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.
