LivinginLondon

We are flying into Aberdeen for business but are interested in going to Inverness (Loch Ness) for the weekend. According to the VisitScotland website, Aberdeen is approx 90 miles (170km) from Inverness. In practical terms, can anyone advise how long it would take to drive from Aberdeen to Inverness? We are planning to leave Aberdeen first thing on Saturday am, spend the night in Inverness and drive back to Aberdeen Sunday afternoon.<BR><BR>Thanks for your input!

Keith

Give it a couple of hours. You might also want to follow the Whisky trail through Speyside, so you could add on a bit extra for that.

Sheila

It's nearer 100 miles and, to be comfortable 2 1/2 hours.<BR><BR>Loch Ness for the weekend is pretty easy to do. If it were me, I would suggest that you go up on Friday night. I, not infrequently, go up after work.<BR><BR>Don't stay in Inverness- it's nothing to write home about. Stay in the country somewher round about

janis

As Keith and Sheila say - it is an easy weekend trip.<BR><BR>Stay either east of Inverness near Culloden or just west near Beauly. Much better than in the city.<BR><BR>Take the A96 through Huntly. Stop and visit the castle - one of the best in the country. Betweern Huntly and Dufftown is a wonderful Falconry center where you can see Falcons, hawks and Eagles fly and even fly them yourself. then through Dufftown - stop at Glenfiddich if you are interested. From there it is an easy drive via Elgin and Nairn.

LivinginLondon

Thanks to everyone for your very helpful feedback. I think that we have decided to drive to Nairn on Friday night and stay at the Clifton House for the weekend. This way, we'll have almost two full days to explore based upon everyone's recommendations!<BR><BR>Thanks again!

Tony Hughes

If you take Janis' advice, have a poke around the Bin Forest at the back of Huntly - great fun!

LivinginLondon

Just to followup with a quick trip report.<BR><BR>We flew into Aberdeen on Friday night and rented a car via Hertz for 20 pounds per day - total came to 80 pounds for the weekend (20 per day + 9 per day for full insurance + 20 taxes). We got on the road by 7:30 and made it to Nairn by 9:00. We checked into the Clifton House Hotel - great little hotel run by a lovely family (the McIntyres) who have lived in the house for many years. With the long summer days, we were even able to take a quick walk along the beach at 10 pm before heading for bed!<BR><BR>The next morning, we headed for Loch Ness. It is an easy drive from Nairn - about 30 minutes. We decided not to go to Urquart Castle, but chose to take a Loch Ness boat ride instead. That's definitely the way to go! Entry at the castle is 5 pounds per person for a good view; however, the boat ride is 8.50 per person for a better view on the water, small boat (only five of us) and a nice commentary from the skipper. We then drove on through Fort Augustus and back up the south side of Loch Ness for great views of the Loch and the rugged landscape to the South. We stopped in Foyers and did a 7 mile circular walk which started at the falls, went up the shore of the Loch to Inverfarigaig and back down to Foyers. It's a great walk with clearly marked trails and lots of good views! We bought a small booklet on walks in the area for 1.95 from the tourist centre in Drumnadrochit. This walk was in the booklet. It took us about 3.5 hours with lots of stops for pics. Again, thank goodness for the long summer days - we started at 3 and finished by 7!<BR><BR>The next day, we made our way back to Aberdeen via Culloden Battlefield (interesting part of Scottish history), Glenfiddich Distillery (great tour!), and Fraser Castle. The views and landscape on the drive back were just as great as the places that we stopped!<BR><BR>Overall, a great weekend in Scotland! Thanks to everyone for their assist!<BR><BR>

Joe

When you are up in Culloden Battlefield area (near Elgin which is not a bad place to stay; lots of B&Bs) and at the head of the whiskey trail (much like our Napa Valley, but emphasis on single malts instead of wine) you will be very near to Pluscardin Abbey. Don't miss this treasure. Truly one of the most beautiful spots we have visited in all our travels. Another distillery to consider is Dallas Dhu. Great tour of beautiful old facility. Love Scotland and the Scots.