251km (156 miles) NW of Edinburgh; 216km (134 miles) NW of Dundee; 216km (134 miles) W of Aberdeen

The capital of the Highlands, Inverness is a royal burgh and seaport at the north end of Great Glen on both sides of the Ness River. For such a historic town, the sights are rather meager, but Inverness makes a good base for touring. If your time is limited, confine your visits to Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle of Macbeth fame, and Black Isle, the most enchanting and scenic peninsula in Scotland.