Ness Islands Guide
Escape to Nature: Discover the Tranquil Ness Islands Guide
The Ness Islands are a series of beautiful wooded islands in the River Ness, connected by Victorian suspension bridges. A perfect escape from the bustling city of Inverness, these islands offer a peaceful and scenic walk suitable for all ages and abilities. Imagine strolling along the riverbank, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of the water – a truly refreshing experience. While the islands themselves don't have a long, complex history, their creation and development are tied to the Victorian era's fascination with nature and public parks. The suspension bridges, built in the 19th century, are a testament to Victorian engineering and add a charming, historical element to the natural landscape. The islands were designed as a place for leisure and recreation, a tradition that continues to this day. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle around the islands, taking in the stunning views of the River Ness and the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and even the occasional otter. The islands are particularly beautiful in the autumn when the leaves change color. While there are no specific culinary traditions associated with the islands themselves, Inverness offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Scottish fare, such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as modern cuisine.
Transportation
The Ness Islands are easily accessible on foot from the city center of Inverness. Follow the River Ness south from the city center, and you'll find the entrance to the islands near the Bught Park. Several bus routes also stop near Bught Park, including Stagecoach services 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.