Invergordon Port of Call
Your Gateway to the Scottish Highlands!
Invergordon, a quaint town along Scotland's North East coast, serves as a charming entry point to Inverness and the stunning Scottish Highlands. Just 24 miles north of Inverness, the unofficial capital of the Highlands, Invergordon blends rugged beauty with small-town charm.
Updates:
Arrival in Invergordon
Docking at the Industrial Base
As you dock at the industrial service base, you'll notice that this isn't your typical tourist hub. The area is primarily functional, featuring:
A small tourist information booth
Friendly locals
A gift shop with intriguing local crafts
With crowd control in place, it’s an interesting first impression of the town.
Getting Around
Transportation Options
Invergordon offers limited transportation, but there are still ways to explore:
Local Bus Service: Stagecoach operates the X25 route to Inverness, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Train Service: The train station is a 10-minute walk from the dock, with services to Inverness taking around 50 minutes.
Exploring on Foot
The town itself is quiet and pleasant for a stroll, with small shops lining High Street. Be sure to check out the mural trail, “Invergordon Off The Wall,” which showcases beautiful artwork reflecting the town's history.
Invergordon is a pleasant town, but the real attraction lies in the nearby Highlands and their stunning sights. To efficiently reach these famous destinations, booking a tour is essential, as a car is needed for most visits. We chose Thistle Excursions. They are locally run and they offer many different routes.
The Highlands
The bus ride through the Highlands is breathtaking, with lush, rolling hills that create a stunning landscape. The vibrant greenery makes you dream of renting a cottage and hiking for days in this beautiful setting.
Inverness
Inverness is a lovely city featuring a picturesque river walk. Although our stop here was brief, it sparked a desire to return. Many tours gather in front of Inverness Cathedral, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch at an Indian restaurant just a short walk away.
Clava Cairns
This Bronze Age archaeological site, famous from the Outlander series, is truly beautiful. Be prepared for rain, as it drizzled throughout our visit. We even encountered a classic car club on their tour, adding to the charm of the day!
Culloden Battlefield
As Scotland's most famous battlefield, Culloden marks the site of the last major battle in 1746, where 1,500 Highlanders fell in under an hour. The field is serene and invites reflection. Our guide shared fascinating stories, and the visitor center offers amenities like restrooms and a restaurant.
Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle, a ruin with 500 years of history, provides a thrilling exploration experience. Informative placards detail medieval life and battles. The views of Loch Ness are stunning, but be ready for a challenging hike with plenty of stairs. The visitor center also has great information, a café, and beautiful vistas of the loch. Keep in mind, it’s a bit of a trek from the bus parking to the visitor center due to the hill.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Invergordon and the surrounding Highlands provides a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and stunning landscapes. While the town may not be the primary destination, it serves as a friendly base for your Scottish adventure. From historic sites to breathtaking natural beauty, every moment spent in this enchanting region leaves you yearning for more.