Ness Islands : info and guided tour

About Ness Islands

Ness Islands is a small group of wooded islets on the River Ness in Inverness, linked to the riverbanks by pedestrian footbridges. Located close to the city centre, this park is a popular walking spot thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, mature trees and views over the water. The Great Glen Way address also highlights its place within the city’s walking routes.

Part of the site’s character comes from the landscaping that accompanied Inverness’s development around the river. Today, the islets offer a striking contrast to the lively city nearby. Their natural layout, shaped by the branches of the Ness, gives the place a distinct identity that is easy to recognise and highly photogenic.

What makes Ness Islands famous is above all the quality of the walk, suspension bridges, shaded paths and river viewpoints create a simple but memorable setting. The park is loved for bringing nature into the city and for the feeling of seclusion it offers, despite being right next to Inverness.

The main features to notice are the footbridges linking the islets to each other and to the banks, as well as the mature vegetation that shapes the landscape. Ness Islands is less a monument than an iconic place for a stroll, known to locals and visitors alike for its peaceful atmosphere and its direct connection to the River Ness.

Discover Inverness with a private guide

A private guide can help you better understand Ness Islands by providing context on the site’s history, its role in Inverness’s landscape and the special features of its bridges and islets. This approach also gives useful insight into the River Ness and its importance in the city.