I almost have my itinerary set for April/May 2023.
The two days in question have us traveling from Oban to Glenfinnan to watch the train cross the viaduct, then up along the lochs toward Inverness and Culloden, then to Dufftown.
Since we will be at Glenfinnan to watch the train in the morning and then would like to see other sights along the lochs, I'm thinking we should stay the night around Drumnadrochit so we can see Culloden the following day on our way to Dufftown.
So, which is nicer, more fun, less touristy to stay the night: Drumnadrochit or inverness or other?
Thank you in advance.
Jacqui
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6568 posts
We recently stayed in Nairn at the Sunny Brae. Nairn is only about a 20 minutes drive from Culloden. While visiting Culloden consider the couple miles drive from it to Clava Cairns Bronze Age burial site. The site doesn’t take long to see and is free to visit.
Posted by
Delaware
1376 posts
Hi, Jacqui,
There is not a lot to see and do around Drumnadrochit, with the exception of Urquhart Castle, which is overcrowded and overhyped. If you're looking for just a quiet evening in, then Drumnadrochit would be ideal. However, if you're looking for something to do in the evening, before visiting Culloden the following morning, you might want to keep going to Inverness.
Loch Ness is pretty much hidden from view along the A82. There are a few places where the vista opens up, and laybys where you can stop. However, you may want to consider taking the road up the east shore of Loch Ness, which starts from Fort Augustus. There are some really good views of the loch, and you can actually stop and dip your feet in the loch if you're so inclined. There is a good two mile hike starting from the Dores Inn. There are a couple of B&Bs in Dores overlooking the loch, but again, there would be nothing going on in the evening. The road along the eastern shore is not heavily travelled, and a lot more relaxing to drive than the A82.
Best wishes for your travels, and Happy Holidays!
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
OP
Waukesha, WI
47 posts
Thank you for the replies. I will start looking for an Inn in Inverness.
Jacqui
Posted by
Delaware
1376 posts
Hi again, Jacqui,
If you're not too fussy about where you lay your head, and are not concerned with frills, the Premier Inn chain of hotels has several locations in Inverness. We've been staying in Premier Inns for almost 30 years, and have found them to be exceptionally clean and comfortable. If you reserve this far in advance, you should be able to get a decent rate.
We've stayed at Inverness East, which is near Raigmore Hospital, and Inverness West, which is about 100 yards from the Caledonian Canal. They have a central location, which is right on the River Ness, and a short walk to all of the evening activities in the town. There are dozens of other hotels and B&Bs throughout Inverness, and you should have no trouble securing accommodation at the time of year that you are travelling!
Once again, best wishes for your travels, and Happy Holidays!
Mike (Auchterless)