Invergordon Shore Excursions
Photo Tours into The Scottish Highlands
It’s my pleasure to accommodate guests who are making a fleeting visit into the Highlands of Scotland with a cruise calling at Invergordon.
As a photographer with nearly 20 years of experience, I am able to offer a range of suggestions to couples, families and solo travellers visiting the Highland port who would like to explore more of the Highlands during their time on shore while capturing some photographs to mark their visit.
Whether it’s travelling a little south through Inverness, heading to the West Coast or travelling north on some of the North Coast 500, there’s lots to explore.
For couples looking to capture some of the Scottish Highlands, I’ll be happy to meet you at the Port once you disembark. For family groups of 3+ I’ll be happy to recommend a tour guide who will be able to offer a vehicle with more space.
Invergordon Shore Excursions – Where Can You Go?
Loch Ness Tours from Invergordon
Loch Maree Viewpoint
Formed by Glaciers during the Ice Age, Loch Ness is one of the deepest Lochs in Scotland and contains more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined! It’s also the home to Nessie, the often unseen monster who is believed to lurk in the depths of the loch, only occasionally making an appearance for some lucky visitors to the loch.
Located just a short distance from Inverness, Loch Ness offers a few great spots to capture images while on a day trip to shore from your cruise, with photo backdrops including the background of the loch and some of the beautiful areas that surround lochside.
Most of my photo sessions are often shot at the south end of the loch, where things tend to be a little quieter and slower paced (slightly more off the tourist track) and offer a chance to explore some of the surrounding landscape as well as loch side spots.
Travel time to Fort Augustus (at the south end of Loch Ness) is approximately 90 minutes from the Port. Travel times will vary depending on tourist traffic, so I’d always recommend allowing at least an hr’s grace period to make sure your return to the boat is on time.
You’ll also find a range of lovely cafes and restaurants around the Lochside, and depending on the time that you have available off the boat, some time to do some shopping in Inverness is also likely.
Cairngorms National Park
Loch Ness Autumn Views
Heading south from Inverness, Loch An Eilean is a beautiful spot in the Cairngorms National Park, just a short drive away from the town of Aviemore.
Surrounded by woodland, Loch an Eilean provides opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the variety of paths around the lochside. Alternatively, pick a quiet spot in the trees by the loch side and soak in the crisp fresh air of the Scottish Highlands.
Loch an Eilean provides lots of great spots to capture images by the loch, and in the woodlands that surround it.
Travel time to Loch an Eilean is approximately 90 minutes, depending on the volume of traffic.
As part of the Rothiemurchus estate, Loch an Eilean is surrounded by a range of beautiful landscapes and in close proximity to the town of Aviemore, often considered to be Scotland’s ski town.
Invergordon tours to Dornoch
Dunrobin Castle Family Portrait
Dornoch is a picturesque town just a short drive north from Invergordon, its often talked of as the town where Madonna got married, but there’s much to see and experience in Dornoch – including a range of lovely shops, cafes, restaurants and the Dornoch Whisky Bar at the Dornoch Castle Hotel.
Fans of golf would enjoy taking in a round on the world famous Royal Dornoch course, while a walk on the nearby white sands, or a wander around the boutique and charming shops of Dornoch also offer an opportunity to soak in the charm of the small town.
While the town itself has lots of charming spots to explore, most Dornoch photo sessions tend to take place on the beach.
Dornoch is a relatively short drive from the port at Invergordon, and can be reached in around 30 minutes.
FAQ
Some of the questions that I am asked most frequently when planning your shore excursion at Invergordon.
Can we visit a distillery on our Invergordon Tour?
Distillery tours are possible, although depending on your preference for capturing photos time restrictions may be an issue.
For those looking to capture some photos and fit in a distillery tour, I’d recommend heading to Dornoch and paying a visit to Glenmorangie, Balblair or Dornoch Distillery.
Can we visit a castle?
Yes! I try to fit in a castle location for most of my photography day trips, although it’s worth noting that most castles are owned privately and will often ask for a separate payment in order to photograph on the grounds. With a combination of other landscapes and locations I aim to shoot photographs that capture a variety of scenes that offer a flavour of Scotland.
How much time do we have to work with?
The timings of each trip vary a little depending on the arrival and departure times of each cruise, but I typically aim to make sure that you are back at your cruise 90mins before the scheduled departure time.
Depending on your scheduled arrival and departure time I’ll be happy to help you schedule an itinerary to make sure we can see as much as possible.
Can we stop for lunch?
Yes! I’ll be happy to advise on some of my favourite spots along the way for a bite to eat, a good cup of coffee or possibly even a dram!
What should we wear?
Typically I always advise that you should wear what you are most comfortable with!
Patterned clothes can often date a little more in photos, so simpler is sometimes better, but being comfortable is the most important. A change of shoes is often a good idea for couples shoots where we are able to get slightly off the road to make the most of the landscape environment.
Information on the cruise ship timetable for the Port of Cromarty Firth can be found here.
Looking for more information on visiting Inverness? Read my Guide for visitors to Inverness here.
