Adventure Collective
Explore Inverness: Half Day Highland Tour to Loch Ness or Culloden Battlefield - Inverness

Explore Inverness: Half Day Highland Tour to Loch Ness or Culloden Battlefield

Lossiemouthmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4.5–5 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness level recommended due to walking on uneven ground and potential weather elements.

Overview

Choose your own Highland adventure with a half-day tour from Inverness, exploring either the mystical Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle or the historic Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. Dive into Scotland’s rich past and stunning landscapes in just a few hours.

Lossiemouth, Scotland

Half Day Tour in Inverness area

+12 years old • Group size 1- 6 • 4.5 - 5 hours + • A half day tour in Inverness area

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About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating half-day tour in the Highlands, choosing between the enchanting Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle or the historic Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of Inverness, complemented by a guided walking tour of the city’s iconic sites. A unique adventure awaits!

A half-day tour in the Highlands with 2 itinerary options. Select yours!

Duration

4.5 - 5 hours

Group size

1 - 6

A great half day to visit iconic places in the Inverness region.

Description - Option A

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Driving on, we will be heading towards the famous and mysterious Loch Ness. Loch Ness is 22.5 miles long and it is the biggest loch in the UK by volume, with enough fresh water to supply England and Wales. After having seen Ness (yes, you did see Ness), we will be taking you to the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness. Standing perched above the deepest point of the loch, the castle is very popular with tourists and it is worth visiting inside (ruins).

City of Inverness Walking Tour

Explore the capital of Highlands on foot on a guided walking tour of approximately 2 hours. River Ness Inverness Castle (external) Inverness Cathedral High Street Church Street and Inverness's oldest house Old High St Stephen's Church The Victorian Market

Description - Option B

Culloden Battlefield

A must-visit place while visiting the Inverness area. Approximately 15 minutes from the city centre you will find the battlefield where the deadliest battle happened - the year was 1746. Jacobite supporters seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. Culloden was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,300 men were slain – about 1,250 of them Jacobites.

Clava Cairns

Dated 4,000 years ago, Clava Cairns is a Bronze Age cemetery located a few minutes from Culloden Battlefield. The well-preserved prehistoric site invites us to explore how the past civilizations utilized the area to make their sacred rituals.

City of Inverness Walking Tour

Explore the capital of Highlands on foot on a guided walking tour of approximately 2 hours. River Ness Inverness Castle (external) Inverness Cathedral High Street Church Street and Inverness's oldest house Old High St Stephen's Church The Victorian Market

What is included

  • A bottle of mineral water
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Mobile phone charger
  • Private Transportation for your party only
  • Driver-guide staff (ENG/PT)

What's not included

  • This itinerary does not include accommodation anywhere along the itinerary
  • Entrance to visitor attractions (castles, natural parks, special tours, distilleries experiences and entry fees, etc.) and suggested tours featured in the itinerary. However, advice on pre-bookings can be provided
  • Meals and drinks at lunch stops and any other stop needed
  • Travel Insurance, including cancellation insurance

*** IMPORTANT NOTES***

  • The choice of Castles/Attractions/Distilleries to be visited on a day is directed related to the time available to travel between sites, opening hours, and pre-booked slots (where applicable)*
  • Local attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor adventure activities, distilleries, retail shops, breweries, etc. have changed/adapted their visiting operation systems due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. It is recommended to contact us before booking your transportation to consider the dates, times, and routes selected for your experience.
  • Be prepared to pre-book all your attractions/experiences in advance due to new capacity restrictions on many premises, including food and beverage places.
  • Many attractions in the region are seasonal (Spring/Summer) while others are only open for a few months during the year. It is highly recommended to check the attraction opening dates and times on its website before planning your ground transportation. Contact us for more details.

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy shoes

Expect moderate walking on uneven terrain, especially around historical sites like Urquhart Castle and Culloden Battlefield.

Bring waterproof gear

Weather in the Highlands can change rapidly; waterproof jackets and covers will keep you dry during the tour.

Carry a camera

The tour offers spectacular photo opportunities at Loch Ness and Clava Cairns, so don’t forget your camera.

Stay hydrated

Carry a water bottle to stay refreshed during your walking segments, especially in warmer months.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Red deer are commonly spotted near Loch Ness.
  • Golden eagles occasionally soar above Culloden Battlefield, adding to the dramatic vistas.

History

Culloden Battlefield marks the site of the last major battle fought on British soil in 1746 during the Jacobite Rising.

Conservation

Efforts to preserve natural habitats and historical monuments in the Inverness area focus on sustainable tourism and minimizing visitor impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Inverness

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Crucial for wet weather common in Scotland's autumn months.

fall specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Supports moderate walking across varied and sometimes rocky terrain.

Camera or smartphone

Ideal for capturing dramatic landscapes and historical sites.

Layered clothing

Essential

Allows adaptation to changing temperatures during the tour.

spring specific