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MAN destination photo
INV destination photo

MANINV

Which side of the plane to sit from Manchester Airport (Manchester) to Inverness Airport (Inverness)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more dramatic transition from the industrial north of England into the wild, rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including views of the famous lochs and the West Coast.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏖️

Blackpool and the Fylde Coast

Shortly after takeoff, view the iconic Blackpool Tower and the sweeping curves of the Irish Sea coastline.

🌲

Galloway Forest Park

Aerial views of the vast, densely wooded hills of southwest Scotland, known for being a Dark Sky Park.

🌊

Loch Lomond

As you pass Glasgow, look for the 'Queen of Scottish Lochs' and its numerous islands marking the Highland Boundary Fault.

🏔️

Ben Nevis

On a clear day, look west toward Fort William to spot the highest peak in the British Isles.

🐉

Loch Ness and Great Glen

During the descent into Inverness, the aircraft often aligns near the Great Glen, providing a glimpse of the long, narrow Loch Ness.

Sit in front of the wing for an unobstructed view of the West Coast islands and the deep glens of the Highlands. Morning flights are ideal as the sun is behind you, perfectly lighting the rugged terrain. During winter, the contrast of snow-capped peaks against the dark lochs is breathtaking.

Right Side Highlights
8.3
⛰️

The Pennines

Immediately after departure from Manchester, view the 'backbone of England' with its rolling moors and reservoirs.

🏞️

The Lake District

A stunning view of Windermere and the central fells of Cumbria as the flight heads north into Scotland.

🏰

Central Belt Cities

Distant views of the Edinburgh skyline and the iconic Forth Bridges can often be spotted to the east.

❄️

Cairngorms National Park

As the flight nears Inverness, the vast, high-altitude plateau of the Cairngorms provides a massive, Arctic-like wilderness view.

🏗️

Kessock Bridge

On final approach, look for the cable-stayed bridge spanning the Beauly Firth connecting Inverness to the Black Isle.

The right side is best for those interested in English national parks like the Lake District. If flying in the late afternoon, this side receives the warm 'golden hour' glow over the Cairngorm mountains. Watch for the change from the green hills of the Borders to the starker, rocky terrain of the north.

Top Activities in Inverness
Route Information

Distance: 479 km (298 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 48 min

Departure: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)

Arrival: INV (57.54249954223633, -4.047500133514403)

Route Type: Domestic

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