There are TWO trails in Inverness. One going along the river side and the other is in the town centre.

Both start at the Inverness Town House found on the corner where the High St becomes pedestrianised as the main road does a right turn becoming Castle St.

1. Alongh the riverside - green icons

Takes you up to the Castle and down to the river, along the river bank in front of the castle then across the Bridge. This is the most attractive and relaxing of the trails with a wide variety of pubs.

2. City Centre (blue icons)

These 14 pubs reflect what you would expect to find in a city centre with a mixture of music venues, one roomed pubs, cocktail bars and food places - some try to fit more than one description.

 Trail 1 - along the riverside

Starting at the Inverness Town House found on the corner where the High St becomes pedestrianised take the right turn along Castle St. On the left is Number 27 and then further up at the junction is The Castle Tavern.

Wander down to the left from here and turn sharp right at the next junction and reach the river side.

Along this road, away from the bridge, you will find The Glen Mhor Hotel, then The Waterside and then Glenmoriston. Retrace your steps to reach the bridge and cross over the traffic bridge over the River Ness and stop at The Glenalbyn pub on the corner. Turn left and walk along the river side walking passed a couple of footbridges to reach The Waterfront just before the flyover bridge. Retrace your steps and go up the Celt Street on the right to find The Thistle on the next corner. Come out of here and turn left at the corner and walk along King Street running parallel to the river. This takes you back to the road that came over the bridge. As you get to it you find Tarry Ile.

Going back towards the river cross over the road and follow the river bank up river. On the right, opposite the castle is The Columba Hotel and then this is followed by The Palace Hotel.

Finally, cross back over the river opposite on the left is Johnny Foxes. Then walk up to your starting point and visit Gellions Bar before you get there.

Number 27 is a lovely cafe bar. Tables for sitting at the front, then the bar with seats for two opposite, followed by a wider area housing the restaurant. Wood panelling half way up wall, painted a light green gives a nice feel to the bar. 4 Real ales + 10 bottled ales on Saturday

Regular in Good Beer Guide ….. 2020, 2021, 2025

Have a couple here

real ale (4)  : Light Ness, Red Ness, Wilder Ness (all from Loch Ness Brewery); Lia fail; Windswept Blonde

heavy        : Belhaven Best,  McEwans 80/-

lager         : Peroni; Hoegarden

cider         : Strongbow                                                            Guinness

The Castle Tavern has a triangular outside seating area and a smaller bar inside. There is also a pub restaurant upstairs. The bar is small with only a few tables plus a raised area with another couple of tables. Atmospheric and always busy.

Good Beer Guide (CAMRA) … and 2023, 2024, 2025

Have a couple here

real ale (4)  : APA and Blonde (both Windswept);   Trade Winds, Slainte; Ashes (Marstons); Happy Chappy; Peter's Well (Houston); Landlord

heavy        : Belhaven Best, John Smith

lager         : Carlsberg, Tuborg, Werenstephen,    San Miguel

cider         : Aspall               Guinness

Nico's at Glen Mhor Hotel. The bar is attached to Nico's Restaurant where you go down a few steps to a very comfy lounge. Lots of couches with low tables and a dozen small tables with assorted chairs. The place for a rendezvous though try not to get it as your round in a crawl. Outside tables looking over river at front.

Have one here

real ale    : Trade Winds (Cairngorm)

Heavy       :Belhaven Best

lager         :Great Glen lager; Heineken

cider         : Strongbow               Belhaven Black

The Waterside Hotel has a large restaurant overlooking the river. As you enter the restaurant the bar is hidden to the right. This comprises a small lounge room with couches and then through to a smaller attractive room with the bar, lots of stools and a couple of tables.

Outside seating on grass

Have one here

real ale    : Trade Winds (Cairngorm)

heavy        : Belhaven Best

lager         : Fustenberg  Carling,

cider         : Aspall                          Guinness

Glen Moriston Townhouse Hotel comprises two restaurants, The Abstract and Contrast, and a Piano Bar. The bar was very quiet and dark with dark chairs and tables. Can have bottles of  Black Isle.

heavy        : Belhaven Best

lager         : Peroni,

Glenalbyn is a two roomed bar. The 'Lounge' door leads to a tiled floor room with a pool table in it. The 'Bar' door leads to a carpeted lounge area with tiled floor closer to the small bar. One of the few where keg Heavy has three choices.

Have half here

Heavy       :Caledonian 80/-; John Smith; McEwan's Export

lager         :Amstel; Fosters; Heineken

cider         : Strongbow            

                      Guinness

The Waterfront is an attractive dining bar far from the tourist area. Mainly dining tables although lots of bar stools suggest bar can be well used.

Have one here

real ale    : Highland Pale Ale (Cairngorm)

heavy        :  John Smith; McEwan's 80/-

lager         :  1664; Fosters; Amstel

cider         : Strongbow                                                                                                     

                              Guinness

The Thistle has four hand pumps for decoration only. Lino floor - what happened to Inverness wood! Not open at lunchtime Mon-Fri. Well off tourist track. Obviously offended by no smoking law!

heavy        : Belhaven Best; John Smith

lager         : Carling, Tennent's; Stella; Bud

Guinness; Belhaven Black

Tarry Ile is a locals’ bar. With five going to smoke at doorway there was a lot of smoke blown into pub. However, it does the job you expect.

Have a half pint

heavy        : John Smith

lager         : Tennent's; Stella; Amstel

cider         : Magners; Strongbow                                                  Guinness

Columba Hotel has a large lounge called McNabs. this is a large airy bistro with lots of space. Tables to right of bar an opposite bar geared for eating. Some relaxing armchairs to left of bar. Plenty of space outside looking across the river.

Have a half here

heavy        : Bass

lager         : Peroni; Hoegarden

cider         : Strongbow                                                  Guinness

Palace Hotel is a Best Western Hotel.  It has a square island bar. Comfy seats to front and dining/TV area to rear. Lounge space can be taken up by tourists awaiting their bus.

Have one here

real ale   : no pump clip - claimed to be Red Cullin

heavy        : John Smith

lager         :  Fosters;

cider          :Strongbow                                                  Guinness

Johnny Foxes is a large basement pub across the road from the river. Signs say that it is an Irish pub but the harp was the only sign of it. Large area for dining with some booths. Bar serves on three sides. Entertainment every night

Have one here

real ale    : Trade Winds

heavy       : Caledonia Best; Ember

lager         :Stella 4, Tennent's,

cider         : Magners; Applestone    

                                            Guinness

Gellions is the oldest pub in Inverness - although it is only from 1840. Open area at front for performing bands - nightly. Then there is the bar with tall tables. Down a few steps to more seating. At the right of the entrance is a lane taking you to the back bar known as Monty's - this goes through a smoky outside courtyard. Food served daily

Visited by The Auldest Boozers in Toon

Have one here

lot of bottled Scottish Ales available.

heavy       : John Smith; McEwan's Export

lager         :Fosters; Tennent's; San Miguel; Stella