Inverness

[SilverHawk]

Looking forward to going to Inverness in early September. I was wondering if the weird summer has had an effect on the heather, or insects?
I haven't been for thirty years so I want to make the best of it, as I have such fond memories.

Inverness is like the rest of Scotland at the moment - the grass is a bit dry and the midgies are out when there's no wind. It's lovely any time of year though! Are you hoping to see / do anything in particular?

I'd love some ideas . Nothing energetic, mooch round the city on our first day.
Days two and three are blank at the moment. Perhaps hire a car and head over to Ullapool. A trip down Loch Ness and the canal? I want to relax, see the scenery and not spend the whole day in a car.
I'm actually wondering how to do stuff without a car. It looks rather limited.
I didn't think the vegetation would be too parched but I wondered if more bitey things were around.

We're going for a weekend mid-October so taking notes

Perhaps dolphin spotting at North Kessock or Fortrose - both only a few miles away. Regular bus services if you choose not to hire a car. There's a relatively new viewpoint within a section of Inverness Castle that gives excellent views across the city.

You can start a cruise of Loch Ness from Inverness so that's very doable without a car and highly recommended - you can stop and visit Urquhart Castle from the cruise too.

Ullapool and the road to it is beautiful and takes less than an hour if you don't get stuck in ferry traffic.

Dolphin watching can also be done from Inverness Harbour so although Chanonry Point (near Fortrose) is regarded as the best place to see them, you can still spot them without a car.

I'll have a think about other things to do without a vehicle and get back to you!

Inverness itself is pretty grotty I think. Usual charity shops and crappy high street. However, you are just a stone's throw from beautiful scenery so I think day trips are a must.

I'd love to see some dolphins, Chanonry Point and the harbour are duly noted.
I didn't realise that Inverness itself was so grotty. That's a real shame.
What's good for a lashing rainy day? A trip round the charity shops?
PS Any bagpipe shops? I've threatened DH
PPS I like them!!!

You can walk right along the river to the islands and there is a nice park out that way if you have young DC. There is also a really decent swimming pool and a small botanic garden thing with a cafe out that way. There used to be a brilliant 2nd hand book shop down by the river too which was good for a mooch. You can get the train out to Nairn for the beach which is a car free trip or down to Aviemore but most of the stuff don there would be either a decent walk or you'd need a car (the funicular for example) but Loch Morlich would be walkable and they do some good water sport stuff or even just hiring a canoe for a paddle about.

I live there. I really can't say I've noticed any particular bugs/change in bugs during the hot weather. If you're taking a bus, get a dayrider which will get you around Inverness as many times as you like for free (check out zone 1, 2, 3, and 4 dayriders).

I don't believe there are any bagpipe shops, however you'll find the typical tourist shops.
Take a visit to Leakey's Bookshop, and across the road from it, Miele's Gelataria (extremely popular here!)

Fort George near Ardersier is great if you're into history. Nairn beach is great for a day out.

Definitely go to Dores Beach, and on the other side you've got Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle which are must sees.

There's a bus from Aviemore connecting to Loch Morlich and the funicular so it's very doable without a car.

Thank you so much for all your local knowledge, it's so much better than staring blankly at a Tripadvisor page.
I've definitely got options now.
Three cheers for MN

Just a quick update.
We had a great time in Inverness. We went up the Castle tower, beautuiful clear day, bit pricey! Then the boat onto the Loch. Walked along the river to the sports area, lovely walk.
Caved in and hired a car and went to Ullapool and then the A837 to Bonar Bridge. Skipped across to Nairn. No dolphins as the tide was out :(
Some nice places to eat, as well as the lovely fresh air.