Scotland is golf country, and Inverness is no exception to that rule. There are three courses in the city (Inverness Golf Club, Loch Ness, and Torvean) and if that's not enough for you, you can always travel to Nairn (about 20 minutes drive) for their 2 championship links courses (Nairn Golf Club and Nairn Dunbar).  Another championship links course within an easy drive (about 50 minutes) of Inverness is Royal Dornoch.  There are numerous less well known courses in the surrounding countryside and villages.  A driving range can be found at Fairways (Loch Ness Golf Course) with 19 covered bays.

There is also plenty of fishing, hiking, and cycling to be had. Those interested in walking about the area should check Step It Up Highland, which has developed a series of different walks designed to get the people of the Highlands out and walking to promote good health. The Great Glen Way is a popular walking and cycling bisecting the Scottish Highlands. You can do part of it, or undertake the full 73 miles in a 5 or 6 day trek.   The Forestry Commission can provide maps and information regarding the numerous woodland walks in the Inverness-shire region.  For cycle hire try the Highland Bicycle Co, who will also be happy to advise on cycle routes.

If water sports are your thing, you can always try your hand at windsailing in Loch Ness (maybe you'll even get a glimpse of the infamous "Loch Ness Monster).

For salmon and trout fishing in the Inverness area, see Fishing in Scotland.

If you want to watch sporting activities rather than participate, check out the Premier Division Football team, Inverness Caledonian Thistle (stadium located near the Kessock Bridge).

Most Inverness sporting facilities are located at Bught Park, on the western side of the town.  The annual Loch Ness Marathon  (held on the first Sunday each October) has its finishing line at the Athletics Stadium in Bught Park.  The nearby playing fields are home to shinty, football, American football, cricket, hockey and rugby.   Also in the Bught area is Inverness Ice Centre (home to curling, ice skating, and ice hockey).  Inverness Leisure Centre contains the Aquadome with a competition pool and a leisure pool (with toddler pool, lazy river, flumes, and heated outdoor pool).  The adjoining Sports Centre has a gym, spa, steam room, sauna, dance room, badminton courts etc.

Public tennis courts and raquets are available for hire at Bellfield Park.  The park also has a playground and paddling pool, and the park bandstand plays host to musical events during the summer months.

For horse riding try the Highland Riding Centre at Borlum Farm, located about 20 minutes from Inverness just south of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness.  This BHS approved riding centre has a large indoor school, and offers a variety of treks through stunning scenery, catering to all levels of riders.