Inverness-shire

Scotland > Highland Counties > Inverness-shire

The old county of Inverness-shire (changed to the local Political area of Highland in 1975) consists of an area of some 4,211 square miles and includes the Island of Skye as well as Harris, the Uists and Benbecula and Barra in the Western Isles. For YesScotland purposes, the whole of the Western Isles forms a separate area joining Lewis to its neighbours in one distinct area, the Western Isles.

The remainder of this very historic county consists of an area from Inverness in the north to Loch Leven in the south and from the Cairngorms in the east to Uig on Skye. Lochaber forms a significant part of the county , my old stamping ground for 20 years.

In summer, busy with holiday visitors enjoying not only the remarkable scenery but also the 'romantic' aura surrounding the activities of one Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745/46. Two years for him, but 200 years for the aftermath which was felt all over the Highlands. In winter, snow and ice climbing (mountain activities are an all year round industry) with skiing on Aonach Mor, just to the north of Fort William.

You will notice that there are not many old historic houses still standing in Lochaber , any building associated with the Jacobite cause after the 1745 rising was destroyed leaving only piles of stones. The best way to learn about the final Jacobite rising (and some might argue that there have been risings since) is at the Glenfinnan National Trust Centre (whilst the kids are having Harry Potter moments!) or at the West Highland Museum in Fort William.

Elsewhere in Lochaber, you must go up Glen Nevis; the road lasts for 6 miles then you can walk for a mile or so , if you carry on you will eventually reach the West Highland Railway line at Corrour and take the train back to Fort William (or to Glasgow). Make sure you are equipped for such a trek though as Lochaber weather is renowned for being awkward to say the least.

If in doubt, visit some of the outdoor shops in the town like NevisSport or West Coast. Of course, there is always Ben Nevis, the UK biggest mountain at 1343 m (4406 feet) but here again do not attempt this climb 'up the tourist path' without taking advice first from professionals , the police, outdoor shops, mountain guides etc. I know, I have listened to the sound of RAF rescue helicopters too often in the past and my neighbours were members of the mountain rescue services. Above all, remember to respect our mountains and weather , disrespect can lead to disaster.

Climbing and mountain crafts are popular all over the Highlands nowhere more so that in Lochaber, Glencoe (see West of Scotland), the Mamores and the Cairngorms. But if all you want to do is look at the hills, from a reasonable height, say 2,000 feet, all you need to do is take a gondola trip up Aonach Mor to the restaurant and look across to Rum and Eigg away in the distance.

Other places to visit include Arisaig and Mallaig and the Silver Sands of Morar, Spean Bridge and Loch Arkaig.

Aviemore was once a small village on the 'Great North Road' from Edinburgh to Inverness. However in the 60s it started to develop into a winter sports centre. It has had some ups and downs but now appears to be getting an overdue facelift. Better to explore the Cairngorms instead especially by way of the new funicular railway. Loch Morlich in summer is very busy with watersports as is Loch Insh.

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, has grown over the last 30 years almost beyond recognition. The city was heavily ravaged after the 1745 rising and musket ball damage can still be seen on the walls of the old Kirk in Church Street.

Some very good quality Scottish shopping is available in Inverness and there is always Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club to watch on Saturday afternoons! The Culloden Visitor Centre is a must and walks through the Ness 'islands' is recommended.

The River Ness is a major feature of the Inverness environment and trips down the Caledonian Canal also lead to Loch Ness where the illusive monster is to be found (or not, as the case may be!). The centres in Drumnadrochit are well worth visiting if you have a monster fixation. Otherwise, allow yourself some time for Glenurquhart Castle, unfortunately yet another ruin, elevated with fine views of Loch Ness.

Further inland, Glens Cannich, Affric and Glass offer completely different scenery with the river flowing down below and sometime alongside - and some fantastic walks. Great place to stay for a few days to explore the countryside where there are no roads!

To the west lie Lochalsh and Skye. Over the road bridge which, hopefully by the time you go, will have had the tollbooths removed. You have to take Skye as it comes , read up about it before you go but there is nothing you can do about the weather and little you can do about the midges especially in the evening. The subject of midges could take up a complete section in the website!

Broadford, Portree, Uig (ferries to Uists), Raasay, Dunvegan (Castle) and the Talisker Distillery at Carbost are places to go and see. Do a search on the Isle of Skye and read through the many places of interest to be found on the misty isle.

Access to Inverness-shire is by road via the A82, Glasgow to Inverness via Fort William or the A/M9 Perth to Inverness via Aviemore. The A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen is another artery for touring visitors from the east. Inverness also has its own airport for both domestic and occasionally international flights. Rail travel is by way of the West Highland Line from Glasgow (and London) to Fort William (sleeper service available) and Mallaig. Rail services to Inverness (and as far as Kyle , the Kyle Line , and Wick and Thurso) are frequent from Perth Edinburgh, Glasgow and London and a sleeper service is also available. There is also a frequent rail service to Aberdeen.