Best walks to or from Inverness

Inverness Station to Nairn Station

Largely good off-road walking through Culloden Forest and High Wood and down the wooded valley of the River Nairn and though one section near Cawdor cannot be followed without bush-whacking.

Tough: 35km. Moderate ascents.

Between the White Bridge near Clephanton and Kilravoch Castle the route cannot be followed and requires a diversion. The riverside path down the River Nairn is unsafe when the river is high, runs very close to the water with drops of around 2m in places, and can be cut after flooding.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Dingwall Station to Inverness Station

A long and varied route following the John o'Groats Trail: an unscenic exit past the industrial port, the Kessock Bridge, then steep climbs into forest with high vegetation, forest paths and minor roads and shore-side stretches. Includes the Cromarty Bridge and a stretch where you must step over railway rails and climb a fence. Covers the Inverness to Culbokie section of the John o'Groats Trail plus the section towards Alness; see jogt.org.uk. Munlochy has a small local shop, and the walk can be broken at Culbokie.

Tough: 34km, steep ascents.

Steep climbs through high vegetation mean leg covering is needed. A short stretch near Munlochy is busy with little verge. There is no controlled crossing of the railway near the Cromarty Bridge: you step over the rails and climb a small fence. The Kessock and Cromarty bridges carry heavy, noisy traffic and can be windy. Best split with an overnight stop.

Lunch: Munlochy, roughly mid-route, has a small local shop.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Muir of Ord Station to Inverness Station

18km. Moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Beauly Station to Inverness Station

Tough: 24km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route