A guided walk exploring the centre and riverside of Inverness, discovering the city’s rich history and some of its folktales.

Go on a journey around the capital of the Highlands. You’ll explore key sites like Inverness Cathedral, Ness Island and Inverness Castle before going for a quiet riverside stroll. Along the way, you’ll trace the city’s history back to its origins, discover myths and legends involving water beasts, wee folk and strange predictions. You’ll follow in the footsteps of soldiers marched towards the city during times of troubles.

Tour Highlights

  • Inverness Cathedral
  • The Shooglie Bridge
  • The Old High Kirk
  • Inverness Castle
  • Ness Riverside Walk
Greig Street Bridge Inverness
The Grieg Street Bridge has a local name. Discover what it is during this walking tour.

Tour details

Your walking tour starts by the riverside next to the unfinished cathedral dedicated to Scotland’s patron saint. If you like, we can pop inside to explore the first cathedral built after the Reformation anywhere in the British Isles. Heading alongside the River Ness you follow in the footsteps of a Celtic saint who stopped a fearsome water monster in its tracks. Could that mysterious beast have been the Loch Ness Monster?

Steady yourself as you cross a wobbly footbridge to reach the oldest church in the city. The Old High Kirk is a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city but it hides a secret from Inverness’ bloody and brutal past. Walking along Church Street towards the beautiful Town House, you will discover places to eat, drink and listen to live music in an expanding cultural quarter.

From here it’s a short walk up to the castle where you have some of the best views of Inverness and the surrounding Highland countryside. If you wish you can head up to the new viewing platform atop one of the castle towers. The River Ness flows gently past the castle and heading down to the riverbank you will hear tales of strange predictions from a soothsayer obsessed with bridges. Before finishing your tour outside the cathedral you will learn about the wee folk, Highland fairies, that have a sinister reputation for tricking the unwary and keeping them captive for decades.

Tour Times

Available from 09:00. Each walking tour lasts around 90 minutes.

Start Point

Outside the main entrance to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NN

Suitability

In general, this tour is suitable for all ages. It’s a moderate walk on paths with a steep slope to the castle.

How much?

This private tour is £75 for up to six people (in accordance with current Covid guidelines).

What’s included

Private walking tour (for up to 6 people) following all Covid guidelines

Professional guide

What’s NOT included

Entry to any paid attractions i.e. Inverness Castle viewing tower

Refreshments

Visit Scotland and the Scottish Tourist Guide Association have outlined the industry standards needed to reopen businesses in travel and tourism and Glen2Glen Tours is officially ‘Good to Go’.