While the right side catches a brief London skyline view during the turn after takeoff, the left side holds the advantage for the rest of the flight, passing nearer the Lake District fells and Southern Uplands during cruise before the dramatic Loch Ness and Great Glen views on the Inverness approach.
Flown LHR to INV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Inverness is 443 miles (714 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The route crosses the English Midlands, then tracks over the Pennines and Lake District fells before crossing the Southern Uplands into the Scottish Highlands near the Cairngorms.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow's westerly departures require a sharp right turn onto the northbound track to Inverness, and that turn swings the right side of the aircraft back over central London before the route settles north. Left-side passengers mainly get Berkshire's flat Thames Valley farmland and Windsor's suburbs.
Landing at INV
LEFTInverness normally lands on runway 23 into the prevailing southwesterly wind, so arriving flights from the south loop north over the Moray Firth before turning back to land, putting the Great Glen and Loch Ness on the left side. This gives a rare close-up of the loch's dark waters and the surrounding Highland peaks just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Inverness (INV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Inverness. While the right side catches a brief London skyline view during the turn after takeoff, the left side holds the advantage for the rest of the flight, passing nearer the Lake District fells and Southern Uplands during cruise before the dramatic Loch Ness and Great Glen views on the Inverness approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departures require a sharp right turn onto the northbound track to Inverness, and that turn swings the right side of the aircraft back over central London before the route settles north. Left-side passengers mainly get Berkshire's flat Thames Valley farmland and Windsor's suburbs. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, City of London skyline, Wembley Stadium.
What can I see when landing at Inverness in Inverness?
When landing at Inverness (INV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Inverness normally lands on runway 23 into the prevailing southwesterly wind, so arriving flights from the south loop north over the Moray Firth before turning back to land, putting the Great Glen and Loch Ness on the left side. This gives a rare close-up of the loch's dark waters and the surrounding Highland peaks just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Loch Ness and the Great Glen, Kessock Bridge, Moray Firth, Beauly Firth.
How long is the flight from London to Inverness?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Inverness (INV) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 443 miles (714 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Inverness flight path pass over?
The route crosses the English Midlands, then tracks over the Pennines and Lake District fells before crossing the Southern Uplands into the Scottish Highlands near the Cairngorms.