Dreaming of visiting Scotland but unsure where to start? If you are looking for scenery, castles and trips with time to enjoy each place, Inverness is a good base for exploring the Highlands. At Rosytours, we help you choose a route tailored to you, with private transport and stops suited to your interests.
1. Discover Inverness at your own pace
Make time to walk beside the River Ness, explore the Victorian Market and enjoy the cathedral and city views. A stroll through the centre fits well into a stay in Inverness and lets you get to know the city before heading out into the Highland scenery.
2. Discover Loch Ness
Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most recognisable sights. From the scenery around the loch to the legend of Nessie, there is plenty to enjoy. Depending on your chosen route, you can include Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus or a cruise. Admission tickets and boat trips are booked and paid for separately; it is worth deciding first what you would most like to do.
Urquhart: centuries of history beside Loch Ness
The ruins of Urquhart have a history that goes far beyond a photograph beside the loch. The castle was involved in conflicts from the 13th century until 1692. That year, the departing garrison destroyed part of its defences to prevent the Jacobites from using them. Today’s peaceful scenery contrasts with that turbulent past.
When visiting, take time to explore the ruins and their relationship with Loch Ness. You can find more details at Historic Environment Scotland — the history of Urquhart.
Loch Ness on video
3. Visit Culloden and Clava Cairns
Near Inverness, Culloden and Clava Cairns offer two different ways to connect with the past. Culloden commemorates the battle of 1746; Clava Cairns preserves prehistoric burial monuments. If you would also like to visit the Culloden exhibition, allow extra time to explore at your own pace. Visits inside attractions are independent unless you book a tour provided by the attraction itself.
Culloden Battlefield: a place of remembrance
On 16 April 1746, the Jacobite army faced government forces at Culloden. Its defeat marked the end of the last Jacobite rising. Today, walking across the battlefield is an opportunity to look beyond the scenery and discover the people and events behind this chapter of history.
If you know Outlander, you will recognise the connection with Clan Fraser. You can visit the Fraser stone on the battlefield, but the real history deserves to be discovered in its own right. This is a place of remembrance: follow the marked paths and respect the monuments and graves.
The visitor centre helps explain the context of the conflict. To learn more, see the National Trust for Scotland — the Battle of Culloden.
Clava Cairns and the Highlands in winter
In winter, the low sunlight gives the stones of Clava Cairns a special atmosphere. On snowy days, the surrounding scenery takes on a different beauty, as these photographs show. It is a good time to appreciate the details and take photographs at your own pace. We plan stops around the available daylight and conditions on the day; snow depends on the weather and is not guaranteed.
4. Plan a day on the Isle of Skye
Skye deserves a day dedicated to the journey and its scenery. Portree and the island’s viewpoints can form part of a private trip from Inverness. A stop at Eilean Donan on the way is an option to discuss. The key is to choose a few priorities and allow time for travel, photographs and conditions on the day.
5. Explore Glenfinnan and Fort William
Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Fort William area offer another option for a day in the Highlands. If you hope to see the steam train, check its operating days and times in advance: seeing it is not guaranteed on every visit. We plan the route around your interests and the time available.
Glenfinnan through Rosy’s photographs
There is more to Glenfinnan than the famous view from the films. These photographs show the footbridges, woodland, carved wooden details and tall arches, with low clouds over the winter hills. Take time to enjoy the surroundings as well as the viaduct.
Meet the Highland cows
Highland cows, with their long coats and large horns, are among the region’s most distinctive sights. A stop to watch and photograph them can be included in your trip, depending on the route and conditions at the location.
Cawdor: the legend of a tree at the heart of the castle
Cawdor holds an unusual curiosity: the remains of a tree stand at the base of the tower. According to the castle’s legend, a donkey carrying gold indicated where to build by stopping beside that tree. It is a legend, but the wood exists and scientific dating placed it at approximately 1372.
With its tower, courtyards and gardens, Cawdor offers another way to discover Highland castles. Check opening dates before planning your visit and read the story on the official Cawdor Castle website.
A stop to discover Highland whisky
Distilleries are also part of the region’s scenery and stories. A whisky trip lets you choose visits at your own pace and coordinate transport with your reserved times. Distillery visits and tastings are booked and paid for separately.
A journey tailored to you
You do not need to visit all these places in a single day. Choose history, scenery, castles or distilleries, and we will build a realistic route with you.
Rosytours is a family business based in Inverness, run by Rosy and Dom, offering private transport and service in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Shall we plan your tour?
To help plan your route, send us your travel dates, the number of passengers and the places you would like to visit.
Contact Rosytours to plan your trip.
Information to help plan your visit
See VisitScotland — Inverness and Historic Environment Scotland — Clava Cairns.
Check opening times, availability and tickets directly with each attraction.