Sat 26th Sept - adrift in Inverness

[AphroditesSeashell]

In a few weeks I'll be getting dropped off in, or close to, Inverness around 9am.
I won't be able to check into my hotel, in Nairn, until after 3pm.

I assume getting dropped in Inverness will have more options or activities than Nairn?

Any suggestions for what I can do to kill the time? I want to avoid just sitting in a Starbucks drinking endless coffee and/or wandering around aimlessly in the (likely) rain.

I'm happy to be out in the rain if it's for a purpose aka a guided tour or a boat trip etc!

What sort of thing do you like doing?

There's the Eastgate centre (high street stores), Victorian Market (very pretty, more independent shops) and Leakey's - a huge second hand book shop (in a old church, for more atmosphere!). There's a nice view from the Castle and the museum/art gallery are up that direction too.

Further out, you could have a walk along the River Ness, through the Ness Islands and out to the Botanic gardens. Or out to Merkinch nature reserve and along the Caledonian canal. If you're up for a bus trip, you could visit Culloden Moor, possibly Clava Cairns (not sure there's public transport there) or get on a tour to Loch Ness or a dolphin-spotting trip.

If you're feeling fit, there's loads of walks around Inverness and you could hire a bike to get a bit further afield.

The good news is the forecast for tomorrow is 17c and sunny!

For coffee and breakfast definitely head down to Xoko, from there you could head along to Leakey’s, via the Old High Churchyard. Abertarff House is also nearby and is free to get in.

For lunch, check out the Victorian Market. After lunch you could head up to the castle, although it’s not open yet the view is still good. Then you could go into the museum and art gallery. Or, head for a walk along the river.

Jacobite do have a Loch Ness trip with coach transfer from Inverness bus station but the timings may not work out for you - https://www.jacobite.co.uk/tours/temptation