Destination Guide

Inverness, Sutherland & North Highlands

Tourist Information

Visitor Information & Hotels in Inverness, Loch Ness & North Highlands

Spanning a huge area of Scotland, the Highlands are for many visitors what Scotland is all about. The turbulent history, the culture which is so different to other areas in Scotland, the scenery and the outdoors. Once you have experienced the Highlands, you will want to come back again.

Wherever in the Highlands you decide to stay, you will experience outstanding views, from Loch Ness, just south of Inverness, to Ullapool and Loch Maree in the west. To the north lies Thurso, the Orkneys and the rugged northern coastline is unspoilt and full of wildlife and activities. Miles of expanse, deserted beaches, peaceful mountain tops, quiet roads. Total relaxation, no stress, and quite often nobody else to be seen for miles around.

Around the Inverness Area

The capital of the Highlands is Inverness. Over half the population of the Highlands lives in the Inverness area, the fastest growing city in the UK. Top class hotels (see list), fine shopping, a castle and the River Ness splitting the city into 2 halves.

7 miles south of Inverness at the northern end of the Great Glen is Loch Ness. From here many loch cruises are available, and keep an eye out for "Nessie" , the lochs resident - Take your camera just in case! The Loch Ness Clansman Hotel has its own jetty, so by staying at this hotel, you can catch one of the cruises from the hotel.

Another worthwhile experience is to take the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, by the Isle of Skye. The journey is reported by Michael Palin, as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world. The journey takes about 2 hours, with time in Kyle of Lochalsh, before returning. It is not expensive either.

Other areas of interest around Inverness are: Beauly a thriving little market town 14 miles from Inverness. Nairn with its fine golf course and seaside location. The Moray Firth, where you can catch a dolphin watch boat trip. The Black Isle just north of Inverness where you can visit the spa town of Strathpeffer and Dingwall. Moniack Castle Winery , where believe it or not Scotland's only wine industry flourishes. Cawdor Castle and gardens with its link the MacBeth. Culloden Moor, where the last battle on British soil took place in 1746. This is just a sample of the many things worth seeing. All Classic's hotels in the Inverness area have information leaflets near reception.You can view Hotels in Inverness on the right hand side of the page.

Around Ullapool & Ross-shire

If you are thinking about staying outside Inverness area, then you will discover a completely different experience. 60 miles NW of Inverness is Ullapool and Ross-shire. A most awesome & inspiring area. Sparsely populated, and a landscape shaped by wonderful seascapes and dramatic mountain peaks.

Dundonnell Hotel, Dundonnell is a favourite for guests wanting to view the true splendour from the hotel, and take advantage of all the outdoor activities available. Just down the road there is Inverewe Gardens , with a plethora of different exotic plants, which survive due to the warmth of the Gulf Stream. Loch Maree is a particularly attractive loch surrounded by mighty mountain ranges and further on the small & interesting resort of Gairloch from here there are whale watch cruises.

The fishing port of Ullapool, is the NW Scotlands largest town, and the hub for catching the Caledonian McBrayne ferries to Stornoway on the Outer Hebrides. Ullapool is a popular holiday destination, and a good area for walking the peaks or cycling the byways and tracks which abound&