Invergordon: Culloden, Clava Cairns & Cawdor Castle Day Tour

Summary

Highland history, ancient stones and castle gardens from Invergordon port

You’ll step off your cruise into the Highlands with a local guide who actually knows everyone by name. Wander castle gardens, touch ancient stones at Clava Cairns, stand where history changed at Culloden Battlefield, and meet real Highland cows before heading back to port—maybe with mud on your shoes or fudge in your pocket.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you spot your guide right away? Avril was there at the port gates with this wild tartan umbrella—couldn’t miss her even if you tried. We shuffled into the minibus (it’s snug but not cramped), all of us kind of sleepy but curious. First stop: Cawdor Castle. The air smelled like wet grass and old stone, and I kept brushing my hand along the mossy walls just because it felt so different from home. Avril pointed out some plant whose name I forgot immediately—she said it cures headaches, which made me wish I’d paid more attention after the ship’s wine last night.

We wandered through the castle gardens (I almost lost track of time in the maze—seriously, don’t do what I did). Then it was off to Clava Cairns. There’s something weirdly quiet about those ancient stones. A couple in our group tried to line up their hands on the stones like they do in Outlander—Avril just laughed and said she’d never seen anyone disappear yet. The keyword here is “day trip Culloden Clava Cairns”—but honestly, it’s more about how small everything feels compared to the stories you hear.

Culloden Battlefield hit me harder than I expected. The wind was sharp and cold, and Avril told us about her own family’s connection to the battle—her voice went soft for a minute. You could almost hear echoes in the grass. After that we drove past Loch Ness (no sign of Nessie, but the water looked impossibly dark) and stopped at a farm to meet these shaggy Highland cows—one licked my sleeve and I’m still not sure how I feel about that. There was a tiny shop with coo-shaped fudge; I bought some for my nephew but ended up eating half before we got back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Highlands tour: castles, battlefield, Loch Ness

• Depart from Invergordon port
• Visit Cawdor Castle and gardens
• Explore Clava Cairns
• Tour Culloden Battlefield
• Drive to Loch Ness for Nessie spotting
• Visit Highland Cows farm and shop
• Return to Invergordon port

Top questions

Is this tour from Invergordon port only for cruise passengers?

Yes, this day trip is specifically designed for cruise ship guests docking at Invergordon port.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed on this tour?

No, due to space limitations on the minibus, wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers cannot be accommodated.

What are the main stops on this Invergordon day trip?

The tour includes Cawdor Castle & Gardens (or Urquhart if closed), Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, and a Highland cow visit.

Is pickup included from Invergordon port?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included right across from the port security gates.

How long does this day trip last?

The tour departs around 8:30am and returns by approximately 3:30pm.

Will we have a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a Scottish lassie driver-guide (like Avril or Lorraine) leads each group personally.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for all guests on board.

If Cawdor Castle is closed, what is visited instead?

If Cawdor Castle isn’t open early April, Urquhart Castle will be substituted.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at Invergordon port gates with a Scottish lassie driver-guide leading you through Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle gardens (or Urquhart if needed), Loch Ness views, plus bottled water along the way before returning comfortably in an air-conditioned minibus by mid-afternoon.