Hogmanay Itinerary

Inverness Highland Hogmanay itinerary

This three-day self-guided tour for guests of Ness Walk Hotel over Hogmanay takes you to some of the best attractions around the Highland area of Inverness and Loch Ness. The short trip does include some driving time – we can recommend chauffeur transfers or if you choose to hire a car, we have parking on site.

30th December

Lunch – Arrive early to Ness Walk to a heavenly afternoon tea. The sun sets early at this time of year. Unwinding with sweet treats is a great way to start your Highland Hogmanay stay!

Afternoon – If you are interested in fashion and textiles , the boutique store Rebel Row and founder Prickly Thistle are bringing tartan milling back to the Highlands. Check out our experiences page to arrange a private shopping hour or ladies kilt fittings. The city also has lots of other independent stores and great finds. Including the awe-inspiring Leakeys Bookshop – a two floor second hand bookshop rammed to the ceiling with ancient books and centred around a giant wood burning stove. Further afield, Johnstons of Elgin is around 1hour by car from the hotel.

Evening – This evening, why not enjoy something light in our Torrish Bar before heading out for some live entertainment. The city centre is a 15 minute walk away – along the twinkling riverside. Here, there are a great number of bars and venues to visit. Live traditional Scottish music spills out from The Highlander and Macgregors – two of our favourites where locals and visitors gather for some great tunes, drams and dancing.

31st December

Breakfast – Start the day with a delicious Highland breakfast at Ness Walk Hotel, before heading out on your winter adventure.

Stop 1 – For your morning activity, we suggest a cruise with Loch Ness by Jacobite. This fantastic tour company runs boat rides throughout the winter. The large boats have plenty of indoor seating for colder days. From the hotel, head south towards Dochgarroch Lock. This is just a 10-minute drive via the A82. There are two cruises which depart from Dochgarroch. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Lunch – River House is a beautiful high end seafood restaurant on the riverside. Or, the Mustard Seed is a favourite for a slightly less formal atmosphere. It’s located in a converted church! There is also a Highland food hall in the Victorian Market which is a great stop for street food and some pop up musicians from time to time too!

Stop 2 – Surrounding Inverness there is a great deal of history – from the ancient Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield (seen in Outlander) to a number of castles (Urquhart Castle and Dunrobin Castle can be visited year round). Inverness Castle is currently undergoing a major development into a world-class visitor attraction – it will open around March 2025.

Hogmanay Celebrations

Hogmanay – On New Years Eve, each year we put on a special Highland Hogmanay experience in our Riverbank Room which includes a live band, a stunning menu and champagne at the bells. Say farewell to 2024 with this grand occasion. In the comfort of our Riverbank Room, join us for an elegant celebration with a stunning 6 course menu. 

New Years Day

Breakfast – Begin the year with a leisurely start. Savour an à la carte breakfast in Torrish.

Morning – Take a leisurely walk this morning along the banks of the River Ness. And, stroll through the serene Ness Islands. A New Year morning walk, crisp underfoot, is a beautiful way to start the year.

Lunch – Pick up some local treats in Inverness’s city centre or return to Ness Walk for a hearty bowl of soup and a sandwich in our lounge. Today is about leisure – pick up your new book from Leakey’s and sink into the sofa.

Afternoon – It’s time to sample some of the Scotland’s national spirit. Our team will organise a whisky tasting experience in our lounge. You’ll be guaranteed to find one you love! If you’re new to the spirit, stick with a smooth Speyside or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try our Island selection!

Evening – With the fire on and a beautiful menu awaiting, tonight is the night to enjoy our À La Carte menu in Torrish. Beginning with an amusé bouche. Beautiful dishes that champion local producers are on the menu. And, with each dish, our team will recommend the perfect wine pairing. After dinner, relax by the firepits in our courtyard and enjoy an digestif to toast to the year ahead.

2nd January

Morning – This morning, why not enjoy breakfast in your room or suite to make the packing up a little more leisurely. Check out is at 11am. Or, we can extend that for you if you need a little more time.

Itineraries

If you have a few days to explore, take a look at the other sample itineraries in our Highland Holiday Itineraries section. Our Concierge Team are always there to help with itinerary planning during your stay with us, so please don’t hesitate to contact them should you need anything at all.

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