The River Ness flows from Loch Ness to the sea, a distance of only about
six miles, and passes through the centre of Inverness (the name means “mouth
of the Ness”) just before the harbour.
Following the river upstream from the town centre, makes a delightful walk
and you will often see fishermen casting for salmon. On the castle side of
the river, walk up Ness Bank and then, past the war memorial, along Ladies
Walk. Follow the road, alongside the river until you come to an opening leading
down to the bank and a footbridge on to the first of the Ness Islands. The
Ness Islands, several small islands in the middle of the river, are linked
by narrow footbridges and the area is wooded and very pretty. If you are lucky
you may see a dipper in the fast water. If you prefer contact with warmer
water, there is a nearby Aquadome with swimming pools and water features or
spend an hour in the Floral Hall with its collection of cacti and exotic plants.
Go
back downstream along the west bank with a lovely view of the castle on the
way back into town. This way you pass Eden Court, the theatre, and the red
sandstone St Andrews Cathedral. If you feel adventurous you can cross back
to the other bank by the Infirmary footbridge, one of a very bouncy pair of
suspension bridges spanning the Ness. You may well see fishermen casting for
salmon in the river here, where it is quite shallow but very fast-flowing.
For
a longer walk, leave your car near the flight of locks on the canal at Clachnaharry
and walk along the tow path on the left side. After about a mile you reach
the swing bridge where the canal passes under the A82 to Fort William and
a little further on you may either continue along the towpath or turn off
to join the River Ness walk at the Ness Islands and make your way back through
the town for a bite to eat.
Sometimes
you may see a spectacular sunset from the main bridge spanning the Ness but,
if not, then why not enjoy something to eat? Inverness has a great variety
of places to eat from classy restaurants with a wide choice of wines to the
ubiquitous burger bars for a quick snack. You can eat Italian, Mexican, French,
Indian, Chinese or Thai food but, hopefully, you will try some local Scottish
fare. From haggis to venison, from smoked haddock to wild salmon, you will
find delicious fresh, local produce on offer. At one of the many bars and
pubs in town you may sample a rare Highland malt whisky - the “uisge-beatha”
or water of life. Try a different one every day and you will need to stay
a long while to get through the choice! BACK
Walk in Inverness
Go
back downstream along the west bank with a lovely view of the castle on the
way back into town. This way you pass Eden Court, the theatre, and the red
sandstone St Andrews Cathedral. If you feel adventurous you can cross back
to the other bank by the Infirmary footbridge, one of a very bouncy pair of
suspension bridges spanning the Ness. You may well see fishermen casting for
salmon in the river here, where it is quite shallow but very fast-flowing.
For
a longer walk, leave your car near the flight of locks on the canal at Clachnaharry
and walk along the tow path on the left side. After about a mile you reach
the swing bridge where the canal passes under the A82 to Fort William and
a little further on you may either continue along the towpath or turn off
to join the River Ness walk at the Ness Islands and make your way back through
the town for a bite to eat.
Sometimes
you may see a spectacular sunset from the main bridge spanning the Ness but,
if not, then why not enjoy something to eat? Inverness has a great variety
of places to eat from classy restaurants with a wide choice of wines to the
ubiquitous burger bars for a quick snack. You can eat Italian, Mexican, French,
Indian, Chinese or Thai food but, hopefully, you will try some local Scottish
fare. From haggis to venison, from smoked haddock to wild salmon, you will
find delicious fresh, local produce on offer. At one of the many bars and
pubs in town you may sample a rare Highland malt whisky - the “uisge-beatha”
or water of life. Try a different one every day and you will need to stay
a long while to get through the choice! BACK