Why You Should Visit Inverness and the Isle of Skye: Castles, Coos, and Celtic Charm
View of Inverness from Inverness Castle
The Isle of Skye and northern Scotland has been on our bucket list for quite some time. We ventured north to this beautiful area of Scotland after ringing in the New Year with Hogmanay festivities in Edinburgh, trading city fireworks for misty glens and starry skies. Inverness served as our cozy Highland base, and from there we explored the Isle of Skye — a place as wild and otherworldly as its name suggests. We chose to say in Inverness to visit this part of Scotland that had always captivated us. Inverness is a small, historic town about a 4 hour train ride directly north from Edinburgh. The train ride up will captivate you as the train winds through the historical highlands and the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. When you arrive in Inverness, this small town located along the beautiful River Ness will charm you with its beauty and will give you a great base to use to explore the surrounding area!
If you’re dreaming of windswept cliffs, castle ruins, cozy pubs, and wild Highland beauty, make your way to Inverness and the Isle of Skye. This region of northern Scotland delivers everything you imagine when you think of the Scottish Highlands — dramatic landscapes, shaggy Highland cows (coos), legends of the Loch Ness monster, and timeless villages that feel like they were pulled from the pages of Outlander - plus if you need one more reason to visit, the whisky distilleries are well worth the visit.
Why Visit Inverness and Isle of Skye?
To discover the quieter, more rugged side of Scotland
To chase waterfalls, hike windswept trails, and visit some of the most photogenic locations in the UK
To explore centuries-old castles, charming Highland towns, and mythic lochs
To enjoy warm Highland hospitality and sample world-famous Scotch whisky
And of course... to try and catch a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness Monster
The famous highland cows (coos)
Best Time to Visit
The summer months (May to September) bring the mildest weather, long daylight hours, and the best hiking conditions. Summer is the best time to visit to catch better weather and be able to comfortably enjoy your time on the lochs. But don't discount a winter visit — we went in January and loved the peaceful atmosphere, snow-dusted peaks, and cozy pubs with roaring fireplaces. Now this does hinder you a bit from taking longer road trips since the days are much shorter, but there are far less crowds and it makes for some really cool scenery as foggy conditions give way to beautiful landscapes.
Spring and autumn are also lovely, with fewer tourists and stunning colors in the landscapes. For those looking for less crowds, good daylight, and good weather, choose autumn or spring if you are looking for good mix of weather with less tourists.
Eilean Donan Castle on a very misty day in Winter - if you are visiting in winter, be prepared for some misty and cold weather
Visit Time Recommendation
While you can visit Inverness and the surrounding area in 48 hours, you may feel a bit rushed. We spent two and a half days in Inverness and felt a little rushed, but we were able to fit in almost everything we wanted to do, but would have preferred to have more time to explore more of the surrounding area. If you are looking to just visit Inverness and Loch Ness and are not planning to explore the rest of the surrounding countryside, then 2 days should be sufficient. However, we recommend at least 3–4 days to explore Inverness and do a full-day or overnight trip to Skye. If you have time, stay one or two nights in Portree to make the most of Skye without rushing.
A very misty view of the Portree harbor
Helpful Hints for Visiting
Fun Fact: Inverness is often referred to as the "Capital of the Highlands" — it's compact and walkable, but serves as the gateway to some of Scotland’s wildest regions.
Getting Around: A car is ideal, especially for exploring Skye. However, you can also take guided tours if you prefer not to drive (especially in winter or for left-side driving newbies!).
How long do I need? We recommend at least 3 days to explore Inverness and do a full-day or overnight trip to Skye. If you have time, stay one or two nights in Portree to make the most of Skye without rushing.
Safety Tips: Roads can be narrow and winding in Skye, especially in remote areas. Check weather reports in winter and drive cautiously.
Population: Inverness has about 47,000 residents — small but full of character!
Unique Fact: The River Ness, which runs through the town, is one of the shortest rivers in Europe, flowing just 6 miles from Loch Ness to the sea.
SIM cards & Wi-Fi: SIM cards are easy to find at airports or shops in Inverness. Wi-Fi is widely available, but expect spotty reception in rural areas, especially on Skye (if driving, download offline Google maps!). We recommend using airalo if your phone allows for eSIMs (Feel free to use our referral code: MATTHE6398 for $3 off).
Entrance Requirements: No visa needed for U.S./EU visitors for stays under 90 days.
Do I Need Cash? Most places accept cards, but it’s handy to have a little cash for small shops or remote cafes.
Can I Drink the Water? Yes — Scottish tap water is clean and tastes good.
Restaurant Reservations? In peak season or weekends, yes — especially in Portree and for distillery dining experiences.
Plug Type: UK standard — Type G plug (3 rectangular prongs) and 230V. Try this universal travel adapter to consolidate the amount of different plugs you need to bring.
The Inverness Castle lit up at night
Weather & Packing
Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable. You might get all four seasons in a day. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, sturdy shoes, and a warm hat—even in summer. Don’t forget gloves and thermals if visiting in winter - the wind can really cut through you and make it feel even colder.
Here are some of the items we recommend:
Waterproof Hiking Boots: We swear by these Columbia hiking boots for men and Salomon boots for women.
Portable Charger: Keep your phone alive for all those Highland photos. We love this portable charger with built in charging cables - which comes in handy in case you forget your cords.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket: This packable woman’s jacket and this packable men’s jacket can be lifesavers on Skye.
Travel Umbrella: A compact, wind-resistant umbrella like this one fits easily in your daypack.
Be sure to leave some room in your luggage to take back some beautiful Scottish wool sweaters and tartan scarves.
Be prepared for fast changing weather!
Scotland Travel Essentials
Here’s what helped us plan our Highland trip:
Outlander Book Series (what inspired Ash to want to visit the Highlands!)
Getting Here
Inverness is about a 4-hour scenic train ride from Edinburgh (or roughly a 3 hour drive), passing through Cairngorms National Park and breathtaking Highland landscapes. Alternatively, fly directly into Inverness Airport from London or select international cities. If you are flying from outside of the UK, you will most likely fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Tip: We booked our train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness via Trainline — it's super easy to use and often cheaper than booking direct.
Car Rentals: We recommend Expedia for affordable rentals and full insurance options, especially if you're planning to explore the Isle of Skye.
Where to Stay
In Inverness
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa - this is where we stayed while in Inverness. We really enjoyed the location along the River Ness and the proximity to restaurants. The best thing about this hotel is that it feels more like a B&B than a hotel. It is cozy, quiet, and we really enjoyed the ambiance.
The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel – This hotel also has fantastic river views and refined charm and is conveniently located near the restaurants and major sites in Inverness. This is another great hotel to consider!
Heathmount Hotel – We also were considering staying at this hotel. It has cozy rooms with modern style and great pub food. We’ve heard the restaurant and bar here are fantastic.
On Skye (Portree)
The Bosville – This boutique hotel conveniently located in Portree has views of the harbor and a really cozy feel.
Cuillin Hills Hotel – This hotel is one of the best in Portree. It is upscale and scenic and offers iconic views of the colorful downtown. If you are looking for one of the more iconic hotels in the region - this is it!
View of the Best Western Palace Hotel from across the river
Top Things to Do in Inverness & Isle of Skye
🌿 Inverness
Inverness Castle – The castle offers great views over the River Ness (note: under renovation, but great photo spot).
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery – This free museum is full of Highland history - and a great place to wander on a rainy day.
Walk the River Ness – Walk the peaceful paths and scenic bridges - this is a great place for a morning or afternoon stroll.
Inverness Cathedral – This cathedral has stunning Gothic architecture and is a beautiful church to wander around.
St. Mary’s Church – This church is quaint and historic with a lot of charm, worth a quick visit!
Trip to Glen Ord Distillery – If you are whisky fan, this is a must do! Be sure to take a tour and sample a local single malt whisky (or two). This is a great tour regardless if you like whisky or not.
Market Bar – If you are looking for a little place with nightlife, check out this cozy whisky bar with live music.
Kayak or Boat Ride on the River Ness – For a different viewpoint of the city, rent a kayak or take a boat ride along the river.
🌄 Isle of Skye
Loch Ness – Stop on the way to search for Nessie!
Eilean Donan Castle – This is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles and is definitely a must see! Wandering this old castle and the castle grounds along the loch was one of our favorite visits on the way to the Isle of Skye. There is also a little visitor center and museum that explains the history behind this 13th century castle, as well as a cafe to grab coffee.
Urquhart Castle – These old romantic castle ruins are worth a quick stop and offer great views of Loch Ness.
Sligachan Old Bridge – Not just a great photo spot! Don’t forget to dip your face in the river for eternal beauty (local legend!)
Portree – The colorful capital of Skye is a beautiful town to visit or stay. The iconic port town with its colorful buildings makes for a great stop to grab some lunch or a snack and take some iconic photos of this lovely town. If you are staying in the town there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to tuck into to enjoy the local area. This was one of our favorite little towns that we visited during our Isle of Skye trip.
Old Man of Storr – This rock formation is one of the most iconic in all of Isle of Skye. The Old Man of Storr offers a legendary hike and fantastic photo stop. Even if you aren’t an avid hiker, be sure to take some time to visit this picturesque area.
Waterfalls – Keep an eye out for roadside falls like Mealt Falls - there are tons along the route, especially if it just rained. Take your time, drive slow, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Highland Cows – Spot “hairy coos” near Sconser!
💡 Skye Tip: The island is big, and roads are slow. Stay overnight in Portree if you want to explore more — otherwise, book a day tour to see highlights without the stress of driving.
Prefer not to drive? We loved this guided full-day Skye tour from Inverness — it hits all the highlights without the stress of navigating Highland roads.
More Ideas & Optional Day Trips
Culloden Battlefield – A sobering but important site from Scottish history located just outside Inverness. If you are interested in history, this is a site that should definitely be on your list. The battlefield museum offers interactive exhibits and describes the importance of this historic battle. The battlefield is about a 15 minute drive if you have a car or take a taxi or is a 30 minute bus ride from Inverness. If you are interested in the historical side of the Highlands, consider taking a history day tour.
Clava Cairns – Mysterious Bronze Age stone circles and a must for Outlander fans - this is located about a 5 minute drive from the Culloden battlefield or a roughly 30 minute walk. Alternatively, consider taking an Outlander tour.
Rogie Falls – A lovely waterfall stop about 30 minutes away from Inverness with the chance to spot salmon leaping upstream.
Drive the North Coast 500 – This is Scotland’s iconic roadway route, starting in Inverness. If you are looking for a scenic drive, consider taking this route.
Loch Maree & Gairloch – Check out both of these lochs to see some absolutely beautiful untouched scenery.
Highlands Tour - While Ash took a Highlands tour from Edinburgh, you can just as easily take one from Inverness as well. The Highlands tour is definitely worth a trip to see some amazing scenery!
Go see the Harry Potter Train (AKA go visit Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Fort William, and the Jacobite Steam Train) - This was one of our favorite day tours from Edinburgh, but you can also take this day trip from Inverness. Check out the beautiful areas of Glencoe and Glenfinnan (especially if you like waterfalls!) and watch the Jacobite Steam Train (AKA the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movies) travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Some tours will give you time to ride the train as well!
Recommended 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Inverness → Walk the River Ness → Visit Inverness Castle & Cathedral → Dinner & whisky tasting in downtown
Day 2: Full-day tour to Isle of Skye (either drive or take a day tour) → Stop at Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan → Explore Portree, Old Man of Storr [Be prepared for a long day of 10 - 12 hours if you plan on doing everything in one day].
Day 3: Morning visit to Culloden or Glen Ord → Afternoon train back to Edinburgh (or fly out of Inverness airport)
A visit to beautiful Loch Ness
Whisky Experiences to Try
Glen Ord Distillery (near Inverness)
Talisker Distillery (on Skye — worth the trip!)
Book a tasting flight at Market Bar or a local whisky shop in Inverness
Ask for a dram of local Highland single malts — they’re smooth, earthy, and unforgettable
If you are a whisky lover, book a Speyside tour to visit two distilleries in the local area or visit the iconic Glen Ord or Talisker distilleries.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Inverness and the Isle of Skye feels like stepping into a fairytale — complete with castles, legends, and landscapes that put you in awe of this beautiful highland destination. Whether you’re sipping whisky by a fireplace, marveling at windswept cliffs, or waiting for Nessie to appear from the mist, this part of Scotland offers moments you’ll never forget. We loved our adventure both in Inverness and the Isle of Skye. Although we were there in deep winter, the area was still enchanting. We hope you enjoy exploring this area as much as we did!
The Loch Ness Monster!
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