Scotland is known for its nature scenes, castles, picturesque islands, and a national liquor that is world renown. The Scottish Highlands allow visitors to experience all of these in one region. The following is the third part of a three-part 9 Day Scotland Castles, Nature, and Scotch Itinerary. This part of the itinerary picks up in Oban focusing on the sights of North Scotland and tasting some scotch whisky. It explores Inverness, the largest city in the Scottish Highlands. Those following this itinerary also have the opportunity to tour some famous scotch whisky distilleries.
- Edinburgh & Stirling – Royal Scotland
- Loch Lomond, Oban, & Loch Ness – Lakes & Islands
- The Scottish Highlands (this post)
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Day 7 – Speyside Distilleries
Scotch Whisky Distillery Tour
By now you have probably had the opportunity to sample some of the whisky that makes Scotland famous. However, those tastes have likely come from restaurants since this itinerary has not included any distillery tours thus far. That changes today.
The Scottish Highlands are known for their exceptional whiskies with many popular and well-regarded brands produced in the region. The whiskies are known for their complexity and depth of flavor with a range of brands offering something for everyone. Most whisky tours visit three to four distilleries over the course of one day. The distilleries that are included in any one tour vary, so pick a tour that includes the labels that you want to visit. Some people will want to see the most popular labels like Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, or Dalmore. Others will want to see new varieties that they haven’t seen or tasted before. For this reason, I recommend Inverness Whisky Tours. They offer a wide variety of whisky tours depending on your taste and the region you want to explore.
Professional Travelers Tip: While “whiskey” is the correct spelling in the United States, the Scottish spell “whisky” without the “E”.
Visitors should note that most of the whisky tours provide a guide and transportation. Entrance or tasting fees at each distillery are generally not included in the quoted price. Paying these fees are necessary upon arrival to the distillery.
Day 8 – Inverness (and Surrounding Areas)
Downtown Inverness
Inverness is a historic city located in the Scottish Highlands with a history dating back over 1,500 years. Originally a Pictish stronghold, the city grew in importance as a strategic location during the Middle Ages and was frequently the site of battles and political intrigue. In the 11th century, Inverness became a royal burgh, and by the 13th century it was a major center of trade and commerce. Throughout the centuries, the city played an important role in Scottish history, serving as a key location in the wars of Scottish independence and the Jacobite uprisings.
Today, Inverness is a thriving city with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to a number of historic landmarks, including Inverness Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral, as well as a vibrant arts scene and numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The city is also known for its stunning natural beauty. Since Inverness is your home for a couple nights as you explore the Scottish Highlands, take a morning to explore what the city has to offer.
While I typically like to outline the absolute best activities in each region for an itinerary, I am intentionally being vague this morning. The absolute must see activities for the region are on the itinerary at other times. Therefore, feel free to explore what you really want to do in downtown Inverness. Some suggestions include the Inverness Botanic Gardens, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness Castle, The Victorian Market, and the Abertarff House.
Cawdor Castle & Gardens
Cawdor Castle is a historic castle located in the Scottish Highlands just outside Inverness. The castle was built in the 14th century as a fortress and has been home to the Cawdor family ever since. The castle is famous for its connection to William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, as it is believed to have inspired the setting for the play’s opening scene. In addition to its connection to Shakespeare, it’s just a really neat castle that has been well maintained. The castle features a unique architectural style, combining elements of medieval and modern design. Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and galleries which are filled with fine art, antique furniture, and other historical artifacts. The castle also boasts beautiful gardens and grounds which include a walled garden, a maze, and a nature trail.
Today, Cawdor Castle is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to experience its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Visitors to the castle are able to choose between an exploration of the grounds and nature trails alone or a combination of grounds and castle. While the gardens and exterior of the castle are likely the gem of the visit on a nice day, I recommend visiting the castle too in order to enjoy the galleries and furnished rooms. A self-directed audio guide is included in the ticket purchase that adds to the experience of viewing the castle. Finally, there is an on-premises café that serves some great food and drinks. This makes a great place for lunch if it works well with your itinerary timing.
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden Battlefield is the site of the final battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. The battle took place between the forces of the British government, led by the Duke of Cumberland, and the Jacobite army, led by Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the British government and marked the end of the Jacobite uprising. It also had a profound impact on Scottish culture and history, as the defeat of the Jacobites led to a period of repression and cultural suppression known as the Highland Clearances.
Today, the Culloden Battlefield is a popular tourist destination and a site of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the battle. The site includes a visitor center where I recommend learning about the history of the battle and its impact on Scottish culture. The visitor center includes a 360-degree theatre that helps you imagine the action of the battle. The displays in the center do a good job of presenting the perspective of both the Jacobite and government sides in the battle.
The battlefield itself is a solemn and moving place. A 45-minute guided tour is included in the entry price of the battlefield. I recommend all visitors take the guided tour because it provides more information than what you would get touring the battlefield on your own.
Day 9 – Return Home
Travel Home from Inverness Airport
Unfortunately, day nine of this journey is the one that will take you home. On a positive note, you will not have to return to Edinburgh to fly out of Scotland. If you book an open-jaw flight, you can depart straight from the Inverness airport. While Inverness has fewer flights than Edinburgh, there isn’t a huge difference in options. Finding a flight option from Inverness will save travelers about three hours of driving time. However, if Inverness flights don’t work for your final destination, flying from Edinburgh can always be an option since it is only a three-hour drive between Inverness and Edinburgh.
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