Inverness , Scotland

The Quieter side of Loch Ness

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(6 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

No other tour company offers this experience. Being able to slow down and walk through the magnificent forest & waterfall before coming out on the shores of Loch Ness.
Knowing your food and drink is taken care of means you just have to bring yourselves, sit back and relax in our executive VW Caravelle, ensuring maximum space, comfort and visibility!
Get away from the thousands of people that visit the Loch each day by adventuring on the road less traveled.

Available options

The Quieter side of Loch Ness

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

What else would you expect but Highland Spring water on board for our guests!

There will be a selection of snacks on board throughout the day.

Detailed itinerary

We will take you down the road less traveled, taking in the magnificant Loch Ness as we go as well as learning all about the myths and legends of the Loch and surrounding area. Our first stop will be opposite the famous Urquhart Castle before reaching the hamlet of Foyers.

Our main activity will be taking in the wonderful waterfall in the middle of a stunning forest with towering Douglas Firs as well as ancient Caledonian Pines. Our guests will be guided through the forest, following the river where they will appear on the shores of Loch Ness for a truly stunning view! No other tour company takes you here and our guests are usually the only ones enjoying this secret spot!
After we walk back up to the car park, we will stop for some home baking and refreshments in the local cafe.
Please note that this walk is approx. 2 hours and includes a decent / ascent of 200m so a degree of fitness is required to undertake the full walk. As this is a private experience, we can discuss our guest's preferences at this point.

We will make our way back towards Inverness via a small country road, providing stunning views of the heather clad hills and various lochs before taking in the loch from over 250m above and decending down to the village of Dores where you can walk along the pebble beach to take in the vastness of the loch looking from the top right down to the bottom.

Stop 4

The ancient and mysterious site of Clava Cairns are 4000 year old burial chambers, (cairns) that offers tempting clues and little else but our imagination to guess as to the full purpose of these large circular cairns, but one thing is certain, you will leave with a feeling of visiting something very special! For Outlander fans - This is a must as the cairns are the inspiration for none other that Craig Na Dun!

Stop 5

Our last stop of the day before we return you to your accommodation will be the famous, yet stirring field of Drummossie Moor and the site of the Battle of Culloden. Depending on what we have discussed at the start of the day, this will be either a 30 min stop to walk around the battlefield or a 1.5 hour experience, taking in the fantastic visitor centre, for complete immersion! (additional charge for visitor centre)

What's not included

Entrance fees to Culloden Visitor Centre should this option be chosen

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Inverness

Inverness is a historic city in the Scottish Highlands, known as the capital of the region. It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with the iconic Loch Ness and the Culloden Battlefield nearby. The city is a gateway to some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes and ancient sites.

Top Attractions

Inverness Castle

A historic castle overlooking the River Ness, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours £5

Loch Ness

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Nature Half day to full day Free to visit the loch, attractions vary in price

Culloden Battlefield

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil.

Historical 2-3 hours £14.50

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

A museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of the Highlands.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties

A traditional Scottish dish made with haggis (a spiced sheep's offal pudding), mashed turnips (neeps), and mashed potatoes (tatties).

Dinner Contains meat and offal, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup, traditionally made with potatoes, onions, and milk.

Lunch Contains fish, not suitable for those with fish allergies.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Vegetarian-friendly, but contains dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Highlands Boat tours on Loch Ness Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling along the River Ness Exploring Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Attending local festivals and events Fishing in the River Ness Skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding Highlands.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Inverness is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid using them in isolated areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Inverness Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Inverness Railway Station

By bus

Inverness Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network covers the city and surrounding areas, with frequent services to major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

City Center Ness Islands Leakey

Day trips

Culloden Battlefield

5 km (3 miles) • Half day

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The visitors center offers interactive exhibits and a museum.

Loch Ness

24 km (15 miles) • Full day

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition offers insights into the loch's history and geology.

Cairngorms National Park

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

The largest national park in the UK, offering a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Inverness Highland Games • May Inverness Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the history and culture of the Highlands.
Take a boat tour on Loch Ness to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and explore the loch's stunning scenery.
Explore the Culloden Battlefield and visitors center to learn about the history of the 1746 Battle of Culloden.
Stroll along the River Ness and visit the Ness Islands for a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Sample local whisky and cuisine at one of Inverness's many pubs, restaurants, or whisky bars.