Ness River Lodge

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and this surprisingly cosmopolitan city is surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape of mountains, rivers, forests and sandy beaches.

Best picnics

The banks of the river Ness are fantastic picnic spots. It’s best to cross over to the wooded north side of the river, which is more secluded. The lodge can provide a rowing boat to get you there.

Best beaches

There are some lovely sandy beaches in the area where you can have acres of sand to yourself. Rosemarkie beach on the north side of the Moray Firth is wonderful when the sun shines.

Best walks

There’s a steep but splendid walk from the Falls of Foyers, about halfway along the south shore of Loch Ness, to Whitebridge, along the wooded gorge of the river Foyers. The area was famously described by Robbie Burns: 'As high in air the bursting torrents flow, / As deep recoiling surges foam below, / Prone down the rock the whitening sheet descends, / And viewless Echo's ear, astonish'd, rends.'

Shopping

Supermarket: Tesco, in the Inshes Retail Park is on the outskirts of Inverness (Monday: 8am–12am; Tuesday to Friday: 6am–12am; Saturday: 6am–10pm; Sunday: 9am–8pm). Off-licence: The Whisky Shop on Bridge Street stocks a wide selection, including whiskies from local producers like Glenmorangie, Dalmore, Glen Ord and Tomatin (+44 (0)1463 710525; www.whiskyshop.com). Deli: Seven miles west on the A862 Beauly road, Moniack Castle near Kirkhill sells an intriguing selection of wines, including silver birch wine, and some great meat and game preserves (+44 (0)1463 831 283; www.moniackcastle.co.uk).

Activities

Take a tour of Loch Ness by ferry with the Loch Ness Express which runs between Inverness and Fort Augustus, at the southern end of the loch (www.lochnessexpress.com). Keep your eyes peeled for monsters! There are magnificent golf courses in the area including Skibo (www.carnegieclub.co.uk), Spey Valley (www.aviemoregolf.com), Nairn (www.nairngolfclub.co.uk) and the links course at Royal Dornoch (www.royaldornoch.com). G2 in Aviemore can arrange a wide range of summer and winter activities including rafting, kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking and skiing (www.g2outdoor.co.uk).

Restaurants

Rocpool Reserve

+44 (0)1463 240 089

This riverside fine-dining restaurant has a particular focus on local produce which changes with the seasons. The menu includes fantastic Skye scallops and juicy Aberdeenshire beef. It’s popular for Sunday lunch, too.
Rocpool Reserve, Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 4AG

Abstract

+44 (0)1463 223 777

With one eye on a Michelin star, this restaurant has fantastic French-style cuisine that uses such local ingredients such as hare fillets, Angus steaks and locally-caught sea trout.
Abstract, Glenmoriston Town House Hotel, Ness Bank, Inverness, IV2 4SF

Contrast

+44 (0)1463 223 777

Right next to sister restaurant Abstract, Contrast is a more informal brasserie but perhaps even more popular. It’s got the same great riverside location and its often adventurous dishes are definitely worth a try.
Contrast, Glen Moriston Town House, Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SF

Café 1

+44 (0)1463 226 200

This great Inverness restaurant is ideal for lunch or dinner in relaxed surroundings. The menu is varied and includes some excellent pasta dishes. It’s closed on Mondays.
Café 1, 75 Castle Street, Inverness IV2 3EA

Riva

+44 (0)1463 237 377

This is a very popular Italian restaurant with a good pre-theatre menu. We didn’t get to hear the singing waiter but everyone in Inverness seems to know about him.
Riva, 4-6 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE

Cafes

Rocpool Rendezvous

+44 (0)1463 717 274

More informal than its namesake on the other side of the Ness, but with a similarly excellent menu, this Inverness restaurant does particularly good seafood. The sole and seabass are excellent.
Rocpool Rendezvous, 1 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE

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