Inverness is the gateway to the countless scenic
and environmental delights of the Highlands of Scotland with a host of places to
visit. Towering mountains, dark lochs, great forests and precipitous sea cliffs,
are all within easy reach.
Of particular note is the legendary Loch Ness which
is surrounded by some truly breathtaking scenery, although most visitors are
usually are on the look out for something a bit more mysterious. The ruins of
Urquhart Castle provide an atmospheric monster-hunting spot but Drumnadrochit
with its two local exhibitions, Fort Augustus, the busy village at the southern
end of Loch Ness, and Foyers with its famous falls are all worth a visit.
West of Inverness, Beauly is an historic village
with the ruins of the 13th century Priory at its heart and a new Beauly Centre
with connections to local Clans including the Frasers and Chisholms. Close by
are a number of beautiful glens notably Strathfarrar and Glen Affric - one of
the best places to see remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest that once
covered much of Scotland.
To the East lies the town of Nairn, famous for its
golf courses and venue for the 1999 Walker Cup. Nairn Beach is also one of the
best beaches on the Moray Firth and local sites such as Fort George and Cawdor
Castle help provide fun for all the family.
