Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop
Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop
4.6
(84)
541
hikers
Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop
01:13
4.72km
30m
Hiking
Enjoy an easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hike on the Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop, featuring riverside paths, historic sights, and tranquil
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
643 m
Greig Street Suspension Bridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
1.58 km
Inverness Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
3.13 km
Ness Islands
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.72 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.20 km
1.18 km
1.05 km
275 m
Surfaces
4.25 km
186 m
159 m
107 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Wednesday 6 May
14°C
7°C
34 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to walk the Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop?
The full loop generally takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete at a moderate pace. This allows time to enjoy the scenery and points of interest along the way.
Is the trail suitable for beginners or families with children?
Yes, this trail is rated as easy and is very suitable for beginners, families, and all fitness levels. It features low elevation gain and mostly paved, flat surfaces, making it a fun and accessible walk for all ages.
What is the terrain like on the Ness Islands loop?
The terrain is predominantly paved, consisting of riverside paths, canal towpaths, and roads. The paths are generally well-maintained and tree-lined. During wetter months, some sections along the riverbanks can become flooded, so waterproof footwear might be advisable.
What are the main landmarks and viewpoints along the route?
You'll encounter several notable sights. Key highlights include the historic Inverness Castle, the impressive Inverness Cathedral, and the charming Greig Street Suspension Bridge. The Ness Islands themselves are a major attraction, connected by a series of Victorian-era suspension footbridges, offering a tranquil natural park experience.
What wildlife might I see on the Ness Islands walk?
The River Ness and its surroundings are home to various wildlife. You might spot seals, otters, and a variety of birds. Keep an eye out for salmon fishermen along the river. On the Ness Islands, you may even discover unique carved bench sculptures, including a 'Nessie' sculpture.
What is the best time of year to walk this loop?
The trail is enjoyable year-round. However, late spring and summer (May to August) offer the best conditions with warmer weather and vibrant floral displays, especially at the War Memorial in Cavell Gardens. Autumn provides beautiful foliage. Be aware that paths can be wet or flooded during heavy rain, particularly in winter months.
Is the Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is very dog-friendly. Many locals walk their dogs here. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash, especially around other walkers and wildlife, and remember to clean up after them.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this trail?
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to walk the Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop. It is a public path accessible to everyone.
Where can I park for the Inverness Castle and Ness Islands loop?
There are several public car parks available in Inverness city centre, which are conveniently located for starting this loop. Options include parking near the castle or along Ness Walk. Check local signage for parking fees and restrictions.
How do I get to the trailhead using public transport?
The trail starts directly from Inverness city centre, which is well-served by public transport. Inverness train station and the main bus station are both within easy walking distance of the castle and the start of the Ness Islands loop.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, sections of this route overlap with several other trails. You'll find it intersects with parts of the Great Glen Way, NCN National Route 78 (north), and the John O'Groats Trail (Inverness to Culbokie).
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
A lovely walk from Inverness centre. Following the bank's if the River Ness and across Ness islands.
Tour along the Ness in Inverness 🏴🏴🏴.The Scottish suspension bridges over the Ness take some getting used to because they sway with every step. Not for anyone who gets seasick 😁😁😁. The Ness Walk and Inverness are really recommended. It won't be the last time we'll be here. 😀😀😀
The plan was actually to leave Inverness to the right and drive directly north. The suggested route, on tiny roads over the mountains, didn't seem to be a good option because of the heavy rain at the beginning. So we chose the route down to Loch Ness and then via Inverness. When we got to Loch Ness, the rain had almost stopped. We wanted to see Urquhart Castle, but the (free) parking lot in town is a few kilometers away (along the road) and the parking lot there was too (full). So we skipped that and drove to Inverness to do a drive around. Inverness is a medium-sized city with good infrastructure (including several train lines and a small airport), but it is becoming increasingly popular (close to the city you have to struggle through the streams of tourists). The (small) castle is currently under scaffolding, there are no major highlights. But it is interesting to walk through the streets and look into the train station. Along the River Ness you can walk a little upstream to some small islands (Ness Islands), which serve as a kind of city garden. Unfortunately we didn't see any of the animals that live here (including otters), but it's very nice to walk under the impressive trees. The Ness Bank has an attractive church (opposite the cathedral) as well as a brewery and distillery (Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery) - if we were staying here overnight, people would know where to find us... ;-)