Inverness: A Gateway to Hidden Highland Walks
While Inverness is often seen as the jumping-off point for Loch Ness or the North Coast 500, it also offers immediate access to serene and lesser-known hikes. Whether you’re short on time or simply want to explore without the crowds, these walks feature everything from forest trails and ancient hillforts to peaceful loch circuits—all within easy reach of the city.
What to Expect on These Hikes
- Terrain: Mixed—woodland paths, gentle hills, and occasional rocky tracks.
- Trail Type: Waymarked and walkable for most abilities.
- Wildlife Highlights: Red squirrels in the trees, birds along the glens, and on clear days, views to Ben Wyvis.
- Accessibility: Each walk starts within 90 minutes of Inverness and many are accessible by public transport or a short drive.
6 Underrated Hikes Near Inverness
Each hike is out-of-the-way yet rewarding—offering peace, scenery, and a fresh perspective on the Highlands.
1.
Craig Phadrig – Highland Hill Fort View
- Distance & Time: ~1.4-mile loop; about 40–45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (short steep section to the summit)
- Start: Forestry and Land Scotland car park (postcode IV3 8PN)
- Why it’s underrated: A quick ascent into forest leads to an Iron‐Age hillfort site and sweeping views over Inverness, the Beauly Firth, and Ben Wyvis
- Bonus tip: Perfect for a short skyline walk with historical intrigue and big vistas close to the city
2.
Ord Hill – Forested Ridge Overlooking Inverness
- Distance & Time: 2¼ miles (3.8 km); about 1½ hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (gentle forest ascent with some steps and tree roots)
- Start: Car park north of A9 near North Kessock
- Why it’s underrated: Quiet wooded route with a prehistoric fort site and sweeping views over Inverness and the Moray Firth
- Bonus tip: Excellent spot for red squirrel sightings; unusually peaceful even for a city-proximate trail
3.
Reelig Glen – Ancient Tall Trees Walk
- Distance & Time: 2.25 miles (3.5 km); ~1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (woodland loop with gentle climbing)
- Start: Reelig Glen car park, accessed via A862 to Moniack and Clunes
- Why it’s underrated: This magical walk threads through towering Douglas firs (one over 64 m tall—“Dùghall Mòr”), ancient woodland and mossy ravine
- Bonus tip: Ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone drawn to quiet, atmospheric forest trails — dog-friendly too
4.
Loch Affric Circuit – Remote, Pine-Lined Highland Beauty
- Distance & Time: Longer loch loop (typical full-day hike)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (longer distance with multiple terrain types)
- Why it’s underrated: Feels remote despite Inverness proximity—enchanting mix of Caledonian pinewoods, reflective lochs, and open moorland
- Bonus tip: Start early and bring packed lunch—the wild tranquillity here is unmatched outside central glens.
5.
Farigaig Forest Trails – South Loch Ness Serenity
- Distance & Time: Flexible forest loops—half or full circuit options
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Why it’s underrated: Quiet pine forest with loch-edge views and gentle paths—perfect for accompaniment away from the tourist bustle of Loch Ness.
6.
Little Wyvis – A Gentle Highland Hill Climb
- Distance & Time: Moderate-day walk
- Difficulty: Moderate (short ascent to a mini-peak)
- Why it’s underrated: Offers panoramic Highland views and openspace, without the effort or crowd of a full Munro. Great for early season or shoulder-season hikes.
What to Bring
- Waterproof jacket (Highland weather is unpredictable)
- Good boots or sturdy shoes (forest roots can be slippery)
- Map (OS or GPX)
- Water and snacks, especially for longer hikes like Loch Affric
- Layers and sun protection—woodland shade can get chilly even on sunny days
Final Thoughts
These walks prove that adventure and tranquillity are never far from home in the Highlands. From forest magic to historical summits and remote glens, these underrated hikes near Inverness offer something for every mood and pace.
Photo by Winston Tjia on Unsplash
