Day Walks
Day Walks from Inverness
The best hill days within 2 hours of Inverness — by car and by public transport.
Inverness sits at the northern end of the Great Glen and has good access to the eastern Cairngorms, Torridon, Glen Affric and the Black Isle hills. Most day walks from Inverness require a car — public transport options are limited beyond the main A9 and A835 corridors.
ScotRail to Aviemore (40 min) for Cairngorm approaches. Local bus on the A835 to Ullapool (Corrieshalloch Gorge area). Car strongly recommended for most hill access. Black Isle accessible by local bus to Fortrose.
Conditions today
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:18
- Sunset
- 21:09
- Civil dawn
- 04:29
- Civil dusk
- 21:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Suggested day walks
Cairngorm plateau
Drive to Aviemore (40 min), up the ski road to Cairngorm car park. Access to Northern Corries and Cairn Gorm summit.
40 min drive to Aviemore, then 15 min ski road
Beinn a' Ghlo
Three-Munro hill day from Blair Atholl — 1h15 south by car, excellent remote ridge.
1h15 drive south
Knockfarrel (Strathpeffer)
Iron Age hill fort, excellent views over the Black Isle — accessible half-day from Inverness.
25 min drive
Frequently asked questions
- What hills can I do from Inverness without a car?
- Options without a car from Inverness are limited but exist. ScotRail to Aviemore (40 min) gives access to the Cairngorm Northern Corries — a proper mountain day from the ski car park. The local bus network reaches the Black Isle (Ord Hill, 237m) and Strathpeffer (Knockfarrel hill fort). For anything more substantial, a car or organised hill walking tour is strongly recommended.
- How far is Cairn Gorm from Inverness?
- Cairn Gorm (1,245m) is approximately 50km from Inverness by road — around 55 minutes via the A9 to Aviemore and then the ski road to the car park at 635m. The ski car park saves you 600m of ascent compared to a valley start. Cairn Gorm summit is then 4.5km and 600m above — allow 3–4 hours return from the car park.
- What is the best half-day walk from Inverness?
- Knockfarrel (253m) above Strathpeffer is an excellent 2–3 hour walk from Inverness — 25 minutes by car, good path, Iron Age vitrified fort on the summit, and views over the Black Isle and Beauly Firth. Craig Phadrig (164m) on the western edge of Inverness is the closest hill of any substance — 30 minutes from the city centre, manageable for families.
- Can I do a Munro in a day from Inverness?
- Yes — Cairn Gorm (1,245m) is the most accessible Munro from Inverness at 55 minutes by car to the ski car park. Mam Sodhail (1,181m) via Glen Affric is 1h30 to the trailhead and a demanding full day. The Fannichs and Ben Wyvis (Munro, 1,046m) are around 40–60 minutes west and north respectively. Ben Wyvis above Garve is the closest Munro at around 40 minutes by the A835.