The Ness Islands are a small chain of wooded islands in the middle of the River Ness, a short walk upstream from the centre of Inverness, linked to both banks and to each other by elegant Victorian suspension bridges. Paths wind among tall trees beside the fast-flowing water, with benches, carved wooden sculptures and glimpses of anglers casting for salmon. The circular walk from the city centre, out along one bank, across the islands and back along the other, is about three miles and takes around an hour at an easy pace, passing Inverness Cathedral, Eden Court theatre and the Botanic Gardens. It is free, open at all times and one of the most pleasant ways to spend an hour in the city.
The route
Start at the Ness Bridge in the centre and walk south along Ness Bank, on the castle side, or Ness Walk, on the cathedral side. After about a mile, footbridges lead onto the islands, where paths loop through the woodland. Cross to the other bank and return downstream, making a loop of about three miles. The paths are mostly flat and surfaced, so they suit pushchairs and wheelchairs in most places, and there is lighting on parts of the route for evening strolls.
What you will see
The river itself is the star, wide and clear and rushing over stones, with herons, ducks, goosanders and occasionally otters or seals that follow the salmon upstream. Along the way you pass the red sandstone Inverness Cathedral, the Eden Court arts centre, and the Botanic Gardens on Bught Road, which has a tropical glasshouse and a café. The islands host occasional events, and at Christmas the trees are sometimes lit for festive trails.
Tips
The walk is lovely in the early morning, in autumn colour and on summer evenings when the light lingers late. Combine it with a visit to the cathedral and dinner at one of the riverside restaurants, or extend it to the Caledonian Canal and Tomnahurich, the wooded hill with a historic cemetery. Wear sensible shoes after rain, as some woodland paths can be muddy, and keep children back from the water, which is deep and fast.
What to expect
The experience
A free, mostly flat riverside loop of about three miles from the city centre across wooded islands linked by Victorian footbridges.
Best time
Early morning or a summer evening, or in autumn for the colours.
How long
About an hour at an easy pace, longer with the Botanic Gardens.
Tips
Start at the Ness Bridge, loop across the islands, and combine with the cathedral and Botanic Gardens.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A gentle walk that shows off the river and the city's green side.
- Families
- Easy and pushchair-friendly on most paths; keep children back from the fast water.
- Couples
- An evening stroll before dinner at a riverside restaurant.
- Pair with
- Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Castle and the Botanic Gardens.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
How long is the Ness Islands walk?+
The usual loop from the city centre is about three miles and takes around an hour.
Is it free?+
Yes. The islands and paths are open to everyone at all times.
Is it suitable for pushchairs?+
Most of the paths are flat and surfaced, though some woodland sections can be muddy after rain.
What wildlife might I see?+
Herons, ducks and goosanders are common, and otters and seals are occasionally seen following salmon.
Where does the walk start?+
At the Ness Bridge in the city centre, following either bank upstream.
