Alan's Historical Walks
Discover Inverness's medieval and Victorian heritage through engaging daily walking tours led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Alan's Historical Walks offers guided tours through Inverness's medieval and Victorian heritage, departing daily from the High Street. Led by knowledgeable local guide Alan, these walking tours explore the city's rich history, architectural landmarks, and historic sites. Perfect for history enthusiasts seeking an engaging, informative introduction to Inverness's past.
A brief summary to Alan's Historical Walks
- 36 High St, Inverness, IV2 6HD, GB
- +447821291452
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-12 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
- Thursday 10 am-12 pm
- Friday 10 am-12 pm
- Saturday 10 am-12 pm
- Sunday 10 am-12 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes and bring a waterproof jacket—Scottish weather can change quickly, and the historic streets can be wet and uneven.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to meet Alan at the High Street starting point and confirm your booking, especially during busier months.
- Bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down interesting facts and building names—it helps you remember details and explore further later.
- Consider visiting nearby Inverness Castle or the Inverness Museum after your walk to deepen your understanding of the sites Alan has shown you.
- Book online in advance during summer months (June–August) when tours are more likely to reach capacity.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Walking from Inverness City Centre
From Inverness city center, the High Street location is within a 5–10 minute walk from most central accommodations. The meeting point at 36 High Street is clearly marked and easily accessible on foot. No parking is required if you're staying nearby. The route to the starting point is flat and follows main pedestrian thoroughfares.
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Local Bus Service
Stagecoach buses serve Inverness High Street with multiple routes stopping nearby. Journey times from outlying areas range from 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point. Single fares typically cost £2–£3. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service on Sundays. Check local timetables for your specific route.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis are readily available from Inverness train station (approximately 10 minutes away) or can be booked by phone. Typical fares from the station to High Street are £8–£12. Ride-share services operate in Inverness with fares varying based on demand. Journey times are 5–15 minutes depending on traffic and starting location.
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Inverness Train Station Access
If arriving by train, Inverness Station is approximately 1 km from the High Street meeting point. Walking takes 12–15 minutes via Academy Street and High Street. Alternatively, take a taxi (5–10 minutes, £8–£12) or a local bus (10–15 minutes, £2–£3). The walking route is flat and clearly signposted.
Alan's Historical Walks location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Alan's Historical Walks
A Journey Through Inverness's Layered Past
Alan's Historical Walks invites you to explore Inverness through the eyes of someone deeply connected to the city's story. These guided walking tours focus on the medieval and Victorian periods that shaped the Scottish Highlands' principal settlement. Starting from the High Street, the tours wind through streets lined with historic buildings, each with its own narrative waiting to be uncovered. The experience is designed for curious travelers who want more than surface-level sightseeing—you'll gain genuine insight into how Inverness developed from a medieval fortress town into the Victorian hub it became.The Character of Medieval and Victorian Inverness
Inverness's architectural and social landscape tells the story of Scotland's turbulent and transformative centuries. The medieval period left its mark through castle ruins, ancient street layouts, and the remnants of fortifications that once protected the town. The Victorian era brought expansion, new building styles, and the infrastructure that connected Inverness to the wider world. Walking these streets with a guide who understands both periods allows you to see how the city evolved, where key events occurred, and how ordinary and extraordinary lives unfolded in these locations. The contrast between the narrow medieval closes and the broader Victorian thoroughfares becomes apparent as you move through different neighborhoods.An Engaging Local Perspective
What distinguishes these walks is Alan's approach to storytelling. Rather than delivering dry historical facts, he weaves together anecdotes, architectural details, and contextual information that bring the past to life. His knowledge of local history is comprehensive, covering everything from significant historical events to the stories of buildings and the people who inhabited them. The tours are structured to be accessible to all levels of historical knowledge, making them equally rewarding whether you're a history scholar or simply curious about your surroundings.Practical Details for Your Visit
Tours depart daily at 10:00 AM from the High Street location, making it easy to fit into your Inverness itinerary. The walking pace is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, though comfortable walking shoes are essential. Tours typically last around two hours, allowing sufficient time to cover key sites and absorb the historical context without feeling rushed. The route stays within the compact historic center, so navigation is straightforward and the experience remains focused on the most significant locations.Seasonal Considerations and Weather
Inverness experiences typical Scottish Highland weather, with cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall. Winter months (November through February) bring shorter daylight hours and colder conditions, while spring and autumn offer milder weather and longer days. Summer provides the most comfortable walking conditions with extended daylight, though the town can be busier during peak tourist season. Regardless of season, waterproof clothing is advisable, as the Scottish climate is unpredictable. The tours operate year-round, so you can experience Inverness's history in any season.Why History Matters Here
Inverness holds particular significance in Scottish history as a strategic location where Highlands and Lowlands meet. The town's medieval castle was central to regional power struggles, and its Victorian development reflected Scotland's industrial and cultural renaissance. Understanding this history enriches your appreciation of the landscape, the architecture you see, and the cultural identity of the Highlands. These walks provide that context, transforming a simple stroll through town into a meaningful exploration of how geography, politics, and human ambition shaped a place.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Historic & Scenic Tours Inverness
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Inverness Big Ben
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Sign Patrick Sellar
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WOW Scotland
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The Rendezvous Cafe Inverness
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Waverley Guesthouse
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The White House
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Highland Apartments by Mansley
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Unmissable attractions to see
Walking Tours in Inverness
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Alan's Historical Walks
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VisitScotland Inverness iCentre
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Huntfun
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Race for life
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Market Brae Steps
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Historic stone steps linking Inverness’s vibrant Crown district with its rich market heritage and scenic urban views.
Inverness Town House
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A majestic Victorian Gothic landmark at Inverness’s heart, blending rich history with vibrant civic and cultural life.
Eastgate Shopping Centre
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The Steeple
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The Three Virtues
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Castle Gallery
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National memorial of Scotland
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Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
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Gellions Bar
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Jesus House Inverness
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Essential places to dine
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Comfort Foods
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Ash
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nar
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Salt’N’Fire
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The UK’s first fully vegan takeaway, serving bold, globally inspired street food in the heart of Inverness’s Victorian Market.
The Brasserie
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A comfortable and centrally located brasserie in Inverness offering quality food and a relaxed atmosphere from noon till late.
Fig & Thistle
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Zizzi - Inverness
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Little Italy
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Cafe 1
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Coyote Burger
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Georges
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EscoBar - Taqueria & Cocktails
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Highlander Store
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Isle of Skye Candle Company - Inverness
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The Works
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Keepsake Scotland
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Harris Tweed Isle Of Harris
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Souvenir & Gift shop
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Ellerium Games
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House of Highlands
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Far Fetched
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Bluebells Of The Glen Souvenirs & Gifts Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Tooth & Claw
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The Imperial
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Lauders
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Playback
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Platform 8
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The Exchange
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R&Bs
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Vault
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Mambos
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Shmelgin
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
