Worlds Collide: Exploring Inverness with Ness Walk’s Head Concierge, Steve Hales

Ness Walk has a real beating heart; there is something incredibly special about the camaraderie and culture that envelops each guest as they walk through the front doors. We are able to really get to know our guests and understand their interests and passions which allows us to connect them with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There is no better feeling than knowing you have made a stay truly special and the feedback and number of guests who keep in touch after departure is a testament to that - one couple we welcomed last week left so happy they invited me to visit them in Paris!

Autumn stands out as my favourite time to visit the Scottish Highlands and Ness Walk in particular. The setting on the riverside goes through such a beautiful transformation with leaves turning to gold and auburn. After a busy summer season, the city adapts to a slightly slower pace at this time of year and you can often be surprised by lovely weather. Heading out for an autumn walk wrapped up in a cosy scarf and gloves and taking in the beautiful landscapes is really lovely! And returning to a crackling fire and a hot chocolate or a lovely glass of red wine is all the more appealing!

1. Loch Ness is iconic and captivating and I love to visit the lesser-explored south side. Dores Beach is my favourite spot as from this vantage point, you can really take in the vastness and majesty of the loch. The stillness and tranquility of this location stops you in your tracks and there are some beautiful walks which hug the side of the loch and venture into the woodlands brimming with wildlife. If you feel brave, you can go for a swim, or a ‘dook’ as the Highlanders call it, as the water is crystal clear.

2. Venture into the city – Inverness has really stepped up a level in recent years with some incredible independent food and drink experiences and a vibrant culture. Fine dining, whisky snugs, seafood restaurants, wine bars and even a distillery in the city centre – there is something for everyone. There are also fantastic bars hosting local trad musicians where you can soak up the atmosphere.

3. Just outside of Inverness, there are a number of small towns that offer a great day trip and come highly recommended. Dornoch is one of my favourites – a quaint former royal burgh with sprawling sandy beaches and a charming town centre bursting with independent shops, cafés and boutiques. The town is a golfing mecca thanks to the exceptional Royal Dornoch Golf Links and the nearby Dunrobin Castle is breathtaking –  the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and home to stunning gardens and falconry displays.

Find out more about Ness Walk, or plan your Scottish escape using our interactive map.