Visiting Ness Islands: A Beautiful Riverside Walk in Inverness
Tucked just a short walk from the city centre, Ness Islands is one of the loveliest places to slow down in Inverness - but somehow, it still feels a little overlooked by first-time visitors.
If you’re spending a day in the city, walking along the River Ness and out towards the islands is one of the nicest ways to experience Inverness beyond the main streets. It’s peaceful, scenic, and easy to fit into even a short itinerary. And honestly, it’s usually one of the first places we recommend to people visiting for the first time.
The walk itself feels like a mix of city and nature. One minute you’re passing historic buildings and riverside cafes, and the next you’re surrounded by trees, birdsong, and the gentle sound of the river flowing underneath the old suspension bridges. The paths are easy to follow and mostly flat, with benches dotted along the river if you fancy slowing down for a while.
You’ll also find plenty of good coffee stops, lunch spots, and ice cream shops nearby, which makes it easy to turn the walk into a really relaxed afternoon in the city.
Personally, this is one of my favourite things to do in Inverness. I walk this route almost every time I’m here, and despite being right in the middle of the city, it always feels calm and a little removed from everything else going on around you.
There’s just something about the combination of the river, the old trees, and the historic skyline that makes this part of Inverness feel incredibly special.
How to visit Ness Islands
Start at Inverness Cathedral
Start your walk near Inverness Cathedral, ideally with a takeaway coffee from Birch in hand. From here, you’ll have lovely views across the River Ness towards Inverness Castle before joining the riverside path on Ness Walk.
The first part of the walk feels very “Inverness” - elegant riverside buildings, a few hotels and restaurants, and the steady flow of the river beside you. But after passing Inverness Cathedral, things quickly become quieter and greener.
As you continue south along the river, you’ll pass Eden Court and the Inverness Botanic Gardens, with benches dotted along the path if you fancy slowing down for a while. Ignore the larger road bridge crossing the river; the best part of this walk is taking the slower, scenic route.
If you want to turn the walk into a proper afternoon out, stop at Ness Walk Kiosk for an ice cream, or book lunch or afternoon tea at Torrish inside the beautiful Ness Walk hotel.
Cross Over to the Ness Islands
Eventually, you’ll reach one of the small white footbridges crossing the river - and this is where the walk starts to feel especially peaceful.
Once you step onto Ness Islands themselves, the city suddenly feels much further away. The islands are connected by little wooden bridges and winding paths beneath huge old trees, with the river flowing all around you. In spring and summer, everything feels incredibly green, while autumn brings beautiful gold and copper colours across the islands.
The paths naturally loop around the islands, so there’s no real rush or strict route to follow here. It’s more the kind of place where you wander slowly, stop on bridges to watch the river below, and take your time.
Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, and squirrels as you walk; despite being right in the middle of Inverness, it genuinely feels calm and surprisingly secluded in places.
The Heart of Ness Islands
The islands’ paths loop naturally, encouraging a leisurely, meandering pace. Follow the trail under towering trees, cross the charming wooden footbridges, and enjoy views back toward the city.
The layout feels like a miniature network of discovery, with each bridge and walkway offering a slightly different perspective.
Birdlife is abundant - look out for herons, ducks, and the occasional inquisitive squirrel. This is a spot where nature and the city coexist in perfect balance, giving Ness Islands a genuine sense of Highland tranquillity despite its city-centre location.
Return Towards the City Centre
The loop eventually brings you back across the river on the opposite side, with wider views back towards Inverness Castle and the city skyline ahead.
From here, simply follow the riverside path back towards the centre of Inverness.
If you still have time to explore afterwards, it’s worth making a quick stop at Abertarff House - the oldest house in Inverness - before wandering down Church Lane towards the river again. Before finishing your walk, cross the gently swaying Greig Street Bridge for some of the best views back along the River Ness.
A Brief History of Ness Islands
Despite how peaceful Ness Islands feels today, the area actually has a long history as part of Inverness’ riverside life.
The islands were developed during the Victorian era, when cities across Britain began creating public green spaces where residents could walk, relax, and escape busy streets for a while. In Inverness, that meant adding footbridges, pathways, and landscaped areas around the small islands scattered through the River Ness.
A lot of what you see today still reflects that original vision - gentle walking routes, carefully placed bridges, and easy access to the river from the city centre. Even now, it feels like a place designed purely for slowing down.
Over the years, Ness Islands has stayed one of Inverness’ favourite local walking spots, balancing natural woodland with neatly maintained parkland. And while the surrounding city has changed, the islands still offer the same sense of calm beside the river that people came here for more than a century ago.
