Summer Itinerary

Summer itinerary from Inverness, Highlands

This one-day self-guided tour for guests of Ness Walk Hotel includes some of our favourite things to do around Inverness and the Highlands during summer. The route includes less than 1.5 hours of driving time and some walking.

Morning

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

Stop 1 – Firstly, drive north from Inverness, to South Kessock. This takes around 10 minutes and will bring you to the shores of the Moray Firth. From here, you can enjoy a wildlife cruise with Dolphin Spirit Boat Trips. The cruise sails to Chanonry Point, a popular spot for dolphin watching. Summer is the best season for spotting dolphins in the UK, so keep a lookout for these much-loved creatures as they leap from the waters.

Stop 2 – Next, head northeast towards Nairn. This lovely seaside town is around 30 minutes from South Kessock, and provides the perfect day setting for a sunny day. Nairn has 4 white sandy beaches, where you can relax, paddle, picnic and play.

Afternoon

Lunch – There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Nairn. The Bandstand, The Sun Dancer and the Basil Harbour Cafe are all good options.

Stop 3 – When you’re ready to return, head back towards Inverness. The drive takes around 30 minutes. As a guest of Ness Walk, you can park here at the hotel. On selected dates during July and August, the Under Canvas festival is usually on at Eden Court, just a short walk from the hotel. It’s a chance to soak up the sun while listening to some fantastic live music. Check the programme here.

Stop 4 – If there’s time for a late afternoon walk, why not take a stroll along the River Ness and take in the sights of the city? If you walk south along the river for about 15 minutes, you’ll come to the peaceful and shaded Ness Islands. These are natural islands in the middle of the river, which you can access via a series of Victorian footbridges.

Evening

Dinner – After a busy day, return to Ness Walk Hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxing fine dining experience. We have both indoor and outdoor seating at the hotel, so you can enjoy the long summer evenings whatever the weather.

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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