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Destinations and maps
Ever had the desire to take a trip to the Scottish Highlands but worried you might not have enough time to fit everything in? Fear not! Inverness is a fanatically diverse city in the Highlands, with many great links to beautiful coasts, forests and mountains across Scotland.
We've put together a list of unmissable day trips and tours ideas for you to cherry pick from to help plan the perfect mini Highlands trip!
Just over an hour's drive from Inverness, feel a sense of escapism as you explore the hidden gems situated in the historic town of Dornoch. Have the ultimate fairytale experience by visiting Dunrobin Castle. Delve into its historic past and make sure to explore the castle gardens which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
Find out more about visiting Dunrobin Castle
For keen golfers, play a round of golf at Dornoch's famous Championship Course, currently ranked 5th best in the world. If you want to continue on your golfing adventure, why not head out to Golspie, Tain and Bonar Bridge courses?
Find out more about the Dornoch Championship Course
Make sure to take a stroll along Dornoch's sandy beaches, and during the warmer weather, dip your toe in the water or go for a paddle or swim in the sea. Dornoch's outdoor pursuits don't end there - the town boasts an excellent range of cycling routes including Dornoch to Spinningdale which passes through some of the Highland's most beautiful scenery.
Find out more about the Dornoch to Spinningdale cycle route or read more about what else there is to see and do in Dornoch
For your next trip to Scotland, why not consider visiting the picturesque fishing town of Ullapool? For all the animal lovers out there, the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve is a great place to catch a glimpse of some of Scotland's most stunning wildlife including wildcats, buzzards and golden eagles.
Find out more about Inverpolly National Nature Reserve
Wester Ross is full of stunning landscapes and lochs. Its scenery will leave you in awe as you drive through its long stretching roads and communities. Make sure to keep your wits about you as you take on the dizzying depths of Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach, two beauty spots that are a must-see in this part of the world.
Discover more about the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere
Take a trip to the Scottish Dolphin Centre and see some of the largest bottlenose dolphins in the world. You never know, you may be lucky enough to catch seals or osprey too! If that's not enough, make sure to check out the interactive displays that are on show, including the Dolphin and River camera to get a birds-eye view of these beautiful animals.
Find out more about the Scottish Dolphin Centre
Take a piece of history home with you when you visit Culloden Battlefield, where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Feel like you are right in the very heart of the action as you watch the battle unfold at the visitor centre's 360-degree battle immersion theatre or, if you prefer, why not take a guided tour across Culloden Moor?
Find out more about visiting Culloden Battlefield
Stunning coastline? Check. Sandy beaches? Check. Dramatic cliffs? Check. Moray ticks all the boxes and there is no better way to explore its natural beauty than by taking on the Moray Coast Trail. Known as one of Scotland's Great Trails, it offers a wide variety of scenery and wildlife with great views over the Moray Firth, a perfect place to spot some bottlenose dolphins!
Find out more about the Moray Coast Trail
Explore the nooks and crannies of the area's charming villages. Visit the Findhorn Heritage Centre to learn more about the fascinating history of Findhorn and the salmon fishing industry, or head to Burghead Headland Visitor Centre where you will be transported back in time to discover the history of the Picts, from 400AD to present day.
Read more about Findhorn Heritage Centre or discover more about Burghead Headland Visitor Centre
Get up close and see Bow Fiddle Rock in all its glory. Situated just off the coast at Portknockie, this beautifully sculpted landmark - formed by the sheer force of waves - makes it a great photo opportunity for you to show off to your friends and family when you get back home.
Read more about visiting Moray Speyside
Just 30 minutes outside of Inverness, this small but thriving seaside town is a great pit stop for your Highland adventure! Don't forget to swing by and play a round of golf on one of the town's two championship golf courses.
Find out more about golf courses in Nairn
Nairn is also a great base to get out and explore the Scottish Highlands in more depth. History buffs will be in their element with Cawdor Castle, Brodie Castle and Loch Ness all en-route.
No trip to the Scottish Highlands would be complete without heading to Loch Ness. Explore the very best of Scotland's natural bounty by taking on the epic Loch Ness 360° Trail, which connects the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail.
Find out more about the Loch Ness 360° Trail
Why not immerse yourself in the mystery of the Loch Ness monster and have a great day out with the whole family by taking a cruise! Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the dramatic ruin of Urquhart Castle as well as Nessie on your travels…
Find out more about tours of Loch Ness
Discover a whole world of possibilities at Cairngorms National Park. Take to the slopes and enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding, or bag one of 55 Munros located here!
Find out more about Cairngorms National Park
Visit the UK's only free-grazing reindeer herd at Glen More or have a snowball fight during the summer months with the Cairngorm plateau known as being the highest, coldest and snowiest plateau in Britain.
Find out more about visiting the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Hit the road as you embark on an epic 90-mile journey taking you from the picturesque market town of Blairgowrie to the traditional Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey. It's not just its stunning scenery that the Highlands is renowned for but there are also plenty of fantastic opportunities to stop off at an attraction or two.
Step back in time and discover the family loom of Clan MacLeod as you wind your way through Dunvegan Castle's historic past. Wander around the beautiful formal gardens dating back to the 18th century and get lost in the wonders of the castle's three beautiful gardens where you can feel a real sense of escapism with its tranquil setting.
Discover more about Dunvegan Castle or read more about things to do in Skye
We hope that we have given you lots of ideas to start planning your perfect day out in and around Inverness.
Fancy going elsewhere? Take a look at our wide range of itineraries which cover a whole spectrum of themes and destinations.
