Inverness is one of the best bases in Scotland for exploring the Highlands. You can be at Loch Ness in no time, out on the coast spotting dolphins, walking through ancient sites, or up a glen that feels properly wild, all within a day.
This guide covers some of the best day trips from Inverness for 2026. It’s written for real trip planning, not just a list of names, so you’ll find route ideas, realistic driving notes, and a few local tips that help your day run smoothly.
If you’re deciding between staying in town or getting out exploring, a good rule is this. Inverness itself is great for a half-day wander, but the real magic is in the places you can reach from here. For a comprehensive local guide to the city and surrounding Highlands -history, culture, wildlife, food and more -see our Inverness and the Surrounding Highlands: The Ultimate Local Guide.
If you’d rather not drive, we offer private tours from Inverness and a chauffeur service in Inverness for transfers and multi-day itineraries.
Plan your journey with Venture Highland
Luxury private tours and chauffeur service from Inverness, designed for Highlands stays, estates, golf, and executive travel.
Planning a day in Inverness, Loch Ness, or a private shore excursion from Invergordon? We’ll tailor the route around your interests.
1) Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
This is the classic Inverness day trip, and it’s popular for a reason. Loch Ness is close enough to do comfortably without rushing, and you can build a great route around a few standout stops.
Good options to include are Dores Beach for views down the loch, Falls of Foyers for a proper waterfall walk, Fort Augustus for the canal locks, and Urquhart Castle for the iconic Loch Ness setting.
If you want an easy, well-paced version of this day, take a look at our Loch Ness private tour.
2) Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns
If you’re interested in Highland history, this is the best place to start. Culloden Battlefield is powerful and moving, and Clava Cairns adds a completely different layer of history with its ancient stones and burial cairns.
These two work perfectly together because they’re close by, and you can do them without turning it into a full-day drive.
3) The Black Isle and Chanonry Point
The Black Isle is one of the easiest feels-like-you’ve-escaped trips from Inverness. You’re not far from the city, but it quickly becomes coastal villages, wide views, and a slower pace.
Chanonry Point is the famous spot for bottlenose dolphins. Sightings depend on conditions, but when it’s on, it’s a brilliant experience. You can also make a nice loop taking in Cromarty or Fortrose along the way.
4) Glen Affric
If you want scenery, Glen Affric is hard to beat. It’s one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, with ancient Caledonian pinewoods, lochs, and big Highland views.
It’s a good choice when you want a day that feels proper Highlands without committing to a very long drive.
5) Fort George and the Moray Firth coast
Fort George is a huge 18th-century fortress built after Culloden, and it’s a great visit if you’re into military history or architecture. The views across the Moray Firth are a bonus.
This can pair nicely with a coastal loop, especially if you’re looking for something slightly quieter than the main tourist routes.
6) Cawdor Castle and gardens
If you want a classic castle day without going too far, Cawdor is a great option. It’s easy to fit in, and the gardens make it especially good in spring and summer.
7) A whisky day from Inverness
A distillery day is one of the best grown-up trips from Inverness. You can keep it local and relaxed, or build a scenic route that includes viewpoints and a good lunch stop.
If you’re planning whisky, having a driver makes the whole day easier. If that’s what you want, contact our team and we’ll suggest a sensible route based on your timings.
8) Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Aviemore is a great day out if you want a change of landscape. You’ve got forests, mountain views, and plenty of options depending on the season, from gentle walks to more energetic hikes.
It’s also a good option if the weather is mixed, because you can keep the day flexible and adjust plans as you go.
9) Glen Coe, Great Glen and Loch Ness
A Glen Coe day from Inverness follows the Great Glen south past Loch Ness, then into Glen Coe -Visitor Centre, waterfalls, Glen Etive -and, for capable walkers, an optional Secret Waterfall hike. It is one of the most dramatic Highland routes we run.
For the full route, stops, and what to expect, see our Glen Coe tour from Inverness guide.
Is Skye worth doing as a day trip from Inverness?
Skye is stunning, but it’s a long day from Inverness and it’s easy to underestimate the driving time. If Skye is a must, the best approach is to start early, keep the route focused, and pick a couple of big highlights rather than trying to see everything. For a full planning guide -bases, avoiding crowds, sights and itineraries -see our Isle of Skye definitive guide.
If you’re short on time, many visitors find they get a more relaxed Highlands experience by choosing Loch Ness, Glen Affric or the Black Isle instead.
Planning tips (so your day actually runs smoothly)
- Start early in peak season. Inverness is busy in summer and popular spots fill up quickly.
- Don’t over-pack the route. Two or three quality stops beats six rushed ones every time.
- Factor in single-track roads. Some of the best places take longer than the map suggests.
- Build in a proper lunch stop. It makes the day feel like a holiday, not a mission.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Inverness?
Loch Ness, Culloden and Clava Cairns, Glen Affric, the Black Isle, Fort George, whisky distilleries, and the Cairngorms are all excellent options, depending on what you like and how far you want to travel.
Can you do Loch Ness as a day trip from Inverness?
Yes. It’s very close, and it works well as a half-day or full-day route with stops like Dores Beach, Falls of Foyers, Fort Augustus and Urquhart Castle.
Do I need a car for day trips from Inverness?
A car helps, but it’s not essential. Many visitors choose a private driver-guided tour so they can relax, enjoy the scenery, and avoid parking and navigation.
Want help planning a day that fits your interests? contact our team and we’ll point you in the right direction.
