invergordon walking tour

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Invergordon Walking Excursions

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3 Invergordon Walking Excursions

• Round trip transportation from outside your Invergordon cruise ship pier!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• English speaking certified guide!
• Cruise Loch Ness and look out for Nessie!
• Visit the historic Urquhart Castle!
• Stop at Inverness with free time in town!

• Stop at Culloden Battle Field and Clava Cairns medieval site!
• Guided visit at Cawdor Castle and free time!
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy unique sights and the surrounding area near Inverness!

• Round-trip route with on/off privileges in Inverness City!
• Comfortable double-decker open-top city shore excursion buses!
• Climate-controlled buses with wheelchair access!
• Easy to use system map of Inverness City!
• Audio narration on the bus!
• A total of 7 bus stops at the must-see sites!
• Optional family passes to save more money!
• Coupon book for discounts and other savings at select stores, restaurants, and attractions!

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• Up to 1 hour
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• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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Fall in love with the place we call home on our award winning tour.

• ABOUT THIS TOUR
• ITINERARY & MAP

Tour Highlights

• Get off the beaten track on our unique shore tour
• See Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns and Inverness
• A world-class day out with the only VisitScotland 5 star-rated operator in Invergordon
• See the Highlands with the people who know it best; the highly experienced WOW team

Itinerary and Map +

Itinerary & map, invergordon and cromarty firth.

Upon arrival at the Port of Invergordon you will be warmly welcome by your kilt-clad WOW Scotland guide.  After taking your seats in our executive 30-seater mini-coach you will feel immediately at home as your highly experienced guide takes the reins and your long-awaited day in the Scottish Highlands begins. As we journey along the shores of the Cromarty Firth keep your eye out for seals, oystercatchers and herons as your guide enthrals you with stories of the area’s fascinating history including: Why the US Navy used a local distillery as their HQ during the WWI; and the mutiny which brought the British economy to its knees.

Cawdor Castle

Early records show that the castle dates back to at least 1454.  Although there have been many fortifications and additions over the last 640 years, the building has been remarkably well-preserved, and gives a wonderful impression of how the landed gentry would have lived back in the 15th Century.  To this day the castle remains in the Campbell family, with the Dowager Countess Cawdor, stepmother of the 7th Earl of Cawdor, residing there over the winter months.

You will be presented with an audio guide (available in 10 languages) which provides an interesting and entertaining overview of each room of the castle.  From the 16th Century Drawing Room with its splendid fireplace and portrait gallery, to the bedroom showcasing Flemish tapestries from the 17th Century, all of the magnificent rooms feature fine art and antique furniture, and every object has a story behind it.  This is no more so than in, “The Thorn Tree Room”, where you hear the story of the legendary tree which the castle was built around back in 1372 and which, remarkably, still exists there today!

After you have completed the audio tour we would recommend heading outside to the immaculate gardens: The Flower Garden is a formal garden designed in the 18th Century and featuring lavender borders and yew tree hedges;  The Walled Garden features exotic plants, a maze, a Knot Garden and a hidden Paradise Garden; The Wild Garden is a hidden delight which leads into 750 acres of woods and trails.  There is also a coffee shop, featuring home-baked scones and cakes, and three gift shops, one of which sells a wonderful selection of classic Scottish souvenirs unique to the castle.

Admission to the castle is £12 (£7.50 for children) if booked and paid with us in advance.

This will be your opportunity to pick up a packed lunch, with the castle offering a lunch deal exclusively for WOW guests.  Further information, include a menu and prices, can be found under the FAQs tab above.

We spend around 90 minutes at Cawdor Castle.

Inverness is the capital city of the Highlands, and one of Europe’s fastest growing cities. However, with a population of just 70,000, its compact city centre is easy to explore in an hour.

There are many notable historical sights in the centre and we would suggest making your way to the top of Inverness Castle hill to admire the surrounding views, as well as the statue of Highland heroine Flora MacDonald, who famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden.  From here, head into the city’s pedestrianised area to check out the Victorian gothic Town House, looking out for the Mercat Cross, which sits atop the legendary, “Clach Na Cuidden” stone, said to protect the city and its people. Before you head back pop in to St Andrew’s Cathedral, an imposing building situated in a picturesque location on the banks of the River Ness.

If the weather is kind to us and you fancy a river walk instead then Inverness can certainly deliver; approximately 10 minutes from the centre are the Ness Islands, wooded islands situated in the middle of the River Ness.  A walk from one side of the river to the other via this series of interlinked islands provides a delightful and relaxing nature break, and gives you a real feel for why Inverness was recently voted one of the happiest places in the UK!

For those who would like to indulge in some retail therapy you will have plenty of opportunities in Inverness; shops range from the kitsch souvenir emporiums selling all manner of tartan and woollen goods, to the traditional stores of the 1876 Victorian Market and the brand name outlets in the Eastgate Centre.

We will have approximately one hour in Inverness. (Note that, if your tour duration is 7 hours or less, Inverness will be a shorter stop of around 20 minutes only)

Our next stop is in the village of Dores on the lesser-visited south side of Loch Ness.  This beach was recently voted one of the top 10 views in the UK, so we are confident that this spot gives you the best experience of this legendary loch.  It’s a beautiful place to take photos, wander the beach in search of the elusive Nessie or, if you’d prefer, relax with a beer, whisky or coffee in the traditional loch-side pub (subject to opening times, closed Mon – Wed).  Here there is also the opportunity to buy a cute monster ornament from legendary Nessie Hunter Steve Feltham  (that’s if he’s not out hunting Nessie at the time!)

We will spend around 30 minutes at Dores Beach.

Highland Scenery

The wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands are one of the region’s biggest draws, yet they are often missed on day tour itineraries, which focus only on key historical sights. The next part of our tour aims to give you a real taste of the Highlands on the 30 minute drive to Clava Cairns. As we head for the hills, and the altitude increases, the landscape changes from rolling farmland, to forests, to rugged mountain moorland. As we navigate the winding country lanes your guide will tell you all about the wonderful countryside, and the flora and fauna that thrive here. The chances of seeing other people from your ship on this route are slim to none!

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is an exceptionally well-preserved group of prehistoric burial cairns which were built around 4000 years ago. This Bronze Age cemetery has a whole range of interesting historical structures to explore such as passage graves, ring cairns, a kerb cairn and standing stones.For Outlander fans, this is must-see stop. When Diana Gabaldon visited here after writing the first book she couldn’t believe there was a split standing stone so close to Culloden Battlefield.  Consequently, this is now viewed by many as the spiritual home of the fictional, ‘Craig na Dun’.

We will spend approximately 25 minutes here and there will be a guided tour.

Culloden Battlefield

The Battle of Culloden took place on 16th April 1746 and was the final chapter of the Jacobite Uprising, as well as the last pitched battle to be fought on British soil. Your guide will bring the poignant landscape to life as he enthrals you with a historical account of the bloody battle, the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the subsequent demise of the Gaelic language and clan culture in the Highlands.

At Culloden Battlefield your guide will provide a 30 minute walking tour of the site.  On most tours there will also be an opportunity to explore by yourself, buy a coffee to-go and/or visit the gift shop, as we will spend one hour here.

Highland Cows

If we see any Highland Cows along the way, we will do our best to stop and let you say hello.  We can’t guarantee to see them, but we will certainly do our best!

After a wonderful day exploring the historical, cultural and natural highlights of the Scottish Highlands we will return to Invergordon via the Black Isle peninsula and its traditional villages.  We will arrive back at the port in plenty of time for your ship’s departure.

Book a Tour

What dates/ships will this tour run from? +

29th April – Regal Princess  – 8.15am – 4.15pm

11th May – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

14th May – MS Rotterdam – 8.45am – 3.45pm

18th May – Jewel of the Seas – 9am – 4.30pm

21st May – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 4.15pm

13th June – MS Nieuw Statendam – 8.45am – 3.45pm

14th June – Jewel of the Seas – 9am – 4.30pm

16th June – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

19th June – MS Rotterdam – 8.45am – 4.45pm

28th June – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

29th June – Norwegian Dawn – 10.45am – 5.45pm

2nd July – Jewel of the Seas – 8am – 3.45pm

10th July – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

17th July – Carnival Legend 9am – 3.45pm

21st July – Jewel of the Seas 9am – 4.30pm

22nd July – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

25th July – Caribbean Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

2nd Aug – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

6th Aug – MS Rotterdam – 9am – 3.45pm

12th Aug – Norwegian Dawn – 9am – 5pm

27th Aug – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

4th Sept – MS Nieuw Statendam – 9am – 3.45pm

7th Sept – Caribbean Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

8th Sept – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

20th Sept – Regal Princess – 8.15am – 4.15pm

2nd Oct – Norwegian Star – 8.15am – 4.15pm

If you do not see your ship listed above, please  contact us and we will do our best to schedule a tour for you. 

What size of vehicle do you use? +

We have two well-appointed 33-seater mini-coaches with panoramic windows, comfortable reclining seats, USB charging points and AC.  We will use these two vehicles for most of our shore tours, though on occasion may use our executive 16-seater.  You can rest assured that you will be able to relax and enjoy the majestic scenery in complete comfort and, with our smaller group size, you are guaranteed a more personal experience.

Can I reserve seats on the tour? +

Yes. Due to customer demand, we have a booking system for the following seats;

• 4 front row seats – these give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop.  Our most popular seats.
• 4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if they are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option.  These seats also have a little more legroom than these front row seats.  These are available on some tours only.
• 2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 50% more legroom than regular seats.  They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.

The price of the upgrades vary depending on which tour you are on, with prices between £5 and £20 per person.  If they are available, upgrades will be given as an option when booking.

Please note that it does not make any difference which side of the coach you sit on, so we don’t take requests for specific sides.

The rest of our seats are allocated on arrival, as we feel that this is the fairest system of allocating seats. It is not possible to reserve window seats, or seats together if you are travelling as part of a group but, if you do wish to choose your seat, we would recommend arriving early at the bus stop (i.e. a few minutes before check-in closes). If you are unhappy with your seat please let your tour guide know and he will do his best to accommodate your requests, although obviously many guests would prefer a window seat so it is not possible for everyone to have these!

Note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable if you require to cancel your tour.

Where do we meet you in Invergordon? +

For all private and scheduled tours your guide or another member of the WOW team will be waiting at the entrance to the port.

The WOW team are easily identifiable in our branded WOW Scotland uniforms.

Due to parking restrictions at the Port of Invergordon you will need to walk around 0.2 – 0.3 miles (i.e. approx. 5 minutes for someone with reasonable fitness) up a very slight incline to the coach, which will be parked close-by.

Are there admission charges on this tour? +

Yes, there is one admission charge on this tour; Cawdor Castle. 

The admission price in 2024 is £12 for adults and £7.50 for children.  This is a special discounted price for WOW guests who purchase tickets in advance (regular price online/at the door is £15.50 for adults, £14 for concessions and £8.50 for children).  This price includes an excellent audio guide, which is available in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Dutch and Portugese).

The entrance fee for Cawdor Castle must be booked and paid when booking your tickets for this tour.  It is not an optional fee and, even if you just want to go the gardens/cafe/shop, you still require to pay the entrance fee.  We spend around 2 hours at the castle, and there is nothing else to do at this location.

There are no other admission charges payable on this tour.

What are the arrangements for lunch? +

We recommend that our guests pick up lunch to-go at the cafe in Cawdor Castle. 

The menu is as follows, and is exclusively for WOW guests.

• Filled roll and crisps (chips) – £6.20
• Filled roll, crisps (chips) and your choice of cake or traybake – £7.90

You can choose from the following fillings for your roll;

• Chicken, bacon and tarragon mayonnaise
• Tuna mayonnaise
• Cheddar cheese and tomato (vegetarian)

Vegan and gluten-free options are available in the cafe, upon request.

You can either eat this on the bus, or (weather permitting!) enjoy it at a scenic location en-route.

Will we have time to shop for souvenirs? +

Every tour has the opportunity to buy souvenirs (for those that like that sort of thing!).

There are two gift shops at Cawdor Castle, which stock an extensive range of high quality gifts.  These include Scottish wool and cashmere sweaters, local craft gins, single malt whiskies and a selection of sweet treats, toys and exclusive souvenirs.

The gift shop at Culloden Battlefield also stocks a wide selection of Scottish gifts and souvenirs, including Highland honey and shortbread, beautifully crafted silver jewellery and a range of history books and maps.

If you are looking for a unique souvenir from Scotland look no further..there will usually be a chance to buy handmade Nessie souvenirs from Steve Feltham (the legendary Nessie Hunter) at Loch Ness, as long as he is not out monster hunting at the time! 

Depending on the duration of your tour, you may have time to visit the plethora of brand name and independent shops in Inverness.

All of the above places accept debit/credit card payments.

Will you get us back to the ship in time? +

Yes, of course!!  This is the most common question we are asked by cruisers and we would like to state unequivocally that we have a 100% success record in ensuring that every single guest is returned to their ship in a timely fashion. 

We are aware that the cruise ships warn their guests against taking private tours as, if that tour is late, they say that they will not wait for you. In reality, if any of our tours had ever run late and our guests had missed their cruise departure, there is no way that we would still have a business, due to the terrible reviews we would receive! We have been running shore tours for 10 years and have shown thousands of guests the Scottish Highlands; each and every person has returned to their ship on time.  You can read reviews from hundreds of happy cruisers on Google and TripAdvisor .

We aim to get you back at least 1 1/4 hours prior to your ship’s scheduled departure time.  As all of our shore tours are exclusively for passengers of one ship only, if your ship changes its schedule we will of course alter our timings accordingly.

Is the tour suitable for disabled passengers? +

If you have mobility issues please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will do our utmost to assist you.

Please note that we cannot transport mobility scooters on any of our coaches, due to limited boot/trunk space.

Can children come on this tour? +

Yes – children are welcome on our shore tours. Please note that you must purchase a ticket for every child as, even if they sit on a parent’s lap, they officially take up one space on the coach.

We only have one ticket price.  However, the admission charge to Cawdor Castle is £4.50 lower for children, so please be sure to select the child entrance ticket (listed at the foot of the optional extras page) when booking.

What is your cancellation policy? +

For “standard tickets” purchased for our scheduled shore tours, the following cancellation charges shall apply (depending on the effective date of cancellation):

a) Cancellation more than 7 days prior to the tour departure: You will be entitled to a full refund (note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable)

b) Cancellation 72 hours to 7 days prior to the tour departure: You will be refunded 50% of the price paid (note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable)

c) Cancellation less than 72 hours prior to the tour departure: You will not be entitled to a refund

d) If you need to cancel as your ship is unable to reach port we will refund the full cost of your tour.

For, “flex tickets” purchased for our scheduled shore tours, the following cancellation charge shall apply:

a) Cancellation more than 24 hours prior to the tour departure: You will be entitled to a full refund (note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable)

b) Cancellation less than 24 hours prior to the tour departure: You will not be entitled to a refund

c) If you need to cancel as your ship is unable to reach port we will refund the full cost of your tour.

If you require to cancel or change your booking please just send us an email to [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you.

View More FAQs

Discover the Factor

Meet your guides, gordon pearson.

Founder & Tour Guide

  730 Reviews

Gordon founded WOW Scotland in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. He is passionate about showcasing his homeland, and is continually striving to create the best possible experiences for every guest.

Robert Carr

  137 Reviews

Prior to being a tour guide, Rob ran successful food and tourism businesses in Edinburgh and Perthshire. He has now been in the Highlands for 16 years, where he loves to indulge in his joint passions of golf and hiking.

Andrew Jones

  210 Reviews

With over 10 years of experience as a tour director and guide, Andrew prefers to consider himself as a storyteller, amateur historian and, above all, an ambassador for Scotland

Meet the Team

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Invergordon Tours

Invergordon Tours & Cruise Excursions of Scotland

Sit back and indulge in the panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands and Islands as your local guide gives you an unforgettable tour and insight in to the place they call home.

Invergordon Tours and Cruise Excursions welcomes you to the Scottish Highlands and invites you to enjoy a private tour of Scotland’s most iconic attractions. Whether it's a hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, a day trip to the Isle of Skye or a tour of Scotland's very best whisky distilleries, Invergordon Tours and Cruise Excursions offers an experience unlike any other.

Our guides are locals who have grown up in the Highlands of Scotland and know the area like the back of their hands. We welcome you to our homeland to share our personal experiences of life in Scotland and the history of this beautiful corner of the world.

We have cars, 5, 6, 7 and 8 seater vehicles available for small groups. If you are part of a larger group our 16 or 29 seater tours may be more suitable

Invergordon Tours and Cruise Excursions has hand crafted four bespoke day tours which allow you to maximise your time in the Highlands of Scotland. Should you wish to create your very own Highland Experience, please contact us with whatever your imagination can dream up and we'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

We believe ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!

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THE 10 BEST Invergordon Tours & Excursions

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1. Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

2. Loch Ness,cawdor castle,inverness,Culloden battlefield,& more from invergordon

3. Secret Loch Ness, Inverness & Cawdor Castle Tour from Invergordon

4. Fairytale Dunrobin Castle, Million $ view, Dornoch, Harry Potter

5. Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Loch Ness and Outlander Sites

6. Full-Day Tour of Scotland from Invergordon

7. Scottish Whisky & Ancient Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness from port

8. Dunrobin Castle and Sutherland tour from inverness

9. The Ultimate Loch Ness Group Tour from Invergordon

10. Invergordon Shore Excursions: Loch Ness, Culloden, Cawdor & More

11. Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Loch Ness Centre, Gin, Outlander sites

12. North Highland Tour ; Dunrobin Castle and more! from invergordon

13. Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch and more

14. Invergordon Shore Excursion Highland Bucket List Tour

15. Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield Shore Excursion

16. Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness

17. From Invergordon to Loch Ness , Inverness , Cawdor Castle + More

18. Invergordon Cruise Ship Tour Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, Distillery

19. Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour

20. Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Cawdor Castle and Gardens

21. Invergordon Cruise Excursion PRIVATE Tour

22. Invergordon Shore Excursion Cawdor Castle & Stones & Culloden

23. Invergordon Port PRIVATE TOUR North or South 16 passengers MAXIMUM

24. Invergordon Cruise Tour Loch Ness and Culloden

25. Loch Ness+Alpaca Adventure (inc Invergordon Cruise Port)

26. Loch Ness Shore Tour from Invergordon- Castle Admissions Included

27. Way Up North Invergordon Shore Excursion-Castle Tickets Included

28. Invergordon Port Loch Ness Tour

29. From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour

30. loch Ness, Inverness and outlander sites from Invergordon Port

What travelers are saying.

• Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour
• Secret Loch Ness, Inverness & Cawdor Castle Tour from Invergordon
• Loch Ness,cawdor castle,inverness,Culloden battlefield,& more from invergordon
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• Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Loch Ness and Outlander Sites
• Invergordon Shore Excursions and Tours
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• Cath’s Inverness Tours

Cath's Inverness Tours

The original & most popular tours in Inverness

Join Cath’s Inverness Walking or Driving Tours, where the fascinating history of Inverness and its surroundings comes to life. Pass by the iconic Inverness Castle and delve into the captivating account of why Mary Queen of Scots was turned away in 1562. Immerse yourself in the allure of Highland language and folklore, some of which inspired the storylines in the acclaimed Outlander books and TV series.

Indulge in a luxury driving tour, exploring the Highland gems of Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield. Discover the personal connection as Cath shares her ancestry linked to the historic Battle of Culloden in 1746. Step back in time as you explore the ancient burial chambers of Clava Cairns, dating back 4,000 years.

Let Cath be your guide in helping you uncover the finest spots for local food and drink and traditional evening entertainment in the vibrant city. Join Cath an experienced and qualified guide for an unforgettable tour of Inverness and its rich tapestry of history and culture.

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Private inverness walking tour, half day driver guide, full day driver guide, invergordon shore excursions - south tour, invergordon shore excursions - north tour.

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Hi, I’m cath

Meet Cath, an Invernessian, who began Inverness walking tours in 2018. Cath also offers driving tours and food and drink tours around Inverness. 

Cath grew up just down the hill from the Battle of Culloden, on her family farm.  Living in an area steeped in history prepared her for her future career as a qualified and experienced tour guide. 

Cath also offers a step on guide service to the luxury cruise liner companies that visit Invergordon every year. 

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Shore Excursions from Invergordon – All You Need to Know

• 31 March 2024

🚢 Invergordon Cruise Port Tour Guide for +10 years

• Will you be arriving in Invergordon as a passenger on a cruise ship?
• Do you want to know about shore excursions from Invegordon?
• Here’s an overview of all the most popular shore excursions available in Invergordon with practical information to help you find the right trip for you.
• Read on to find out all you need to know about Invergordon shore excursions.

Links You Might Find Helpful: Private Tour Operator Shore Excursions from Inverness Private Half-Day Car Tour to Loch Ness for Up to 3 People More Private Tour Shore Excursion Options

Invergordon Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions from Invergordon

Table of Contents

Let’s start with a few bits of practical information you should know before you book any shore excursions in Invergordon.

Invergordon Is Not Inverness

• Invergordon is not the same place as Inverness. Yes, that may sound obvious but some cruise ship companies called it ‘Invergordon (Inverness)’ on their itineraries.
• Inverness is 25 miles away from Invergordon.
• Loch Ness is 35 miles away from Invergordon.
• That means most shore excursions involve travelling, especially if you want to visit Inverness or Loch Ness.

Roads In the Highlands Are Slower

• Most of the roads in the Highlands are single lanes in each direction.
• This means travelling times can be longer than you might expect.
• You won’t be able to travel at 60mph for most of the time.
• That means a journey into Inverness, whilst being 25 miles can take around 45 minutes.
• A journey to Loch Ness from Invergordon is going to take around 1 hour.

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Public Transport is Often Very Busy

• The Highlands are one of the least densely populated places in Western Europe.
• That means there aren’t that many people. Fewer people means less public transport.
• This can cause huge pressure on public transport when there is a ship in and many cruise passengers are trying to use it as well.
• There have been many instances of people not being able to board buses, despite having a valid ticket.
• Check out my tips if you are planning on taking a shore excursion when you visit Invergordon.

Shore Excursions Invergordon

Ship Organised Excursions

Each cruise ship company will have slightly different spins on their shore excursion programs, but in terms of itinerary and timings, they often are quite similar.

Here are the main ones that cruise ships offer;

• A half day excursion is 4.5 hours.
• A full day excursion is around 9 hours.
• The Castle of Mey tour is around 10 hours due to the distance covered.

Invergordon Scotland Shore Excursions and Tours

Ship Organised Shore Excursions from Invergordon

Here are some more details about the ship organised excursions.

Invergordon Tours

Inverness On Your Own

• This is purely a transfer into Inverness and back again.
• Sometimes there is a tour escort. They are not a tour guide and get paid less because they aren’t expected to give a commentary. Some tour escorts give a commentary but it’s entirely at their own discretion.
• This tour also runs with no tour escort, just the driver, and then there is no commentary.
• The transfer from Invergordon to Inverness takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.
• You will be dropped off in the centre of Inverness beside Inverness Cathedral.
• This is within easy reach of the city centre.

Points to Note:

• Double-decker buses are often used for this tour. They take 90 people. They do not have air conditioning.
• The bus you travel into Inverness on may not be the bus you return on. This means you cannot leave anything on the bus when you get off in Inverness.
• For a 4.5-hour tour, you will generally have 2.5-3 hours of free time in Inverness.
• The bus travels and returns the same route to and from Inverness.

For a more detailed review of this tour including the route and drop-off points go to my Inverness On Your Own Shore Excursion Review

Loch Ness Cruise

• The cruise boat on Loch Ness is not just for cruise ship guests. It’s a large boat that runs on a schedule throughout the day.
• That means cruise ship guests need to get to the pier ready for a scheduled departure time for the boat. The boat will not wait if guests are late.
• The travel time to get to the boat is 1 hour 15 minutes or 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the route taken.
• The boat trip itself is 50 minutes long.
• Each guest needs to have a boarding token before getting on the boat. The tour guide has to collect these and give them to guests before you board.
• There is generally no scheduled time for shopping on this tour.
• Some cruise lines include a brief photo stop in Inverness but most do not.
• A delay to the start time of the excursion means that a photo stop is unlikely to happen (if it’s included in your program) – as otherwise, you may miss the boat trip.
• There is a gift shop at the venue where the boat leaves from but generally the schedule doesn’t allow time for shopping.

For a more detailed review of this tour check out my Loch Ness Cruise Shore Excursion Review

If you are interested in private tour options this day tour includes a cruise, Urquhart Castle, Cawdor Castle and Culloden

Cawdor Castle and Culloden

• The travel time Invergordon to Cawdor Castle on a coach is around 1 hour.
• The coach parks in the coach park and you need to walk to the castle entry gate and then into the castle itself.
• To manage numbers the castle operates a timed booking system, so you may visit Culloden Battlefield first depending on the castle booking.
• The castle is unsuitable for anyone with walking difficulties. There are spiral turret steps to go down during the visit.
• You cannot take backpacks or large bags into the castle itself.
• You will generally have around 1.5 hours at the castle.
• There is an audioguide at the castle. If you listen to every single piece of information it takes 45 minutes.
• There is a cafe, gift shop, lovely gardens, and a woodland walk at Cawdor.
• There are toilets on the way into the castle and beside the castle cafe.
• Your visit to Culloden Battlefield is a photo stop. There are generally around 15-20 minutes in the program for this.
• You won’t have time to walk right out into the battlefield in that time. You have to walk from the coach park and around the visitor centre to see the battlefield.
• Most of the return journey to Invergordon is the same as the outward journey.

For more details, you might be interested in my Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Review

If you are interested in privately organised shore excursions you might be interested in this Cawdor option from Invergordon

Scenic Scottish Drive

This tour operates sometimes just as a drive (often for SAGA) and also with a stop in Dornoch. Some cruise companies include a visit to the Falls of Shin and some don’t.

If your tour visits Dornoch you may visit this at the beginning or the end of the tour depending on the routing.

The scenic drive heads up to a viewpoint called Millionaires View for a photo stop.

If your trip includes the Falls of Shin you will drive up a single-track road to a parking area. You can then walk down a fairly steep path to reach the Falls of Shin where you may see salmon jumping the falls.

There are currently (Jan 2024) no facilities open at the Falls of Shin – no toilets, no visitor centre, etc.

If your tour includes a stop in Dornoch you will head there. Coaches park in a parking area just to the rear of the main street. You will have around 30 minutes to 1 hour in Dornoch depending on the timings.

• Sometimes due to the ship’s times being in port this tour arrives in Dornoch before anything is open. (Generally, if you visit Dornoch first)
• There are no bathroom stops on this tour until you reach Dornoch. If your tour doesn’t include Dornoch there are no bathrooms.

You may find this privately run tour of interest, it visits Dornoch and Dunrobin

Dunrobin Castle

• Dunrobin Castle is 45 minutes – 1 hour away from Invergordon cruise port.
• The Castle doesn’t open until 9.30 am or 10 am depending on the time of year. This can mean you may take a bit of a longer journey to reach the Castle depending on the excursion departure time.
• The Castle is large and there are no lifts to reach any of the upper levels.
• It’s a self-guided visit.
• There is a cafe and shop at the castle.
• There are beautiful gardens at Dunrobin. However, these are quite steep and there are several sets of steps to get down from the castle to the garden.
• There is a falconry show at Dunrobin but generally, the tour timings mean you are arriving after it has started or leaving before the afternoon show has commenced. (This is because the coach usually does 2 half-day tours).
• You will have around 2 – 2.5 hours at the castle.

If you are interested in a private tour operator option check out this Dunrobin and Dornoch combined tour

Urquhart Castle

• Urquhart Castle is 1 hr and 15 minutes from Invergordon.
• This tour generally operates a circular route. On one part of the journey you will go through Inverness, on the other you will return through Beauly.
• The castle operates a time slot system for coach bookings. This means that the route the coaches take depends on the castle booking. You won’t know if you are passing through Inverness first or last until you board the coach.
• Some cruise companies include a brief photo stop in Inverness, but most don’t.
• You will have around 1 to 1.5 hours at the castle. If there is a photo stop it will be more likely 1 hour.
• The coach park is at the top of the hill beside Loch Ness. Urquhart Castle is at the bottom of the hill.
• There is a lift to save walking down the stairs in the visitor centre.

For a more detailed guide to this tour check out my Urquhart Castle Shore Excursion Review

Whisky Distillery Visit

• The distillery you visit on this tour depends on the availability of tours. Most cruise ship tours go to Glenmorangie, some go to The Singleton at Muir of Ord.
• Glenmorangie is 20 minutes from Invergordon. Muir of Ord is 30-45 minutes away depending on the route.
• Glenmorangie can only take 12 people at a time on a tour. For a full coach of 45 people that means the group will have to split into 4 groups. There is a 10 – 15 minute wait between each tour.
• The Singleton Distillery can take around 20-25 in a group.
• Both tours involve visiting noisy and hot parts of the distillery buildings.
• They also involve going up and down stairs and walking over open tread flooring.
• Both distilleries have options for more accessible routes.
• The Singleton Distillery has a lovely cafe and visitor centre.

Rogie Falls Walk

• Most cruise ship companies do a combined Rogie Falls and Silverbridge walk.
• It’s around 45 minutes from Invergordon to Rogie Falls. This is often the first walk as it is shorter.
• Rogie Falls is a woodland walk that involves going up and down some hills to reach the falls. There is a bridge over the falls but the number of people allowed on the bridge is very limited. There is generally less than 45 minutes to do this walk.
• Silverbridge is a much longer walk. This involves going up and down steps, up and down hills, and over rough tracks and tree roots.
• There is generally a guide and an escort on this tour. The guide cannot guide while walking so instead generally makes a stop in the middle of the walk to give some explanation.
• You will have around 1 to 1.5 hours to do this walk.
• There is often a short stop at Strathpeffer on the return journey. This is often around 15 or 20 minutes depending on how long the walks take.
• There are toilets at both of the walks.

You Might Also Like

If you have found my Shore Excursions from Invergordon article useful you might also like;

• Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Review
• Urquhart Castle Shore Excursion Review
• Loch Ness Cruise Shore Excursion Review
• Inverness on Your Own Shore Excursion Review
• Best of Scottish Highlands (Cawdor & Urquhart Castle) Shore Excursion Review
• Things to Consider If Planning Your Own Shore Excursion in Invergordon

You can find lots more information on my Invergordon Cruise Port page

Further Reading

Revival of Downtown Abilene Walking Tours kicks off after year-long closure

Downtown Abilene Walking Tours has ended its yearlong hiatus and will kick off with a reopening tour for the public Saturday.

Business owners Trevor and Gina Allen established the downtown tours in May 2018. The idea came to Trevor at work while reflecting on his 2013 cross-country biking expedition to Oregon.

"During the trip I stopped in San Francisco and went on a walking tour with a snazzily dressed hipster playing the ukulele, and I think that subconsciously planted a seed," he said.

With this experience as reference, he came up with his character, "Gus McDusty the cowboy poet," researched history for the city of Abilene and partnered with businesses to make stops along the downtown tour route.

The couple was able to maintain the side business while working other jobs for several years. However, in March 2023, they decided to put Downtown Abilene Walking Tours on pause.

"We were very busy, and something had to give. Sometimes the tours would make good income, and sometimes it was really slow, so we decided that the thing that had to give was the walking tour," Trevor said.

They used the yearlong break to reevaluate business strategies and feel prepared going into May 2024 with simplified goals to maintain their jobs and side passion projects.

"We are going to be pushing private tours to allow us flexibility in our schedule and only do one public tour per month," Trevor said.

The public tours will be every second Saturday of the month and will begin at Vera Hall Minter Park, 209 Cypress Street.

The tours are designed for locals and visitors alike to learn local history, visit businesses and have fun through interactive participation.

Each individual on the tour will receive complimentary free samples and a Downtown Abilene Walking Tour shopping bag with a coupon book for downtown businesses and have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt along the walking route.

The tours are about two hours, and tickets cost $18.81 — the year Abilene was founded — with a percentage of the proceeds going toward City Light Ministries.

"I work at City Light Ministries, which is a nonprofit working with brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness, poverty and different struggles," Trevor said.

"When we initially designed the tour, a portion of the proceeds went toward City Light, and we're going to continue that to help brothers and sisters become self sustainable, grow and get out of the situations they're in," he said.

Although the Downtown Abilene Walking Tours is part-time for the Allens, they are hopeful to expand in the future.

"I missed doing the tours. I am very relational and love to connect with others. I cherish the presence I have in downtown Abilene, and I'm happy to bring back the tours that bring downtown to life," Trevor said.

Discounts for military, seniors and groups are available. Kids under the age of 5 get to tour for free.