Welcome to Inverness, the heart of the Scottish Highlands, where natural beauty meets rich history. As a local taxi driver, I’ve had the privilege of showing visitors around some of the most breathtaking routes our city and surrounding areas have to offer. If you’re planning a trip to Inverness and want to explore the Highlands without the stress of driving yourself, I’d be delighted to guide you through the top five scenic routes that are best enjoyed from the comfort of a taxi.
At Inverness by Taxi, we offer personalized, hassle-free journeys, so you can sit back, relax, and soak in the views. You can book with us via our website, www.taxisinverness.com, or give us a call at 01463 809 810. Let me now take you through some of my favorite routes, where every turn offers a new stunning vista.
1. The Loch Ness Loop
No trip to Inverness is complete without a visit to the world-famous Loch Ness, home to the legendary Nessie. The Loch Ness Loop is a picturesque route that circles this vast freshwater loch, allowing you to experience its serene beauty from all angles.
Starting from Inverness, we’ll drive along the A82 towards Fort Augustus. On the way, you’ll pass through the charming village of Drumnadrochit, where you can stop for a moment to visit Urquhart Castle, perched dramatically on the shores of the loch. The castle provides an unbeatable backdrop for photos, and the surrounding views of the loch are simply breathtaking.
As we continue on, we’ll follow the southern shore, a quieter, lesser-known route with fewer tourists. This side of the loch is lined with ancient forests, rolling hills, and peaceful villages like Foyers, where you can spot the Falls of Foyers, a hidden gem and a perfect stop for a bit of Highland serenity.
By the time we circle back to Inverness, you’ll have experienced both the bustling and tranquil sides of Loch Ness.
2. The Black Isle Peninsula
Just north of Inverness, the Black Isle Peninsula is a fantastic destination for those who love wide-open spaces and coastal beauty. Despite its name, the Black Isle is not an island, but a peninsula with lush farmland, scenic beaches, and quaint fishing villages.
Our journey begins with a short drive across the Kessock Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Beauly Firth and Moray Firth. We’ll head towards the village of Fortrose, known for its impressive 13th-century cathedral ruins. A highlight here is Chanonry Point, one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins. If you’re lucky, you may witness these playful creatures leaping out of the water!
Continuing our drive, we’ll pass through Rosemarkie, where you can take a stroll along the beach, and Cromarty, a beautiful village full of Georgian architecture. The scenic coastal roads and panoramic views over the Cromarty Firth make this drive a must for nature lovers.
3. The North Coast 500 (NC500) Starting Point
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66—a 516-mile route around the northern Highlands. While completing the entire route would take days, I highly recommend starting your journey with a taxi ride from Inverness along the first section of the NC500.
We’ll drive from Inverness to the village of Ullapool along the A835, a route that takes you through some of the most striking landscapes in the Highlands. From the rugged mountains of Wester Ross to the deep glens and shimmering lochs, every moment on this road is postcard-worthy.
One of the highlights along this route is the town of Garve, where we can stop to admire the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge and its stunning waterfall. Continuing on, you’ll pass through the village of Braemore before reaching the coastal town of Ullapool, set against a backdrop of jagged peaks and offering incredible views over Loch Broom.
If you have a taste for adventure, we can continue further along the NC500 or head back to Inverness, having experienced a glimpse of the epic Highlands scenery.
4. The Cairngorms National Park Route
For those who want to explore more than just Inverness, the Cairngorms National Park is a fantastic option. As the largest national park in the UK, it boasts soaring mountains, ancient forests, and wildlife that includes red squirrels, ospreys, and wild deer.
This scenic route takes us from Inverness to Aviemore, a popular gateway to the park. As we drive south on the A9, you’ll notice how the landscape changes from rolling hills to towering mountains. Aviemore itself is a lively town with plenty of cafés and shops, but the real beauty lies in the surrounding countryside.
We can visit Loch Morlich, a sparkling freshwater loch surrounded by forest, where you’ll feel a sense of peace and isolation. Or, if you prefer, we can take a detour to the nearby Rothiemurchus Forest, home to some of the oldest pinewood trees in Scotland. On a clear day, the views of the Cairngorm mountain range are simply awe-inspiring, and if you’re lucky, you might even see the steam train that runs through the park.
5. The Beauly and Glen Affric Route
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, the Beauly and Glen Affric route is a perfect choice. This route takes us west of Inverness, through the charming village of Beauly and into the wild, untouched beauty of Glen Affric, often described as one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens.
In Beauly, we’ll stop to visit the ruins of Beauly Priory, a 13th-century monastery steeped in history. Afterward, we’ll continue along winding country roads into Glen Affric, where you’ll be surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forests, towering mountains, and sparkling lochs.
Glen Affric is a haven for hikers, but even if you’re not the hiking type, the scenic drive alone is worth it. The combination of dense forests and wide-open moors creates a landscape that feels both dramatic and peaceful. We can stop at various points for photos, picnics, or simply to admire the view.
Exploring Inverness and the Highlands by taxi allows you to experience the best of Scotland’s natural beauty without the stress of navigating the roads yourself. At Inverness by Taxi, we’re passionate about making your journey as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Whether you’re here for a short stay or a longer adventure, we’re here to provide a comfortable, personalized tour of the most scenic routes around Inverness.
To book your journey or inquire about custom routes, visit our website at www.taxisinverness.com or call us directly at 01463 809 810. Let me help you discover the Highlands in the most relaxed and scenic way possible!
