After the Moray Marathon: Inverness and Loch Ness

The Route: Elgin → Inverness → Loch Ness (optional) Logistics: Direct ScotRail train or a 45-minute drive on the A96. Marathon Month: April Duration: 1 night

Elgin ──(45 min direct train/car)──> Inverness ──(30-40 min car/tour bus)──> Loch Ness

Elgin's marathon runs a flat coastal loop past Lossiemouth and Burghead; a night in Inverness afterward opens up the wider Highlands without a long journey. April in Inverness: the city and the loch are ahead of peak summer tourist volume, with spring light on the water and generally quieter roads around Loch Ness than the high season brings. A direct ScotRail train from Elgin takes around 45 minutes, matched closely by the drive on the A96.

Night One: Inverness and Loch Ness

Inverness city centre, compact and walkable along the River Ness, is easy to cover on foot: the riverside path is flat and well-maintained, running past Inverness Castle (currently being redeveloped as a visitor attraction) and the cathedral. Loch Ness, roughly 30 to 40 minutes further by car or an organised tour bus from the city centre, is the obvious extension for anyone with a car; Urquhart Castle, on the loch's northwestern shore, is the most visited single stop, with ruined towers and a substantial visitor centre covering the site's history.

Where to stay: The Kingsmills Hotel, on the edge of the city centre with its own spa and leisure facilities, suits a runner wanting proper recovery time. The Waterside Inverness, on the River Ness itself, offers a more central, walkable base close to the old town's restaurants.

Where to eat: The Kitchen Brasserie, on the riverside, serves modern Scottish food with river views, a straightforward choice for an easy dinner. For a simpler night, the pubs along Church Street serve reliable pub food within walking distance of most city-centre accommodation.

Getting Home

Direct ScotRail trains run from Inverness back to Elgin throughout the day, taking around 45 minutes; check current times at scotrail.co.uk. Inverness Airport, roughly 15 minutes from the city centre, offers the most convenient onward flight connections for runners flying home rather than returning south by rail.