Discovering Inverness by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome dear travelers, to a new comprehensive travel guide to the Scottish city of Inverness!
In this guide, we will explore the history of the city and how to get there with your trusty motorhome (but not only), while giving you all the tips and tricks to make the most of your stay. We will provide advice on where to park, where to eat, and what activities to do during your visit to this city.
So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an unforgettable road trip to Inverness!
Don’t like to read? A video is available at the end of the article or by clicking here.
What is Inverness in Scotland?
History of Inverness
Inverness has a history as rich as the lands of the Highlands that surround it. The city is known as the historic center of the Highlands and is located in the ideal spot to cross the River Ness, which flows from Loch Ness at the eastern end of Glen Mor.
Inverness was the capital of the Picts under the rule of King Brude, who was visited and converted by Saint Columba around 565. By the 12th century, Inverness was already a thriving burgh, nestled beneath the castle attributed to King Malcolm III, which remained a royal residence and fortress for centuries.
Inverness Castle dates back to the 19th century and overlooks the river, housing the courts. Among the few remaining ancient buildings are the old town cross (1685), the town steeple (formerly a prison), the old high church (1769-72), and St. Andrew’s Cathedral (1866-71).
Today, Inverness is the commercial, educational, and tourist center of a vast area, making it an important city in the country. Industry and services have developed to meet the needs of the offshore oil industry. Other industries include fish processing, agriculture, forestry, and electronic engineering.
Geographical location
Inverness is a city located on the northeast coast of Scotland
How to get to Inverness?
To get to Inverness from Edinburgh or Glasgow, flying is a quick and convenient option. Inverness Airport (INV), located in Dalcross, about 13 km northeast of the city, serves national and international destinations. Regular flights are available from Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA) airports, with a flight duration of about 1 hour. Don’t forget to check the current travel schedules and restrictions.
If you prefer trains, the journey from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Inverness is a great way to experience the Scottish landscapes. From Edinburgh, the journey takes about 3h 38m and is operated by First ScotRail Service and LNER, with about 41 trains per week. From Glasgow, the journey is a bit longer but equally enjoyable. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow stations are well-connected to national and international networks, making it easy to access from other regions of the UK and Europe.
To get to Inverness from Edinburgh or Glasgow by car or motorhome, you will have the opportunity to drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. From Edinburgh, the journey takes about 2h 55m for a distance of 156.3 miles (about 251 km). You will mainly take the A9, a scenic route that goes through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. From Glasgow, the journey is a bit longer but equally picturesque. Remember to check the road conditions and respect local driving rules.
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Climate: When to visit Inverness in a Motorhome?
The climate in Inverness is oceanic, so you can expect short and cool summers. On average, the maximum temperature in Inverness is 11°C throughout the year, ranging from 5°C in January to 18°C in July. Rain is quite common with an average annual rainfall of 684mm, with a minimum of 39mm in April and a maximum of 79mm in July.
Here is a summary table of the average weather conditions in Inverness throughout the year:
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°/5° | 53mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
| February | 2°/6° | 50mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
| March | 3°/8° | 53mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| April | 5°/11° | 39mm | 🌦️ | Very unfavorable |
| May | 8°/14° | 53mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| June | 11°/16° | 62mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| July | 13°/18° | 79mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| August | 11°/17° | 78mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| September | 9°/16° | 58mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| October | 7°/12° | 60mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 5°/8° | 52mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| December | 2°/5° | 52mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
Now, let me give you a friendly piece of advice. If you want to truly enjoy your trip to Inverness, I recommend going in August. That’s when the weather is most pleasant. The temperatures are mild, and even though there is some rain, it’s not heavy enough to spoil your plans. We were lucky and didn’t experience much rain during our stay in the city. However, don’t forget to bring an umbrella just in case ! 🏴
Spots for sleeping and motorhome service areas in Inverness
Here is the information I have gathered on the five camping spots in Inverness:
- 📍🥇 Caledonian Canal Parking Area: Spot that offers stunning views of the Caledonian Canal. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature.
- 📍🥈 Torvean Caravan Park Parking Area: A peaceful and well-maintained spot, perfect for a peaceful night. It’s close to the city center, making it convenient for exploring Inverness.
- 📍🥉 Dochgarroch Lock Parking Area: A lovely spot by the canal, perfect for a quiet night. It offers a beautiful view of the canal and the surrounding mountains.
- 📍 Clachnaharry Sea Lock Parking Area: A calm and serene spot with stunning views of the canal. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature.
- 📍 Highland Rugby Club Parking Area: A quiet and well-lit spot, ideal for a peaceful night. It’s located near Whin Park and about a 30-minute walk from the city center.
Where and what to eat in Inverness?
Whether you are a gourmet connoisseur or a lover of simple yet tasty dishes, Inverness has something to satisfy every palate.
Restaurants in Inverness
- 🍽️ Rocpool: A modern restaurant offering stunning views of Inverness Castle and the city. Their cuisine is modern European style with an emphasis on using the best quality Scottish produce.
- 🍽️ Dores Inn: Located on the historic road that runs along the southern shore of Loch Ness, Dores Inn is a traditional family inn offering excellent food and drinks.
- 🍽️ River House Restaurant: Led by Alfie Little, this restaurant focuses on using fresh and high-quality ingredients for its menu.
- 🍽️ Café 1: Located near Inverness Castle and the River Ness, Café 1 is perfect if you’re looking for Scottish tradition.
- 🍽️ Aspendos: A restaurant offering Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine with a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
Inverness Specialties
We have tried some specialties in Inverness, such as the Shetland Isles mussels (these exquisite mussels) or the smoked salmon from the West Coast, but we didn’t have the opportunity to try the Ross-shire lamb. Maybe next time!
And of course, the unmissable: haggis, a traditional Scottish dish that we have tasted in Edinburgh, which, although controversial, is a must-try in local cuisine.
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Well, Ballater was not our best culinary experience. However, we did go to the only Italian restaurant in town, and we had a good meal there. It seems that you can find Italian restaurants in every city in the world!
Travel Budget for a Motorhome Road Trip to Inverness
The currency used in Scotland is the British Pound (GBP). The cost of living in Scotland is 7.5% lower than in France, and the local purchasing power is 5.7% higher. When traveling, plan a minimum budget of €108 per day per person for on-site expenses.
– Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €29 (+16% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Fast food menu: €7 (-23% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Local beer (500ml draught): €4.5 (-25% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Single public transport ticket: €2.9 (+76% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Monthly public transport pass: €76 (+51% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Unleaded gasoline (1 litre): €1.65 (+6% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Budget hotel (double room): €68 (+18% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Mid-range hotel (double room): €104 (+25% compared to 🇫🇷)
– High-end hotel (double room): €173 (-38% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): €68 (-16% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Summer dress from a chain store (Zara, H&M, etc.): €34 (-3% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of sports shoes: €73 (-13% compared to 🇫🇷)
Although capitals can be much more expensive in terms of cost of living, smaller cities in the country sometimes offer slightly lower prices. However, it is still more expensive than what we are used to in Europe, especially after Brexit.
Video of our city trip in this city
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What activities to do in Inverness?
Whether you are a hopeless romantic, a culture enthusiast, a seasoned sportsman, or a lover of annual events, Inverness has something for everyone. So put on your walking shoes and let’s discover this Scottish wonder!
- Stroll along the banks of the River Ness and visit the Ness Islands
- Explore the Inverness Botanic Gardens
- Browse the Victorian market for unique shopping
- Visit Fort George, the largest artillery fortification in the British Isles
- Explore Inverness Castle and its gardens
- Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- Discover St. Andrew’s Cathedral
- Visit Abertarff House, the oldest building in Inverness
- Visit Old High St. Stephen’s Church
- Hike along the Caledonian Canal
- Explore the Ness Islands on foot
- Hike along the River Ness
- Visit the Culloden Battlefield and Culloden Viaduct
- Excursion to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
- Visit Eden Court Theatre for an evening of entertainment
Conclusion: Why visit or return to Inverness?
After exploring the wonders of Inverness, we are convinced that this city has something special. We loved strolling along the picturesque banks of the River Ness, discovering the fascinating history of Inverness Castle, and savoring the local cuisine in the city’s many restaurants. However, as with any journey, there were less enjoyable moments.
The fickle weather can sometimes be a challenge, and finding parking for a motorhome isn’t always an easy task. But in the end, these small inconveniences only add to Inverness’ charm. We hope that this guide will help you plan your own adventure to Inverness and create unforgettable memories.
Photo by Robin Canfield on Unsplash
FAQ
Inverness is a Scottish city with a rich history and is known as the historic center of the Highlands. It is located at an ideal spot for crossing the River Ness, which flows from Loch Ness at the eastern end of Glen Mor.
The climate in Inverness is oceanic, with short and cool summers. To truly enjoy your trip to Inverness, it is recommended to go in August. That’s when the weather is most pleasant.
Inverness has something to satisfy every palate. You can try restaurants like Rocpool, Dores Inn, River House Restaurant, Café 1, and Aspendos. Local specialties include Shetland Isles mussels, smoked salmon from the West Coast, and Ross-shire lamb.
Inverness offers a variety of activities, whether you are a hopeless romantic, a culture enthusiast, a seasoned sportsman, or a lover of annual events. You can stroll along the picturesque banks of the River Ness, discover the fascinating history of Inverness Castle, savor the local cuisine in the city’s many restaurants, and much more.
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