13th century.
- Glen Affric: A stunning natural park with forests, lochs, and mountains.
4. Are there any guided tours available in Inverness?
Yes, there are many guided tours available in Inverness, ranging from walking tours to bus tours to boat tours of Loch Ness. Some of the most popular tour companies include Happy Tours, Jacobite Cruises, and Inverness Tours.5. Where should I stay in Inverness?
Inverness has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the most popular areas to stay in include the city center, the Old Town, and the banks of the River Ness. Some popular hotel options include the Kingsmills Hotel and the Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel.6. What is the weather like in Inverness?
Inverness has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 17°C (62°F), while in the winter months, it is around 4°C (39°F). Expect frequent rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being October and November.7. What is the local cuisine in Inverness?
Inverness, like the rest of Scotland, is known for its hearty cuisine, with dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties being popular. Other local delicacies include Cullen Skink (smoked haddock soup), black pudding, and Dundee cake. Whiskey is also a popular drink in the area, with many distilleries located throughout the Highlands.8. Is Inverness a safe city to visit?
Inverness is generally considered a safe city to visit, with a low crime rate. However, like any city, there is always the risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing. Be sure to take precautions like keeping your valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings. In conclusion, Inverness is a city that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With plenty of attractions, tours, and accommodation options, it is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the Scottish Highlands.
How to spend your time as a tourist in Inverness
Inverness is a city located in the Scottish Highlands that offers a wide range of activities for tourists. From historic sites to natural beauty, there is something for everyone here. Here are some of the best things to do in Inverness.1. Visit the Inverness Castle
One of the most well-known landmarks in Inverness is the Castle. It offers stunning views of the River Ness and the city. The castle was built in the 19th century on the site of an earlier castle of the 11th century. It houses a courthouse currently and is not open for visitors, but you can still admire the architecture and take photos from outside.2. Walk along the River Ness
If you want to take in the natural beauty of Inverness, take a stroll along the River Ness. The river is well-known for its salmon fishing and is lined with beautiful trees, flowers, and bushes. You can also spot the Ness Island on the river which offers a peaceful and scenic walk along the riverbank. You can also take a river cruise from the Fiddler’s pier.3. Explore the Loch Ness
Inverness is famous as the gateway to the Loch Ness. Take a boat trip on the Loch Ness and learn about the fascinating legend of the Loch Ness monster. You can explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the banks of the Loch Ness, which offers panoramic views of the lake and if you are lucky, you might get the glimpse of the monster too.4. Visit the Culloden Battlefield
The Culloden Battlefield is one of the most significant battlefields of Scottish history, where the Jacobite uprisings were crushed by the British Army to ensure United Kingdom’s existence afterwards. A visit to the Culloden Battlefield is mandatory while visiting Inverness. The site has a visitor’s center, a museum, and a walking trail which provides an insight into the epic battle.5. Tour the Old Town of Inverness
Take a walk through the Old Town of Inverness, which gives you an opportunity to see some of the oldest buildings still standing in the city. The town has a mixture of Victorian and Georgian architecture in its buildings which blend seamlessly with the modern ones. Some main options for the old town tour include Inverness Museum, St. Andrews Cathedral, and the Victorian Market.6. Try Traditional Scottish Cuisine
No trip to Inverness can be complete without enjoying traditional Scottish cuisine at the local restaurants. Scottish cuisine is simple yet delicious, and traditional dishes include haggis, black pudding, neeps and tatties, and Scottish salmon. The best restaurants in the city, offering traditional Scottish cuisine include The Kitchen Restaurant & Bar, The Mustard Seed and Rocpool and many more.7. Experience Inverness nightlife
Inverness nightlife is exciting and lively, with lots of bars and nightclubs, which have something for everyone. The bars usually offer traditional Scottish music and dance, while the nightclubs host well-known DJs and live bands. Some of the popular bars and nightclubs in the city are Hootananny, Mad Hatters, and The Glen Mhor Bar.8. Go Golfing
Inverness is a golf lover’s paradise with prestigious golf courses which are renowned for their beauty and quality. Some of the popular golf courses in the city are Castle Stuart Golf Links, Torvean Golf Club, and Inverness Golf Club.9. Take the North Coast 500 Drive
The North Coast 500 drive is a 500-mile scenic driving route that takes you through the North Coast of Scotland’s spectacular landscapes. The route starts and ends in Inverness and covers the Scottish Highlands’ rugged coastlines, mountains, and stunning scenery.Book Your Tour Now
Inverness is a perfect destination for tourists who love the combination of history, natural beauty, and fun activities. The above-mentioned activities are just a few of the best things to do in Inverness. The city has something for every tourist, whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or looking for some adventure, Inverness has it all.Table of Contents
