14 Amazing Green Spaces and Parks In The Highlands of Scotland

Some of the best walking trails and open spaces are located in the remote areas of the Highlands of Scotland. This post will list the best green spaces and parks in the Highlands of Scotland.

All of the parks and green spaces listed below are within driving distance from Inverness.

Inverness

Since the year 2000, Inverness has been the Highland Capital city of Scotland.

Inverness is the main hub for hundreds of miles, locals and visitors from the highlands are attracted here for the shopping and events that occur along the River Ness.

The city itself may not be the first place in mind that springs to mind for walkers, however, there are some worthwhile walks in the town.

The Caledonian Canal, the banks of River Ness and its islands are a good shout. Also, walkers can explore Craig Phadraig, the site of an iron age fort which can be seen from most of the city. 

Merkinch Local Nature Reserve

Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is one of Inverness’ hidden gems. The nature reserve consists of tidal pools, marshes, reed beds and scrubland.

A nature area located on Beauly Firth offering walkways with views of wildlife including bird life, row deer and marine animals. Also, look out for owls, weasels, herons and cormorants.

There is a well-maintained path and boardwalk on the Caledonian Canal towpath. The circular walk is between 1.2 and 2 miles depending on what you want to explore.

The paths are fairly flat and there are a lot of benches dotted around the site. Merkinch Nature Reserve has cracking views of the bridge.

Parking is available at the turning circle at the end of Kessnock Road. This local nature reserve is only a couple of miles drive north of Inverness on the shores of the Moray Firth.

Bellfield Park 

A beautifully kept park with good amenities, cycle hire and tennis courts. There is an outdoor pool for the kids which is popular during the summer.

Bellfield Park is less than a mile away from the centre of Inverness. The park can be reached in less than a twenty-minute walk from the train station.

Ness Islands 

A set of scenic, tree-filled islands where you can admire fabulous nature. The islands are linked by Victorian bridges and by walking paths.

The walking paths take you through imposing tall pines and mature trees. Also, the paths are suitable for exercising on or pushing prams and wheelchairs. 

Ness Islands are a haven for wildlife and nature. It is possible to see deer, otters, salmon, seals and bats.

Also, visitors can take a ride on the Ness Islands miniature railway. You will feel like you are somewhere more remote it is a wonderful break from the city. 

There are carved bench sculptures to sit on, make sure to find the fallen tree Nessie sculpture, it is perfect for a fun photo opportunity.

Ness Islands is located in the River Ness. The islands are a twenty-five minute walk from the centre of Inverness.

Bught Park

Bught Park is the largest park in the city of Inverness. Annually the Highlands Games and Piping Inverness event is held here.

Also, Bught Park is home to Floral Hall, Inverness Ice Centre and Inverness Leisure Centre. In addition, there is the miniature golf course, caravan park and campsite. 

Bught Park is located on the west side of River Ness next to Ness Islands. Bught Park is saturated on the western bank of River Ness.

From the centre of Inverness, visitors can walk for twenty minutes to reach the green space.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

A relatively small botanic garden with free entry. Offers a tranquil break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There is a beautiful tropical Pavilion, cactus houses and formal outdoor gardens. Also, visitors can see ponds, waterfalls and wildflower meadows, the Botanic Gardens are like a green emerald in the heart of the city. 

There is a small café where you can enjoy some delicious soup and sandwiches, along with a tempting cake or traybake.

Inverness Botanic Gardens are located between Bught Park and Whin Park. One and a half miles away from Inverness city centre.

Whin Park 

Whin Park is a large public park in Inverness, on the banks of River Ness. There is a variety of adventure play zones, a boating pond with ducks and the park has its own miniature railway.

This is a great place to enjoy a picnic, enjoy the green space and the family activities on offer.

Whin Park is a mile and a half away from the centre of Inverness. Visitors can walk from the train station in Inverness to Whin Park in 30 minutes.

Lochardil Woods

This is a nice little woodland area with a pond. There are several pathways around so each visit can be a different adventure.

It is a great place to go for some exercise or to walk the dog. Lochardil Woods is located three miles south of Inverness.

To get to the woods, it is a ten-minute drive from the centre of Inverness.

Cavell Gardens

An open green space which is adjacent to the River Ness in a quiet residential area of Inverness. Cavell Gardens is a lovely peaceful location along the River Ness.

There is a War Memorial located in the gardens. The memorial is to remember those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and succeeding conflicts.

Also, the annual Service of Remembrance is held within the space. The history behind the park is very interesting.

The park was named after a nurse that was executed in Belgium for helping people escape during World War I. Cavell Gardens is half a mile south of the centre of Inverness.

From the train station, the park can be reached by foot in fifteen minutes.

Walker Park 

This is a great little park, well-laid out and there is lots of play equipment. Also, there is a large grass area which is suitable for dog walking.

Walker Park is a fifteen-minute walk east of the centre of Inverness.

Craig Phadrig

Craig Phadrig is an ancient fort, built 2,500 years ago. The fort rises high on the west side of Inverness.

Earthworks are all that remain now, however, this serves as a reminder that people have enjoyed this view for millennia. The short ascent reveals glorious views over the Beauly Firth.

The walk can take anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour and a half. The parking for the forest is free. 

Also, at the car park, there are information boards which will help you decide on what route to take. Craig Phadrig is a fifteen-minute drive west from the centre of Inverness.

Culloden Woods

Culloden Woods is located on the outskirts of Inverness. There is a popular 3.5 kilometre circular trail that is suitable for everyone of all abilities.

It is a great place to walk, run or ride. The route takes approximately one and a half hours.

En route, you can discover the hidden historic sites including the Battle of Culloden, the Prisoner’s Stone and Inverness’ pagan past.

For those who wish to take a longer walk, there are options to keep walking to Culloden Battlefield and the visitor centre.

The Battle of Culloden was a battle between government troops and the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, was the last battle fought on British soil. Culloden Woods is a twenty minute drive (seven miles) east of Inverness. 

Daviot Wood

Daviot Wood is a great place to go for various lengths of walks. It is right next to Inverness and is an option for a place to go to relax.

There are stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Located southeast of Inverness, this walk is only accessible by car.

The journey is ten miles away from the centre of Inverness, which is approximately a twenty-minute journey. At the end of the car park, there are picnic benches, a coffee shop and toilet facilities.

Abriachan Forest

This is an area steeped in mystery and wonder, with breath taking views across Loch Ness. In Arbriachan Forest you might get to witness rare and exciting wildlife.

There are many signposted trails from the carpark. These trails display many things that are worth exploring, including hidden huts, carved benches and sculptures. 

Also, for the more adventurous people, there are mountain bike trails available.

At the free car park, there are toilet facilities and a picnic area. Abriachan Forest is half an hour’s drive south of Inverness. 

Reelig Glen 

The waters of the Moniack run through the narrow steep-sided gorge. Reelig Glen features a dense forest with Douglas Fir trees that are well over 100 years old.

The trees reach a height of 170 feet. Interestingly, in the year 2000, there was one tree which measured over 200 feet.

After a local competition, it was named Dughall Mor. The Forestry Commission bought the land in 1949.

Before that, it is believed that the land belonged to the Fraser family for 500 years. The appearance of Reelig Glen today is much owed to James Baillie Fraser (1738-1856) who planted most of the trees.

There are a couple of well-marked walking paths that you can follow. These are approximately one mile long and take one hour to complete.

Reelig Glen is 10 miles west of Inverness. In the car, this is an approximately twenty-five-minute journey.

Long distance Walking Trails

Inverness is a hub for many long-distance walking trails. Parts of these trails can be walked in a few hours or a day, or if you are a keen walker you can complete the whole trail in days.

The following long-distance walking trails are located near Inverness. 

Nairn to Cawdor is a five-mile walking route along the River Nairn to the pretty village of Cawdor.

Is Inverness good for walking?

In the heart of the Highlands, Inverness is an area ideally suited as a base for exploring the many trails, paths, mountains and glens of the surrounding countryside.

You do not have to travel far from the centre of Inverness to view remarkable nature and some ancient sites. There are plenty of open spaces and parks within the city boundary.

Also, you can drive further afield to complete walking trails in glens and forests. 

Where can I walk around Inverness?

There are many short walking trails around Inverness. You can head to one of the local parks including Walker Park, Whin Park, Bught Park and Bellfield Park.

Also, on the outskirts of Inverness, there are a few forests with walking trails, waterfalls and viewpoints. These are Culloden Forest, Reelig Glen, Abriachan Forest, Craig Phadig and Lochardill Woods.

Merkinch Local Nature Reserve offers the best options for exploring local wildlife and grassland, while getting great views across the Moray Forth. For those who love flowers, you can head to Cavell Gardens or Inverness Botanic Gardens.

One of the most unique destinations in Inverness for a walk is the Ness Islands. Follow the paths across the Victorian bridges to the islands where you will be surrounded by nature. 

Final Note

This post lists the best Local Nature Reserves, National Nature Reserves, parks, gardens, forests and woods in and around the city of Inverness.

If you are in Inverness and are looking to get a bit of fresh air and stretch your legs, there are a lot of options depending on your preferences and abilities.

The green spaces around Inverness display the parts of Inverness’s history. A quick walk can turn out to be very interesting and educational.

Also, the green spaces are important spaces for hosting annual events each year, so make sure to keep an eye out on local websites for more information. 

As Inverness is in the centre of the Highlands, there are many longer walking options and geological features for visitors to view such as waterfalls. There are many spectacular lochs in the Highlands, as well as great glens to explore.

Inverness is very close to Loch Ness. Moreover, you can get outdoors and admire the stunning waterfalls near Inverness or bag a Munro or Corbett.

Make sure to follow this guide for more information on walks and things to do near Loch Ness. 

The Highlands of Scotland is a hot spot for Munros and other mountain walking trails.