There’s so much more to Inverness than Nessie

The Highland capital is perfect for a mini-break.

There are many great things about Inverness.

It’s the home of the Loch Ness monster. It gave us the lovely Karen Gillan, of the never-ending legs and Doctor Who fame. And let’s not forget it’s surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find anywhere. And I mean anywhere.

Now add to this list it’s the perfect place for a cheeky wee mini-break.

Six of us piled up to the Highland capital without any big plan for what we were going to do but we were soon spoiled for choice.

One of the first things we did when we arrived was to leave, but only to drive out to Loch Ness and take a wander along the banks.

It really is stunningly beautiful. If you’ve only seen pictures of it, it’s worth taking the trip to stand and gaze at how gorgeous it all is.

Our accommodation was the cosy home-from-home, Minard Cottage.

On the outskirts of Inverness, it faces on to the Caledonian Canal and was the perfect place to recharge.

We particularly liked the well-equipped kitchen, complete with full-sized table and six chairs great for hearty cooked breakfasts and evening meals alike.

We were lucky to get some great weather during our stay and the more adventurous in our party were keen to try some of the activities on offer at Rothiemurchus.

It’s actually just outside Aviemore, but worth the half-hour trip down the A9 if you’re the outdoorsy type.

Some of the more courageous or maybe just nave in our party signed up to try the TreeZone.

It’s described as “an exciting adventure playground, suspended from high wires in the pine forests of Rothiemurchus”.

Think balance beams, Tarzan swings, wobbly bridges, tightropes and a humungous zip wire.

Needless to say, the 16-year-old in our group bounded round it and knew no fear.

His mum, dad and uncle? Let’s just say those on the ground had the best laugh ever watching them. Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!

Really, though, it’s a great laugh and it’s all perfectly safe as you’re harnessed in and given a full run-through of safety procedures before you take part.

It’s suitable for over-sevens which we initially thought was young, but soon realised that the younger you are, the easier it is to negotiate. It’s much more of a challenge for anxious adults.

Our other activities were far more leisurely well, we were on holiday. A stroll along the Caledonian Canal on a sunny day is a pleasure.

There’s lots of activity around the canal, from dog walkers to cyclists, and we enjoyed watching kids take part in the canoeing activities.

The craft beer lovers in our group suggested a tour of the Black Isle Brewery.

It’s free, takes about 15 to 20 minutes and gives an insight into what makes a good, tasty beer. Even the confirmed G&T lovers in our group found it fascinating.

It’s a canny move for the brewery to offer free tours as we came away laden with beers, crisps, ice-cream and other goodies that we bought in the attached shop.

The centre of Inverness has lots to offer if you like shopping there’s everything from Lakeland to M&S, plus a huge Debenhams.

You’re spoiled for choice with a great selection of bars, cafes and restaurants too.

Check out the popular Archie cafe. Situated in Eastgate shopping centre, it raises money for The Archie Foundation, a charity that helps sick children and their families in the area and supports 20 hospitals across Highland, Tayside and Aberdeenshire.

Well worth supporting and not just because that means you can have a coffee and a slice of their fabulous Victoria sponge and feel guilt-free about it.

Afterwards, take a walk up to Inverness Castle.

It houses the city’s Sherriff Court, but you can walk around the grounds and you’re rewarded with a fantastic view across the city and the River Ness below.

We felt our four-night break was a great way to discover just a smidgeon of this lovely wee city. But you could easily while away longer and never be bored.

Next time we’ll book for a week but I’m avoiding any high-wire zip slides.