Inverness

Inverness sits where the Ness runs out of the loch into the Moray Firth, and it has been the main settlement of the Highlands since the medieval period, now with a population of around seventy thousand. The red sandstone castle above the river dates only from 1836 and served as the sheriff court until recently, with a viewpoint tower open to visitors. The Victorian Market of 1870 survives as a covered arcade of small shops. The Ness Islands, wooded islets in the middle of the river, are linked to both banks by Victorian suspension footbridges and make a short circular walk from the centre. The Caledonian Canal, Telford's route linking the east and west coasts through the Great Glen, joins the sea here at a flight of locks. Dolphins are seen in the firth at Chanonry Point nearby.

What you actually see

• The Ness Islands - wooded islets joined by Victorian suspension footbridges.
• The Victorian Market - an 1870 covered arcade of independent shops.
• The castle viewpoint - an 1836 building with a tower open over the river.
• The Caledonian Canal - Telford's sea-to-sea route meeting the firth in locks.

When to go

April to October; the city is the base for most Highland travel and accommodation books ahead in summer. Winter is quiet and dark, with the Northern Meeting and Highland games falling in warmer months.

Honest expectations

Inverness is a working city rather than a scenic one, and the centre is ordinary in stretches. It is used mainly as a base, and most visitors leave for the surrounding area. Accommodation prices in summer are high for what is offered.

Nearby

Loch Ness begins south of the city; Culloden and the Clava Cairns lie east.