It was described as the “ultimate launch pad” for adventure.
The city was praised for its easy access to scenic walks and water sports opportunities (Image: I love sticky rice / Getty Images)
A Scottish city has been named as the “best for outdoors” ahead of summer. It was praised as the “ultimate launch pad” for outdoor activities.
As summer progresses, more and more Scots will be looking to get out and make the most of the warmer temperatures. A new UK travel guide from LNER has revealed the top cities across Scotland and England for a range of activities.
According to the experts, the top destination in Scotland for outdoors is Inverness. The largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, it offers easy access to many spectacular walks and beauty spots.
LNER singled out Inverness for its close proximity to Loch Ness. The second-biggest loch in Scotland by surface area after Loch Lomond, there is no shortage of opportunities to head out on a scenic hike around the edge of the loch and take in magnificent views out over its surface.
Loch Ness is also world-famous for being the supposed home of the Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit delves deeper into the mystery of the mythical beast, as well as the history of the loch itself.
LNER praised Inverness for its easy access to various water-based activities. Loch Ness offers canoeing, kayaking, wild swimming, fishing, and more, while boat tours out on the loch can be booked as well.
Lochend Beach is one of many scenic bays in the are(Image: Photo © Craig Wallace (cc-by-sa/2.0))
There is also an abundance of beaches in the region, perfect for soaking up some sun. Among these are Loch Ness Beach and Lochend Beach.
Meanwhile, the experts singled out Inverness for its wildlife. Whether you are interested in marine animals, birds, or forest creatures, be sure to keep an eye out for rare species while out and about in the region.
The Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is situated in the South Kessock area of Inverness, and is the 50th local nature reserve in Scotland. It is comprised of various tidal pools, marshes, and more where visitors can see animals such as deer, owls, weasels, herons, and cormorants.
Elsewhere, Dolphin Spirit Inverness hosts two-hour boat trips out into the Moray Firth to look for dolphins. Visitors will journey to Chanonry Point, which is renowned for its dolphin-spotting opportunities.
There are many other outdoor activities available in and near Inverness, including mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and golf. According to the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website, you can even meet and walk with alpacas at destinations such as Loch Ness Alpacas and Invercannich Farm.
LNER wrote: “Set between dramatic glens and the legendary Loch Ness, Inverness is a natural choice for outdoor enthusiasts. With easy access to water-based activities, hiking trails, wildlife, and some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes, it’s the ultimate launch pad for Highland adventure.”
Loch Ness is one of the most spectacular and famous beauty spots in Scotland(Image: George Pachantouris / Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the best destination for outdoor enthusiasts in England was named as York. The experts praised the English city for its high number of walking trails and nature-based activities.
As previously reported by the Daily Record, LNER named Edinburgh as the best city in Scotland for foodies. The experts described the city as a “dream for food lovers”.
More information and the full “UK destination guide” can be found on the LNER website.