Image / Flickr
Arrive at Highland Coast Hotels in Lochardil, drop your bag, then head out. This guide maps easy sea cruises and wildlife trips, from Jacobite Cruises on Loch Ness to Moray Firth dolphin watches. Take a RIB with The Beastie Boats for close loch views, join a guided Lochness tour for history and shore walks, or book a private outing with Secret Highlands Tours to find quieter coves and birdlife. For a gentler option, stroll the Ness Islands between trips. Practical notes cover timings, what to bring, and how to choose the best wildlife trips near Lochardil House. Return each evening to Highland Coast Hotels in Lochardil.
Image / Paul Sharman
Launch from Foyers, cut across Loch Ness, and get up close to the stories and scenery that make this place unforgettable.
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What to expect
A lively, hands-on boat trip across open water, expect brisk speeds, spray and wide loch views. Guides mix local history, folklore and natural history as you travel, pausing for close views of shores and Urquhart Castle. Small groups keep the experience personal, and safety briefings are given before departure. You may spot seabirds and other wildlife, though sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Plan your visit
Book in advance, especially in summer, and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Dress in warm, windproof layers and bring gloves, a hat and a waterproof camera case. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before boarding. Combine the trip with nearby walks or a stop on the NC500 for a full day around the loch.
Image / Secret Highlands
Explore the Highlands with a local guide
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What to expect
You will travel in a comfortable van with a guide who grew up in the area and knows the lanes, stories and quieter viewpoints. Tours are tailored to your interests: history and clan tales, coastal wildlife and puffins, dramatic lochs and castle stops, or guided hikes to scenic overlooks. Guides bring snacks and handle navigation on single-track roads, so you can relax and focus on the scenery. Private and multi-day options are available, and itineraries change if the weather or wildlife calls for it.
Plan your visit
Contact the operator with a few preferences: pace, must-see sites and any mobility or dietary needs. Booking ahead helps secure the dates you want, especially for multi-day trips or summer months. Wear layers and sturdy shoes, and bring a waterproof jacket. If you’re driving the NC500, use Inverness as a convenient base and let the guide plan routes that fit your schedule and energy levels.
Image / Viator
Trace the stories of the Highlands from Inverness to the edges of Loch Ness.
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What to expect
Expect small-group or private tours led by local guides who know the region and its stories. Routes are flexible, so you can linger at a viewpoint, meet highland cattle, or visit Clava Cairn and Culloden. Vehicles are comfortable and guides adapt pace to your group. You can add a short boat ride or a step-on guide for cruise passengers if you prefer.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for busy weeks and tell the operator your priorities, whether that is castles, ancient sites or scenic stops. Pack layers, waterproofs and a good camera. Ask the guide for local recommendations and castle tickets if you want a longer on-site visit. If you are staying in town, request hotel pickup or confirm a convenient meeting point.
Image / Britain Express
Riverside calm and evergreen trails in the heart of Inverness
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What to expect
Tarmacked, well‑lit paths weave under mature pines and sycamore. You will cross lightweight suspension bridges that give a slight bounce underfoot, pass carved benches and a Nessie tree log, and watch clear, fast water threading around small cascades. Wildlife is visible most days: herons, ducks, salmon and the occasional otter. Some paths are shared with cyclists, so stay aware on narrower stretches.
Plan your visit
Start from the city centre and follow the riverside path to reach the islands within a short walk. Wear sturdy shoes in winter, as paths can be slippery when wet or misty. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a picnic to use the central seating areas. Allow time to cross both bridges and loop the islands, then continue along Ness Walk if you want views toward St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Botanical Gardens. Keep an eye out for cyclists and give way on narrow sections.
Image / www.highlandcoasthotels.com
Highland Coast Hotels is a collection of hotels across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to the far north coast. Each property sits within the landscape, with warm rooms, honest food and local knowledge at every stop on the North Coast 500. Choose your hotel and start planning your trip.
