top places to visit scottish highlands

Scottish Highlands Travel Guide

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11 Best Things To Do in Scottish Highlands

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

The best way to tackle this wildland is to figure out what kind of adventure you want to have. If you're looking for heart-pumping hikes, hit up the mountainous Cairngorms National Park or traverse the U.K.'s tallest peak, Ben Nevis . For low-level

All Things To Do

Isle of Skye Isle of Skye free

If you only had time to visit one part of the Scottish Highlands, let it be the Isle of Skye. Located on the west coast of the Highlands, Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. The island is filled to the brim with otherworldly landscapes. There's a lot to see on this island, but travel experts and visitors say you can't leave without peeping these gems: the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point and the Fairy Pools.

The Quiraing is the perfect introduction to Skye's spellbinding geography. As you descend down the Quiraing, you'll be greeted with sweeping views of stunning geography: Cracked plateaus with craggy cliffsides lead the way to an expansive valley of verdant rolling hills, stately rock formations and alpine lakes. Situated 13 miles south is the Old Man of Storr, a single, pinnacle-shaped rock which stands out for its looks; it's so tall and distinct, it can easily be spotted from sea level miles away.

Glencoe Glencoe free

You may hear the word "glen" a lot during your trip to the Scottish Highlands. A glen is another word for a narrow valley and the Highlands is filled with them. The most popular glen for visitors – not to mention one of the most popular attractions in the Scottish Highlands – is Glencoe. Glencoe is situated 23 miles south of Ben Nevis along Loch Leven in the central Highlands. The valley is consistently lauded by both travelers and locals for its awe-inspiring landscape, with many recent visitors describing its terrain as "out of this world." The A82 highway conveniently cuts right through the verdant Glencoe valley. Many visitors report only driving through Glencoe due to time constraints, but many express regret at not being able to explore this stunning area more. Luckily, if you are short on time, travelers do say the scenic drive certainly impressed and there are multiple viewing spots along the highway.

If you do have time to explore Glencoe, you'll find the area offers spectacular hikes and great water activities on Loch Leven. The Coire Gabhail, or Lost Valley hike, is a popular 2 ½-mile trail that weaves through a wooded gorge between some of Glencoe's munros and ends in a wide, open valley tucked away from the view of the highway. If you want to hike to the top of a munro, try the 5-mile-long Buachaille Etive Beag or the 7-mile-long Bidean nam Bian for sweeping views of the Glencoe valley.

Cairngorms National Park Cairngorms National Park free

Cairngorms National Park is its own world. You could easily spend days exploring the many mountains, lochs, rivers, forests and villages that comprise the United Kingdom's largest national park. Measuring 1,748 square miles, Cairngorms not only boasts four of Scotland's five tallest mountains but also five of the U.K.'s six tallest peaks. In addition to plenty of hiking, biking and skiing trails, the park also features unique attractions. Here you'll find ancient castles – including Balmoral Castle, a favorite of Queen Victoria – and an impressive number of breweries and distilleries, as well as Britain's only free-grazing reindeer herd, the Cairngorm Reindeer.

With so much to see and do, the park may be overwhelming for first-time visitors. The most popular activities in the park are hiking, seeing the Cairngorm Reindeer and riding the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, which transports passengers 3,500 feet up into the park's mountain range. For a low-level trek, try the 5-mile-long Kingussie to Newtonmore trail, which weaves along the base of the Monadhliath Mountains and the peaceful River Spey.

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Eilean Donan Castle Eilean Donan Castle

Of all the castles to visit in the Scottish Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is the one worth taking the detour for. Located near the small town of Dornie in the northeastern Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is considered an icon among locals for its rich history and picturesque placement at the junction of three different lochs (Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long all meet here). The castle was originally built in the 13th century by Alexander II of Scotland to guard the area against possible Viking invasions. The castle stood in grandeur for hundreds of years until the 18th century, when the Jacobites (Catholic Scottish opposition group to the Protestant, English-ruling government) took over the castle and occupied it. Soon after, English forces descended upon the castle and destroyed it in battle, leaving Eilean Donan in ruins for hundreds of years. It wasn't until the early 1900s that a lieutenant colonel bought the land the castle occupied and rebuilt Eilean Donan from the ground up.

Inside the castle, you'll find period decor, as well as weaponry and artifacts from the Jacobite era. However, most travelers admit making time for Eilean Donan primarily for its scenic address. The castle is situated on a very small island surrounded by lochs lined with leafy munros. Accessible only by an old stone footbridge, it's easy to see why the castle is considered such a special place for Scots. Travelers do say that since this is such a popular attraction, it's best to get there early as coach buses are known to stop here on tours of the Scottish Highlands.

Glenfinnan & the West Highland Line Glenfinnan & the West Highland Line free

The "Harry Potter" movies were filmed throughout the Scottish Highlands (the location of Hagrid's hut can be found in Glencoe ), but the most recognizable location is in Glenfinnan. Remember that stately, stone bridge the Hogwarts Express always crossed on its way to Hogwarts? That's the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Jacobite Steam Train, which shares a striking resemblance to the Hogwarts Express, runs along the Glenfinnan Viaduct. If you can swing it, you should consider a ride on the train, even if you aren't a "Harry Potter" fan. That's because train follows the West Highland Line, considered one of the most scenic train routes in the world. The West Highland Line travels along the west coast of Scotland, through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and remote Highlands areas inaccessible by car. Note: The Jacobite Steam Train follows part of the West Highland Line, not all of it; the ScotRail operates the route in full.

If you aren't riding the train, you can get a great view of the viaduct from the Glenfinnan Trail View Point, which starts conveniently at the Glenfinnan train station. Travelers who visited the Glenfinnan Viaduct recommend coming when the Jacobite train is scheduled to pass by. "Harry Potter" fans particularly enjoyed the view, saying it was fun to imagine that they were watching the Hogwarts Express on its way to school. Others travelers offered mixed reviews, with some saying it was nothing more than a train passing over a bridge.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park free

Scotland's first national park houses Loch Lomond, Britain's largest loch. The park is much smaller than its northern neighbor ( Cairngorms National Park is 1,748 square miles while Loch Lomond & The Trossachs measures 720 square miles), but it still offers plenty of things to do. While Cairngorms is known for its mountains, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs stands out for its many beautiful bodies of water. Along with the grand Loch Lomond, the park has 22 other lochs to its name, yielding about 39 miles of coastline for visitors to enjoy, as well as 50 rivers.

The park is divided into four distinct areas. Loch Lomond is considered its own distinct area and is the most visited, offering villages for visitors to stay, shop and sightsee in. The second most-visited area is the Trossachs, situated northeast of Loch Lomond. The Trossachs stands out for housing two National Scenic Areas, the Great Trossachs Forest and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, the former of which stands as one of the U.K.'s largest national nature reserves. The Trossachs is an endless sea of munros (mountains higher than 3,000 feet) overlooking glittering lochs, including the popular Loch Katrine. For breathtaking loch views, hike Ben A'an, a 1,491-foot-tall hill that overlooks both Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. If you're looking for something a little more leisurely, hit up part of the 30-mile-long Great Trossachs Path, which passes by Loch Katrine, Loch Arklet and Loch Venachar.

Loch Ness Loch Ness free

You can't leave the Scottish Highlands without visiting the infamous Loch Ness, Scotland's largest loch (by volume). Loch Ness is known worldwide for housing the mythical, dinosaur-like monster, Nessie. The loch spans 23 miles in length and is 700 feet at its deepest, making the Nessie conspiracy all the more plausible. Aside from the Nessie legend, Loch Ness offers stunning scenery, with forest-filled mountains flanking either side of the serene loch. Most travelers choose to enjoy Loch Ness by cruise. Sailings depart from various towns along the loch, including Fort Augustus, Drumnadrochit and Inverness.

There are also multiple points of interest and hikes worth exploring offshore. One of the most popular attractions is the thousand-year-old Urquhart Castle, which sits in ruins at the edge of Loch Ness in Drumnadrochit. Drumnadrochit is also home to the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, perfect for those wanting to learn more about the legend of Nessie. For hiking, you'll find plenty of trails in and around Loch Ness. The Fall of Foyers trail, which is close to 3 miles in length, takes travelers to the popular Fall of Foyers, the shores of Loch Ness and atop hills overlooking the loch as well. For more of a trek, try the highest hill in Loch Ness, Meall Fuar-mhonaidh. This nearly 6-mile trek takes travelers to the top of the hill, offering expansive views of both Loch Ness and the general Great Glen area (which spans from Inverness to Fort William).

Scottish Highlands Beaches Scottish Highlands Beaches free

If you really want to take in the full spectrum of the Highlands' geographical grandeur, make time for its beaches. Some of the beaches feature waters so clear and sands so white they resemble the kind of shorelines you'd find in the Caribbean. In contrast, there are also a plethora of beaches in the Highlands that are much more dramatic in landscape, akin to the rocky, mountainous coastline you'd come across in the Pacific Northwest.

If you're on the west coast, start at Camusdarach Beach in Morar. Camusdarach Beach is a lengthy shore backed by soft dunes and flanked by green hills and craggy bluffs. The beach also offers views of the mountains on distant isles, including the Isle of Skye . For a more Caribbean feel, head to Achmelvich Beach, located in the northwestern town of Lochinver. It features clear, turquoise waters and nearly white sands. For something a little more remote (with far fewer crowds), trek to Sandwood Bay. This beach requires visitors to traverse an 8-mile round-trip coastal hike, but is consistently lauded as one of the best beaches in Britain for its rich blue waters and striking cliffs situated on either side of the shore. If you'd prefer a shorter walk, Sango Bay in Durness offers similar scenery.

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Scottish Highlands Golf Courses Scottish Highlands Golf Courses

If you're a golfer and happen to be in the Scottish Highlands, you'll want to take advantage of the region's beautiful courses. In fact, the Scottish Highlands is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. Here, you can find courses both along the water and inland as well as in remote areas and well-connected locales. The highest concentration of golf courses can be found in Caithness, Ross-Shire, Speyside, Sutherland and Inverness, though there are noteworthy courses spread out elsewhere as well.

There is truly a course for all types of golfers in the Scottish Highlands. If you prefer your golf with a side of Scotch whiskey, travel south to Speyside (a known distillery hub in Scotland) to enjoy the Speyside Golf Experience . If you're looking for something more remote, head up to the Brora Golf Club in Sutherland, where instead of yardage markers you'll likely run into sheep on the course. If you want to golf where King Edward VII once did, head up the Royal Dornoch Golf Course (after he visited, the course altered its name to include "Royal" in the title).

Duncansby Head Duncansby Head free

England has the White Cliffs of Dover, Ireland has the Cliffs of Moher and the Scottish Highlands has Duncansby Head. Located on the northernmost tip of Scotland's east coast, Duncansby Head features jagged cliffs – draped in rich, evergreen vegetation – that stretch as far as the eye can see. While you'll likely find this kind of geography in other parts of the coastal Highlands, what makes Duncansby Head stands out are its stacks. The Duncansby Stacks are a series of striking rock formations that stand less than a mile off the coast of Duncansby Head. With their rocky silhouettes so closely resembling that of the mainland's edge, it almost looks as if they are puzzle pieces that could easily fit right back into the slits of the cliffs.

The trail to get to the Duncansby Stacks is a little more than 5 miles in length and incredibly scenic, according to recent visitors. The trail lines the edge of the coast, starting at John O'Groats, a small village nearest Duncansby Head. Before you get to the cliffs, you'll pass by a few low-level beaches. Once you get to the lighthouse, you'll reach Duncansby Head and be less than a mile from the stacks. Visitors note that they had to traverse through grassy meadows along this part of the trail and, considering the damp nature of the area, strongly suggested sturdy boots. Visitors also reported very windy conditions, so bring a sturdy jacket with you as well. When you reach the stacks, don't forget to look down. Travelers say that they were able to spot seals and puffins around the cliffs and on the beaches.

Ben Nevis Ben Nevis free

The most popular trail in the Scottish Highlands is also one of its most challenging. Ben Nevis, the U.K.'s tallest mountain, sits just 7 miles southeast of Fort William. Nevis clocks in around 4,406 feet high, yielding incredible views at the top for those tough enough to ascend its summit. Of all the 125,000 travelers who visit the mountain per year, only 25,000 successfully conquer Ben. The trail is nearly 11 miles total and, according to the Fort William tourism board, takes about seven hours to complete (four hours up and three hours down), though some hikers reported that it can take less time in ideal weather conditions. Travelers who did reach the top say the trek was completely worth it for the unmatched views of the Highlands.

Echoing the concerns of the Fort William tourism board, hikers said the weather conditions in Ben Nevis are unpredictable and can change rapidly, even during a perfect summer's day. Always check the weather beforehand. Wind conditions in particular are known to get more intense the closer you get to the summit, regardless of the temperature. And because the terrain is entirely composed of rock, you'll want to wear the proper hiking shoes. Plan to carry lots of water and snacks, and know that the only restrooms available are at the bottom of the mountain.

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Visit the Highlands: Top 20 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 20 best things to do in the highlands + where to stay.

You’re traveling to Scotland and plan to visit the Highlands?

Great idea!

Wild, green, windy and mysterious, this vast region in the North West of Scotland will for sure amaze you. With all the hikes in the moors and mountains, castles to visit, huge lakes (lochs) and incredible scenic roads, visiting the Highlands is an extraordinary experience.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 20 best things to do in the Highlands , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of the best places to visit, I will also give you ideas for sightseeing in the surroundings as well as my selection of the best accommodations in the Highlands.

And at the end of the article, you will also find my itineraries suggestions to visit the Highlands in 4-5 days, 1 week or during a 2 weeks road trip.

So, how to visit the Highlands ?

To combine a road trip in the Highlands with a stay in Scotland, you can read my detailed guides to organize your itinerary according to the duration of your trip:

4-5 days in Scotland
A week in Scotland
10 days in Scotland
2 weeks in Scotland

1. Loch Ness

2. ben nevis, 3. urquhart castle, 4. glen coe valley, 5. glenfinnan viaduct, 6. loch shiel, 7. fort william, 8. steall waterfall, 9. eilean donan castle, 10. sandwood bay beach, 11. visit a distillery, 12. apple cross road, 13. handa island, 14. scourie and the surroundings, 15. inverewe gardens, 16. take the jacobite express, 17. inverness, 18. isle of skye, 19. dunrobin castle, 20. attend the highland games, shetland islands, lewis and harris island, 4 or 5 days in the highlands, 1 week in the highlands, 2 weeks in the highlands, where to stay in fort william, where to stay in inverness, where to stay in scourie, where to stay in ullapool, where to stay in plockton, accommodation on the isle of skye, how to get to the highlands, best time to visit the highlands, tourist map of the highlands, what to pack for the highlands.

You’re traveling to Scotland? These articles will help you!

Highlands: The 20 Best Places to Visit and Must-See Attractions

Let’s start with the Loch Ness, one of the most famous lakes in the world and a must-see in the Highlands.

To explore the Loch and try to see its famous monster , you should go for a day trip through the different villages around the lake.

The easiest is to start your trip from Fort Augustus: there, you can enjoy the beautiful view over the lake and/or opt for a Loch Ness cruise.

You can then head to Drumnadrochit village , North of Fort Augustus and visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre to learn everything about the mysterious monster.

You might also want to have a drink on a terrace on the edge of the lake, or go for a pleasant hike along Glen Urquhart path.

Close to Drumnadrochit, you should also visit Urquhart Castle (I will tell you more about it in #3 of this article).

On the east coast of the Loch Ness, there is a very nice pebbles beach in Dores village . Still in Dores, you might come across Steve Feltham, the famous Nessie (the Loch Ness monster’s nickname) hunter, and his caravan.

This part of the Highlands is definitely a must-see during your trip to Scotland!

Ben Nevis is the highest point in Great Britain and one of the best places to visit in the Highlands.

This mountain is Scottish skiers favorite destination in winter and a hikers paradise during summer.

Nevis Range ski resort is very well equipped and offers splendid views over the mountain range. In summer, you should really take the cable car to reach the upper part of the ski resort. From there, you can enjoy many pleasant (more or less challenging) hikes.

And if you want a bit of challenge, you should opt for the 7 hours intense and breathtaking hike to the top of the Ben Nevis (round trip). The trail starts from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.

Regardless of the season, dress warmly to climb the Ben Nevis and bring waterproof clothes. Up there, the climate can change very quickly!

On the banks of Loch Ness , just outside the village of Drumnadrochit , you can visit Urquhart Castle . This ruined medieval castle dating from the 13th century is really a must-see during your road trip in Scotland!

The location is incredible , and the guided tour of the castle ruins is very interesting.

The visit begins with the screening of a short film about the castle’s history . Then, the doors open and you will go explore the ruins.

On-site, there are many explanatory panels . You can also climb in the main tower to get a perfect view of the lake or go have a look at the small beach located at the foot of the castle.

If you want to visit the castle and go for a cruise on the Loch Ness , you can opt for an excursion that offers both activities. The great thing is that it isn’t too expensive (about 25€ per person). To book your tour, you need to click here:

Glen Coe Valley is definitely one of the most spectacular places to visit in the Highlands.

If you enjoy hiking, these green moors and mountains will feel like paradise for you!

Here are a few ideas of activities to do in the region :

Glencoe Village is the starting point for many walks. The Lochan trails begin just outside the village, close to the car park. The various trails are signposted.
Pap of Glencoe hike : this 4 hours walk starts from Glencoe village and takes you up in the mountain. Remember to wear good hiking shoes and bring waterproof clothes. You should however avoid this trail when it rains, as it can get very slippery!
Signal Rock walk : a 45-minute (round trip) walk to the top of Signal Rock hill.
Lost valley hike : a 2h30 to 3h30 round trip walk (depending on your pace and the number of photo breaks you will take!) on unmarked terrain in a valley lost in the middle of the Three Sisters mountains. This superb hike will give you a condensed overview of the region. The departure point is located about 9 km after the village of Glencoe, up the A82 along the River Coe and past Loch Achtriochtan.
Castle Stalker is a beautiful (and popular!) Scottish castle built-in 1320 on an island on Loch Linnhe. Located on Oban route, 25km away from Glencoe, it’s only accessible by boat. You won’t necessarily have to visit it, as a quick stop on the beach will give you the opportunity to admire the place.
A road trip in the Highlands, across the valley along the A82 road.

Close to Glencoe, Glenfinnan is a charming village that attracts many Harry Potter fans for a good reason: there, you can see the Hogwarts Express on a splendid viaduct!

The Jacobite Express ( Hogwarts Express’s real name) is a steam train that was used multiple times in Harry Potter movies. It goes across the viaduct every morning around 10h30 and in the afternoon around 15h.

It goes from Fort William to Mallaig, with a stop at Glenfinnan.

While you’re there, you can also visit the small museum about the history of Scottish railways and the viaduct. It’s located in the train station.

For a great view of the viaduct , you can follow a path from Glenfinnan Station Museum that brings you close to the viaduct in less than one hour. It’s a great moment to see the train approaching and blowing a whistle!

While you’re in Glenfinnan, take a bit of time to admire Loch Shiel , the beautiful lake that borders the village.

Loch Shiel also appears in Harry Potter movies . You can see it a bit in each of the movies, but it’s especially known for appearing in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” , during the Second Task (underwater scenes) of the Triwizard Tournament.

Hogwarts castle you see in the movie has been added digitally on the hill above the lake.

In front of the lake’s small beach (where you can have a picnic or just admire the view), you can find the Glenfinnan Monument and its statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie at the top.

Around Loch Shiel you can also visit Glenfinnan Church , a charming and mysterious small Gothic church located on a hill, just outside the village.

There are also several hikes starting from Glenfinnan Visitor Centre.

While in the Highlands , don’t miss Fort William.

Located at the bottom of Ben Nevis, it’s one of the most important towns in the region.

Quite animated during summer, half a day should be enough to discover its small shops, traditional pubs, and city center.

And if you want to learn everything about local history, you should also visit the West Highland Museum.

Aside from the town’s visit, Fort William is the starting point of a hike to the top of the Ben Nevis.

It’s also the place to take the Jacobite Express towards Mallaig.

About 20 minutes by car from Fort William, you should definitely visit the impressive 120 meters hight Steall Waterfall.

Located in the beautiful highlands mountains, you will need to do a 1h30-2h hike to reach the waterfall, in the spectacular scenery of the Ben Nevis gorges.

The view is incredible when it’s sunny, but more authentic when there is fog!

You should plan about half a day for this excursion.

One of Scotland’s most famous castles! A great place to visit during your stay in the Highlands.

Eilean Donan Castle appears in numerous movies and is the perfect representation of a medieval castle in Scotland.

Accessible by a very photogenic stone bridge, this castle located on Loch Duich is close to the Skye bridge that leads to the isle of Skye . You’ll have the opportunity to admire it and take pictures from the road, or even go inside if you have the time!

You can find more information to visit the castle on the official website .

You want to see what a beach in the Highlands looks like?

Then you should head to Sandwood Bay , a beautiful natural bay located in the North of the region.

From Blairmore carpark , you will have to walk for about 7 km to reach Sandwood Bay Beach, considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

This pleasant walk is very easy, as the path to the beach is rather flat and clearly indicated.

As the round trip is quite long and weather can change quickly in Scotland, you should bring waterproof clothes in case it starts raining. After the walk, your treat will be the sight of the large wild beach surrounded by hills and dunes.

In winter or in autumn, the colors are particularly incredible!

If you have been to all the touristy places and now wonder what to do in the Highlands, you should maybe visit a Scottish distillery.

There are 47 active distilleries in the region, the Highlands being the largest whisky production area in Scotland . It would therefore be a shame to leave the region without discovering whisky’s fabrication secrets!

Even if you don’t especially like whisky, the visits are very interesting and allow you to grasp a bit more of the local culture.

One of the best to visit is Tomatin distillery: built-in 1897, the legend says its whisky is made with the water of the surrounding rivers.

During the visit, you will be taken through all the different rooms and will learn more about the fabrication process. Of course, the visit will end with a whisky tasting session!

This road trip through the North West of the Highlands, between Torridon and Applecross , is a great experience to do during your itinerary in Scotland .

There, you will find some of the most beautiful mountain scenery of the country!

The scenic road follows the coast from Torridon towards Applecross (or the other way around, depending on where you are coming from). The journey takes place on single-track roads, those picturesque one-way roads, in an impressive scenery with a view over the Isle of Skye.

After stopping in Applecross, a beautiful harbor village, you can continue towards Tornapress to enjoy other exceptional landscapes.

During your stay in the North of the Highlands, you can go to Tarbet and hire a boat to take you to Handa Island in about 10 minutes.

This excursion of a few hours on the protected small Island will allow you to discover many types of birds , including the famous monk puffin and their colored beak.

The Island, a natural reserve, actually holds one of the biggest marine birds colonies in Europe.

Once on the island, you will meet the natural reserve rangers: they will explain a few rules to not disturb the animals.

You’ll then be able to visit the island on foot by following the only existing path (about 3 hours).

The visit and boat trip cost around 15£ per person and departures are planned from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, with the latest return at 5pm.

As the boats can only take about 10 people at a time, you may have to wait a little bit when going there or on the way back.

Don’t leave the North-West of the Highlands without stopping by at Scourie , a charming village located on the coast.

There, you can go fishing, hiking or simply enjoy a walk by the beach at Scourie Bay.

For more information visit the villages’ official website .

Opened in 2016, this botanical garden is a nice place to visit during your road trip in the Highlands!

Located on the west coast , Inverewe Garden should be visited especially during spring, summer and the beginning of autumn for its incredible colors.

The botanical collection is extensive, well kept and clearly explained . When the weather is clear, its location on the edge of the lake also offers an incredible view over the Scottish mountains.

More information about visiting hours and entrance fees are available on the official website .

Let’s continue with a very original activity to do in the Highlands: a ride in the world’s most famous steam train!

As I told you a bit earlier in this article when talking about Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Jacobite Express is an old steam train that was restored and put back in service following the success of the Harry Potter saga .

The train was used several times in the movies, to represent the Hogwarts Express!

If you want to treat yourself with a unique trip , you can book a ticket for the train that goes between Fort William and Mallaig every day, passing through incredible landscapes.

The round trip lasts about 4 hours, with a 2 hour stop at Mallaig (so 6 hours total). Prices are around 30£ per adult in standard class and 55£ in first class.

You can buy your tickets on the official website . You should book several weeks or even months in advance to have a seat!

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is located close to the Loch Ness.

Here are the best things to do in Inverness:

Inverness Castle , to walk along the esplanade and contemplate the view over the city
St Andrew’s Cathedral
The town hall
Old High St Stephen’s church , the oldest church of Inverness
The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, to discover the history of the Highlands (free entrance)
Fort George , to enjoy a stroll along the city’s ramparts and visit the Highlanders Museum
Culloden moors, where one of the biggest battles in Scottish history took place.

During your trip to the Highlands, you must go the Isle of Skye!

There, you will discover spectacular landscapes of moores, rocky valleys, mountains, steep cliffs, and white sandy beaches . For hikers and nature enthusiasts, this is the paradise on earth!

You should stay a minimum of 2 full days to really appreciate the island.

To go there, you can cross the Skye bridge , connecting the village of Kyle of Lochalsh to the island, or take the ferry from Mallaig.

To prepare your trip to the Isle of Skye, you should read my detailed article: The 20 Best things to do in Isle of Skye.

In this guide, in addition to the list of the best attractions and activities, I also give you all my best tips as well as itineraries to visit the island in 2, 3 or 4 days.

Let’s continue this Highlands guide with Dunrobin Castle.

Located North of Inverness, it really looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale!

Dunrobin Castle, the largest residence in the Highlands, is surrounded by a beautiful park and seaside gardens.

The visit costs 11£ and will take you around 2 hours (castle interior and gardens included).

More information on the official website .

Visiting the Highlands also includes discovering local culture and traditions. And there is nothing more Scottish than the picturesque Highlands Games!

These traditional sports events take place every year during summer.

Participants dressed in kilts compete in strength games such as hammer, trunk or stone-throwing, tug of war and Scottish wrestling. During the event, bagpipes players contribute to the joyful and festive atmosphere.

The most prestigious competition takes place on the first Saturday of September in Braemar, in the presence of the Queen. However there are events all over the region during summer, so don’t hesitate to go and have a look, it’s a lot of fun!

The 3 best things to do around the Highlands

After your road trip in the Highlands , you may want to visit the surroundings. So here are the most beautiful places to visit nearby!

Orkney is an archipelago composed of 70 small islands in the North of Scotland. Its capital is Kirkwall and its largest island is called “Mainland”.

The archipelago has it’s own culture and history and is imbued with a strong identity.

Breathtaking landscapes, rich flora and fauna, archeological and historical sites, cliffs and beautiful beaches. That’s what you should expect in Orkney, one of Great Britain’s best destinations.

To go there, you can take the plane from Inverness to Kirkwall (less than 1-hour flight), or take the ferry at John O’Groats (40 mins to cross).

Located north of Orkney archipelago, the Shetlands are also among the country’s most beautiful islands.

This archipelago of over 100 islands (only 15 of them are inhabited), is located close to Norway. Its geographical location has given the Island rich heritage and history , resulting from a mixture of Scandinavian and Scottish cultures.

The easiest way to go to Shetland Island is by plane from Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh , Glasgow or Kirkwall . The flight takes around 2 hours.

A few kilometers North of Skye, Lewis and Harris is the largest British island (excluding Great Britain and Ireland of course!).

This wild island featuring enchanting landscapes is home to many historical remains, including impressive prehistoric menhirs dating back several millennia.

This island with a strong Gaelic culture is especially famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise sea that will probably remind you the best tropical beaches! The most beautiful one is Luskentyre beach , so don’t miss it during your trip.

To reach the Island, you can take a ferry from Ullapool or from Uig . You can also take the plane from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow or Aberdeen.

How many days to visit the Highlands?

The Highlands is probably the most beautiful region in Scotland and would therefore require at least 4 or 5 days to visit the most emblematic locations.

If you can spend 1 to 2 weeks in the Highlands , that would be even better, allowing you to explore the region thoroughly.

The best way to visit the Highlands is by car . You may spend quite a lot of time driving, but that’s part of the experience!

Many places are far from everything, so a road trip is clearly the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes.

As the tourism season is relatively short in Scotland (everyone goes there at the same time!), you should check rental cars prices as soon as possible to get the best prices.

To help you prepare your trip, here are 3 itineraries depending on the duration of your stay: 4-5 days, 1 week or 2 weeks in the Highlands.

4 or 5 days is really the minimum to get a good grasp of the region’s atmosphere.

Here is the itinerary you should follow:

Day 1: Discover the Loch Ness and visit Fort Augustus (where you can go for a cruise on the loch), Drumnadrochit (to visit Urquhart Castle), Inverness and the small village of Dores.
Day 2: Hike in Glen Coe Valley . This gorgeous valley is one of the best places to visit in the region! You should do the “Lost Valley hike” (about 3h round trip), and/or the Pap of Glencoe (4h). You can also go for a short road trip through the valley on the A82 road.
Day 3: Glenfinnan and Mallaig: stay for a day in Glenfinnan to walk to the famous viaduct and see the Jacobite Express. Then, take a stroll along Loch Shiel and visit all the points of interest located around. Then, head to Mallaig and take the ferry to Armadale, on the Isle of Skye.
Days 4 and 5: the last two days of your trip will be dedicated to the visit of the Isle of Skye . I give you all my best tips to visit the island here: How to visit the Isle of Skye?

If you have planned a 1 week trip in the Highlands , you can follow the previous itinerary and add the following :

Day 6: Come back to Mallaig from Armadale and then go to Fort William . You can then do a short hike to Steall Waterfall and come back to Fort William to enjoy dinner and a drink in a pub.
Day 7: Fort William is located at the foot of the Ben Nevis, so if you’re up for it, you can hike to the top of the highest point in Great Britain (7h walk). Another option is to go to “Nevis Range”, where you will find easier walks offering superb panoramic views of the area.

If you have 14-15 days to visit the Highlands , you should spend the first week exploring the North coast by car.

The best is to follow the North Coast 500 , a new road that allows driving along the coast for 500 miles (800 km) and discover amazing landscapes.

This would be your route for the first 7 days :

Start from Inverness and head North on the east coast towards Wick and then John O’Groat . Stop by Dunrobin Castle on the way.
Follow the north coast up to Sandwood Bay , then go towards Scourie. You can go to to Handa Island by taking the ferry at Tarbet (just before arriving in Scourie).
After visiting Scourie and the surroundings , go South to Drumbeg and then Stoer (where you can see the famous Old Man of Stoer , a 60-meter rock facing the sea)
Then continue on the route towards Inverewe garden and take the Bealach Na Ba road to get to Applecross.
After visiting Applecross and its surroundings, head South towards the Isle of Skye. Don’t forget to stop by Eilean Donan Castle , 1 hour south of Applecross.

During this road trip, you can stop wherever you want along the road to admire the numerous beaches, discover beautiful villages, go for hikes or even visit a distillery. This road trip should take you about a week!

For the 2nd week of your trip in the Highlands, you can:

Spend at least 2 days on the Isle of Skye . From Applecross, take the Skye bridge to get to the island. All the best places to visit are in my detailed article: Visit the Isle of Skye.
Take the ferry from Armadale (Isle of Skye) to Mallaig.
Visit Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel within a day
Go to Fort William and stay there for 2 days to discover Glencoe valley and the Ben Nevis.
It’s now time to go back towards Inverness , with a last stop to do the Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart castle visit.

Where to stay in the Highlands

You won’t have any trouble finding suitable and not too expensive hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs. The most important is to plan your Highlands itinerary in advance, so you can book your nights and make sure you will have a place to sleep.

In summer, everything is often fully booked and it’s very risky to go without a reservation! And if by luck you find something, you might end up paying a crazy price for it.

So really, my best advice is to try to plan your trip to the Highlands as much in advance as possible.

Here is a list of the best places to stay in the Highlands depending on your location.

Fort William Backpackers: Located in the center of Fort William. Bed in a dormitory from 22€. Strong points: the atmosphere, the welcome, the location. The best choice for backpackers!
Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club: Located 1.5 km from Fort William. Scottish style double room starting at 100€/night with breakfast included. Strong points: indoor heated swimming pool, the free parking, the breakfast.
Nevis Bank Inn: Located on the banks of Nevis river, 10 minutes away from Fort William’s town center. Large double room from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: pleasant staff, very clean and a good restaurant.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel: 5-star hotel located 6 km away from Fort William. The place is actually a small castle that offers double rooms with a view on the gardens and the peak of Glen Nevis. Prices start at 550€ breakfast included. Strong points: the extraordinary setting, the amazing breakfast and the wonderful staff. The best choice for a luxury trip to the Highlands!

Inverness Student Hotel : A youth hostel located 10 minutes walking from the town center. Bed in a dormitory starting at 20€ and breakfast for 5€. Strong points: home-made scones, warm atmosphere, location, and price. Perfect for backpackers!
The King’s Highway Wetherspoon : Located only 5 minutes from the castle. Large double room from 80€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: central location and price
Glen Mhor Hotel : Located on the river banks, 5 minutes away from the town center. Cozy double room with a view over the cathedral from 145€, breakfast for 14€ extra. Strong points: The warm welcome, the location, the view and the great breakfast.
Jurys Inn Inverness : Located near Inverness. Modern and bright double room from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, free car park. This is my favorite for its excellent value for money!
Bunchrew House Hotel : close to Inverness, this charming hotel is located in a beautiful 17th century building with a garden. Comfortable and elegant double room starting at 400€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: the setting, the excellent meals, the amazing breakfast, the calm, the wonderful staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Inverness!
Scourie Guesthouse : Located in Scourie. Modern, comfortable and well equipped double room with sea view, from 130€ per night breakfast included. Strong points: the warm welcome, the great breakfast with delicious homemade muffins + the nice view!
Millview Bed & Breakfast: This B&B features large and clean double rooms from 60€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the warm welcome and the good breakfast
Croft 17 B&B: Cosy double rooms with sea view starting from 80€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the settings, the warm welcome.
Harbour House: Hotel located on the waterfront, 10 minutes away from the center of Ullapool. Double room starting from 100€ per night, breakfast included. Strong point: the view over the bay, the location, the staff.
The Arch Inn: Located at the edge of Ullapool’s dam. Comfortable and well equipped double room with sea view, starting from 115€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the view, the friendly staff, the calm and the great hotel’s restaurant!

Keiran’s House: Located in Plockton. Clean and comfortable double room starting from 125€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: Great host, good location, very calm!
Portree Youth Hostel: Youth hostel located in Portree town center. Bed in a dormitory from 23€/night. Strong points: Ideal location, very clean, the friendly staff.
Sky Lodges: Located 2.9 km from Portree. You will stay in small wooden chalets, well equipped and nicely decorated starting at 130€/night. Strong points: eco-friendly concept, modern equipment.
Cuillin Hills Hotel : Located in a 6-hectare domain facing Portree bay. Double room with traditional decoration from 210€/night breakfast included. Strong points: wonderful view, great meals, charming personnel. This is my favorite for its great location on the Isle of Skye!
Skeabost House Hotel : Located on the edge of Loch Snizort, in Portree. Cozy double room with a view on the park or on the loch from 270€/night breakfast included. Strong points: the superb view, the very comfortable rooms, the amazing staff, the golf course. This is the best hotel for a romantic stay on the Isle of Skye!

To get to the Highlands, you will first have to take an international flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Flights prices to Scotland vary widely, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the best way to pay the best price!

The period from April to September is perfect to visit the Highlands and avoid the cold winter temperatures.

May and September are generally the sunniest months, and it’s not high season yet. This means fewer tourists and cheaper hotels!

June to September is the high season as well as the “Midges” season, and these little mosquitos can be very annoying! As it’s summer, it’s also the warmest time of the year in Scotland.

To sum it up:

To avoid the Midges and have the most chances to see the sun, the best time to visit the Highlands is at the beginning of Spring, the end of the summer or even in Autumn to enjoy the colorful landscapes.

Of course, if you don’t have the choice, visiting the Highlands during summer is also an amazing experience!

To help you visualize where the best places to visit in the Highlands are located, I have made this tourist map of the Highlands, listing everything I talk about in this guide. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with the little arrow.

To visit the Highlands in the best conditions , you will need to bring warm and waterproof clothes (even during summer). Temperatures can drop quickly, especially with wind and altitude.

In winter, you should consider double or even triple layers to protect yourself from the cold. You will also need a good pair of walking boots to be comfortable while hiking.

If you plan to explore the Highlands during summer , you will need to protect yourself from Midges . They can be very aggressive!

Here is a list of the most important stuff you should pack for your trip to the Highlands.

A waterproof coat
A pair of good waterproof hiking shoes
A pair of gloves
Several pairs of warm socks
Several sweaters
One or two thermal t-shirts
Comfortable pants for walking
A pair of waterproof over-pants if you plan to do a lot of hiking
Thermal tights or underpants. They will be your best friends when it’s cold and windy!
An umbrella
A mosquito repellent lotion
A hat and a scarf (for the winter)
A camera or a good smartphone
long sleeves T-shirts to protect yourself against the midges (for the summer)
If needed, an adapter to charge your phone (as Scotland is in UK, they use G type plugs)
A small backpack for hiking

Scotland travel Guides

Buy the Lonely Planet Scotland guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
Buy the DK Eyewitness Scotland guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Scotland ? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Scotland : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Scotland are listed there.

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Scottish Highlands

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Encompassing a broad swath of Scotland that stretches from Inverness north to Thurso, Scotland's spectacular Highlands are separated from the rest of the country by the Great Glen: Glen More. This ancient fault line was used to create the remarkable Caledonian Canal, a unique waterway that extends from the west coast to the east, from Loch Linnhe to the Moray Firth, taking in magnificent Loch Ness along the way.

While much of this mountainous region is uninhabited and therefore excellent for hiking and biking adventures, it does boast many lovely small towns and villages. In fact, one of the top things to do in the Highlands of Scotland is to take a scenic drive along what is one of the. country's most beautiful stretches of coastline.

Along the way, you'll see many fine Scottish castles , which together comprise some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country . At the top end is John o'Groats , home to Scotland's most photographed signpost. It famously includes distances from here to Lands End in Cornwall at the southernmost tip of England, some 1,406 kilometers away.

You can find the best places to visit in this ruggedly beautiful region with our list of the top attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

1. The City of Inverness

2. loch ness, 3. urqhuart castle, loch ness, 4. culloden battlefield and visitors centre, inverness, 5. cawdor castle and gardens, nairn, 6. historic fort george, inverness, 7. the lantern of the north: elgin and its historic cathedral, 8. hike loch maree: mother nature at her best, 9. take a drive to the seaside town of dornoch, 10. inverewe garden and estate, 11. loch assynt and ardvreck castle, 12. the clo mor cliffs and cape wrath, 13. dunrobin castle, 14. john o' groats, 15. the orkney isles, 16. the shetland islands, map of tourist attractions in the scottish highlands.

The beautiful city of Inverness is a great place to begin exploring the Scottish Highlands. Start your adventure in the grounds of lovely Inverness Castle . Although only the north tower of the castle is open to the public, this old sandstone building does provide an imposing and photo-worthy backdrop overlooking the River Ness.

After sightseeing, head to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery with its displays about the city's rich cultural heritage, as well as the history of the Highlands. The late 19th-century Neo-Gothic St. Andrew's Cathedral stands opposite Castle Hill on the banks of the River Ness and is well worth a visit.

Another notable attraction is Abertarff House , Inverness's oldest building dating from 1592. Also worth a visit is the pleasant Inverness Botanic Gardens.

Finally, wrap up your walking tour of Inverness with a little shopping or a beverage at the attractive old Victorian Market . This historic Victorian-era indoor shopping arcade was built in 1890.

Located an easy and extremely scenic 30-minute drive southeast of Inverness city center, Loch Ness is a must-visit when exploring the Scottish Highlands. Famous the world over as the supposed home of Nessie the Loch Ness monster, this picture-perfect freshwater lake is also home to Urquhart Castle, one of the country's most iconic fortresses.

To learn more about the mythical beast that inhabits the lake, visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition . This fun attraction features fascinating displays relating to the monster and the surrounding area.

Given its popularity as a major Scottish tourist destination, Loch Ness is also well served by organized tour operators. One of the best for those based in Edinburgh is the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Day Tour .

Highlights of this great trip north include a visit to Fort William; Linlithgow Palace; the country's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis; and, of course, Loch Ness itself. Once at the loch, you'll have the chance to hop aboard a boat and explore the lake from the water (transportation and tour guide included).

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do at Loch Ness

Once the scene of numerous conflicts between the English and Scots, it's easy to picture just how magnificent Urqhuart Castle once must have been. Dating as far back as the 13th century, the castle's role in Scotland's rich history is well documented and presented in the visitor's center.

Although now just ruins, it's well worth wandering around to get a true sense of its former significance. Its commanding views over Loch Ness are simply breathtaking, with panoramic views along the lake's full length. You'll also have partial access to the Great Tower, and can also visit the dungeons where famous and infamous prisoners alike were once held captive.

In addition to superb exhibits dealing with the castle's rich history, the site also boasts a great café with stunning views over Loch Ness, as well as a gift shop. Given the castle's immense popularity among tourists, admission tickets, as well as parking, must be purchased in advance from its official website (see link below).

Address: Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/urquhart-castle/

It was in Culloden on April 16, 1746, that the last great battle was fought on Scottish soil and the fate of the Stuarts, and of Scotland, was determined. The historic site's visitor center is a must-see, with its first-hand accounts of the battle, a 360-degree film realistically portraying the day's events. Be sure to also check out the spectacular rooftop views of the battlefield .

Also of interest are the gravestones of the Scottish clans, as well as the six-meter-high Memorial Cairn erected in 1881 to commemorate the battle. Other landmarks include Old Leanach Cottage and the Cumberland Stone commemorating the spot where the Duke of Cumberland issued orders to his troops.

The battlefield is strewn with memorials bearing witness to the dead, including the Keppoch Stone indicating the location where Alastair MacDonell, head of the Keppoch clan, fell. Another recalls the Irish Wild Geese, a group of mercenaries in the service of the French crown, who fought on the side of the Highlanders. The "English Stone" commemorates those who fought alongside Cumberland.

If you're based in Inverness, there's a great day-long tour option that takes in both Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield . Highlights include a very personal experience (only eight guests are included), the services of a professional guide, and transportation.

Another great way to learn more about the history of the battle while taking in a variety of other beautiful Highland film locations is to join the popular Diana Gabledon's Outlander Experience Tour .

Starting in Inverness, these private full-day tours include a dedicated professional guide well-versed in Scotland's history and the TV series, and take in top tourist attractions such as the battlefield and the Clava Cairns, as well as Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. This first-rate tour includes pickup from your hotel and round-trip transportation.

Address: Visitor Centre, Culloden Moor, Inverness, Highlands, Scotland

Official site: www.nts.org.uk/culloden/

Culloden - Order of Battle April 16, 1746 - Map

Cawdor Castle, just 16 kilometers northeast of Culloden, is famous as the place where the Scottish King Duncan was murdered in William Shakespeare's version of Macbeth . Although not historically accurate as Duncan was in fact murdered by Macbeth at the Battle of Elgin, it's a wonderful place to visit with its large collection of Shakespearean literature and fine period furniture.

A hawthorn tree dating from 1370 acted as a sign to the first Thane to build a castle here, and today the lovely grounds of this fairy-tale garden, with its colorful flowerbeds, are well worth a visit. Also fun to explore are the nature trails and nine-hole golf course. A quaint cottage on the grounds is available for rent for those looking to really soak up the ambience of this historic castle and estate.

Address: B9090, Cawdor, Nairn, Scotland

Official site: www.cawdorcastle.com

Also of interest for those making the journey to Culloden is nearby Fort George . This huge artillery fortress was built soon after the Battle of Culloden as a means to keep the defeated Highlanders in check. It also served as a constant reminder of the English domination over Scotland.

Besides extensive military installations, including the armoury and barracks, the fort also houses the regimental museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders. The visitor center is also well worth exploring, and puts the fort's role in perspective. A gift shop is also located on the premises. Tickets are bookable in advance from the attraction's official website (see link below).

Address: Ardersier, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/fort-george/

Located about 61 kilometers east of Inverness on the road to Aberdeen, Elgin has a number of historic attractions worthy of a visit. After centuries of plundering, what's left of Elgin Cathedral's tower hints at the former splendor of the 95-meter-long "Lantern of the North," as the church was known.

Other features still visible include the west facade, the 13th-century choir, the great east rose window, and the octagonal chapter house. Daily guided tours are available and are well worth joining. Elgin is also home to Scotland's oldest church, Birnie Church, which dates from 1140.

Other tourist sites of interest are Spynie Palace, with its massive David's Tower built in 1470; Duffus Castle, a fine example of a Norman motte and bailey castle; and Brodie Castle and Country Park .

Seat of the Brodie family since 1160, it's home to fine French furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, Chinese porcelain, and a notable collection of paintings. The collection includes works by French Impressionists and English and Dutch artists.

Your tour around the extensive grounds should include a visit to the 1.8-meter-high Pictish Rodney Stone, carved with Celtic animal symbols and inscriptions.

Address: King Street, Elgin, Moray, Scotland

Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/elgin-cathedral/

Loch Maree is a deep Pleistocene valley that serves as a habitat for otters and black-throated divers, and is a big draw for hikers due to its nature trails and campsites. The more demanding mountain trail, a six-kilometer circular tour, offers an unforgettable view over Loch Maree and the majestic mountains that make this part of the Highlands so popular.

Other nearby highlights include Victoria Falls , a waterfall near Shatterdale named after Queen Victoria, who visited the loch in 1877. It's also a popular fishing location, too, with fun excursions along with scenic boat rides available to tourists.

The attractive village of Gairloch is another scenic stop on the Highlands' tourist route and lies in a sheltered sandy bay. Along with its nine-hole golf course, there's also the Gairloch Heritage Museum with its displays detailing the cultural and economic development of the area from the Stone Age to the present day.

A scenic one-hour drive north of Inverness, the seaside town of Dornoch is one of the best places to visit in the Highlands of Scotland for those wanting a fun small-town getaway . Its coastal setting also makes Dornoch the perfect place to sample Scottish seafood, with great eateries such as the Highland Larder offering fresh fare caught that day.

For such a small town (its population is just shy of 1,500 souls), Dornoch also boasts a surprisingly diverse array of fun things to do. Topping the list of attractions to visit is Dornoch Cathedral. Built in 1224, it's an impressive structure that adjoins Dornoch Castle, a 16th-century mansion that now houses a hotel. Other points of interest include the old Witch's Stone, the sandy and sheltered Dornoch Beach, and the nearby Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve.

Dornoch is also something of a mecca for golfers, too. Here the big draw is Royal Dornoch. As old but not quite as famous as the golf courses of St. Andrews (except among golfers), Royal Dornoch boasts two championship 18-hole courses overlooking the Dornoch Firth, making them among the most picturesque in the UK.

The subtropical Inverewe Garden and Estate overlooks a sheltered bay by Loch Ewe near Poolewe, eight kilometers north of Gairloch. It has thrived here thanks to the area's mild climate. Osgood Mackenzie was only 20 years old when, in 1862, he proved that plants from distant lands could survive on the poor Torridon sandstone and acid peaty soil if it is enriched by loam from the coast and the wet peat was drained.

Highlights include rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias, eucalyptus from New Zealand, Japanese ferns, Himalayan lilies, South American water lilies, giant forget-me-nots from the South Pacific, rock gardens, ponds, Scotch pines, and rare varieties of palms. Guided walking tours are available weekdays. Be sure to also pop into the Sawyer Gallery, which hosts art and crafts-related exhibits throughout the year.

Address: Inverewe, Poolewe, Wester Ross

Official site: www.nts.org.uk/Property/Inverewe-Garden-and-Estate/

Some of the Highlands' most stunning scenery is to be found 35 kilometers north of Ullapool around beautiful Loch Assynt. This unforgettable picture-book landscape is famous among anglers for its salmon and trout fishing, as well as its majestic mountain panoramas. At the eastern end of the loch stand the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, built in 1590 for the MacLeods and later run by the MacKenzies and Sutherlands.

Other historic ruins include a kiln barn and mill, as well as the remains of an ancient chambered cairn. Also nearby is Inchnadamph Nature Reserve, home to Scotland's largest network of caves ; Loch a'Chairn Bhain's seal colony; and the 200-meter-high Eas a Chual Aluinn Falls, Britain's highest waterfalls.

Address: Lairg, Sutherland, Scotland

Mainland Scotland's most northwesterly point, Cape Wrath offers up some of the most remarkable views over the North Atlantic toward the Orkney Isles. It's also one of the wildest parts of the Highlands, full of interesting geological features and steeped in maritime history.

One of the few man-made structures in the area is the lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson in 1827 on the spectacular Clo Mor Cliffs . The area is also popular among bird-watchers, and for hikers, numerous trails crisscross the area, including some leading to lovely Loch Nevis .

Only a mile northeast of Golspie stands imposing Dunrobin Castle. It served as the seat of the influential counts and dukes of Sutherland who, by the end of the 19th century, owned more land than any other landowner in Europe.

The castle itself was begun in 1275, although much of the neo-Baronial style seen today dates from the mid-19th century. The attractive corner towers with their conical slate roofs lend a distinct fairy-tale look reminiscent of the famous Loire Valley chateaux in France.

Of the castle's 189 rooms, the Drawing Room stands out as a highlight, with its Louis XV-style furniture, fine portraits, and 18th-century tapestries. The extensive Italian-style gardens are ideal for a stroll and also offer fine views over the Dornoch Firth.

If there's time available in your Highlands travel itinerary, linger a little longer for one of the castle's regular falconry shows. There's also a first-rate tea shop on-site serving traditional high tea.

Location: Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland

Official site: www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

John o' Groats landmark "Journey's End" signpost

Famous as the northernmost community on the mainland, the village of John o' Groats is well worth visiting. Legend has it this small village was named in the 1400s after a Dutchman, Jan de Groot, who was well-known in the area for the ferry service he provided, connecting the mainland to the Orkney Islands some 40 miles away to the north.

As legendary as the name is the famous signpost that stands overlooking the coast. For decades, hikers, adventurers, and tourists have stood next to the sign for a photo opportunity, often after having made an epic cross-country journey from Lands' End, the UK's most southerly point.

Traveling from Lands' End, some 847 miles to the south, to John o' Groats by bike takes around 14 days, and is a bucket-list item for many cyclists. However you get here, you can even put up a name of your own choosing, adding letters to spell out the name and mileage to your hometown.

John o' Groats still acts as a jumping-off point for adventurers and travelers to the Orkneys, with a summer ferry service that connects the mainland to the communities of South Ronaldsay and Burwick. But stick around long enough to sample other fun things to do in John o' Groats, including visiting during its annual book festival, popping into nearby Mey Castle, and Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.

While the Orkneys are popular with walkers, nature lovers, bird-watchers and anglers, there's also plenty of interest for more traditional tourists, including its famous prehistoric sites. Two of the most famous are Maes Howe Chambered Cairn , Britain's best-preserved Stone Age burial chamber dating from 2500 BC, and the Skara Brae Prehistoric Village , an open-air museum with well-preserved houses and remnants of Stone Age furnishings.

Of the 67 Orkney islands, only 18 are inhabited, and many of the others serve as breeding grounds for seabirds, kestrels, peregrine falcons, sparrow hawks, and golden eagles. Kirkwall , the largest town, has a number of historic sites of interest, including St. Magnus Cathedral , reminiscent of the cathedral in the Norwegian city of Trondheim (Norway once owned these islands).

Also worth seeing is the 12th-century Bishop's Palace, in which Norway's most famous King, Haakon, died in 1263, and the ruins of Earl Patrick's Palace, one of the finest examples of 16th-century Scottish secular architecture.

Hikers and mountain bikers alike enjoy exploring the Shetland Islands, as do water sports enthusiasts, who can choose to play on more than 350 lakes or the vast Atlantic Ocean. The lochs, well stocked with brown and rainbow trout, are a paradise for fly fishermen, and there are also many opportunities for deep-sea fishing.

For golfers, the chance of a round at midnight on Britain's northernmost golf course is irresistible, and bird-watchers are drawn to Fair Isle, Mousa, Noss, and near Herma Ness to watch Arctic terns; shearwaters; razorbills; gannets; and the amusing puffins, known here as "Tammy Noirie."

Shetland consists of nearly 100 islands, together forming the northernmost outposts of the British Isles (it's 160 kilometers from the mainland and on the same latitude as the Norwegian city of Bergen). Other top things to do on the Shetland Islands is visit the many spectacular Stone Age sites, the best of which is the Jarlshof Prehistoric Settlement , a fascinating complex that includes Bronze Age roundhouses alongside Viking longhouses.

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The 25 Best Places To Visit In The Scotland Highlands On Your Next Trip!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Scotland

The 25 Best Places To Visit In The Scotland Highlands On Your Next Trip!

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Heading to the United Kingdom and looking for inspiration in the form of the best places to visit in Scotland’s highlands? Well, you’ve come to the right place – and even better, I’ve got 25 epic reasons why you need to go to the Highlands of Scotland now.

In case you are somehow sitting on the fence — you won’t be by the time we finish here!

An incredible escape northwards to the mythic landscapes of the Highlands. An untamed land of enchanting solitude filled with rugged mountain ranges, unexpectedly beautiful coastline, and windswept islands. Castles are another hugely significant location in Scotland, and something that almost all Scotland tours will include.

Of course, there is also a shy monster, whiskey, animals, outdoor pursuits, and some amiable people – just be prepared for the most changeable weather you have ever experienced. Oh Scotland, you do spoil me so.

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Page Contents

#1. Glen Finnan Viaduct

#2. urquhart castle, #3. eilean donan castle, #4. faskally woods, #5. loch ness, #6. house of bruar and falls of bruar, #7. inverness, #8. cairngorms national park, #9. glen roy, #10. luskentyre beach, #11. castle stalker, #12. oban, the gateway to the islands, #13. ben nevis, #14. bag a munro or two, #15. highland cows, #16. culloden, #17. glen etive, #18. james bond skyfall location, #19. glen coe, #20. river lochy falls, #21. mallaig, #22. kilchurn castle, #23. isle of skye, #24. buchanan castle, #25. loch lomond.

One of the most stunning viaducts in the world – An absolute must-see! It is now most famous thanks to its role in the Harry Potter films the Hogwarts Express was seen calling at Glenfinnan! Not the first location on this list to be famous due to its role in movies set in Scotland . All aboard!

Why you need to go to the Highlands of Scotland

On the atmospheric banks of Loch Ness, you’ll find the ruins of Urquhart Castle. On a peninsula out over the water sit the crumbling walls of this 1000-year-old castle, battled over by clans in the Middle Ages, abandoned and partially destroyed in the 17th century.

Now it’s merely a romantic spot at one of Scotland’s most picturesque locations.

Recently-built paths make the castle easy to navigate, and you can climb to the top of Grant Tower to get incredible views across the water. Try and come here late in the day so you can enjoy the golden afternoon light or the setting sun.

The most recognized and photographed castle in Scotland. An icon of Scotland found on shortbread tins and calendars the world over!

Built on its own little island, overlooking the mythical Skye , it is here that three great sea-lochs meet, creating a truly breathtaking setting!

The Highlands of Scotland are (justifiably) famous for their craggy mountains and sweeping views, but they also have some gorgeous woods and glens.

Near the bustling town of Pitlochry, you’ll find these rich woodlands on the banks of Loch Dunmore. While the layout was man made in the 19th century, the species and wildlife are all Mother Nature’s. It was once known as the ‘foresters’ classroom’ for the opportunities for learning amidst the 200 species of trees.

In autumn, things here get even more magical and beautiful with The Enchanted Forest sound and light show. This transforms the woods into a veritable fairyland full of bright colors and ethereal music. We’d recommend spending a couple of days in Pitlochry, and this is a detour worth making.

The largest lake in Scotland, this loch needs no introduction. Made famous for its monster that lurks within, no visit to the Highlands would be complete without a visit to her murky shores. Say hi to Nessie!

For a more extreme visit, why not consider discovering Scotland’s iconic lochs at your own pace with scenic kayaking excursions along the Great Glen Canoe Trail.

A 22-mile trail made up of the four main lochs (Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour) the Caledonian Canal system is a fun and adventurous day out for serious paddlers and myth busters alike. Whether you’re looking to beat the salmon upstream or searching for the UK’s most infamous local legend, this thrilling activity is for you!

OK, we know it’s odd to include what is essentially a service station on our list of places to visit in the Scottish Highlands, but this is no ordinary service station. Set among the gentle slopes of Perthshire, House of Bruar showcases the finest Scottish produce and products in its vast complex off the A9.

You can enjoy lobster and chips at the fish and chip shop, tea and shortbread at the café, stock up on haggis and whiskey in the Food Hall and Drinks Shop, and even buy own-brand clothing.

If you need a better excuse to encourage doubtful travel companions, there’s the nearby trail to the Falls of Bruar. It’s a 2km walk to the cascading waters through verdant foliage and mysterious woods. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves are turning golden.

After this 4-km round walk, you’ll definitely deserve a treat back in the Food Hall! This is the perfect road trip stop on your way from Edinburgh to the Highlands (and back again!).

best places to visit in scottish highlands

Inverness, a thriving city that offers a wide variety of things to do and see from shopping and culture to eating and drinking.

The old town is beautiful and is located at a highlands crossroad meaning you’ll probably pass through at some point. Be sure to stay a while!

This is a bit of a cheat on our part, as the Cairngorms National Park actually covers over 4000-square-kilometers, so it includes lots of different places to visit! Situated in the northeast of Scotland, it’s a dream location for lovers of the great outdoors. There are tons of activities to enjoy, from hardcore climbs, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and canoeing, to relaxing walks.

The landscape here is endlessly fascinating. There’s a huge area of plateaux with domed summits, rock tors, and granite cliffs. The Insh Marshes are also home to lots of species of birds, while two of Scotland’s Great Trails go through here. TV or movie buffs might recognize backdrops from The Crown, Mary Queen of Scots, and the 2020 James Bond film (so now you’ll have to visit here and the Skyfall location to complete the set!).

There’s even a brewery to round off your trip!

The Glen Roy National Nature Reserve, famed for its ‘Parallel Roads’ that slash through the landscape. These straight, precise lines baffled scientists for so long, including Charles Darwin, and are evidence of a long-gone glacial lake.

Woodland and nature still reign supreme in this tucked-away valley. A true gem that is largely undiscovered by tourists!

Lots of Scots you meet will tell you that the Highlands has the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s easy to laugh them off, until you visit places like Luskentyre Beach on the island of Harris.

Vast swathes of white sand beaches, cobalt blue waters, soft hills in the background – it’s absolute perfection. If you visit on a sunny day, you can hardly believe you’re in Scotland.

Because it’s relatively isolated, there is very little disturbance here. You feel totally serene and unplugged from everything. Take off your shoes and socks to tiptoe across the smooth sands and dip a toe or two into the water – the freezing temperatures will remind you that you’re definitely still in Scotland!

It’s a special place in a special country.

This island castle’s picturesque placement, standing tall on a bewitching island set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains, has made it something of a cliché image of the Highlands.

But not to fear, Castle Stalker is entirely authentic and is one of the best-preserved medieval tower-houses in Scotland. Marvel in its splendor!

Just another reason why you need to go to these must-see places in Scotland Highlands.

This resort town on the west coast of Scotland is where many ferries out to the islands depart – hence the name ‘the Gateway to the Islands’. But if you’re heading out to the islands, we’d definitely recommend not rushing through Oban.

It’s a colorful town with a rich Gaelic culture; you could easily base yourself here while taking day trips to the islands and the nearby Western Highlands.

It’s a great town to explore on foot, so you can spend time strolling the picturesque streets around the bay and visiting the independent galleries and shops. Enjoy a spectacular sunset from nearby Dunollie Castle ruins then end your day with a local whiskey.

best places to stay in scottish highlands

The highest mountain in the British Isles standing at 1,346 meters – so naturally, no list of best places to visit in Scotland highlands would be complete without it.

An iconic peak soaring over Fort Williams, if the weather allows be sure to try to climb her lofty heights! I mean…I’ve only ever seen it covered in clouds, but you might have better luck!

We’ve already spoken about glorious Ben Nevis, but it’s just one of many ‘Munros’ in Scotland – mountains over 3000 feet. ‘Bagging’ Munros is something of a sport among the most hardened mountaineers, where you try to climb every single one of the 282 Munros.

Now, we’re not suggesting you do that, but if you have the time and the inclination (and it’s not pouring), why not try climbing one?

The Carinwell and Carn Aosda are among the easiest, with good tracks and minimal ascent. Lots of ski slopes also lie here, so while the views are excellent, the ski developments are a bit of an eyesore. Ben Chonzie is in the Southern Highlands and also has outstanding tracks to use.

Unfairly seen as the ‘most boring’ Munro, the Lochside track is very pleasant, and there can be beautiful views on a non-misty day.

What could be more iconic than Highland Cows (pronounced Coo’s in the local dialect!). These lumbering teddy bears dot the landscape, so be sure to pull over and appreciate them! It would be rude not too right!

Any more questions as to why you need to go to the Highlands of Scotland

Ask a staunch Scot about Culloden, and you’re sure to get an earful (in the nicest way possible!). It was one of the most dramatic battles in Scottish history when in 1742, Jacobite supporters fought to restore the Stuart monarchy. One thousand five hundred men died in an hour — and the fight came to nothing.

In the place where this once happened is a sensitive memorial and Visitor Centre, a place where people can come to learn more about Scottish history and where headstones mark the fallen. It’s a totally immersive and interactive experience that gives you a greater understanding of this proud country’s past.

This stunning valley is hidden just off the main highland road. You would undoubtedly pass right by this hidden paradise, but that would be a mistake.

A dead-end road, you will only find a few lost tourists down here but pack your picnic and enjoy these quiet splendor!

The location that inspired my entire travel here…Bond and M head into the misty valley preparing for their final show-down at SKYFALL, Bond’s childhood manor.

While the manor does not actually exist, the iconic shots of the Aston Martin up the valley do! Check out my separate post for the exact location!

The deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe are the most iconic scenery in the Highlands and something which you could hardly miss if you tried.

Carved out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions driving through these giants is an other-worldly experience. Given the changeable weather, multiple trips provide a distinct experience each and every time!

A tucked-away reserve just off the main road – Perfect to stretch your feet after a long drive exploring all the best places to visit in Scotland Highlands.

A silent forest envelopes you and leads you towards these picturesque falls. A perfect picnic spot that you will likely enjoy to yourself!

A thriving port town made famous as being the road to the Isles. But not to be skipped over this fascinating place has the atmosphere of a working fishing port but is also a perfect remote location to relax and unwind!

Something is always going on here!

A ruined castle surrounded by soaring mountains and boggy marshland. At the head of Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan visible; this was the original power base of Clan Campbell. A must-see place in the Scotland Highlands!

The mythic island of Skye, filled with an ancient landscape and a dark history. The biggest of the Scottish Isles, I have dedicated an entire Highlights of Isle of Skye post to her secrets!

Easily one of the best places to visit in Scotland Highlands, if not the absolute best. It is hard to choose a favorite – but Skye could well be it…

Castles are magical places. Once the homes of royalty, they always offer fascinating insights into how people used to live. Walking within the cool, stone walls is a way of traveling back in time to before heating, electricity, and Netflix, when survival was paramount.

As you might imagine from a country as rich in history as Scotland is, they have some pretty amazing castles. From the Big Name castles that loom above Edinburgh and Stirling to less well-known ruins in the Highlands, there are plenty of historical fortifications to explore.

If you love a castle and like to go places off the tourist trail, then we have the perfect recommendation for you: Buchanan Castle in Stirlingshire, easily one of the best things to do in Scotland. Abandoned to nature after World War II, this grand old home is still the official seat of Clan Graham, although it is more ruins than homely now. It’s a spectacularly spooky place to visit (go in daylight), but also fascinating.

We should mention here that technically it’s not a visitors’ site, but you’ll have to read more about getting to Buchanan Castle to find out how you can visit yourself.

buchanan castle in scotland ** buchanan castle ** buchanan hotel drymen ** buchanan castle scotland ** buchanan arms ** buchanan arms hotel ** buchanan arms drymen ** clan buchanan tartan ** buchanan arms hotel drymen ** buchanan castle drymen ** buchanan family crest ** clan buchanan

One of the first lochs before you enter the highlands proper, this tranquil lake is an ideal destination to stop and relax. Enjoy a coffee, marvel at is vista and take a walk.

You’re on holiday so enjoy it!

So now you know why you need to go to Scotland and have a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Scotland Highlands. Stunning right. Scotland is truly like no other country on Earth. Tokyo might be weird , Lapland might be quiet , and Cuba maybe be colorful , but Scotland is wild, untamed, raw, natural beauty…

What are you waiting for — get booking those flight tickets!

Need any help? Feel free to comment below. Also check out my other Scotland posts about Freedom Camping , Skye , Hogmanay in Edinburgh and the Isle of Muck !

The Best Places to Visit on a Tour of the Scottish Highlands

Places to Visit on a Scottish Highlands Tour

The Highland Boundary Fault, a geological feature, separates the Highlands from the Lowlands in the northwest of Scotland. The Highlands are famous for their breathtaking scenery with lochs, mountains, and forests that offer activities for visitors of all ages and interests, whether they’re into hill walking, mountain biking, or wild camping.

Touring the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands are what I like to think of as ‘the real Scotland’ because they have (mostly) escaped the clutches of tourism, and it’s still possible to roam for miles and miles without seeing another person – even in the height of summer.

In most places, the people of the Highlands still enjoy a traditional way of life with locals offering a warm welcome wherever you go outside the tourist hotspots, and it’s this friendly culture that ensures visitors return year after year. But it’s the landscapes that are the biggest draw for the 10 million annual day trips to the Scottish Highlands.

Head to Glencoe to admire the craggy peaks of Bidean nam Bian and you’ll instantly fall in love with the country, just like you will when you visit the spectacular landscapes of the Nevis Range , the Cairngorms, or the remote wilderness of Sutherland .

Or how about the world’s most famous body of water, Loch Ness , where you might be lucky enough to spot the elusive monster while standing next to the ruins of one of the most atmospheric castles in Scotland, Urquhart Castle ?

Then again, maybe you prefer to lose yourself in the wilderness with a camera in hand, searching for red deer, golden eagles, and wildcats before heading to the coast to keep a lookout for whales, seals, and dolphins. Or perhaps you like your tourist attractions to have a historical theme, in which case Fort George and Dunrobin Castle will be at the top of your itinerary.

The only downside is that you might struggle to decide where to go first, which is why I’ve put together this guide that will show you the top-rated tourist attractions in this ever-popular region of Scotland.

Dunrobin Castle

Address: Dunrobin, Golspie, Sutherland, KW10 6SF
Contact details: Telephone 01408 633177
Out About Scotland Guide: Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle has a history that stretches back over 700 years, from its humble beginnings as a simple square keep for the 13th-century Earl of Sutherland to the current fairytale palace that wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney cartoon.

Dunrobin is one of the northernmost country houses in Scotland. You’ll find other estates even further north (like the Castle of Mey in Sutherland), but you’ll struggle to find one as attractive as Dunrobin.

There are two parts to this castle that make it particularly tourist-worthy. First, there’s the castle itself, which you can walk around on a self-guided tour, and second, there are the manicured gardens overlooking the Moray Firth. These gardens were designed to look like the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, and you’ll find it hard to believe you’re still in Scotland if you visit on a sunny summer’s day.

Head inside the castle and you’ll be equally impressed, with each room beautifully laid out with paintings, tapestries, and fine carvings, but the highlight of a tour is visiting the Victorian museum in the old summer house. The museum is regarded as one of the finest private collections in Britain and it’s filled to the rafters with archaeological relics and animal displays, with many of the specimens brought back by the Dukes of Sutherland during their family safari over one hundred years ago.

The final highlight of a visit to Dunrobin is watching the falconry displays held on the lawn that feature some of the birds of prey you’re likely to see in the Highlands, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. It’s a great show and the perfect way to round off a visit to this incredible stately home.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Address: Tom-na-Faire Station Square, Fort William, Highland, PH33 6TQ
Contact details: Telephone 0844 850 4685
Out About Scotland Guide: The Jacobite steam train

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last twenty years, you’ll have heard of Harry Potter and, more than likely, seen at least one of the movies. If you have, then you’ll have watched the scene where he’s transported across the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite steam train.

Though visitors can’t buy a ticket for Hogwarts, they can at least take the non-magical train ride that starts at Fort William and continues through some of Scotland’s finest landscapes, passing lochs, mountains, glens, rivers, and coastline, alongside some of the country’s most memorable sights including Ben Nevis, Loch Morar, and, of course, Glenfinnan.

The steam locomotive was built in the late 1940s but it can trace its design back to the 1920s, while the carriages date from the 1960s, so a trip onboard is like taking a step back in time. You’re free to take your own drinks or you can purchase wine and a snack pack from the catering carriage, and there surely can’t be a better way to see Scotland than sitting in one of the yesteryear carriages with a glass of bubbly in hand.

You’re not stuck indoors for the whole journey though as there’s a stop at Glenfinnan station where you can get out and take a look around the West Highland Railway Museum before continuing your journey to Mallaig.

Once at the final destination you can disembark for around an hour before boarding for the return trip – which gives you just enough time to catch one of the boat tours that sail around Mallaig harbour. This is a superb location to watch seals and the occasional whale, and you’ll more than likely see Britain’s biggest bird of prey – the sea eagle – too.

Eilean Donan Castle

Address: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DX
Contact details: Telephone: 01599 555202
Out About Scotland Guide: Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of those Scottish attractions that seems to pop up in photos all over the internet whenever you Google ‘places to visit in the Highlands’, and it’s probably the most iconic fortress in the country after Edinburgh Castle .

That’s something you’ll only really understand once you visit it, because the view of Eilean Donan Castle overlooking the lochs of Duich, Long, and Alsh sums up the best of the Highlands in one scene. A visit offers fascinating history, gorgeous landscapes in the surrounding Kintail National Scenic Area, and food and mementoes galore at the on-site restaurant and gift shop.

Basically, if you’re visiting Scotland for the first time, you pretty much have to put a trip to Eilean Donan Castle right at the top of your itinerary.

What you see today is actually a recreation that the MacRae family built a century ago to serve as the clan family home. Even though it’s a wee bit disappointing to find out that the castle is actually quite modern, it does at least have a lot of interesting history behind it, which you’ll discover during a self-guided tour.

The Macraes couldn’t have chosen a nicer site to build their ancestral home, and you can’t fail to be impressed by the details inside, with each room featuring collections of clan memorabilia, elaborately decorated furniture, and impressive racks of historic weaponry.

Glenfinnan Monument

Address: Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT
Contact details: Telephone: 01397 722250
Out About Scotland Guide: The Glenfinnan Monument

Glenfinnan is a village in the Lochaber region that’s best known for two major tourist attractions: the Glenfinnan monument and the Glenfinnan viaduct. It was on the banks of Loch Shiel in 1745 that Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in front of the massed ranks of Highland clans and declared his intention to take the throne of the British Isles in the name of his father, James Stuart.

When government forces massacred the Jacobite army at the battle of Culloden in 1746, the uprising came to an abrupt end, so to commemorate this defining event in Scotland’s history, a memorial was erected in Glenfinnan at the site where the prince first rallied his troops.

The monument is a truly fascinating structure that’s certainly worth walking around, but for the best experience you should head to the nearby National Trust for Scotland visitor centre and book a guided tour to the viewing platform at the top.

The centre has a small museum inside along with a gift shop and snack bar, and it’s a great way to discover the story behind the ‘Bonny Prince’ and the reasons why the Highland clans rallied behind him. The other big attraction at Glenfinnan, in the opposite direction to the monument, is the Glenfinnan Viaduct which sweeps around the shore of Loch Shiel in a wide arc.

The viaduct was built in the late 1890s, and its 21 arches reach a height of over one hundred feet, but what makes it such a special place is the steam train that thunders over it on its way to the coastal town of Mallaig. The Jacobite train has been featured in several movies, but it became world-famous when it played the part of the Hogwarts Express that took Harry Potter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

If you ever get the chance, I recommend purchasing a ticket to cross the viaduct on the steam train as the views are spectacular from start to finish.

Address: Fort Augustus, Highland
Contact details: email [email protected]
Out About Scotland Guide: Loch Ness

Is there anyone who hasn’t heard of Loch Ness, the deepest loch in Scotland, which contains more freshwater than all the lakes of England and Wales combined? A visit to this attraction has to be on every tourist’s itinerary if they intend to see the best bits of Scotland, not because of the monster legend, but because it’s an incredibly scenic place.

There are three popular points for exploring Loch Ness. The first is Fort Augustus at its southern end where you can board one of the many cruise boats that sail up and down it daily. The second is Urquhart Castle in the middle of the loch’s western shore where you can soak up the atmosphere of the ruins of one of Scotland’s most iconic fortresses. The third location is in the Highland capital of Inverness where you can explore the loch from its northernmost corner at the point where it joins the River Ness.

Either of these locations will give you a great experience and I highly recommend all of them, though if I were pushed, I’d suggest spending a little more time in Inverness as it’s such a nice city and has lots of attractions that can easily be combined with a search for the elusive monster.

However, many tourists don’t venture that far and instead prefer to base themselves in Fort Augustus, as it’s an ideal stop-off point for cruise boats touring the 60-mile Caledonian Canal. This waterway is one of the most picturesque in Scotland, especially between the Beauly Firth on the northeast coast and Loch Linnhe on the west.

Urquhart Castle

Address: Drumnadrochit, Inverness, IV63 6XJ
Contact details: Tel 01456 450 551
Out About Scotland Guide: Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness is one of the most-visited places in Scotland, so it’s just as well there are so many activities and things to do in the surrounding area. In addition to the historic towns of Inverness and Fort Augustus which lie at either end of the loch, visitors to Loch Ness can enjoy boat cruises, lochside walks, and a number of historic attractions including the most famous of them all, Urquhart Castle.

Although it’s now almost entirely in ruin, at one time this castle was one of the most strategically important in Scotland and was fiercely fought over for hundreds of years. Its current ruined state is the result of British government troops destroying it in an attempt to stop it from falling into the hands of raiding Highland clans.

Even without all that history, Urquhart Castle would no doubt still be one of Historic Environment Scotland’s most-visited sites, for no other reason than the views of Loch Ness from the ruined battlements which are nothing short of stunning.

HES has done a remarkable job of renovating the castle, and they’ve added one of the best visitor centres in the Highlands, which features an exhibition about the loch, an excellent gift shop, and a superb café with outside terrace seating. On the grounds, children will be amazed by the life-size trebuchet, and adults will have a memorable time walking through the ruins and gazing out at the glassy waters of Loch Ness.

The only downside is that, because it’s such a famous attraction, it gets very busy in the summer, especially at the weekend. That being said, visiting outside of school holidays will allow you to see the castle with much smaller crowds.

Bealach na BA

Address: Strathcarron, IV54 8LX
Contact details: NA
Out About Scotland Guide: The Bealach na Ba

The Bealach na Ba is one of the steepest, wildest, and most beautiful mountain passes in Europe. This remote area of the Applecross peninsula is known for its stunning mountain ranges, and many visitors go there simply to set off on foot through the mountainous expanse of what is regarded as one of the last great wildernesses in Britain.

Many more though, visit the area on a driving tour of the North Coast 500, with the road known as the Bealach na Ba among the best-known sections of the 500-mile route. Alternatively known as ‘the pass of the cattle’, the Bealach na Ba is a single-track tarmac road that winds its way up dramatic mountain peaks to a height of 2,000 feet before levelling off at the summit and gradually sloping down to the village of Applecross on the other side.

Driving it is a hair-raising experience and one that’s not to be taken lightly, especially considering some sections have 180° hairpin bends that give the Alpines a run for their money. As a driving experience, the Bealach na Ba is something that every car-lover needs to experience, but there are just as many two-wheeled vehicles that enjoy traversing the 45-mile road – and that includes cyclists.

Whatever your mode of transport, once at the top, you’ll be presented with breathtaking views across the sea to the islands of Skye, Raasay, and Rum, and it’s possible to explore the surrounding mountains on a number of walks including the popular route to the summit of Sgurr a Chaorachain.

Bidean Nam Bian

Address: Ballachulish, PH49 4HX
Out About Scotland Guide: Bidean nam Bian

The county of Argyll is a favourite with hill walkers thanks to its stunning mountain ranges which include Glencoe and the famous ‘three sisters’. These mountain ridges are a popular route because they offer a number of challenges for hill walkers of all skill levels, and the views from the summits are widely regarded as the best in Scotland, especially from the mountain peak of Bidean nam Bian, which is officially the highest mountain in Argyll.

The summit of Bidean Nam Bian is 3,800 feet (1.16 km) high, so climbing to the top is quite a challenge, but thankfully there are several flat plateaus on the ascent that offer welcome places to take a break.

The most-used path starts from the car park on the A82 next to Loch Achtriochtan and follows an old track towards Coire nan Lochan. It deviates up the north face of the mountain, which is covered in boulders but is a fairly straightforward ascent, and there are a number of waterfalls along the way that are extremely photo-worthy.

Visitors who make it halfway up the side of the mountain will be presented with stunning views of Glencoe, while those that push on up the scree-covered slopes will be rewarded with an even more beautiful sight from the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan.

However, be aware that inexperienced hill walkers shouldn’t attempt this climb, especially in winter when the mountainside becomes hazardous due to a thick layer of loose rocks. Hill climbers who are experienced enough to attempt all three ridges of the three sisters can expect the 6.75-mile (11 km) route to take approximately 8 hours, while those who are happy to double-back at the first waterfall can expect the return climb to be completed in 3 hours.

Cairngorm Mountain

Address: Aviemore, PH22 1RB
Contact details: Cairngorm Mountain Centre telephone 01479 861261
Out About Scotland Guide: Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest in the UK, covering 1,748 square miles across the regions of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus and Perth & Kinross. While this vast wilderness is full of lush forests and tranquil lochs, it’s the Cairn Gorm mountain plateau that draws the majority of visitors who are keen to explore the spectacular ridge.

This famous mountain is actually the seventh-highest mountain in Britain – reaching 4,084 feet – and it’s just as well known for its adrenaline-fuelled snow sports activities as it is for its walking routes that run across the entire Cairngorm range.

One of the best ways to experience the incredible views that Cairn Gorm has to offer is to take the funicular railway from the visitor centre at the base of Coire Cas on the north-western slope to the Ptarmigan Top Station over three thousand feet above. From there you’ll get views right across the Cairngorms with Loch Morlich in the near distance, and it’s worth the funicular ride just for the experience of sitting in the café terrace and soaking up the view.

While you can’t exit the top station unless you’re taking part in snow sports activities, you can at least enjoy the restaurant and shops while you’re there. If you want to hike up the mountain there are paths that lead to Coire an t-Sneachda (one of Britain’s most accessible high mountain corries), though it can be a tricky walk in winter so I recommend you grab a map from the Cairngorm Mountain Visitor Centre before departing.

Culloden Battlefield

Address: Culloden Moor, Inverness, IV2 5EU
Contact details: Tel 01463 796090
Out About Scotland Guide: Culloden Battfield

The Jacobite uprising of 1745 came to a bloody end at the Battle of Culloden, where government forces shot and killed 1,500 Jacobites in less than one hour. The battle led to the end of the traditional Highland way of life and saw the clans that ruled the Highlands come under the rule of the British government. It also saw their leader, Charles Edward Stuart, run for his life to France, never to return to Scotland.

Today, the battle and its repercussions are examined in detail at the high-tech Culloden visitor centre which brings the events of the conflict back to life through a number of interactive exhibits and displays. Inside the centre, visitors can see exactly how the battle unfolded and where each army stood before heading outside onto the actual battlefield to see the battle lines.

Heading back to the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre, there are all the modern facilities tourists could wish for including a restaurant, café, and a gift shop, and while these areas are free to visit (as is the battlefield), the interactive exhibits have an entrance fee. However, if you hold a National Trust for Scotland membership you will gain access to the site and hundreds more like it for free.

Become a National Trust for Scotland member today.

Fort George

Address: Ardersier, Inverness, IV2 7TD
Contact details: Telephone 01667 460 232
Out About Scotland Guide: Fort George

If you ever visit the Highland capital city of Inverness there are two nearby attractions that you should definitely take the time to see. The first is Loch Ness which lies to the south of the city, and the second is Fort George, the 18th-century military fortification that lies to the north.

As a result of its construction to thwart any further uprisings following the battle of Culloden, this fort serves as a stark reminder of the threat the British government perceived from the Jacobite rebellion. The fort is absolutely enormous, and it’s amazing to think that the garrison buildings and mile-long perimeter wall are over 250 years old. But perhaps what’s even more amazing is the fact that it’s still in use by the British Army today.

There’s a lot to see at this attraction with regimental museums, recreated 18th-century barracks, a regimental chapel, and defensive platforms armed to the teeth with cannons on the lookout for invading armies coming from the Moray Firth. These platforms are a fantastic place for sightseers, not just because of the military memorabilia but also because they offer stunning views of the area.

It’s a great wildlife spotting site as well, thanks to the dolphins that swim past on their way to Chanonry Point and Ardesier, so if it’s a clear day and you visit the fort, make sure you take your binoculars and camera with you, as you’re bound to see the dolphins playing in the sea.

After a walk around the perimeter of Fort George it’s time to head inside the buildings where you can discover the history of the Jacobite uprising with displays and exhibitions in the Magazine and the Highlander’s Museum. Both museums are exceptionally well presented – as you’d expect from Historic Environment Scotland – but the Magazine is particularly interesting as it’s home to what is arguably the finest collection of historic weaponry in Scotland.

Glencoe Visitor Centre

Address: Glencoe, Argyll, PH49 4HX
Contact details: Telephone 01855 811307
Out About Scotland Guide: Glencoe Visitor Centre

Scotland is home to a diverse range of beautiful landscapes, from the hauntingly desolate wilderness of Rannoch Moor to the peaceful forests of Perthshire’s ‘big tree country’, but one place that tops all others for stunning scenery is Glencoe. The glen is often cited as being located in Scotland’s most scenic area, and I think the fact that it attracts so many visitors each year is proof that the grandeur of its surrounding mountains is more than worthy of a visit.

Visitors can get to know this extraordinary landscape from the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre which features a shop and a café as well as exhibitions about the area and its history. They can then head out into the wilds of Glencoe to explore the area on a number of walking routes.

If you ever drive through Scotland on the A82 (one of the best road trips in the country, in my opinion) you’ll see Glencoe from Rannoch Moor where the mighty peak of Buchaille Etive Mor can be seen rising into the clouds with the ridges of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh to the south. Behind these ridges, you’ll find the highest point in Argyll where the vast Bidean nam Bian mountain dominates the surrounding landscape.

While the 2 1/2 mile route into the mountains is quite a scramble up steep scree-covered slopes, the views from the trail are nothing short of jaw-dropping and you’ll cross tumbling waterfalls and deep ravines along the way. But if that sounds like a bit too much hard work you can always stay near the car park and walk around Loch Achtriochtan instead.

Address: Ballachulish, PH49 4JA
Out About Scotland Guide: Glen Etive

The A82 has to be one of the best roads in Scotland for touring, and it’s one that easily rivals anything the North Coast 500 has to offer. The sights along this stretch of tarmac are nothing short of breathtaking – especially once you get into Rannoch Moor – but there’s an often-missed side-road that leads somewhere even more spectacular.

The road in question can be found west of the Glencoe Mountain Resort, where a sharp turn takes adventurous drivers into Glen Etive. The single-track road that runs through the glen continues for 12 miles (19 km) alongside a gentle river that eventually opens up into the vast Loch Etive.

Along the way are a multitude of lush forests and snow-capped mountains, with the open expanse of the glen disappearing into the distance as far as the eye can see. It’s an incredibly scenic place.

Because Glen Etive is so frequently visited, the wildlife in the area has become quite used to people, meaning it’s one of the few places in this part of Scotland where you can get close to herds of wild red deer. There’s every likelihood you’ll also see eagles soaring overhead, so if I have any advice to offer for a visit, it’s to take a good pair of binoculars with you (link to binocular reviews).

The Highland Wildlife Park

Address: Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NL
Contact details: Telephone 01397 722250
Out About Scotland Guide: The Highland Wildlife Park

The RZSS are known for their conservation work at Edinburgh Zoo where they work tirelessly to promote public awareness of the plight of many of the world’s endangered animals. But you might be surprised to know they also work with animals from closer to home, and at the Highland Wildlife Park in the Cairngorms you’ll get to see enclosures designed to replicate the habitats of arctic tundra and mountains, just like you get in the remote areas of the Highlands.

Head inside the main area and you’ll see Siberian tigers, Arctic foxes, lynx, wolverines, snow monkeys, and the stars of the show – polar bears. While the walk-around area is what most people consider the main section of the park, there’s an equally large area that you can drive through on a Highland safari. Thankfully, they don’t let the polar bears roam free, so the biggest threat you’ll face is getting a hard stare from one of the roaming bison.

Just like in Edinburgh Zoo, the Highland Wildlife Park has an educational side to it and you’ll frequently find keeper demonstrations and interactive talks throughout the day. In addition, there are lots of information panels at the enclosures so you can learn about each species as you make your way around the site.

If you’re a photographer, you might want to participate in one of the photographic days where you can tour the park with your camera and a keeper by your side, or you might prefer to attend the feeding times and watch the keepers feed the animals. If you get a bit peckish yourself, you’ll be pleased to know there are lots of places to eat in the park, along with the standard coffee shops and vending kiosks, and there’s also a decent shop if you fancy taking home your very own (stuffed) polar bear.

Loch Morlich

Address: Loch Morlich, near Glenmore village, PH22 1QU
Contact details: Telephone 01479 861220
Out About Scotland Guide: Loch Morlich

This natural body of fresh water is located at the base of the Cairngorm mountain range a few miles from Aviemore. The Loch is just a short detour off the B970 if you’re visiting Aviemore, so if you’re ever in that neck of the woods (no pun intended), I recommend you take a look.

Loch Morlich is one of the highest bodies of water in the UK and it has a definite alpine feel to it, especially if you stand on the shore in winter and look up at the snow-capped mountain peaks rising up from the outskirts of the pine forest.

It also has a wide sweeping arc of golden sand on its northern shore which is perfect for summer picnics, and if you’re a watersports fan you can enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing thanks to the watersports centre that hires out a range of equipment.

If you’re not feeling active you can sit back and enjoy lounging around on the UK’s highest beach, or simply go for a walk through the extensive National Nature Reserve in Glenmore forest. There’s also a visitor centre and café just down the road, and it’s just a 20-minute drive into the centre of Aviemore with its pubs, bars, and restaurants if you’re staying in the area in the evening.

The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

Address: Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, Inverness-shire, IV63 6TU
Contact details: Tel 01456 450573
Out About Scotland Guide: The Loch Ness Centre

Everyone has heard of Loch Ness and the mythical creature that’s supposed to hide deep at the bottom of its murky depths. Countless tales have been told over the years about Nessie, and an entire industry has grown around the shy creature and the murky waters it supposedly lives in.

It’s no surprise then, that one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area is an exhibition devoted to the loch and its monster, but this is one attraction that’s designed to educate as much as entertain.

The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition aims to inform visitors about the history of the loch so that people are free to make up their own minds about the legend based on hard scientific facts. The exhibition also displays anecdotal evidence from the many hundreds of people that have claimed to have seen the monster over the years.

During a visit you will learn about the geology of the area, the incredible vastness of the loch, and the supposed underground waterways that are said to connect Loch Ness with the Moray Firth and the North Sea. There’s a lot of memorabilia to look at too, including boats that have sailed on the loch and scientific equipment that has been used over the years in the hunt for the elusive Nessie.

There’s a gift shop and a café should the weather close in, while boat cruises can be organized from the centre on a small craft that has high-tech sonar equipment installed. Who knows, you might even see a glimpse of Nessie on the sonar screen during your voyage.

The Nevis Range Gondola

Address: Nevis Range, Torlundy, Fort William, Inverness-shire, PH33 6SQ
Contact details: Telephone 01397 705 825
Out About Scotland Guide: The Nevis Range Gondola

Ben Nevis is widely regarded as Scotland’s top winter sports venue alongside Cairn Gorm, but there’s much more to this mountain than skiing and snowboarding. Summertime sees almost as many visitors to Ben Nevis as winter does, thanks in part to the gondola ride that offers an easy way to get to the top for hikers, and walking trails that extend across the Nevis range in all directions.

The gondola is a tourist attraction in its own right and you’ll get some amazing views of the Great Glen along the 1.5-mile journey between the bottom and top stations, so don’t forget to pack your camera before you climb aboard.

While you’re free to take a walk on the Sgurr Finnisg-aig and Meall Beag trails once at the top, if you’re a keen mountain biker you’ll no doubt be itching to hurtle back down the mountainside on what is often called one of the best downhill biking runs in the UK.

If two wheels aren’t your cup of tea then I suggest you head to the Nevis Range Experience Centre where you’ll be able to take part in high-rope and tree-climbing experiences, paragliding, organized hikes, and guided photography walks.

The Best Scottish Highland Tours

As nice as it is to explore Scotland on your own, there’s something to be said for joining a guided tour. While long-time visitors to the country will no doubt have a good idea of the best places to go, first-time visitors will likely find the number of attractions in the Highlands bewildering.

If that sounds like you, it might be time to look into guided tours for your next visit to Scotland. The days of sitting in a cramped 50-seat coach for hours on end are long gone, and most tours are now much more personal with groups that rarely exceed a dozen people.

The leader of the pack when it comes to small-group tours has to be Scottish tour operator Rabbie’s, which specializes in ferrying people around Scotland in clean, modern mini-buses with friendly and knowledgeable local guides.

The majority of Rabbie’s Scotland tour packages last a single day, meaning they’re perfect for day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow, but they also run multi-day excursions that last up to two weeks. That means you can spend your entire holiday being driven around by expert guides who’ll show you the best places to visit while sharing tales that immerse you in Scotland’s culture.

The following list will give you an insight into what you can expect to see over 1 or 2 days on a Rabbie’s Scottish Highlands tour which will take you across breathtaking mountain scenery, battle-ravaged castles, and spectacular lochs and glens.

Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky – 1 Day Tour

Depart Inverness and head to Strathpeffer village to explore the area.
Drive to Beauly and explore Beauly Priory. Stop for lunch.
Travel to Glen Affric and stop for a woodland walk.
Travel to Loch Ness then return to Inverness.

Torridon, Applecross & Eilean Donan Castle 1-Day Tour

Depart Inverness and head into the Northern Highlands.
Stop for photos at Loch Maree.
Drive to the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Visitor Centre and take photos of the area.
Drive to the Torridon mountains before stopping at the town of Sheildaig for refreshments.
Continue to Applecross and stop for food in a local pub.
Drive along the Bealach na Bà road.
Head to Loch Duich and visit Eilean Donan Castle.
Drive through the Kintail mountain range, loch Ness and the Great Glen.
Arrive back in Inverness.

West Highland Lochs & Castles 1-Day Tour

Depart Edinburgh and head in the direction of Stirling to arrive at Doune Castle.
Visit the castle then continue through Callander to Loch Lubnaig.
Stop at Loch Lubnaig, then drive to the Braes of Balquhidder.
Continue to Kilchurn Castle and visit the loch and castle ruins before stopping for lunch.
Head to Loch Awe and stop at the town of Inveraray near Loch Fyne.
Explore the old jail in Inveraray and Inveraray Castle before continuing through the Arrochar Alps. Stop along the way for photos.
Drive along Loch Long towards Loch Lomond . Stop at the village of Luss .
Continue towards Stirling Castle for photos.
Arrive back in Edinburgh.

The Complete Loch Ness Experience 1-Day Tour

Depart Inverness and follow the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness.
Either go on a 1-hour cruise around the loch or a 30-minute cruise to Urquhart Castle.
Visit the village of Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness for lunch.
Visit the village of Invermoriston before heading to Fort Augustus for photos.
Travel along the side of the loch to visit the Falls of Foyers waterfall.
Head to the eastern end of the loch at Dores.
Return to Inverness.

Loch Ness, Inverness and the Highlands 2-Day Tour

Itinerary day 1:

Depart Edinburgh and head north towards the Highlands.
Stop at a town in the Highlands for a break, then continue into the Cairngorms National Park.
Choose an activity from whisky distilleries, forest walks, or exploring historic sites.
Stop for food then continue to the overnight accommodation in Inverness.

Itinerary day 2:

Travel to Loch Ness to either take a cruise on the loch or explore Urquhart Castle.
Travel through the Great Glen past Ben Nevis and Fort William.
Stop for lunch and continue to Glencoe.
Drive through Rannoch Moor and continue onwards to Stirling.

For 3-day Scottish Highlands tours, take a look at the Rabbie’s website: Highlands tour from Edinburgh . Highlands tour from Glasgow . Highlands tour from London .

If a visit to the Highlands is combined with a love of the TV series Outlander you might find this article handy: Where Are The Best Outlander Tours in Scotland?
If you’d rather avoid the places where everyone else goes read my article about The Best Non-Touristy Places to Go in Scotland .
Fallen in love with the Highlands? Then you’ll enjoy my Guide to the Most Romantic Places in Scotland .

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the scottish highlands.

Traditional thinking holds that the Highlands and Lowlands make up half of Scotland, with the Highland Fault serving as the division line between the two. This fault line starts close to the area of Helensburgh, approximately 40 miles north of Glasgow, and extends all the way to Stonehaven in the northeast.

What are the most popular attractions in the Scottish Highlands?

Glencoe and Bidean Nam Bian . Ben Nevis in the Nevis Range . Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle . The Cairngorms National Park. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Eilean Donan Castle . The Glenfinnan Monument . Duncansby Head .

How do I tour the Highlands by train?

The West Highland Line runs from Glasgow to Oban where you can catch a Calmac ferry to the Western Isles or stop at Fort William. You can then step on board the Jacobite steam train which runs to the northwest fishing town of Mallaig on a route that has been described as the most beautiful train journey in the world.

What towns and villages should I visit in the Highlands?

Applecross sits on a peninsula in Strathcarron and is notable for the Bealach na Ba pass, which is one of the highest roads in the UK, reaching 2,053 feet at its highest point.

Braemar is best known as the home of the annual Braemar Gathering and Highland Games, held in September.

Glencoe is a popular destination for hikers, and it’s a great starting point for treks into the surrounding Glencoe mountains.

Fort William is the starting point for the Jacobite steam train. The town is known as the outdoor capital of the UK.

Fort Augustus is located on the southernmost tip of Loch Ness and is the main hub for exploring the loch after Inverness, which sits at the opposite end to the north.

Fascinating Facts About Inverness

Tourist Advice for Visitors to the Scottish Highlands

Ullapool Visitor Guide

North Morar Visitor Guide

Loch Morar Visitor Guide

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

The 14 best places to visit in Scotland

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Pack your camping gear (and your rainproofs) and head to some of the best places to visit in Scotland © Robert Coppinger / Shutterstock

Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Think dramatic peaks, lonely glens, lochs, tartan and haggis!

From spectacular Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are as glorious as you’d imagine. But scratch the surface of this proud nation and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, wild clubs, rich seafood and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you've decided on the best time for your visit , you need to decide on the best places to go while you're there. Here is our pick of the best destinations in Scotland to get you started.

Group of people walking along cliff edge looking over Edinburgh

1. Edinburgh

Best place for year-round entertainment

Scotland's capital may be famous for its festivals, but there's much more to the city than that. Edinburgh is a place of many moods: visit in spring to see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or on a chill winter’s day for fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones, and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery , top museums , spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle , there's plenty to keep you entertained whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur's Seat , an extinct volcano for panoramic views over the city.

2. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to really get inside Scotland's landscapes is to walk them. Here, peaks tower over lochs and sea cliffs gaze over the wind-whipped sea, but there are short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather, too. Top of the wish list for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William , a weeklong walk through some of the country's finest scenery, finishing in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it's possible to do just a day's hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus . Whichever section you take on, pack waterproofs and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour: The 1,345m (4,413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who's reasonably fit: treat the peak with respect and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

The Kylesku Bridge spanning Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin in the Scottish Highlands, which is a landmark on the North Coast 500 tourist driving route.

3. North Coast 500

Best place for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands , but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (you can also cycle it), with some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the likable city of Inverness , and loops past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights, and the nooks of warm Highland hospitality found in the region's classic rural pubs and old crofting villages, make this an unforgettable weeklong tour.

4. Isle of Skye

Best place for photographers

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye takes the top prize. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles, and you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants if you can tear your eyes from the natural world. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland's most popular destinations. The crowds tend to stick to Portree , Dunvegan and Trotternish – it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip: Come prepared for changeable weather – when it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed, but all too often it isn’t.

5. Loch Lomond

Best place for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour's drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland's best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland's first national park , the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods before narrowing in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3,031ft) is a popular climb – follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile round-trip on the popular Tourist Route (allow around 5 hours).

embers of the public enjoy their first drink in a beer garden at the Rosevale Tavern in Partick on July 06, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Best place for live music and pub culture

Scotland's biggest city may lack Edinburgh's stunning setting, but it more than makes up for it with a barrelful of things to do and a warmth and energy that leaves every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, it's a great spot to browse art galleries and museums , and to discover the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh .

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world's great live music scenes.

Local tip: Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at the Barrowland (crowned the UK's best music venue by Time Out magazine in 2023), a legendary former ballroom, or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy , a classic indie dive.

7. Stirling

Best place for castle fans

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling ’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle . This fortress has seen serious action – it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine, and was besieged during the 1745 Jacobite rising, as well as sending troops to the battle of Bannockburn (the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart ), just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip: It's best to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips, so you may have the castle almost to yourself by 4pm.

Fishing boat in the harbour at Lybster on the east coast of Scotland.

8. St Andrews

Best place for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by hackers and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass) and the main enemy is the wind, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

St Andrews, the historic Fife university town, is golf's headquarters , and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you're not so keen, well, the city has impressive medieval ruins , stately university buildings , idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants .

The stone ruins of Skara Brae on the coast of Mainland Orkney

9. Skara Brae

Best place for lovers of ancient history

When visiting ancient sites, it can sometimes be difficult to bridge the gulf of years or build a connection with the people that built them, but Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, at 5,000 years is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

10. Glen Coe

Best place for clan history

Scotland's most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by soldiers of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen's finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip: Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.

11. Perthshire

Best place to enjoy nature's bounty

In Perthshire , the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There's a feeling of the bounty of nature that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth.

A group of black-and-white birds with colourful beaks stand together on a clifftop on a misty day

12. Shetland Islands

Best place for birdwatching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish though, with deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on the little-trafficked roads. It's the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness , Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain's most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas (and the Northern Lights).

13. Speyside

Best place for whisky tasting

Scotland's national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha , meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been distilled here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors (head over to Islay for peatier varieties).

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor – the smell is glorious!

Planning tip: Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

14. The Scotland Borders

Best place for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely . That's their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country houses, too – Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests – and a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys – Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best – plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

This article was first published May 13, 2021 and updated Nov 19, 2023.

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11 Best Places to Stay in the Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are home to beautiful vast landscapes and a unique culture and history. With hundreds of hidden villages, historic towns, and a bustling city, there are many great places to base yourself and explore all that the region has to offer.

Staying in one place is a great way to slow down, relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Forget the stress of travelling to a new place every night and delve in deeper to the area you’re staying in. If you’re conscious of your carbon footprint, it’s also much more eco-friendly.

On top of cosy accommodation options, there is plenty to see, do, visit, and experience no matter where you decide to stay in the Highlands.

Nairn Nairn

High tide on the River Nairn

Only 30 minutes away from Inverness, the pretty coastal town of Nairn is one of the sunniest and driest places in Scotland, and the perfect base for your Highland adventure. This family friendly seaside resort boasts three beautiful beaches, two championship golf courses, great shopping and some fantastic cafés and restaurants. Reconnect with nature and take a relaxing stroll through the dunes and forest at the RSPB Culbin Sands Nature Reserve nearby. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – the Moray Firth is one of the best places in Europe to spot dolphins. Enjoy quiet country roads cycling to the 16th century Brodie Castle or visit fairytale Cawdor Castle and its stunning gardens.

Further south, see the mysterious 2,000 year old burial chambers of Clava Cairns , said to be the inspiration for Outlander, or visit the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield and visitor centre, site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil.

Transport: easily accessible by car, train at Nairn Station, and from Inverness Airport

Kingussie Kingussie

Uath Lochans, Kingussie.

Just south of Aviemore, Kingussie is the capital of Badenoch, the Storylands , in the Cairngorms National Park . With ancient fortresses, unique wildlife, scenic nature trails and endless hiking opportunities, this is the perfect base to experience the true Highlands. Discover Badenoch’s immense cultural heritage at the Highland Folk Museum , Britain’s first open air museum, or explore the area’s spectacular scenery on a guided canoe trip along the iconic River Spey with Spirit of the Spey , combining wildlife, history and distilleries along the way.

Take a walk around the beautiful birchwoods of Glen Tromie and reach the impressive historical landmark of Ruthven Barracks , which was once a stronghold during the Jacobite Rebellion and is said to be haunted by The Wolf of Badenoch. Head to the Highland Wildlife Park where you can see the resident polar bear, wolves, Scottish wildcat and red deer up close, or pay a visit to the Dalwhinnie Distillery nearby, which is the highest distillery in Scotland.

Transport: easily accessible by car, train at Kingussie Station, or from Inverness Airport.

Dornoch Dornoch

Dornoch Sands, a beach on the Dornoch Firth, south west of Dornoch, Sutherland

Only an hour north of Inverness, Dornoch is a lovely historic town and seaside resort, and a true little gem in the North Highlands. From beaches, golf courses and historical sites, to stunning scenery, great walks, and wonderful wildlife, you can do it all in Dornoch!

Probably best known for its championship golf course, Royal Dornoch, it is a great place to tee off whilst soaking in the beautiful views that surround the green. Enjoy family time with the kids at Dornoch Beach , complete with shallow waters for paddling, sand dunes and miles of golden sands to wander along, or visit Embo Beach for breathtaking views. There is also a wealth of history linked to the town. Marvel at the beautiful 13th century Dornoch Cathedral or explore one of the Highlands’ only 5-star museums, HistoryLinks . It even has its own Heritage Trail!

Further north, don’t forget to pay a visit to fairytale Dunrobin Castle , the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the North Highlands with 189 rooms.

Transport: easily accessible by car, train at Dornoch Station, or from Inverness Airport

Looking over to Ackergill Tower on the south side of Sinclair's Bay, Caithness.

Transport yourself back hundreds of years to the time of the Vikings in the far north town of Caithness. Wick boasts fascinating ancient history, which you can uncover at the excellent Wick Heritage Centre , which tells the story of the town. Just 3 miles north, visit Castle Sinclair Girnigoe – a dramatic cliff top ruin shrouded in mystery, that was once even occupied by English troops. Caithness is also home to some of the most spectacular archaeology in the country with more broch sites than anywhere else in Scotland. Get an insight into how Iron Age people lived at the dramatic Nybster Broch or discover Dunbeath Broch , one of the best surviving examples of a broch in the area. If you fancy an exhilarating boat trip, head out on the water with Caithness Seacoast to see the spectacular cliffs and seabirds that make their home here. An interesting location to visit is Sinclair’s Bay , which features two castles perched at both ends.

Transport: easily accessible by car and train at Wick Station on the Far North Line

Elgin Elgin

Elgin Museum opened in 1843 and is Scotland's oldest independent museum. The museum holds objects from all over the world with a focus on Moray and th

Dating from the early medieval period, the capital of Moray Speyside, Elgin, has been a bustling town for centuries. Nestled on the picturesque Moray coast and surrounded by gorgeous scenery and picturesque coastline, it is the perfect place to base yourself to explore Scotland’s world-famous whisky region.

Follow the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere trail to uncover the fascinating stories of the Elgin Cathedral , also called the ‘Lantern of the North’. Or delve into the 222-year-old story of Scottish innovation and luxury and find the finest woollen and cashmere knitwear at Johnstons of Elgin .

Further east, don’t miss the historic Gordon Castle & Walled Gardens which has one of the oldest and largest kitchen gardens in Britain, and makes award-winning gin using botanicals grown there. Enjoy the great outdoors and venture out along the Moray Coast Trail and admire marvellous landscapes, rugged cliffs, caves, sheltered coves, fishing towns and harbours, and sweeping stretches of sandy beaches along the way.

Transport: easily accessible by car, train at Elgin Station, or from Inverness Airport

Thurso Thurso

Thurso in beautiful Caithness is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Immerse yourself in wild nature at nearby RSPB Dunnet Head Nature Reserve with its stunning sea cliffs and coastal grassland. You might spot puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, shags, and cormorants. Thurso is also a major surfing area and even hosts the annual Scottish National Surfing Championships. You can have a go at surfing the waves with North Coast Watersports . Take a trip to the Castlehill Heritage Centre and walk round the Flagstone Heritage Trail which celebrates the memory of the flagstone industry in this part of Caithness. Further east, don’t miss the enchanting Castle of Mey , which was previously the Caithness home of the Queen Mother. Perched only 400 yards from the coast, it boasts incredible views across the Pentland Firth and Orkney. If you fancy a tipple or two, or just want to learn more about Scotland’s whisky and gin history, head to Dunnet Bay Distillery and Wolfburn Distillery .

Transport: easily accessible by car and train at Thurso Station on the Far North Line

Fort William Fort William & Lochaber

Shipwreck at Corpach by Fort William

If you’re looking for adventure and a holiday full of exciting activities, why not base yourself in Lochaber, the Outdoor Capital of the UK ? Fort William is a bustling hub for getting outdoors and enjoying adrenaline-fuelled activities; from mountain biking at Nevis Range Mountain Experience , conquering the mountains of Glencoe, to open canoeing on Loch Lochy or spotting unique wildlife on a Wild West Wildlife Safari . Host of popular annual event, UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William offers the perfect terrain for tearing up the tracks with an exhilarating mountain biking experience. There are also many cycle paths and routes which you can explore whilst taking in the magnificent scenery that surrounds you. Or perhaps you’d like to explore the area by boat – Crannog Cruises offers a great water-based experience that lets you see all the sights and learn more about the area, history and geology all from their historic boats.

Transport: easily accessible by car or train at Fort William Station (including the Caledonian Sleeper)

Lairg Lairg

Two cyclists make their way along a single track road near Lairg. A sign on the left in the foreground warns motorists that deer may cross nearby

Known as the crossroads to the north, Lairg is a tranquil little village located in the middle of the North Highlands, just off the North Coast 500 route. There’s plenty to see and do in Lairg! Marvel at the thundering Falls of Shin and witness salmons leaping upstream – one of the wonders of nature. With beautiful forest trails, you can go mountain biking, walking, and foraging with lovely views along the rocky banks of the Shin. Get back in touch with the Scottish landscapes at Ferrycroft Visitor Centre with displays, kids activities and more. There are also two walks that start from the centre; Ord Hill Archaeological Trail and Ferrywood, both featuring immense scenery and views to enjoy. Enjoy the great outdoors on a canoe trip to remember with Go Wild Highland Canoe or visit Loch Shin for a splendid lochside stroll or a bit of fishing. If you look out onto the loch, you might even spot ‘ Broon’s Hoose’ , a peculiar little house on a tiny island.

Transport: easily accessible by car, train at Lairg Station, or from Inverness Airport

Strontian Strontian

Head on a short ferry crossing near Fort William to Corran and you’ll reach the West Highland Peninsulas , a true hidden gem. Overlooking Loch Sunart, the village of Strontian is a magical place to be. Reconnect with nature and take a stroll through beautiful ancient oak woodlands to the Garbh Eilean wildlife hide , where you might see otters, seals, and herons. Climb the scenic hill of Beinn Resipole for stunning views, or go a guided canoe trip at sunset along the loch with Otter Adventures . Further away, you could head to the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse – the most westerly point on the British mainland and the only lighthouse in the world to be designed in an Egyptian style. You might even spot some dolphins or basking sharks. Don’t miss the magnificent sands of Sanna Bay while you’re there and visit the Ardnamurchan Distillery for a tour and tipple or two. If you prefer relaxing, visit Kingairloch Beach and soak in the picturesque views towards Loch Linnhe.

Transport: best accessed by car

Ullapool Ullapool

Ullapool Harbour

Nestled on the shores of Lochbroom, Ullapool is the perfect base for exploring the north west Highlands. Take a stroll on Shore Street with its pretty white-washed cottages overlooking the sea. Visit the excellent Ullapool Museum & Visitor Centre and find some uniquely independent shops, from art and crafts to bookshops and the famous Highland Stoneware Pottery . Head further north to the spectacular North West Highlands Geopark , or follow the stunning trails at the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve and see rocks that are over 3,000 million years old.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a guided rock climbing experience on the towering mountains, or try out sea kayaking, exploring sea caves and sandy beaches with Kayak Summer Isles . For a chance to spot whales, dolphins and seals, explore the Hebridean Whale Trail on a boat trip to the beautiful Summer Isles. Further south, soak up the tranquillity of the Leckmelm Shrubbery and Arboretum or marvel at the dizzying depths of Corrieshalloch Gorge with its spectacular waterfalls.

Transport: easily accessible by car, bus, or ferry from the Outer Hebrides.

Inverness Highlands

Inverness Cathedral

Take a wander through the city centre, marvel at Inverness Castle and Inverness Cathedral – dedicated to St Andrew, and discover great museums, galleries, and shopping. For peace and relaxation, stroll along the riverside paths around the Ness Islands or visit the Inverness Botanic Gardens .

How about some monster hunting? Take a trip from Inverness to Loch Ness for your chance to spot the elusive Nessie, or explore one of the country’s most iconic ruins, Urquhart Castle .

Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the mountains and glens of this ancient landscape, from the stunning Glen Affric National Nature Reserve to the Loch Ness 360 Trail , looping the entire circumference of Loch Ness. You could also go canoeing along the beautiful Caledonian Canal following the Great Glen Canoe Trail or experience mountain biking on the Kelpies Trails at nearby Abriachan Forest .

Transport: easily accessible by car, train at Inverness Station (including the Caledonian Sleeper), or from Inverness Airport

That was just a taste of what’s on offer. With such vast landscapes, there are plenty more amazing towns and villages to base yourself for your perfect Scottish Highlands holiday. From spending quality time with family and getting to grips with the local culture and heritage, to being part of the community and enjoying a relaxing getaway in Scotland, basing yourself in a Highland town is a great option.

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Your Essential Scottish Highlands Trip Itinerary

Your Perfect Itinerary To See The Hidden Spots In The Scottish Highlands (1)

There’s no doubt by now that you’ve seen us banging on about how beautiful the Scottish Highlands are and how much we loved our visit. From the stunning beauty of the Cairngorms , foraging for seaweed for lunch, the Wester Ross Trail and driving part of the North Coast 500 . Honestly, there are so many places to include on your Scottish Highlands trip itinerary.

You’re going to love it.

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So, to give you a bit of background. Visiting Scotland was a homecoming, of sorts. Before Yaya started at Cambridge , we both studied at St. Andrews (on the east coast) but for some silly reason, we never made it into the Highlands.

This trip was to remedy that fact, and it lived up to all the expectations we had.

So, to help you see lots on your Scottish Highlands trip itinerary; I’m popping our very favourite spots we loved. This way, you can focus on exploring the Scottish Highlands, without being bogged down with the planning.

Scottish Highlands trip itinerary: Day 1

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09:00 Arrive in Inverness: on the Caledonian Sleeper and hop into a taxi outside the train station to pick up your hire car.

10:00 Drive to Rothiemurchus: this drive will take you about 45 minutes and you’ll end up smack bang within the UK’s largest National Park, The Cairngorms .

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11:00 Stop for a Scottish tea: Before you head out exploring The Cairngorms, are sure to stop for a hot brew of Scottish tea at The Druie Restaurant Cafe . If you’ve got a case of the elevenses, grab yourself one of their greed-inducing homemade cakes.

I promise you won’t be able to resist once you see them. The Druie Cafe is based in the Rothiemurchus Centre Inverdruie (here’s the postcode for the GPS PH22 1QH).

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12:00 Adventure time: After a little tea break, book yourself into a quad biking exploration of the region or (river height permitting) tubing down the river (with Full On Adventure), whilst zooming down the natural water shoots and rapids.

Both are great ways to explore a little slice of the region and get the blood pumping.

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Also, if you prefer, you can pop over to see some of the deer in the area too!

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14:30 Head for lunch: After working up an appetite with quad biking or tubing, make another little pitstop at the Druie Restaurant and make sure to try their local venison dishes that are so delicious.

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15:30 Bike ride the Green Loch: Cycle to Lochan Uaine (Green Loch) after picking up your cycles from In Your Element (across the road from the Druie Restaurant). Afterwards, make sure to head for Glenmore Forest Park and visit Lochan Uaine, which is great to see.

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17:30 Drive to your B&B: After a day of adventure, drive back towards Dulnain Bridge (about 30 minutes) to check into your B&B. We stayed at the amazing Bydand B&B which feels like a dream.

The rooms are gorgeous and the crackling fire downstairs is incredible. We wished we could have stayed forever. Isobel also makes the most delicious Scottish breakfast… fit for royalty!

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20:00 Dinner: After some well-earned rest, head over to the Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore which is a good place to go for food. As we mentioned, the service was not the best but you can forgive it as it’s really busy.

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Best of all, after 10 pm, the Old Bridge Inn hosts live (and intimate) concerts. We got the chance to see The Burning Hell & Jeffry Lewis, from New York City – PS, they’re not as scary as their names sound.

23:00 Sleep: Catch some Zzzzzz’s

Read more: Day 1 in the Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands trip itinerary: Day 2

08:30 Drive from Dulnain to Kinlochewe: The drive itself will take around 120-150 minutes, depending on how many times you stop.

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09:30 Stop at Rogie Falls: On your way east, stretch your legs at Rogie Falls and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the salmon jumping upstream.

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11:00 Go for a stroll: After Rogie Falls, continue driving to Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve which is filled with ancient pinewoods, dramatic mountains and lots of trails.

Once you arrive, head to the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre. Here, you can speak to the rangers (Douglas helped us), find out the best trail that suits you and how to spot some of the golden eagles that call this region home.

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12:00 Drive Kinlochewe -Torridon: The drive itself will take about 40 minutes, with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Scotland (shhh, don’t tell the others).

The whole region has become the world over for its stunning walking trails and gorgeous views of Liathach, 1,054 m (3,456 ft) and the mighty Beinn Alligin, 985 m (3,230 ft).

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12:40 Drive Torridon – Lower Diabaign: After the incredible views of Beinn Alligin, keep driving for another 30 minutes or so to Lower Diabaign where you’ll find the hidden gem that is, arguably, the prettiest little hamlet in all of Scotland.

Take a wander around the tiny harbour, see the shipwreck and explore the dramatic rocky bay.

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13:30 Lunch: Gorge on some of the best local food at Gille Brighde Cafe & Restaurant . They serve one of the best seafood chowders I’ve ever tasted. The cafe focuses on sustainable produce, all within a homely setting. It’s so unique and the team are amazing!

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15:30 Time for a short hike: Stop off at The Torridon Activities, Located on the shores of Loch Torridon , it’s the perfect place for a little stroll, mountaineering and kayaking, time-dependent.

Make sure you pack a good pair of walking boots, a waterproof jacket and trousers, and warm thermals.

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You can also stay at the Torridon Hotel, which is in a picture-perfect setting.

20:00 Dinner: For dinner, head to Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen and gorge on some of the hand-caught shellfish that they sell fresh each day.

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22:00 Sleep: Catch some well-earned rest.

Read more: Our full post on Day 2 in the Highlands

Scottish Highlands trip itinerary: Day 3

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09:00 depart Torridon Hotel: (or alternative accommodation in Shieldaig) and drive from Shieldaig to Applecross Sands Beach (1h / 23 miles via the coast).

It’s one of the prettiest coastal roads in the Highlands .

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10:15 Spend some time at the beach: After a little drive, make sure to take some time to stop at the Applecross Sands beach (about 7 miles north of Applecross).

It’s really easy to spot when you’re driving down and you’ll likely make a few new friends on this tiny road too. The Highland cows are everywhere.

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11:00 Drive to Applecross Walled Garden: On your drive to Applecross, make sure to keep a lookout for the breathtaking views of the Island of Raasay and the Isle of Skye beyond.

Once you arrive, grab yourself a Tunnocks teacake and a piping hot cup of Scottish tea.

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12:00 Explore Applecross: Spend 30 -minutes or so walking this tiny little village and see if you can spot the deer that roam freely around the town.

We spotted 3 on our visit! Also, you can pop into the Applecross Walled Garden which is situated on the edge of Applecross itself.

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12:45 Lunch: Gorge at a typical Scottish pub, The Applecross Inn (postcode for GPS, IV54 8LR). Here, they have a range of seafood and proper pub grub that’s so tasty. We went for the fish and chips (with lashings of vinegar).

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13:45 Drive to Lochcarron and onto Plockton: The total drive is around 90-105 minutes but I guarantee you’ll stop in many areas. This drive will take you straight onto one of Scotland’s highest mountain passes ( which you can read more about, here ).

The road itself climbs about 2500 ft and with the incredible hairpin bends and glacial landscapes, I guarantee you’ll want to stop many times.

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15:00: Stop offs: On your drive towards Plockton, you’ll be able to make a few pit stops at places like Strome Castle or the Locharron Weaver Shop.

16:00 Calum’s Seal Boat Trip: After arriving in Plockton , the gorgeous highland village overlooking Loch Carro, check-in for your 60-minute tour with Calum and his amazing crew to look for some of the region’s most famous residents. The seals ( read our full post on the tour, here )!

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Head out into the waters on the Sula Mhor (Calum’s boat) and keep your eyes peeled for these cute seals.

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We had the best time exploring the waters, watching the cute seals with a hot chocolate in hand. It’s a very special experience.

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17:00 Visit Eilean Donan: If you’ve time, take a 25-minute drive to Eilean Donan Castle.

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it’s a picturesque place that’s well worth seeing when you’re in the area.

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18:30 Check into your hotel: Stay in the centre of picturesque Plockton at the Plockton Inn (32 Harbour Street, Plockton IV52 8TN )and have a few hours of well-deserved rest before dinner in the Inn.

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20:00 Dinner at the Plockton Inn: Gorge on some delicious haggis, and fresh seafood or go for some Scottish beef. It is a delicious restaurant serving some Scottish favourites.

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22:00 Sleep: Enjoy some Zzzz’s

Read more: Day 3 in the Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands trip itinerary: Day 4

09:00 Breakfast: Fill up at breakfast for an exciting day ahead

09:30 Drive Plockton to the Isle of Skye: The drive itself will take around 40-50 minutes.

10:15 Welcome to the Isle of Skye: Now, for us, we only spent a very brief morning on the Isle of Skye (something which we regret).

What we would recommend, if you have time, is to spend at least one night staying on the island itself.

It gives you much more time to head out into the gorgeous mountain ranges, discover some of the tiny hamlets and experience the charm of this gorgeous Scottish Island. It’s one of the best things to include on your Scottish Highlands trip itinerary if you’re in the area.

As we were on a tight schedule to experience some other incredible areas, we made a fleeting visit and decided to stop at Armadale Castle and pop into the Museum of the Isles. Spend around 45 minutes exploring this gorgeous place before heading further south.

11:00 Dunscaith Castle: If you have time, drive to Tokavaig Bay, between Tarskavaig, and Ord and stroll to Dunscaith Castle where you can discover one of the island’s oldest standing castles.

11:45 (or later, if you wish) Ferry Calmac to Mallaig: Grab yourself a ticket to hop on board the ferry from Armadale to the mainland, Mallaig. The crossing takes around 30 minutes.

12:15 Hello Mainland Scotland: After a morning on the Isle of Skye, drive straight to Arisaig where you’ll be heading for a slower-paced exploration of the region.

13:00 Forage for lunch: After arriving in Arisaig, meet up with Leon and his team from Wildwood Bushcraft who will take you on a slow adventure to forage for some food on the shores of the Scottish Highlands ( see our full post on this, here ). You’ll get to eat raw limpets, and mussels and get lots of seagrasses, scurvy grass (that tastes like mustard) and Common Sorrel (that tastes like apple).

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Once you’ve foraged a decent amount, you’ll start a small fire with Leon where you’ll cook your just-picked seaweeds and shellfish to cook a meal for lunch. It was one of the best experiences we had in Arisaig and so unique.

16:00 Drive from Arisaig to Camusdarach Beach: The drive will take around 15-20 minutes and make sure you head along the beautifully scenic coast road between Arisaig and Morar.

Once you get to the beach, you’ll be greeted by stunning white powdery sand, turquoise waters and hardly anyone in sight. It really is a hidden gem that’s beautiful any time of the year.

17:30 Drive from Camusdarach Beach – Acharacle (Ardnamurchan Peninsula) : After enjoying the relaxed charm of the beach , head straight to Acharacle which is about 60-75 minutes away.

18:30 Arrival in the Ardnamurchan Peninsula : If it’s still light, head straight over to Castle Tioram and enjoy the sunset over the loch. It’s an incredible sight – just be prepared for a few midges or two.

We visited in Autumn and there were still a few around.

19:00 Check into the Loch Shiel Hotel: The Loch Shiel Hotel is a family-run hotel that feels typical of Scotland. It felt cosy and everyone was so warm and friendly.

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20:00 Dinner and drinks: We spent the evening chatting with the locals at the bar and gorging on some of their delicious homemade food.

23:00 Sleep: Catch some well-earned rest.

Read more: Full Day 4 Scottish Highlands trip itinerary

Scottish Highlands trip itinerary: Day 5

09:30 Breakfast: Grab a hearty Scottish breakfast.

10:00 Rent a bike: A second day of being more relaxed and on a slow adventure, make sure to reserve yourself some cycles from Sunart Cycles (which Tim, from Sunart Cycles) kindly delivered to our hotel for us.

Once ready, head out for an exploration of the area. Of course, you can explore the loch, the hilly roadways and also the tidal island of Eilean Tioram where Castle Tioram calls home.

Scottish Highlands trip itinerary: Day 6

09:30 Breakfast: As with your picnic the day before, head to the Sunart Centre for a tasty Scottish Breakfast.

10:30 Drive Strontian – Ardgour: Make sure to head straight to the ferry terminal, you can’t miss it – the drive takes around 25-minutes.

11:00 Board the Corran Ferry – Ardgour – Nether Lochaber: Taking about 10 minutes, the ferry departs every 20 minutes or so and costs around £10 for a car.

11:15 Drive Nether Lochaber – Fort Augustus: This drive will be on a slightly bigger road, with the drive time being about 75 minutes.

On the way, you can stop at Fort William or the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre if you’re looking to learn more about the largest mountain in the British Isles.

13:00 Lunch in Fort Augustus: On your way further north, make a stop at Fort Augustus where you can head into the Lock Inn for some tasty grub. We had a tasty beef and ale pie which was so yummy.

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After lunch, walk the canal way and explore a little of the town before popping back in the car.

14:30 Drive: Start the ignition and head from Fort Augustus along South Loch Ness towards Dores. the drive will take about 50-60 minutes.

If you have some more time, make a few stops to look out for the Loch Ness Monster and head on the Loch Ness trail which is a great route to walk if you’re short on time.

If not, consider a longer trail or visit Spean Bridge, the Commando Memorial Monument or keep a lookout for the Nevis Range in the distance.

15:30 Drive to Inverness and Dolphin Spirit RIB trip: After arriving in Inverness , head straight over to Inverness Marina to ride the RIB boat. If you’re lucky you’ll spot some of the local dolphins that call this area home. The team will kit you out in thermal gear and goggles so you’ll be nice and warm.

All you have to be concerned with is spotting those dolphins. The postcode for the Dolphin Spirit RIB trip is IV1 1FF.

18: 30 Head for a snack: After your two hours out at sea, head to the city centre of Inverness (particularly near the train station) and pop into one of the many local restaurants that line the streets.

20:44 Board the Caledonian Sleeper/Flight/Car/Rocket: It’s one of the best ways to conclude your Scottish Highlands trip itinerary by making the most of your final day.

For dinner, head to the restaurant cart onboard the sleeper. You’ll get to enjoy some typical Scottish meals and a few glasses of wine before retiring to your cabin and bed.

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Scotland , UK

11 best places to visit in the scottish highlands.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Heading to Scotland soon and wondering what are the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands? I’ve got you covered!

Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and while visiting Edinburgh is definitely a must do, if you want to see what Scotland is really all about, you need to go to the highlands and the islands.

The highlands are the mountainous region in the north west of Scotland. It includes places like Glencoe, Inverness and more.

Whether you are an Outlander fan or just love stunning landscapes, here are the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands.

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan Viaduct is the ultimate place to visit in the Highlands for Harry Potter fans . It’s located in Glenfinnan, near Fort William, and was used as a filming location in several Harry Potter movies.

Remember when you see the Hogwarts Express on a viaduct with the stunning landscapes in the background, that’s it!

The easiest way to get there is by car. There is a National Trust car park where you can leave your vehicle and then go on the walk to the viaduct.

It’s mainly flat (except the last part to the view point) and not strenuous so it’s a good family-friendly activity.

PRO TIP: The real-life version of the Hogwarts Express is called the Jacobite train. It runs from April to October and you can spot it if you time your visit accordingly. Make sure to check the timetable.

If you don’t have a car, you can also opt for a day tour from Edinburgh.

2. Isle of Skye

This is the most famous Scottish island of all and by far one of the most beautiful. It’s easy to get there by car since there is a bridge that connects the mainland to Skye .

There are many beautiful natural landmarks to discover including the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools and more. It’s an absolute paradise for hikers!

But you can also learn plenty about the Scottish culture and history of the clans, particularly if you visit Dunvegan castle.

Finally, don’t miss out on the beaches. While Scotland may not strike you as the best destination for beaches , it actually is! My favourites on Skye are the coral beaches and Talisker bay (it’s a mix of black and white sand).

PRO TIP: It’s better to avoid June to August on Skye because of the midges. Also, it gets very crowded during the school holidays and the roads are simply too tiny for the amount of people so try to avoid this time as well.

Glencoe is the best place to visit in Scotland if you want to discover dramatic landscapes. It consists of the village of Glencoe as well as the valley of Coe (hence the name Glen Coe).

The rugged landscapes were created by volcanoes and glaciers and I can promise you one thing, you will be amazed by the beauty of the place.

It’s also one of the rare places in the UK where you can find a ski resort.

If you’d like to learn more about the origins of Glencoe, make sure to go to the visitor centre which is run by the National Trust of Scotland. It’s very interesting and there is a café where you can get food.

But the absolute best thing to do in Glencoe is hiking. There are many walking paths and while a lot of them are quite hard, you can also find easier options.

I highly recommend Devil’s Staircase and the Lost Valley. Both of them are exceptional hikes and boast amazing views.

PHOTO TIP: As you drive in the valley, you will spot a little white house. This is a very cute photo spot and there is some space on the side of the road if you want to stop and take photos.

4. Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom (and therefore in Scotland), making it the ultimate destination for hikers.

It’s located near the town of Fort William and is a must-see whether you are into hiking or not.

If you’re up for a challenge, take the Ben Nevis Mountain Track up to the top. This is a challenging 10-mile route that takes around 8 hours to complete.

Make sure to check the weather conditions before you start though.

If you’re not up for the walk, you can still enjoy the views of Ben Nevis from Fort William but I particularly recommend going to Neptune’s staircase and Corpach port (you can see the little harbour with Ben Nevis in the background, it’s stunning).

Oban is a seaside town on the west coast of Scotland. It’s often referred to as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and is a must-visit for foodies and nature lovers alike.

This charming port town serves as a gateway to the Hebridean islands including the isle of Mull but it’s also a destination on its own right.

The town centre is very cute and there are loads of places where you can get delicious food. If you love whisky, make sure to go to the Oban Distillery.

You can also opt for the local walking tour which will take you to all the important sights such as St Columba’s cathedral, Dunollie Castle, Oban War & Peace Museum as well as McCaig’s Tower.

It’s a stunning open stone tower that boasts panoramic views of the bay and the islands.

6. Inverness

Inverness is the main city in the Scottish Highlands. It was granted the status fairly recently (in 2000) and is a popular destination for people who want to experience the highlands and discover famous places.

The city itself is a nice place to visit. If you opt for the local walking tour , you will discover places such as Inverness Castle, Town House, Inverness cathedral but also Ness Bridge and Old High Church.

But that’s not all, from there you can also go to the famous Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Finally, make sure to go to the Culloden Battlefield which is where the last battle of the Jacobite rising took place (if you are an Outlander fan, that’s definitely a must-see!).

7. Loch Ness

No visit to the Highlands would be complete without a trip to Loch Ness. It’s the largest loch in Scotland (by volume) and is of course famous for its monster, Nessie.

It’s a great place to go for a cruise but also explore the picturesque Urquhart Castle.

You can also go on a walk around the lake (not entirely because that would be very long but parts of it).

Whether you are into photography, history or simply want to discover stunning landscapes, you’ll love it.

8. Isle of Mull

The isle of Mull is an island of the Inner Hebrides and is a paradise for wildlife lovers. While Skye is very famous and popular with international tourists, Mull is a lot quieter, yet has so much to offer!

You can take the ferry from Oban to Craignure and explore from there. It’s preferable to have a car since public transport is limited.

The main town is Tobermory and it’s a great place to go for a meal. The main street is very colourful and beautiful. You can also go on the walk to the lighthouse.

But the thing Mull is particularly known for is its wildlife spotting opportunities. Dolphins, seals, puffins… you can all see them if you opt for a boat tour.

Also make sure to go to Staffa which has an incredible cave with basalt columns and Iona, where you can find beaches that will make you feel like you’ve suddenly landed in Cuba.

9. Fort William

Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis and on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. This town is an adventure seeker’s paradise, offering everything from hiking and mountain biking to skiing in winter.

The West Highland Museum in the heart of the town is a great place to visit if you would like to know more about the history of clans and the Jacobite uprisings.

Also make sure to check out Neptune’s staircase which is an absolute wander of engineering. You can also walk all the way to Corpach. It’s a scenic walk and you’ll get great views of Ben Nevis from the port (providing the weather is nice).

Another amazing thing to do is to go on a train ride on the West Highland Line. This is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and you get to go on the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

If you are a Harry Potter fan visiting in summer, you should also consider going on the Jacobite train. It leaves from Fort William station and goes all the way to Mallaig via Glenfinnan.

10. Cairngorms

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK. It’s an absolute paradise for hikers, adventure lovers and birdwatchers.

From ancient forests, serene lochs to some of the UK’s most beautiful mountains, it truly has it all! It’s one of the best places to go for munro bagging!

Make sure to drive the snow roads since they are very scenic and definitely one of the best road trips in the UK.

Please note that if you are visiting in winter, you may also get to see the Northern Lights!

11. Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle in the highlands in Scotland

Arguably one of the most iconic and photographed castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle sits on its own little island at the meeting point of three sea lochs in the western Highlands.

It’s a symbol of Scotland’s romantic past, with parts of the castle dating back to the 13th century. The castle’s restored interior and its picturesque setting make it a must-visit.

It’s also been a filming location for several movies.

PRO TIP: I highly recommend driving to the lookout (only 5 minutes from the castle). It’s a bit higher up and you can take beautiful photos from there.

Map of the best places to visit in the highlands in Scotland

places to visit in the scottish highlands

Now that you know everything about the highlands and the best places to visit, it’s time to pack your bag and explore!

6 Charming Small Towns To Visit In The Scottish Highlands

Destinations
United Kingdom

When you travel north in Scotland, you’ll notice some dramatic changes in the landscape. The land is less populated, wilder, wider, and nature is everywhere. With the two major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow being further south, much of the Highlands has a remote and rural feel to it. The beaches are empty and windswept, the hills and lochs are haunting and moody, and the small towns are traditional and predominantly local. This gives the Highlands an altogether different feel to the Lowlands , and it gives visitors the feeling of truly being in a different country. Along the winding coastline, on the banks of lochs, and by dense woodlands, you’ll find the most charming small towns, all with their own character. Here are six charming small towns to visit in the Scottish Highlands.

A traditional Scottish market town on the banks of the River Tay, Dunkeld is about as charming as it gets. You won’t see many new buildings here; this town is traditional and original. The “little houses” as they’re known locally are a gathering of brightly colored homes that were built in the early 1700s. These homes, although they are private residencies, have been restored by the National Trust because they are so historically important. The local Ell Shop is also now owned by the National Trust because of its historical significance, though it is still run as a shop. The shop is named after the old ‘ell’ measurement of fabric, which was just over a meter long. This is a lovely old town for wandering around and marveling at how life used to be.

Where To Stay

Keep it traditional and stay at Pheasant Cottage , which, like the little houses, dates back to the 1700s. The cottage has been renovated inside and has all modern amenities, but it also holds onto some lovely original features. This old stone-built cottage sleeps six people and has two bathrooms. Set amid rolling country landscapes, the cottage is private while still being close to town.

Strathpeffer

By Scottish standards, Strathpeffer is a new town. In the 1800s this area was still all farmland and the town didn’t exist. It was the discovery of a sulfurous spring here that changed the fate of this area and Strathpeffer promptly became a spa town. You won’t see many spa towns in Scotland. There are around seven former spa towns across the country in total, which makes this place quite unusual. It might not technically still be a spa town, but Strathpeffer still has its natural spring. The old sampling pavilion is still there and the pump room is now a tourist information center, though you can still sample the natural spring waters in both. It’s a lovely old town to visit, with an interesting history and magical healing waters.

A short walk from the town you’ll find Castle Leod . Visit Strathpeffer in August and the Highland Gathering is held on the grounds of the castle. The Highland Gathering is like a miniature Olympic Games. Contestants lift heavy weights, take part in tug-o-war, hill racing, and displays of Highland dancing and bagpiping. Castle Leod is seat of the clan Mackenzie and dates back to the 11th century. You can visit the castle on a tour, but open days are limited to just a few throughout the year.

Flowers bloom near the Kylesku Bridge, Scotland.

Way up in the Scottish Highlands, in a curl of land by the sea, Kylesku awaits. Kylesku is a small, remote town in the historic county of Sutherland. With the bridge stretching over to the other side of the mainland, it feels like you’re on an island, but this is in fact a kind of peninsula. There’s not a lot here, so if you like it quiet this is the ideal place to stay. The snaking, arching bridge is this area’s most well-known landmark, and while most visitors photograph this engineering beauty, the town is also a beautiful place for outdoor activities. It’s the perfect base to hike from and there are boat tours to take you around the coastline and to the surrounding areas. Kylesku is all about kicking back and enjoying the landscape in calm and peaceful surroundings.

Where To Stay And Eat

Kylesku Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel with 11 bedrooms and a restaurant specializing in local seafood, meats and produce. The hotel is a magical haven surrounded by sea lochs, dramatic peaks, and hills. Guests can indulge in the delicious seafood platter that changes daily depending on what has been caught that morning, making the food here feel authentic and local. This generous platter features fresh oysters, crab, lobster, and langoustines. There are also hand-dived king scallops as well as 28 day-aged sirloin steak, the Crofter’s burger, and free-range chicken kebabs.

The town of Dornoch is in some ways a typical Highland town, it has the wild scenery, the rugged coastline, the mountains, and the lochs, but at Dornoch, you get the luxury version of a traditional Highland town. Not only can you play golf, hike, fish, and everything else you associate with the Highlands, but you can also enjoy a spa experience and a luxury chauffeur tour of the area. Dornoch is where you come if you want that little something extra for your stay in the Highlands. Between May and September, the Dornoch Pipe Band parades through the town square on Saturday evenings, dramatically and atmospherically floodlit against the Castle Hotel. In late October, there’s a weekend whisky festival. This is a town with a packed program of events, a luxury attitude, and beauty everywhere you look.

If you were in any doubt about Dornoch’s luxury approach, stay at Links House at Royal Dornoch , Scotland’s most northerly luxury destinations. With a newly-opened fine dining concept and incredibly luxurious accommodations, the hotel is truly one of the country’s finest. With bedrooms that overlook the first tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club and a range of activities on offer, including the NC500 driving route, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, and field sports, a stay at Links House is one of the best ways to experience the Scottish Highlands.

On a jut of land in the east of the Highlands, Cromarty is a harbor town on the peninsula known as “the Black Isle.” Like Kylesku, this is a peninsula, and it’s easy to forget that the town is part of the mainland. The sea is very present here and can be seen from most viewpoints in town. It’s also how this town has traditionally made its living and the thing that has shaped its character the most. The town is made up of narrow streets lined with seaside cottages that huddle together against the ever-present sea breeze. The geologist and author, Hugh Miller, is Cromarty’s most famous son, and his former home, the only remaining thatched cottage in town, is now a museum dedicated to him. This is a quiet and quaint highland town that gazes out to the ocean.

Look out for the two big houses on Church Street, built by two brothers who were wealthy merchants in the 19th century. The first house, which has a flight of steps leading up to the elevated front door, was built by one of the brothers for his new bride. The second house was built by the other brother out of annoyance and a need to compete because the bride had been his sweetheart first. They are both striking houses on a street of cottages, with an interesting story behind them.

Wide view, East Haugh House in Pitlochry, Scotland.

Pitlochry is a stunning small town that’s surrounded by woodland, hills, lochs, and meadows. Many visitors come here for adventure sports, as the dramatic landscape makes it the perfect place for rock climbing, bungee jumping, and canoeing. But if you like to take things a little easier, one of the oldest working distilleries is in this town, where you can enjoy a dram or two. You might not want to climb or canoe, but the views of the areas these sports are enjoyed in are breathtaking to experience, and being a spectator can be as much fun as taking part. When you want to explore the area you can hike to tumbling waterfalls, gaze at majestic mountains, walk through woodland, and experience Queen’s View, named after Queen Victoria, who loved it here. You can also play a round of golf or go fishing in the loch here.

With its fairy-tale turret placing it firmly in the land of myths and legends, East Haugh House has been part of the Atholl Estate here for 350 years. The hotel has 12 rooms, one of which with a four-poster bed and a jacuzzi bath. There’s also a self-catering lodge on the grounds that includes a real fire and a roll-top bath. East Haugh House looks like a fairy tale castle for a princess, set on gorgeous grounds, and when you stay here, you’ll feel like you really are royalty.

Travel writer, author, and playwright, Samantha loves historic buildings, quirky hotels, woodland walks and literary trails, specializing in food and drink, luxury travel, retreats, spas, and anything arts based. Samantha is based in Yorkshire, the UK, where she lives with her artist partner. Learn more on her website .

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10 Awesomely Beautiful Places to See in the Scottish Highlands

July 16 2018

Published within the category of Around Scotland and tagged with Things to do this summer , Kilcamb Lodge , Scottish Highlands hotel , Scottish Highlands , Dog Friendly Hotels , Strontian , Ardnamurchan , Loch Sunart , Things to do in Scotland , Highland Hotels , Wilderness Areas UK , Places to visit in scotland , Most Beautiful Country in the World , Most Beautiful places in Scotland , Best Hotels Scotland , Scottish Landscapes , Ben Nevis , Glen Coe , Loch Ness , Harry Potter Film Glen Coe , Cairngorms , Highest Mountain UK , The Trossachs , Loch Nevis , Camusdarach , Isle of Skye , Ullapool Music Festival , Loopallu , Summer Breaks Scotland , Hotel Offers Scotland , Deepest Loch Scotland , West highlands , Stunning Scottish Locations ,

It’s no secret that Scotland is beautiful, especially the Highlands. It’s a beauty that’s hard to describe though.

You see, Scotland is that type of infuriating place that’s achingly attractive, in a rugged, existential, transcendental, tear in the eye – words elude sort of way.

In 2017 the readers of the influential travel guide “ Rough guides ” voted Scotland as “ the most beautiful country in the world ”. This is (clearly) a big deal, and it’s well deserved. Below is some hard evidence for you.

Behold the Scottish Highlands…

1. Ben Nevis

When it comes to Scotland – Ben Nevis is not another mountain. It’s THE mountain. The tallest peak the UK – 1,345 metres above sea level.

Ben Nevis couldn’t be any more dramatic, with a summit often veiled by clouds, and dustings of pure white snow. Once an enormous active volcano, it's now a silent giant watching over the glacial valleys and lochs of the land.

2. Glen Coe

Glen Coe is Scotland’s most famous, and most romantic glen.

Some landscapes are worthy of a postcard, but not a blockbuster film. Glen Coe on the other hand is truly filmic and featured in one of the Harry Potter films. Its awe-inspiring scenery and Machiavellian history has long been an inspiration for creatives, and to visit is life enriching.

3. Cairngorms

The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest national park (twice the size of the Lake District), reaching from Aviemore in the North to the Angus Glens in the south. It’s also home to five out of six of the highest peaks in Scotland. How greedy.

The landscape in the Cairngorms is diverse; with mountainous horizons, pristine rivers, heather flushed moors, deep forests and wetlands. The climate here, as it’s up to 1200 metres above sea level in places, is arctic-alpine. This means, obviously, it gets cold and the lowest temperature ever recorded was -27.2 °C. It also means the Cairngorms is home to artic wildlife species such as snow buntings.

Remember to dress up warm!

4. Loch Ness

We’ve all heard the stories and seen his-res black and white photo that later turned out to be a hoax. A plot twist no one was expecting…

Anyway, whatever your thoughts on the mythical “Loch Ness Monster” (Nessie) the loch doesn’t need folklore to make it worth visiting. It’s a lovely place. It extends for twenty-three miles, and is surrounded by picture perfect scenery, and quaint villages.

Loch Ness plummets to a depth of 230 metres at its deepest point. This makes it the deepest loch. When you consider that…could something be hiding down there? Fish. Yes, fish.

5. Isle of Skye

The majestic, yet rugged Isle of Skye recently topped the Rough Guides list as the most beautiful place to visit in Scotland , in the (now) most beautiful country. How’s that for beauty?

Its name is derived from old Norse and could mean “Isle of Cloud”. This mysterious, and almost divine name is fitting for a place like Skye.

The island is fifty miles long, with wind scoured moors, jagged mountains and glinting lochs. It’s a place of atmospheric lore, and magical fairy pools.

6. Loch Sunart

Of course, Loch Sunart is pretty. Very pretty in fact. However, there are many pretty lochs in Scotland. So why would you visit Loch Sunart over another?

Well, Loch Sunart (unlike some) is a sea loch. This means, it’s the perfect starting point for wildlife watching; puffins, whales, dolphins and more. Dolphins even swim miles inland here.

You may not agree, but Dolphins leaping make any body of water prettier.

7. The Trossachs

It would be easy to include Loch Lomond here, the popular loch from Scottish song – but instead let’s touch on the Trossachs. Although they form a national park with Loch Lomond, the lands to the east are sometimes overlooked as a destination.

The Trossachs has twisty woods – carpeted with Scottish bluebells in spring, secret glens and wonderful little lochs. Visiting here, you’ll think you’ve walked into the pages of a fairy tale.

8. Ullapool

Ullapool, on the banks of Loch Broom sits at the edge of the Northern highlands. It is the last point of true civilisation before the rough country unfurls in all it’s bleak and lonely splendour.

If you were to picture a traditional Scottish fishing town, with pastoral crofts, and fishing boats nipping in out of port, laden with fresh langoustines you’d be picturing Ullapool. It’s a real life romantic fantasy. Although, strangely (and brilliantly) it’s also a centre for the arts.

Loopallu festival (read it backwards) takes place here annually and has attracted bands such a Mumford & Sons, The Levellers and Paolo Nutini.

9. Loch Nevis

If you want to experience the majesty, and blissful solitude of Loch Nevis you’ll need to either hop on a boat or trek.

This isn’t something we’re used to in the British Isles. There’s always a road. Not this time. Loch Nevis is at the southern border of the Knoydart Peninsula, where there are no roads. One of the last true wilderness areas in Europe.

Although it’s not all that accessible, except for the intrepid – even if you’re unable to reach it…it’s comforting to know that there are still areas in the UK untouched by human infrastructure.

10. Camusdarach Beach

A beach to rival the best in the world. Camusdarach beach, celestial in its pureness, sit across the waters from the craggy mountains of Skye.

It’s the ideal place to escape the incessant buzz of society and relax, with breath-taking views and the sonorous roar of the waves.

Also, if you’re a fan of the film Local Hero you’ll be pleased to know this was the beach used for filming.

Kilcamb Lodge, Discover the Highlands

Exploring these sublime locations should be top of your bucket list, in which case Kilcamb Lodge on the shores of Loch Sunart is where you should begin.

A f our-star country house hotel, with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant , right on the cusp of the Scottish Highlands. It doesn’t get any better.

Start your adventure, click below –

Kilcamb Lodge Home Special Offers/ Events Book Online

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15 best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

The Highlands were voted a region to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet

"Whisky is the essence of the Highlands and islands , a thousand years of history and culture distilled," the Lonely Planet expert panel said.

"And whisky is experiencing a boom not seen since the 1890s: no fewer than 20 new distilleries opened in Scotland in the past two years, and at least 20 more will open by 2020. The distillery experience – learning about terroir, technique and tasting – is a great introduction to one of the wildest, least inhabited and most scenic parts of Europe.

"The region's innovative and fast-developing accommodation sector, from purpose-built campervan parking spots to designer cottages modelled on ancient buildings, makes visiting remote areas easier than ever."

We think Scottish lifestyle trend Coorie also had something to do with it – it's been branded the new Hygge after all!

It's no surprise that VisitScotland is "thrilled" by the new accolade.

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, told Country Living : “I am thrilled, though not entirely surprised, to discover that Scotland’s Highlands and Islands have appeared in this prestigious list. This stunning part of Scotland punches well above its weight on the world stage, as a thriving holiday destination for people from both across the globe and the UK, as well as a popular location for film production companies looking for a beautiful backdrop for their next blockbuster. With accolades like this one to their name, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands will be in the global spotlight once again."

Time to plan that trip. Here, VistScotland share the best places to see, stay and explore in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

1. Isle of Harris

Tranquil Scenes and Spring Sunshine in Eilean Siar, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Scotland’s variety and quality of whisky distilleries is unmatched and the Highlands and Islands have plenty to offer – from the chance to stay in the first legal whisky distillery on the Isle of Raasay, to a visit to Harris Distillery to pick up a bottle of Isle of Harris Gin which is only available for purchase on the island.

2. The River Shin

Try out the region’s foodie experiences, including the new Mac & Wild at Falls of Shin on the River Shin. The restaurant is positioned scenically close to the falls where guests can view salmon leaping in the summer months, before enjoying a range of delicious Scottish dishes. Alternatively, head to Alladale Wilderness Reserve for the chance to fish and forage for food, including herbs, mushrooms and plants with a ranger before having a professional chef prepare and cook them.

3. Gairloch

Boat trips are a great way to explore the coastline and discover Scotland’s marine wildlife. Hebridean Whale Cruises operate from Gairloch, giving visitors the chance to get close to Orcas, dolphins and sharks.

4. John O’Groats

A stop at John O’Groats while travelling along the North Coast 500 offers wildlife spotting opportunities including seals, Orcas, oystercatchers, guillemots and, at certain times of year, puffins. Visitors seeking out the latest wildlife adventure will also want to explore the Hebridean Whale Trail , set to launch in 2019.

5. Wester Ross

For those who prefer to explore on dry land, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross is famous for its ancient pinewoods and an ideal location for spotting wildlife. Come here to see soaring golden eagles or red deer.

6. Isle of Skye

For stunning views over the open sea, walk the Waternish peninsula loop – a beautiful and less frequently explored part of Skye.

7. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve

The Highlands offer autumn and winter visitors the opportunity to see the incredible Northern Lights. Places with the best conditions include the far North West of Scotland and the Outer Hebrides, where light pollution is at its lowest. Visitors taking in the Northern Lights will also be in an ideal location to enjoy a landscape so outstanding that it has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark at Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve .

8. Culloden

Discover the site of one of the most famous and dramatic battles in Scottish history at the interactive Culloden Visitor Centre . Catch one of the regular ‘living history’ re-enactments of the fray which marked the end of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

Visitors looking to combine hiking in outstanding scenery with fascinating history can head to Glencoe to learn about the tragic and infamous massacre which took place there. Glencoe’s award-winning, eco-friendly visitor centre is a brilliant place to learn about the landscape and soak up the sights.

10. Fort William

For art-lovers The Lime Tree hotel in Fort William is an unmissable place to spend a night. It offers guests a chance to stay inside a working studio with an attached art gallery on site, housing a permanent collection of Highland artist David Wilson's works.

11. Inverlochy Castle

Or enjoy a luxurious night in a stunning setting at Inverlochy Castle , which boasts views of the surrounding mountains and furnishings gifted to the castle by the King of Norway.

12. The Jacobite Steam Train

The Highlands provide a naturally stunning setting for film-makers. Visitors can see iconic locations from their favourite films, including the sweeping cinematic scenery of Harry Potter on board the Jacobite Steam Train, widely regarded as the real-life Hogwarts Express. Try Country Living 's exclusive holiday , taking in the famous steam train, the world's largest ocean-going paddle steamer and more.

13. Buachallie Etive Mor

For James Bond fans, a drive through the atmospheric highland scenery past the striking Buachallie Etive Mor on the way to Glencoe is a must. It will set them on the same road as 007 (Daniel Craig) and M (Judy Dench) making their way to Bond’s childhood home in Skyfall .

14. Isle of Raasay

Those looking to Skye for their next adventure should also consider a trip to the Isle of Raasay. A peaceful paradise for walkers and nature lovers, the island also offers a chance to visit one of the stops on the new Hebridean Whisky Trail .

15. Sutherland and Caithness

Or head to Sutherland and Caithness which boast unspoilt, dramatic scenery in some of the most remote parts of Scotland. This is the perfect place to explore while enjoying true peace and quiet on the extreme edge of Europe.

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25 Best Things to Do in Scotland, According to Local Experts

L ocal experts share their favorite things to do in Scotland — from hiking in the Highlands to enjoying the country’s classic dishes.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, there’s a good chance your to-do list is already extensive. Walking the picturesque streets of Edinburgh , heading to the Highlands, buying a tartan accessory or two, and attending a whisky tasting are likely strong contenders. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. “Many visitors come to Scotland for a week for their first visit trying to see it all, and end up realizing that it’s a country of many contrasts,” says Katy Fennema, whisky ambassador for The Fife Arms , a boutique five-star hotel in Braemar. “The wise ones then plan their second, third, and fourth trips at a more leisurely pace.”

To help curate your itinerary — whether it’s for your initial visit or one of the slower-paced return trips — we tapped a few of the country’s most knowledgeable residents, Fennema included, for their best tips. Read on to discover the 25 best things to do in Scotland.

Related: The Best Times to Visit Scotland

Explore the Hebrides.

An archipelago off the west coast of Scotland, the Hebrides are made of 40 islands and numerous islets, all divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides. “The Gulf Stream dominates here, allowing palm trees (somewhat incongruously) to grow in Scotland and plants from South America to thrive. It’s not unusual to discover a white-sand beach all to yourself, and whether the weather is tropical or otherwise, I defy anyone to not fall in love with this special part of Scotland,” says Fennema.

Play a round or two at the “home of golf.”

The game of golf goes back 600 years, with its origins in St. Andrews, a seaside town in northwest Scotland. St Andrews Links has seven public courses, including the “oldest course in the world,” aptly named Old Course.

Eat Scottish tablet.

“If you are traveling to Scotland, you must try the traditional Scottish tablet, which is a centuries-old recipe. Historians believe that the first tablet recipe was recorded in 1700, and it’s still a much-loved and enjoyed sweet treat,” says David Musk, head concierge at The Balmoral , one of Edinburgh’s top hotels. It’s a bit like fudge, but grainier and more brittle; Musk recommends this recipe if you want to make it yourself.

Look out for the northern lights.

When the right conditions are met — no clouds, increased solar activity, and limited pollution — there’s a chance you’ll see the northern lights in Scotland. Aim to visit between September through March, and head north to the places best known for their vantage points: the Shetland Islands, the Outer Hebrides, and the Isle of Skye.

Hike up a hill.

“Our remote glens, or valleys, are best viewed from above. It’s here that you can really appreciate their remoteness and extraordinary beauty,” says Fennema. For a casual hike, she suggests Ben Lomond ; more adventurous explorers can try Bealach na Bà , “a formidable single-track road through the mountains on the Applecross Peninsula that gives wonderful views from a car or bike (if you’re feeling brave!).”

Walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

One of the best ways to see Edinburgh’s Old Town is to walk the Royal Mile, a cobblestoned stretch connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll find shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and various attractions, including The Scotch Whisky Experience , which Musk recommends. “Visitors can take a tour of the virtual distillery and learn about the distilling process, then discover the art of whisky blending in a guided sensory presentation,” he says.

Eat a Scottish breakfast.

“Different from an English, Welsh, or Irish Breakfast, a Scottish Breakfast, or ‘fry up,’ serves up two different Scottish delicacies, haggis and black pudding. And, not forgetting the important addition of a potato, or tattie, scone or two, and a Lorne, or square, sausage,” says Lucy Paul, marketing executive at the National Trust for Scotland .

Cozy up by a fireplace at one of Scotland’s best hotels.

After a chilly day trekking through the rugged Scottish landscape, there’s nothing better than settling down by a roaring fire with a warm drink in hand. Guests at Gleneagles , a five-star hotel renowned for its country pursuits, can sip fireside cocktails at The American Bar, and those staying at The Fife Arms can enjoy a whisky in the Drawing Room.

Attend the Highland games.

For hundreds of years, Highland games have been an important part of Scottish culture. The tradition continues today, with sports like tug of war, the hammer throw, and the caber toss — as well as dancing, music, parades, and food — populating the schedule. Highland games take place across the country from May through September, but the Braemar Gathering is one of the most well-known, as it’s regularly attended by the Royal Family.

Visit a castle.

“Scotland is renowned across the world for its beautiful castles , and with hundreds to visit, it can be difficult to decide where to go,” says Musk. He recommends taking a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle , which he describes as “an icon of Scotland,” driving out to Eilean Donan Castle , “one of the most photographed castles in the country,” and stopping at Fyvie Castle , an 800-year-old fortress “filled with legends, folklore, and even many ghost stories.”

Ski in the Cairngorms.

In the colder months, winter sports take center stage at Cairngorm Mountain . Located in Cairngorms National Park, the ski area has 30 kilometers of runs and 12 surface lifts. The mountain is known to accommodate skiers of all levels, from first-timers to experts.

Taste a few whiskies.

One thing’s for sure: There’s plenty of whisky in Scotland. You’ll have your pick of distilleries to visit as you explore each region of the country. Glenfiddich Distillery is one of the most famous, The Glenmorangie Distillery Co has the tallest stills in Scotland, and Royal Lochnagar Distillery is just a mile from the Royal Family’s Scottish castle, Balmoral. For a more intimate experience, try Bertie’s Whisky Bar at The Fife Arms. The extensive collection — over 400 whiskies — is arranged by flavor profile, from light to dark. “Our tastings include four whiskies, one from each flavor profile, and are a great route to experience the breadth of flavors from Scotland’s (inter)national drink,” says Fennema.

Step back in time at the Highland Folk Museum.

The title of Britain’s first open-air museum goes to the Highland Folk Museum , which showcases life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1950s. Open from April through October, the museum’s 35 historical buildings and live actors demonstrate how people worked, lived, and spent their free time in the past.

Take a day trip to Glasgow.

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is known for its art and diverse architecture, but its people are also an important part of the experience; Fennema notes that “Glaswegian hospitality is legendary. “You arrive as a stranger, and leave as a friend.” While there, Paul recommends visiting the Tenement House , an “authentic time capsule of life.” “Open the door to early 20th-century Glasgow life and discover quirky items, including a ball of soap, turned jet black from years of handling, and a jar of plum jam made in 1929,” she says.

Try haggis, the national dish of Scotland.

Haggis is made of the liver, lungs, and heart of a sheep, beef or mutton suet, oatmeal, onion, and spices. It’s boiled in a bag — although, traditionally, it’s a bag made from the animal’s stomach. Don’t let that scare you off, though; depending on how it’s cooked, haggis is peppery and almost sausage-like. “For the less intrepid, and those who don’t eat meat, vegetarian haggis is a delicious alternative and a firm favorite in our omnivorous household,” says Fennema.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Edinburgh Winter Festival.

The beginning of the holiday season also marks the opening of the Edinburgh Winter Festival . From late November to early January, the city hosts a variety of festivities and Christmas markets . Head to Princes Street Gardens for a true holiday wonderland; the traditional Christmas market is filled with vendors offering mulled wine, sausages, gifts, and more.

Drive to the village of Glencoe.

“No description can recreate the impact of seeing Glencoe for the first time. It has long been one of the most loved places in Scotland,” says Paul. Located in the Scottish Highlands, it’s an amazing spot for hillwalking, mountaineering, and waterfall spotting. “It’s known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past – it is a place of history, wildlife, adventure, and myth. The mountains were formed through violent volcanic eruptions and then sculpted by massive glaciers. Also, don’t miss the reconstruction of a 300-year-old turf and creel house ,” says Paul.

Ride the Jacobite Steam Train.

Harry Potter enthusiasts will immediately recognize the arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct as part of the Hogwarts Express route in the movies. While you can visit the iconic site by foot, you can also ride the Jacobite Steam Train across the viaduct; the 84-mile round trip starts in Fort William and ends in Mallaig.

Take a dip in one of Scotland’s many lochs.

Scotland boasts thousands of freshwater lochs, many of which welcome wild swimming. The gorgeous Loch Lomond serves as a gateway to the Highlands and the Lowlands, Loch Duntelchaig is great for snorkeling, and there are lots of hotels, inns, and vacation rentals around Loch Awe. “ Loch Awe is filled with history and culture and… [it] supports an enormous and diverse range of wildlife including golden eagles, ospreys, and pine marten,” says Musk.

Walk the West Highland Way.

You’re guaranteed to get your steps in along the 96-mile West Highland Way, one of the best walking paths in the United Kingdom . The route is typically completed from South to North — Milngavie to Fort William — and the terrain gets trickier the further you go.

Immerse yourself in the Edinburgh Art Festival.

Every year, the U.K.'s largest annual festival of visual arts, the Edinburgh Art Festival , comes to Scotland. During the month of August, the festival hosts exhibitions, projects, and events across the city and features both established artists as well as up-and-comers.

Tour Culloden Battlefield.

Those interested in Scottish history will have no shortage of things to do and see around the country. “If you want to experience the site of one of Scotland’s most famous battles, this is a must-see in the Highlands, especially if you are a fan of Outlander . A powerfully emotive and atmospheric place, the battlefield is where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end – and you can discover the true story in the museum ,” says Paul.

Come aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh.

“The Royal Yacht Britannia is a must-visit tourist attraction in Edinburgh,” says Musk. Five decks on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace are open to visitors, who can explore the engine room, the crew’s quarters, and the state apartments, among others. Pre-booking tickets is highly recommended.

Drive the North Coast 500.

The only way to truly immerse yourself in Scotland’s breathtaking scenery is to circumnavigate the 516 miles of the North Coast 500 . There are a variety of exact itineraries to use as inspiration, but for the most part, you’ll need between seven and nine days to complete the circuit.

Celebrate Hogmanay on December 31.

Hogmanay festivities occur across the country as Scottish residents and visitors say goodbye to the past year and ring in the new one. Edinburgh is particularly known for its celebrations, with fireworks, concerts, parades, and parties marking the occasion.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

A beautiful blue sky over the rugged highlands of Scotland on a road trip

Scotland is a rugged and beautiful country that’s perfect for exploring on a road trip. The craggy coasts, placid lochs, and rolling hills make it a dream to discover. There are countless historic castles, iconic distilleries, and postcard-perfect islands at your fingertips.

I absolutely love Scotland. It’s stunningly beautiful and I can never get enough of the countless changing landscapes, Scotch distilleries, and warm, welcoming locals.

Having been to Scotland over a handful of times in the last decade, I think taking a road trip is the best way to explore the country. Home to just 5.5 million people, it’s a sparsely populated land, so much of your driving here will be out in the countryside. The country is just built for it.

But there are still a few things to keep in mind before you depart.

Here are 10 Scotland road-trip tips (plus my favorite routes) to help make your drive better, safer, and more fun (based on my experience at least):

Table of Contents

1. Get Travel Insurance

2. rent the right vehicle, 3. be ready to drive on the left, 4. understand roundabouts, 5. know the speed limits, 6. add in time for scenic stops, 7. download the right apps, 8. bring a paper map, 9. understand how to drive on single-track roads, 10. don’t rush, suggested routes, scotland road trip faq, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

I never leave home without travel insurance . And I never rent a car without comprehensive insurance either.

I know, it’s an added expense. And chances are you won’t even need it.

But what happens if you do need it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for damage. And that could cost you thousands.

Scotland has lots of narrow, rugged, or single-track roads (more on those later) that can be tricky to navigate. Tire and windshield damage is common. Throw in the ever-changing weather, and you’ve got recipe for trouble.

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take out car insurance for your road trip. The peace of mind is worth it.

When it comes to renting a car, I recommend Discover Cars . When you book, it’s easy to add car insurance onto your purchase with the click of a button. The site makes it clear what is covered and how much it costs.

You essentially have two choices when it comes to renting a vehicle in Scotland — and choice will drastically impact your trip. Your options are a car or a campervan.

A car will be cheaper and use less gas, but you’ll have to find accommodation each night. A campervan/RV will be more money and require more fuel, but you can sleep inside the vehicle and thus save money on accommodation. (It’s not my jam but to each their own.)

Both options make for an amazing trip, so there is no wrong answer. Just keep in mind that manual transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you want a vehicle with automatic transmission, you’ll need to specify that while booking.

Traffic in Scotland flows on the left, just like the rest of the UK. This is the opposite of the US, Canada, and the majority of Europe (only Ireland, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

If you rent a manual vehicle, you’ll be switching gears with your left hand instead of your right, which has a bit of a learning curve. (Personally, I prefer an automatic).

Old habits die hard, so if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, drive cautiously. Driving on the left can be especially challenging when you arrive at a roundabout (more on that below) or in a city. Take it slow at first, until you adjust.

Roundabouts are a traffic circles that serve as intersections, instead of stop lights or stop signs. They force vehicles to slow down without stopping the flow of traffic. While they aren’t especially common in the US, they are incredibly popular in Europe (they reduce serious traffic accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are very common in Scotland. And they flow in the opposite direction (clockwise) than do those in the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, slow down drastically and yield to traffic in the roundabout until you have an opening to enter the traffic circle. All traffic flows the same direction in a roundabout.

If there are multiple lanes, you’ll need to be on an outer lane when exiting. The inner lane of the roundabout is for cars not exiting immediately.

When you’re ready to exit the roundabout, signal so cars behind you know you will be turning.

If you’re not comfortable when you arrive at a roundabout, just take it slow and signal your intentions. They are much easier to handle than you think!

Posted speed limits in Scotland are written in miles. While this is helpful for Americans like me, travelers from countries that use kilometers will want to pay extra attention.

Common speed limits are:

Built-up areas: 30 MPH
Single roadways: 60 MPH
Dual roadways: 70 MPH
Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are just guides, however. Always follow local signage to ensure safety. When in doubt, it’s always better to go slower rather than faster until you verify the speed. I’d write down some common conversions so you can have them handy if you get confused.

I know a lot of travelers like to really plan out their routes and itineraries. When you only have a few days, it can be tempting to plan everything to a T (I used to do this a lot). However, there are lots of diversions to explore in Scotland, from quaint towns to scenic vistas to short hikes.

You’re going to want to pull over every few minutes for a vista, mountain, loch, or abandoned castle. The landscape is so beautiful that even the average sights are Insta-worthy. For that reason, build in buffer time in your itinerary so that, if you decide to stop or take a little diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t recommend this enough. Sometimes, the best parts of a trip are the ones you stumble into. And you definitely don’t want to be rushing from sight to sight either, so plan to be diverted.

I know, when you head out on a road trip, the point is to get away from your phone so you can enjoy the local culture and stunning views. However, there are lots of apps out there that can help you save money, stay safe, and save time. Everyone road-tripping around Scotland should have the following apps downloaded to their phone:

Met Weather – This is the best weather app for the UK. Conditions can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
Google Maps – The best app for looking up directions. Make sure to download your maps so you have them for offline use.
Park4Night – A helpful app for finding spots to park for your RV or campervan (including free ones).
Flush – A helpful app for finding public restrooms.
Petrol Prices – An app for finding and comparing nearby gas prices for when you need to refuel.

Whenever I go on a road trip, I always bring a paper map . I know, Google Maps is easy and free, and mobile data coverage in Scotland is generally reliable. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know when your phone is going to break, if your signal will be lost (likely to happen if you’re driving through remote areas), or if there will be an emergency.

Give yourself peace of mind: bring a paper road map, and just leave it in the glove box. You likely won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it (they make nice souvenirs after a trip too).

Once you get out of the cities, you may encounter single-track roads. These are essentially two-way roads that only have space for one vehicle. This means that if you encounter oncoming traffic, there is no room for you to pass one another.

Fortunately, these roads usually have passing areas built into them at regular intervals, allowing cars to pull over to make room. Take advantage of these when you see traffic coming, so that you can easily pass one another.

Additionally, take it slow around corners on single-track roads. Accidents can occur here because you can’t see oncoming traffic (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and always be prepared to stop.

Lastly, keep in mind that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can happen easily, especially if you’re pulling off to the side to make room for passing vehicles. For that reason, make sure you have a spare tire and that you also have insurance coverage for your tires, just to be safe.

While Scotland isn’t huge, there are still a lot of things see and do here. It may be tempting to rush, so you can pack more into your itinerary, but I strongly encourage you to not do so. Quality, not quantity, is the name of the game. I’ve been on countless road trips around the world, and slower is always better. That means driving less and spending more time at each stop. Do that, and you’ll be able to soak in a lot more of Scotland’s unique culture.

Furthermore, chances are you’ll be driving on a lot of smaller, winding roads here, often surrounded by ambling farm animals to watch out for. That means, for safety reasons, you’ll need to slow down and really focus on the drive. Admire the sights, leave room for spontaneous detours, and forget about rushing from sight to sight. You won’t regret it!

There are a few popular road trip routes in Scotland. They each offer different things to see and do, and each require different amounts of time to complete. To make the most of your time, pick the route that best suits your travel interests.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the best road trip routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – This is probably the most popular road trip route in the country. It loops around the northern tip of Scotland, usually starting and ending in Inverness. Popular stops include Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave , John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Castle.

You’ll want at least five days, though seven days would be preferable. Just keep in mind that it can get busy in the summer.

Edinburgh/Glasgow to Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a picturesque valley in the Highlands that’s both a National Scenic Area and National Nature Reserve. It’s a popular spot for photographers and hikers, and a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Highlands.

Glen Coe is just 2-2.5 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh , making it an easy day trip (though I suggest stopping overnight, so you can really soak up the views). It’s also a part of several road trip routes, including the Argyll Coastal Route (listed next).

Argyll Coastal Route – This route along the west coast of Scotland stretches for 129 miles (208 kilometers), from Loch Lomond to Fort Williams. It’s a great alternative to the North Coast 500, as it’s less popular (and thus less crowded). Popular stops along this route include the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

While you could easily drive the distance in a single day, plan to spend at least three days. That will give you time to see the highlights without rushing.

Highlands Tourist Route – Cutting across the eastern side of the country, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a popular choice for history buffs, as there are numerous castle and museum stops, as well as the site of the last battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is just 116 miles (187 kilometers), but at least three days are needed to take it all in.

A rugged shores of Scotland on a beautiful day exploring on a road trip

If you pick a shorter route or just want to do a weekend road trip to camp, three days will suffice.

What is the most scenic drive in Scotland? Some of the most scenic drives in Scotland include the Argyll Coastal Route, the entire North Coast 500, and the Highlands Tourist Route.

Is driving in Scotland difficult? While driving in the cities can be a pain, once you get out into the countryside, it is very easy. Just use caution on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and remember that you have to drive on the left!

Can you drive onto the Isle of Skye? Yep! It’s connected to the mainland via a bridge.

What is the best month for a Scotland road trip? Generally, April-October is the best time to visit. Personally, I like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the changing leaves. It won’t be as warm, but prices will be lower and everything will be less busy.

Scotland is a beautiful destination and perfect for road trips. With stunning scenery, historic sights, plentiful hiking opportunities, and possible Loch Ness monster sightings, I think renting a car to explore is the best way to experience the country. Whether you want to discover the rugged coast or weave about the Highlands, having a car or campervan will make it both possible and affordable. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be sure to have an amazing time!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Scotland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Scotland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Scotland for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Scottish town named as 'worst place to visit in UK' according to tourists

New research conducted by consumer watchdog Which? has revealed the worst towns across the UK for a short break ahead of the summer, and one Scottish destination is right at the bottom.

12:33, 27 MAY 2024
Updated 15:41, 28 MAY 2024

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A Scottish Highlands town has been named as the worst destination in Scotland for a short break, according to new research.

Scotland regularly tops lists of the most beautiful places to visit in the world, however, one location that has not been so favourable is Fort William in the West Highlands. The small town is among the worst places to head for a holiday in the whole of the UK, according to Which? .

The consumer magazine asked 3,967 of its members to rate cities and towns across the UK they had visited for leisure purposes and stayed in for at least one night during the past two years. Fort William placed dead last on its list of 'small UK cities' alongside Torquay in England, with an overall score of just 58 per cent.

'Scenic' Scottish countryside mansion that comes with sauna and snooker table for sale

According to Which?, the town received ratings of two out of five for food and drink , accommodation, shopping, and 'ease of getting around'. Hotels in Fort William were also found to be among the most expensive on the list, at an average of £135 per night.

While the town the town is home to popular eateries that have been acclaimed by visitors on Tripadvisor, other restaurants have been described as "overpriced" and "abysmal".

In terms of shopping, Fort William is centred around a High Street that features a number of local and independent shops. While popular amongst some visitors, its loud main road is a sore spot for many — with one travel publication even calling it "ugly".

Describing the town centre, Scotland Off the Beaten Track wrote: "Fort William isn’t easy on the eye. An ugly shopping arcade blights the northeast end of the High Street, while a noisy dual carriageway with an irritating lack of crossing points makes access to the underutilised esplanade and Old Fort awkward."

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Main Street Klmaurs showing the old Kilmaurs Parish Council Headquarters and Kilmaurs county jail in the centre. A popular historic Ayrshire town steeped in Scottish history.

Fort William did fare better in terms of peace and quiet, receiving a rating of four out of five for 'lack of crowds'. The town is known as a gateway to Ben Nevis, while there are also a wealth of scenic walking and hiking trails to explore.

Elsewhere in Scotland, Aberdeen was also named among the worst destinations for a staycation with an overall satisfaction score of 60 per cent. The lowest-ranking major Scottish city on the list, it was given two stars for its food and drink, cultural sights, and shopping.

The streets of the Scottish city of Aberdeen, known as the Granite City

Dundee was also not popular amongst Which? members, with a customer score of 62 per cent and ratings of two out of five for food and drink, accommodation, parking, and ease of getting around. Perth also fared poorly, with an overall score of 65 per cent and two stars for its food and drink and shopping.

On the other hand, Edinburgh was named as one of the top city break destinations in the whole of the UK. With an overall customer score of 83 per cent, the Scottish capital received five stars for its cultural sights and four stars for its food and drink, shopping, and ease of getting around.

Overall, the English cathedral city of Wells was revealed as the best destination for a short break in the UK, with a customer score of 86 per cent. Following in second is Liverpool with 84 per cent, then Edinburgh and York with 83 per cent each.

Which? commented: "Scotland did well in our survey — with Edinburgh near the top of the big cities table with 83 per cent and Glasgow not far behind on 76 per cent. St Andrews was joint second in our small cities table on 78 per cent, with Stirling on 75 per cent."

The full list of the best and worst staycation destinations in Scotland and England can be found on the Which? website .

Best small UK cities for a short break

Stratford Upon Avon
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11 Best Things to Do in Scottish Highlands
Explore wallet-friendly waterfront destinations in the Caribbean and U.S. Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023. Ranking of the top 11 things to do in Scottish Highlands. Travelers ...
10 Best Places to Visit in the Scottish Highlands
2. Isle of Skye. A terrific stop for everything from wildlife viewing to fossil discovery, the Isle of Skye sits northwest of the Scottish Highlands and is connected to the mainland of Scotland by bridge. While there are quite a few islands off the coast which make up the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is the largest.
15 Places To Visit In The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are blessed with many wonderful castles, here are a few you shouldn't miss. Dunrobin Castle - Dunrobin Castle is the largest in Scotland with 189 rooms connected by a maze of corridors and capped with fairy tale turrets. Eilean Donan Castle - Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Scottish Highlands
Urquhart Castle. 5,651. Historic Sites. Historic castle ruins perched on Loch Ness shores, presenting visitors with panoramic views and a deep dive into 1500 years of Scottish history through engaging exhibits and a short film. See ways to experience (108) 2023. 5. Steall Waterfall. 1,529.
20 Best Things to Do in the Highlands
Loch Ness - Scotland 2. Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis is the highest point in Great Britain and one of the best places to visit in the Highlands.. This mountain is Scottish skiers favorite destination in winter and a hikers paradise during summer.. Nevis Range ski resort is very well equipped and offers splendid views over the mountain range. In summer, you should really take the cable car to reach ...
Scottish Highlands
Discover the Scottish Highlands region. Including things to do, break inspiration, places to stay, unique experiences, travel tips, events and more. ... the Highlands offers plenty of things to see and do. 9 Hidden Gems You Mustn't Miss around Loch Ness. Discover the hidden gems of Loch Ness, and explore some of the best things to see & do in ...
16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Scottish Highlands
You can find the best places to visit in this ruggedly beautiful region with our list of the top attractions in the Scottish Highlands. On This Page: 1. The City of Inverness. 2. Loch Ness. 3. Urqhuart Castle, Loch Ness. 4.
The 10 Best Things to Do in Scottish Highlands
7. Glencoe National Nature Reserve. 1,474. National Parks. The National Trust for Scotland cares for Glencoe National Nature Reserve, a 14,000 acre estate with 60 kilometres of footpaths for you to explore, marvel at the panoramic mountain views and spot …. See ways to experience (25) 2023. 8. Fort George.
THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Scottish Highlands (UPDATED 2024)
7. Glencoe National Nature Reserve. 1,474. National Parks. The National Trust for Scotland cares for Glencoe National Nature Reserve, a 14,000 acre estate with 60 kilometres of footpaths for you to explore, marvel at the panoramic mountain views and spot …. See ways to experience (25) 2023. 8. Fort George.
The 25 Best Places To Visit In The Scotland Highlands On Your Next Trip!
At the head of Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan visible; this was the original power base of Clan Campbell. A must-see place in the Scotland Highlands! #23. Isle Of Skye. The mythic island of Skye, filled with an ancient landscape and a dark history.
The Best Places to Visit on a Tour of the Scottish Highlands
See the very best of the Scottish Highlands with an experienced guide who will do the driving for you as well as tell you all about Scotland's fascinating sights. Visit iconic places like Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Isle of Skye on a relaxed 3-day tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Book a Highland tour from Edinburgh.
The 14 best places to visit in Scotland
3. North Coast 500. Best place for a scenic road trip. Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands, but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (you can also cycle it), with some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.
The Scottish Highlands: Best Things To Do On A Road Trip
7. Monster Spotting At Loch Ness. Scottland's Famous Loch Ness. Loch Ness is a deep, cold, and very murky lake in the heart of the Scottish Highlands near the town of Inverness. For years locals and tourists have reported witnessing a large unidentified creature with a long neck swimming through the water.
11 Best Places to Stay in the Highlands
Kingussie Kingussie. Uath Lochans, Kingussie. Just south of Aviemore, Kingussie is the capital of Badenoch, the Storylands, in the Cairngorms National Park. With ancient fortresses, unique wildlife, scenic nature trails and endless hiking opportunities, this is the perfect base to experience the true Highlands.
Your Essential Scottish Highlands Trip Itinerary
There's no doubt by now that you've seen us banging on about how beautiful the Scottish Highlands are and how much we loved our visit. From the stunning beauty of the Cairngorms, foraging for seaweed for lunch, the Wester Ross Trail and driving part of the North Coast 500.Honestly, there are so many places to include on your Scottish Highlands trip itinerary.
The Most Beautiful Places in the Scottish Highlands
Loch Hourn, Knoydart. This loch marks the northern border of Knoydart and it's truly wild. Where Loch Nevis is the "Lake of Heaven", Loch Hourn means the "Lake of Hell". When the storms sweep in, it's not hard to see how it was named - despite its astonishing beauty. The mountain is Ladhar Bheinn, standing at 3,346ft (1,020m) high.
11 Best Places To Visit in the Scottish Highlands (2024)
2. Isle of Skye. This is the most famous Scottish island of all and by far one of the most beautiful. It's easy to get there by car since there is a bridge that connects the mainland to Skye. There are many beautiful natural landmarks to discover including the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools and more.
6 Charming Small Towns To Visit In The Scottish Highlands
Dunkeld. A traditional Scottish market town on the banks of the River Tay, Dunkeld is about as charming as it gets. You won't see many new buildings here; this town is traditional and original. The "little houses" as they're known locally are a gathering of brightly colored homes that were built in the early 1700s.
8 Best Places to Visit in Scottish Highlands
Top 8 Best Places to Visit in the Scottish Highlands. The scenic splendour of Loch Lomond, Skye's stunning coastline, the ominous beauty of Eilean Donan Castle, the Grampians' ancient, barren peaks… experiencing the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands makes for a trip like no other. And that's because this vast corner of ...
10 Awesomely Beautiful Places to See in the Scottish Highlands
10. Camusdarach Beach. A beach to rival the best in the world. Camusdarach beach, celestial in its pureness, sit across the waters from the craggy mountains of Skye. It's the ideal place to escape the incessant buzz of society and relax, with breath-taking views and the sonorous roar of the waves.
15 best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands and Islands
The Scottish Highlands and Islands were included in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel list for 2019 - the only region in the UK to make the cut. The travel experts selected the region for its whiskey, wildlife and scenery. Here, Country Living speaks to VisitScotland's Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead, who shares his reaction to the news and the best places to visit the in the area.
Scotland's Must-Sees: 8 Best Places to Visit in the Northern Highlands
7. Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) scenic drive. Bealach na Ba scenic road. Bealach na Ba is a scenic road between Tornapress and Applecross, about 18 km (11 miles) long. It's one of the best drives in Scotland, I absolutely loved it. It's single-lane in some places, so take your time.
25 Best Things to Do in Scotland, According to Local Experts
Edinburgh Castle. , which he describes as "an icon of Scotland," driving out to. Eilean Donan Castle. , "one of the most photographed castles in the country," and stopping at. Fyvie Castle ...
10 Scotland Road Trip Tips to Know Before You Go
Here are 10 Scotland road-trip tips (plus my favorite routes) to help make your drive better, safer, and more fun (based on my experience at least): Table of Contents. 1. Get Travel Insurance. 2. Rent the Right Vehicle. 3.
The Scottish town named as 'worst place to visit in UK' according to
A Scottish Highlands town has been named as the worst destination in Scotland for a short break, according to new research. Scotland regularly tops lists of the most beautiful places to visit in ...