North Kessock - Culloden
This route offers the potential for commuting and leisure trips to and from the centre of Inverness. It follows National Cycle Network route 1. Heading north from Inverness, take the cycle and walkway across the Kessock Bridge. On the north side of the bridge, follow the traffic-free path for a short distance alongside the A9 to the Tourist Information Centre and the Dolphin and Seal Centre where admission is free. The best time to see dolphins is a couple of hours before high tide.
From the centre of Inverness, this trip is 2¾ miles one way. Alternatively, go down to North Kessock where there is a teashop, a general store and Post Office. From here you can follow quiet roads along the shore to Charlestown and Redcastle, and enjoy some great views across the Beauly Firth.
Heading east from Inverness, the route winds through residential streets and quiet roads, before reaching Balloch and heading across Culloden Moor. It takes you near the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre which saw the last battle on British soil in 1746 and hastened the end of the Scottish clan system. Further on you come across the late-Neolithic Clava Chambered Cairns. These may have been burial chambers or the focus of tribal rituals. This trip is just under 9 miles one way.
Natural attractions:
- Beauly Firth
- River Ness
- Moray Firth
- Culloden Muir (Moor)
Visitor attractions:
- Dolphin and Seal Centre
- Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- Inverness Cathedral
- Inverness Castle
- Culloden Visitor Centre
- Clava Chambered Cairns
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Northern Scotland
- Distance:
12 miles
- Time needed:
1 ½ - 2 hours
- Classification:
Medium
- Traffic:
On road
- Surface:
Tarmac
- NCN Route:
National Route 1
- Start:
North Kessock
- Finish:
Culloden
- Cycle hire:
Ticket to Ride in Culloden Moor, tel: 07902 242301
- Access:
Train Station at Inverness.
- Maps and guides
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- Weather:
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Sat
max: 7°C min: 1°C
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Sun
max: 7°C min: -1°C
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Mon
max: 6°C min: -3°C
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Tue
max: 4°C min: -4°C
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17/11/10, at 06:47 PM
Hello,
I live in North Kessock and work in Inverness.
The cycle path into town is very convenient but I rarely use it and my children don’t use it either for the following reason:
The cycle path uses the pavement on the North Side of the Kessock Bridge. Here the handrailing is at a standard height for walkers but is low when sitting on a bike. I have never felt safe crossing the bridge on a bike particularly when it’s windy. If the handrailing could be raised a little it would be fine.
Major road repairs are planned for the Kessock Bridge for 6 months starting in April 2011. this could be an opportunity to raise the handrailing.
Is this something that Sustrans can lobby for please as I am sure it will increase cycle track use, especially for families with young children.
Regards
Jim Briggs, Noth Kessock.