Date spot in Inverness
Craig Phadrig
Climb the forest trail up the wooded hill on the west side of the city to the remains of an Iron Age fort at the top.
Leachkin, on the western edge of Inverness
Address: Craig Phadrig car park, Leachkin Brae, Inverness IV3 8PN- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Active
Why it's a good date: It's a proper uphill walk without leaving town, and there's a view over the Beauly Firth near the top. Wear decent shoes, as the paths get muddy after rain.
More from our Inverness guide
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden Moor, about 15 minutes' drive east of Inverness
Address: Culloden Moor, Inverness IV2 5EU- Trip
- Cheap and cheerful
- Culture
- Out of town
Walk the moor where the last pitched battle on British soil was fought in 1746, then see the visitor centre's exhibition.
Why it's a good date: It's moving rather than grim, and it gives you plenty to talk about on the way home. The battlefield paths are free; the visitor centre charges for entry.
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Clava Cairns
Near Culloden, about 20 minutes' drive east of Inverness
Address: Balnuaran of Clava, near Culloden, Inverness IV2 5EU- Trip
- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Out of town
Wander among Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones in a quiet grove of trees.
Why it's a good date: It's peaceful and a bit mysterious, and it's free to visit at any time. It's only a few minutes from Culloden, so you can easily do both in an afternoon.
Photo: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness
Drumnadrochit, about 30 minutes' drive south-west of Inverness
Address: Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ- Trip
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Culture
- Out of town
Drive down the side of Loch Ness to the ruined castle on its shore, and climb Grant Tower for the view up and down the loch.
Why it's a good date: It's the classic Highland day out: a ruined castle, a huge loch and hills all around. Go early or late in the day to miss the coach tours, and keep an eye on the water.
Photo: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
