Somewhere Near Inverness?

Inverness is as good as any as a home base. We stopped in Nairn after visiting Culloden and Clava Cairns. It's pretty and has a beach, but we couldn't find an open restaurant at about 5:00 on a Monday afternoon. Some of these rural towns are pretty, but you have limited services.

Hi, Andrea,

Keep the car. You didn't say where you were coming from before Inverness, but with a car, it's possible to take a day trip to the west coast. The Torridon loop, or Ullapool, or Plockton, can all be done in a day's drive. Or you could head south, along the east shore of Loch Ness, to Fort Augustus. You could drive to Glen Affric, and spend a few hours hiking the trail. You could drive down to Aviemore, and explore the Cairngorm National Park area. Another choice would be to drive along the Moray coast, and visit some of the seaside villages. Stop in Cullen, the home of Cullen Skink.

I guess that what I'm saying is keep the car until it's time to return it. You could reach many of these places by train or bus, but you'd be subject to the vagaries of public transportation schedules. With a car, you can stop wherever and whenever you want.

I'll be in Inverness next month for three days, but I'm using it as a base for day trips, and also for some thrifting in the charity shops.

Best wishes and safe travels.

Mike (Auchterless)

We pick up the car as we leave Glasgow, and will be staying in Oban (2 nights), Portree (3 nights) and Inverness (3 nights) before departing for Edinburgh. We return the car the evening before we depart for Edinburgh, so we will have it for sightseeing during our 2 full days. I’m probably overthinking this, as we will be gone during the days. I chose Inverness originally for the convenience. Since we will be gone during the days I want to have restaurants and pubs available in the evenings.

Hi again, Andrea,

Inverness would definitely be your best bet if you're looking for restaurants and pubs in the evenings. You'll definitely find a better selection of both in town. Not to denigrate the outlying towns, but after early evening, your choices there may be limited to hotel/bar meals or takeaways.

Mike (Auchterless)

Listen to Mike, he gives great advice! When we traveled in the UK, when we drove, we had the option of staying remotely on Farms and Manor houses where some of the hosts offered an evening meal or tea. Also, you can carry a small cooler for deli food and drinks for an afternoon picnic or a light evening treat in your room or guest parlor. Ask the hosts about the best local pubs or hotels that serve food. If you really want to dine at a restaurant, make lunch, or early supper your main meal of the day. You can use more time in the evening to go out to a music venue.

What Mike (Auchterless) said. Use Inverness as your base but on the days you have the car to explore, go explore. West Coast - always superb in the right weather, and surprisingly close - and the jaw dropping Torridon would be my starter suggestions,

Absolutely what Mike said! Inverness as a base is absolutely fine. As a destination in itself not so much!
Jacqui (Skyegirl)

Keep your plans. Use your car during the day. At night, make sure your hotel has parking. Then walk to any pubs or restaurants you wish to go to. Inverness really isn't that big.

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. We will be off sightseeing during the day and our B&B has parking. Being able to walk to dinner or a pub in the evening is important because I won’t drive after having a drink. I won’t change our plans.