Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Private Tour from Inverness

Inverness , Scotland

Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Private Tour from Inverness

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(932 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Enjoy an 8-hour trip to get a flavor of the lush hills and glens in and around the world famous and mysterious Loch Ness. Experience tastes of this unique culture, history and landscape. The private tour will be in a comfortable, air-conditioned Land Rover or minibus that seats up to 8 people. Relax with your Professional, Scottish, kilted tour guide as they take you on a journey to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle , Beauly , Glen Ord Distillery, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns.

This tour is NOT available to people who are on a cruise ship in the Port of Invergordon. This is because the meeting point for this tour is 25 miles from the ship and we can't guarantee at the end of the tour you would be back on time for your ship to sail.

Available options

Group up to 8 people

Group up to 3 people

What's included

Professional Kilted Guide

Air Conditioned Vehicles - Land Rover or Minibus

Pick-up & Drop-off from your accommodation if in Inverness or en route

Private Transportation

Detailed itinerary

Meet and Greet in front of the Columba Hotel for departure of all our tours. Meet at 8:45am.

Stop 2 Pass by

As we head towards Urquhart Castle see this world famous loch that holds the most volume of fresh water of any lochs in Scotland. Perhaps you might see it's most famous inhabitant - Nessie!

Stop 3

Stop here and visit this iconic ruined castle. Hear the history and folklore from your guide, watch the short welcome video and take some photos of the castle and spectacular view down the loch

Meet the fabulous Highland Coos Katie Morag and Jamie Fraser. See the comical Alpacas and perhaps buy some fabulous gifts or food from the Farm Shop itself.

Stop 5

Learn about the single malt whisky produced at the distillery and view the new exhibition centre. Your guide will tell you all about the Whisky production and if you wish you can take a tasting that suits your needs.

Stop here for a lunch break and to visit some of the wonderful local cafes (including an award-winning deli) and shops that this medieval burgh has to offer.

Stop 7

Experience the feelings evoked by standing on the site of the last pitched battle fought on British mainland soil. Your guide will take you round around the battlefield showing you Memorial Clan Markers, the Memorial Cairn and much much more

Stop 8

Have a guided tour around the prehistoric site and marvel at the Standing Stones and Burial Cairns, learning their history from your guide.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch

Full Glen Ord Distillery Tour (time does not allow for this)

Cost of Glen Ord Distillery Tastings

Entrance fee to Urquhart Castle

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

312 reviews

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286

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Tripadvisor 4.9

620 reviews

5★

586

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 6 years

Children (ages 6 to 17) must be accompanied by an adult

Operates in all weather conditions so dress appropriately

Booster seats are available on request

A maximum of 8 people per booking

This tour is not available to people who are on a cruise ship in the Port of Invergordon. This is because the meeting point for this tour is 25 miles from the ship and we can't guarantee at the end of the tour you would be back on time for your ship to sail.

Meeting point

Leaves from in front of the Columba Hotel or from your accommodation if in Inverness or en route. Meet at 8:45am

Important notes

• Operates in all weather conditions so dress appropriately
• Booster seats are available on request
• Children (ages 6 to 17) must be accompanied by an adult

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.