Inverness , Scotland

Wild West Coast Adventure (Part 2)

Active

7h - 8h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Driving north out of Inverness, we cross the Kessock Bridge before heading west through Achnasheen to Lochcarron. Here we can spend some time at Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop before our route takes us to Kishorn and the Bealach na Ba. This dramatic mountain pass, famous for being one of the most scenic drives in the world, takes us from sea level to over 2,000 feet before descending back to the shore at Applecross. The delightful Applecross Inn provides an opportunity for a delicious local seafood lunch. The epic scenery seems to continue endlessly as we follow the coast road round to Shieldaig. The views to Skye, the Isles of Rona & Raasay and a glimpse of Harris in the far distance are simply breathtaking! We can stop for a bite of lunch in Shieldaig if we've missed Applecross, and then continue through the majestic Torridon mountains to Kinlochewe. The route back to Inverness takes us through Glen Docherty and provides an opportunity to enjoy our favourite view of Loch Maree.

Available options

Wild West Coast Adventure (Part 2)

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Snacks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Dramatic views of The Moray Firth to our right and The Beauly Firth to our left

The scenery starts to become more rugged as we head west

Enjoy browsing this wonderful range of tartans, knitwear, kilts and giftware. Design your own tartan!

Stop 4

The road is perhaps the closest to an Alpine pass in UK. It features very sharp hairpin turns, switching back and forth up the mountain, with gradients approaching to 17% and is one of the highest roads of the country rising up to 626m (2,054ft) above the sea level.
The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic, Bealach nam Bò, meaning ‘pass of the cattle’.
The road was built in 1822. The original road was rough gravel and very difficult to clear in winter, meaning it could be blocked for weeks on end. In 1950 it was totally paved.

A fabulous seafood lunch or just a brief stroll through the village.

Pretty wee village with a lovely round tree-clad island off the shore

A dramatic drive through the imposing Torridon Mountains

Dramatic views of the Loch Maree and beautiful Glen Docherty

What's not included

There are no additional entry fees to any destinations / attractions listed

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour

This tour is not available for cruise ship passengers at Invergordon Cruise Port

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.