tourist attractions scottish highlands

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/

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

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 Best of Bonnie Scotland : The stunning Isle of Skye is the easiest of Scotland's islands to access. Connected to the mainland by road, it's definitely worth spending a few days exploring its many old castles, prehistoric sites, stunning scenery, and ample wildlife. So, too, is lovely Loch Lomond , home to countless great hiking trails through the Trossachs National Park. The town of Oban is also a magnate for hikers and climbers, drawn here to scale the impressive Mount Etive overlooking pretty Loch Etive.

Scottish City Experiences : The Scottish capital of Edinburgh offers no end of fun attractions for tourists including the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Queen's Royal Yacht Britannia. The industrial and cultural city of Glasgow is also worth visiting, and is home to a stunning cathedral and many fine art galleries and museums. Closer to Inverness is Aberdeen , a scenic two-hour drive away but well worth it for its ancient cathedral and splendid historic architecture.

Scotland Vacation Ideas : Tucked away in the southwest of Scotland, the cities of Ayr and Dumfries are best known for their connections to the famed Scottish poet Robbie Burns, where a museum has been set up in his birthplace. Other top-rated destinations to include in your Scotland itinerary include Dundee , popular for its amazing rail bridge and marine museum, and St. Andrews , home to the world's best known golf course.

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Scottish Highlands   Travel Guide

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11 Best Things To Do in Scottish Highlands

Updated February 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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Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands: The Complete Guide

Chris Gorman/Getty Images

The Scottish Highlands belong on every traveler's bucket list, but, in particular, the beautiful region of Scotland is coveted by nature lovers and outdoorsy adventurers. Located in the western and northern areas of Scotland, the Highlands feature unparalleled scenery, from towering mountain ranges to sweeping, green countryside to sparkling lochs. It's the sort of place that feels otherworldly, especially when you leave the beaten path and get into the more remote areas of the Highlands. It can be difficult to decide what to include on a Highlands itinerary, but you really can't go wrong, especially if you give yourself plenty of time to explore.

The Top Destinations in the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands represent a massive area of northern Scotland, including numerous towns, national parks, and wilderness areas. Deciding what to see can be intimating at first, especially when looking at a map, so it's best to narrow your visit down to a few solid destinations. While there are many places to go around the Scottish Highlands, some of the best and most memorable include Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond and Glencoe.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is one of the most famous areas in the Highlands, boasting magnificent views you won't forget. The vast area is the largest national park in the U.K. and welcomes both day-trippers and those who hope to spend a few days (or even a week) exploring its lakes, mountains, and natural formations. Camping is particularly popular in Cairngorms and there are numerous campsites, for both tents and camper vans, throughout the park.

Cairngorms National Park isn't just for hiking and camping, either. The park features numerous museums, historic sites, and even castles, all of which should be part of your itinerary. Look for Balmoral Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, and the Highland Folk Museum , which showcases living history.

Scotch lovers shouldn't miss the Glenlivet Distillery , where the distillery showcases whiskey-making and even includes a tasting on its tours (which should be booked in advance).

Isle of Skye

Located off the west coast of Scotland, Isle of Skye is famous for its rugged yet picturesque landscapes and its beautiful coastline. There are numerous villages throughout the island, including Portree and Dunvegan. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye to spot its varied wildlife and enjoy its iconic hikes. Isle of Skye is best visited during the warmer months, when you can better enjoy the hiking trails and beaches.

There's a lot to see and experience on Skye, so it's best to stay at least a few days, whether it's in a holiday home rental or a campsite. Check out the Talisker distillery and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens , which has been the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Many visitors also opt to take a boat tour around the island, if you'd like to join one look for tours leaving from Elgol or Portree. If you don't have a car or a rental, stay in one of the main areas, like Portree, but the more remote destinations on the island are recommended for a quiet, nature-focused getaway.

Inverness and Loch Ness

The city of Inverness, located in the far north of Scotland, has a sizable airport and a bustling downtown with nice restaurants and shopping areas. The city is also the gateway to Loch Ness, a beautiful destination that has far more to offer than just its mythic monster. Hiking, fishing, cycling, and skiing are all popular activities in the scenic areas around Inverness, but there's also plenty of history, from Inverness Cathedral to Fort George.

To best explore Loch Ness, book a boat cruise. After the cruise pay a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition . Families will also enjoy Nessieland, a small theme park with play areas and attractions based on Nessie herself. Adventurous travelers should rent a bike and ride the Loch Ness 360° Trail , which circles the entirety of Loch Ness.

Fort William and Ben Nevis

Found in the western part of the Scottish Highlands, Fort William is a town best known as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s tallest peak that was once an active volcano, and the Glen Nevis valley. While many visitors will want to come during the summer for hiking and outdoor activities, the mountains also boasts great skiing at Nevis Range during the colder months. There area has numerous hikes, in varying degrees of difficulty, and many people attempt the steep trek to the top of Ben Nevis via one of its two faces.

Fort William itself is a small town with nice bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages, and there are also several surrounding villages to explore. There are also great pubs and seafood restaurants in the area, including the Ben Nevis Inn, located at the base of the mountain's footpath.

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan is a small island in the western highlands where Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh meet, and standing atop the island is the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. It's a place you'll recognize from a lot of movies, including the "The World Is Not Enough" and "Highlander." The historic castle, which dates back to the 13th century, welcomes visitors year-round (although opening hours vary by season). Visitors can also book into the castle's vacation cottages. The castle is located near the village of Dornie, another scenic spot to visit during your journey.

Glencoe, found in the Glencoe valley, is best known for its walking trails and the Glencoe Folk Museum , which showcases 18th-century heritage as well as the history of the Glencoe massacre of 1692. The winter brings skiing and sledding at Glencoe Mountain, while spring and summer invite visitors to bike, go sea kayaking and dip into Lochaber Geopark .

Don't miss Glencoe Lochan, a forested wilderness area north of Glencoe's village, and nearby Loch Leven, where you can follow the Loch Leven Heritage Trail around the lake. Hop a boat or kayak to the uninhabited island of Eilean Munde, the burial place of Glencoe's Macdonald clan, in Loch Leven.

Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond

The famed Loch Lomond can be found in the Trossachs National Park , a vast park known for its amazing views and water sports. Camping is popular in the Trossachs, with wild camping permitted if you want to go more remote. There are also lots of trails for hiking and cycling, and there are six long-distance trails that make their way through the park (each is about 25 miles long and takes several days to complete). Golfing is also popular, with numerous courses available for visitors, including the Buchanan Castle Golf Club and the Aberfoyle Golf Club. At Loch Lomond, look for the Luss Heritage Path, which traverses the countryside as well as the ancient village of Luss.

There are many towns in the Trossachs, many of which lay alongside one of the lochs. Look for St. Fillans, on Loch Earn, and Callander to get a taste of small-town Scottish life. While there is some public transportation around the park, it's best to rent a car or camper van when exploring Trossachs National Park.

Things To Do in the Scottish Highlands

There's a lot to see and do in the Highlands, some of which is dependent on what time of year you visit. Most travelers prefer to tour around the Highlands during the spring, summer, or early fall to take advantage of the nice weather and long hours of daylight. Whether you prefer to explore national parks, uncover historical sites or hang out in the town pub, there's something to do for every type of visitor, including families with kids.

• Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Highlands, particularly in the national parks and around Glencoe. Be sure to look for advice from the local visitor's center on the best trails for your ability level and be mindful of any weather conditions. Scotland also features numerous long-distance walking trails, in case you want to make a several-day trek through the wilderness.
• Camping is another highlight of the area, especially since Scotland allows wild camping (which means you can camp anywhere, as long as you follow the rules of the particular area). Many travelers opt to camp for a few nights or even their entire trip, so make sure you have the right gear and you get any necessary permits ahead of time.
• Golf courses are a dime a dozen in the Highlands and many boast impressive views. Look for famous courses like the Castle Stuart Golf Links and the Dragons Tooth Golf Course.
• Outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, cycling, and rock climbing can be found throughout the Highlands, and many towns have shops offering boat and bike rentals, as well as fishing gear rentals.
• Scotland's history dates back hundreds of years, which is evident in the numerous historical sites and castles around the Highlands. You could make an entire itinerary of just castles, which can be found all over the area, often in remote locations. Do some research in advance to ensure the sites are open during your visit as many involve long drives to access them.
• The Highlands are also known for their whiskey distilleries. Most of the 47 local distilleries welcome visitors, including the area's oldest, Glenturret at Crieff and Balblair at Tain. Those interested in malt whiskey should embark on the Malt Whisky Trail, which features eight distilleries around Speyside.

How To Get There

The Highlands are relatively remote and quite vast, so the best way to visit is via rental car. International travelers can fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh, and rent a car there before traveling north. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Inverness, a smaller airport in the north of Scotland, and then drive to their chosen destination. You can also opt for a camper van to help simplify your travel as wild camping is legal in Scotland.

Those looking for a more scenic route should book a train journey from Glasgow or Edinburgh, both of which are three to five hours away from various Highlands destinations, including Fort William and Aviemore (which offers access to Cairngorms). The journey from Edinburgh to Fort William includes the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and picturesque scenery included in the "Harry Potter" movies as the Hogwarts Express makes its way from London to the wizards' school. Use the Trainline website to find the best route when booking a train. Buses are also available from Glasgow to Fort William or Glencoe.

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Robin McKelvie | 20 April 2019

The ultimate wanderlust guide to the scottish highlands.

Explore the lochs, Munros and monsters of the Scottish Highlands, your ‘Top UK Destination’ in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2020...

Anyone who has paid even a short visit will hardly be surprised that the Scottish Highlands topped the ‘UK Destination’ category at this year’s Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards .

This is a land of startling, almost otherworldly beauty after all, ranging from sea lochs every bit as dramatic as the Norwegian fjords to sweeps of white sand that are almost Caribbean in appearance.

Here's your ultimate travel guide to the stunning Scottish region - including the best things to see and do, when to visit, and how to get around...

Why visit the scottish highlands.

A stunning view of Glen Coe, in the Scottish Highlands (Dreamstime)

Alongside the natural drama, this is also an ancient landscape – Lewisian gneiss and Torridonian sandstone are some of the oldest rocks in the world – and with age come intoxicating stories. History in the Highlands is very much of the living, palpably raw variety.

This is not just wilderness, but rather a region shorn of its people in the notorious Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries. The sense of tragedy, of a land lost, of bonnie princes and hopeless causes imbues the hills with a unique sense of place and identity that goes much deeper than kilts and bagpipes.

Of course, there's plenty to do in the Scottish Highlands beyond the dramatic views. Nature walks and hikes, jaw-dropping train journeys, and iconic lake monsters are just a few reason to consider giving the Scottish Highlands your precious travel time.

When's the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands?

Machair wildflowers in bloom in Scotland (Shutterstock)

Any time of year is a good time to visit, as each season brings its own joys, from watching the Highland Games in summer, to steaming the rails as autumn colours the land.

But if you’re ready to go now, springtime is ideal for hunting for machair wildflowers up in the Inner Hebrides (its northern isles fall under the Highland Council), while you could be among the first to tackle the new trails that are breathing fresh life into the glens and lochs.

If you’ve never been or want to return, 2019 is an ideal year.

How to get around the Scottish Highlands

The North Coast 500 has made the Scottish Highlands easier to visit (Shutterstock)

Getting around this vast wildscape has never been easier. The North Coast 500 road trip, created in 2015, has opened up the Highlands to a new breed of visitor, with their motorbikes, campervans and convertible cars.

Investment is piling in along the route and elsewhere, as local businesses realise the benefits of extending the season, while getting there has also improved.

The refurbished Caledonian Sleeper is set to relaunch its Highlander service by the end of May, linking Highland capital Inverness with London in style.

How many days should you spend in the Scottish Highlands?

The Scottish Highlands (Shutterstock)

You could spend weeks and weeks exploring the Scottish Highlands. If you're willing to pack in your activities quite tightly, you could probably spend 2 or 3 days exploring the area. See the suggested short break itinerary below.

However, if you want to experience more or take the Highlands at a more leisurely pace, you'll want to plan to stay for at least a week.

Day 1 in the Scottish Highlands: Trains, castles and the Loch Ness monster...

The 21-arch railway at Glenfinnan (Shutterstock)

Drive west from Inverness along the banks of Scotland’s most famous loch. The 58km South Loch Ness Trail from Torbruck to Fort Augustus opened here last year if you want to test your legs. Or just marvel that Loch Ness holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined as you survey it from the ramparts of Urquhart Castle .

Cut north into proper wilderness, where there’s more deer than locals and where a 21-arch railway viaduct vaults across the hills at Glenfinnan. This glen is one of the Highlands’ most scenic, and the site where ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ raised his standard in 1745 en route to almost taking the British throne. The Glenfinnan NTS museum   sets the scene.

A visit is richer if you include one of the Highland islands. Take the ferry ‘Over the Sea to Skye ’, as the song goes, from Mallaig and push on across the largest of the Inner Hebrides, under the shadow of the epic Cuillin mountains, in search of the island capital of Portree . Cosy hostelries await, alive with the ghosts of national bard Robert Burns and a healthy stock of whisky.

Day 2 in the Scottish Highlands: Exploring the North Coast 500...

The pretty village of Plockton (Shutterstock)

More world-class driving awaits as you return to the mainland, pausing in arguably the prettiest Highland village, Plockton . Break east along Loch Carron , stopping for photos at the viewpoint before joining the North Coast 500 and Scotland’s most notorious road.

The Bealach na Ba sweeps from sea level up a series of switchbacks to a height of 626m. Be sure to walk away from the viewpoint to feel the solitude and watch the Hebrides unfold in front of you, then ease closer to the Atlantic for a seafood lunch in the remote Applecross Inn .

Next, snake around the coast as far as  Loch Torridon , where the 1,000m-high rock sentinels of the Torridon Mountains hang heavy over the sparse imprint of man. There is little here bar the grand Torridon Hotel , its cosy inn and a small hostel, but the sight will linger long within you.

What else is there to do in the Scottish Highlands?

Cruising along Loch Ness (Shutterstock)

Cruise Loch Ness: Track ‘Nessie’ down with Jacobite , who operate a fleet of cruise boats across the expanse of 37km-long Loch Ness (pictured). Scan the waters or enjoy a dram in style as the geological fault line of the Great Glen unfurls all around.

Ride the rails: The Jacobite steam train  between Mallaig and Fort William is one of the most spectacular train trips you will ever experience, as you ride the ‘Iron Road to the Isles’. The return trip eats up a lot of time, though, so you may want to bus/taxi one way.

Scale the mountains: Walking in the Scottish mountains is a serious business. The well equipped and fit can enjoy a taster on Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve’s 6.5km Mountain Trail without having to be exposed on a Highland peak. There is a gentler option, too, that sticks to the lower slopes. Print a guide instead of relying on there being one for free in the car park.

What do the locals recommend?

— Catriona Stevenson, Slainte Scotland Tours 

Where to go beyond the Scottish Highlands...

1. Dumfries and Galloway 

Scotland’s most southerly region is also its balmiest, with wild beaches sprinkled along the Solway Firth. The new South West Coastal 300 is a handy driving route to hang a trip around, taking in ruined abbeys and epic views en route. The new Moat Brae storytelling centre opens this spring in its biggest town, Dumfries.

2. Perthshire

Take in majestic mountains, tumbling glens and – in the Tay – Scotland’s longest river. Perthshire has many of the attractions of the Highlands, but on a more manageable scale. It’s an adventure hub, too, as thrillseekers gear up for whitewater rafting or canoe world-class rapids.

3. The Shetland Isles

Closer in distance to Bergen, Norway, than Aberdeen, this 100-island archipelago has brooding voes (rather than lochs), vast seabird cliffs and incredible beaches. Fans of the TV series Shetland (series five is on BBC iPlayer) will need no introduction, but the reality is even more enchanting.

More on glorious Scotland:

Where to spot the elusive golden eagle, wide-eyed in the wild isles: exploring the inner hebrides, 13 of the best hikes in scotland, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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The Scottish Highlands

Why we love the scottish highlands.

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the Highlands are about beauty and adventure. With islands for exploring, thick pine forests to wander and peaks to climb, it’s packed with picture-perfect scenery and exhilarating experiences. From the valleys of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, to the heights of Ben Nevis or the soaring hills of the Cairngorms, expect everything from folk festivals to adrenaline-fuelled off-roading.

Base your stay at the gateway city of Inverness - also the start for the North Coast 500. Within easy reach of Edinburgh, it offers art and culture, foodie festivals to get your teeth stuck into, botanical gardens and a plenty for music lovers. Whether it’s a bracing wild swim, a warming whiskey tour or a royal fix at Balmoral, unleash your imagination in the Highlands.

Discover   the Highland’s TV h ighlights

Discover everything from Outlander filming locations to those made famous by  James Bond, Harry Potter and Braveheart . Lose yourself in the wildness film sets of the eerie ruins of Dunnottar Castle, or the mountain paths of Glen Coe and Glen Etive.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

Delve into the art, history and culture of the Highlands  and learn all about the people, places and traditions that have shaped the region – including bagpipes.

Get tickets for a Loch Ness Inspiration Tour

Explore scotland’s malt whisky trail.

The only trail of its kind in the world, set in the heart of Speyside, takes in seven world-famous working distilleries , one historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage.

Things to do in The Scottish Highlands

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

Lochaber Geopark

Mighty mountains, tranquil lochs and a wild, untamed coastline: welcome to some of the Highland’s most incredible scenery.

VisitBritain/Graham Niven

Welcome to the highest mountain in Scotland. Sheer catnip for hikers, the summit has spectacular views of the Grampian range.

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Highland Games

With their one-of-a-kind sports, these traditional Scottish tournaments are the ‘Olympics of the Highlands’.

VisitBritain/Highland Games Academy

Inverness Botanic Gardens

A little taste of the tropics in Scotland, this thriving spot features coffee plants, pineapple plants and rare orchids – and is free to visit.

West Highland Way

Crossing open moors, lofty peaks, and forest-lined lochs, the West Highland Way serves up 96 miles (154km) of invigorating hiking.

VisitScotland

Eagle Brae log cabins

A sustainable hideaway in the romantic wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Strathglass

Surfing in the Inner Hebrides

Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding pro, Scotland’s west coast is a surfer’s dream.

Alamy Stock Photo

Pembrokeshire

Barrglen Equitation Centre

On the Kintyre peninsula, this family-run horse-riding centre offers equestrian adventures for all abilities.

VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Scottish Islands

The largest ski resort in the UK, Glenshee has slopes for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Mick Durham FRPS / Alamy Stock Photo

Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports

The stunning Cairngorm Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland every year, with 19 miles (30 km) of ski runs, 10 lifts and a funicular railway.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

First stop for any visitors to the Highlands is the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, in the historic heart of the city.

Ewen Weatherspoon/ Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Tain Pottery

Take home a true Scottish souvenir, with some hand-crafted Tain pottery from its workshop in Tain.

Speyside Whisky Distilleries

Take a tour of Speyside whisky distilleries in this famous whisky-making region of the Highlands.

VisitBritain/Aurélie Four

Rocpool Restaurant

When in Inverness, visit one of its culinary institutions – Rocpool restaurant, which prides itself on serving local ingredients with world-class flavour.

Rocpool / John Paul Photography

Slow Food Highland Dining and Storytelling

Enjoy real Highland food and hospitality with the Cleikum Social Eating Club – a home-cooked dinner and storytelling experience.

Alamy Stock Photo/Norman Pogson

Braveheart Tour

Follow in the footsteps of William Wallace – and Mel Gibson – on the Braveheart Tour, taking in key spots in the historic Scottish hero’s life.

Shutterstock / oksana.perkins

Outlander Tour

If you’ve dreamed of travelling back in time on Outlander, then make it a reality with a bespoke Outlander Tour by insiders from the show.

Highland Folk Museum

Discover what Highland life was like in the past with this popular living history museum in the Cairngorms.

Highland Folk Museum/ Ewen Weatherspoon

West Highland Museum

Learn all about Bonnie Prince Charlie with the Jacobite treasures on display at the West Highland Museum in Fort William.

Gairloch Museum

Prepare to be surprised by the Gairloch Museum, with its inspiring displays housed in a former nuclear bunker.

Mark Appleton

Beltane Fire Festival

Mark the start of summer with the famous Beltane Fire Festival. The parade and bonfire is one of Edinburgh’s must-see events.

Shutterstock / Paul Seftel

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Party on at the popular Belladrum Tartan Heart music festival on the Belladrum Estate near Inverness.

Paul Campbell Photography

Shetland Folk Festival

Shetland comes alive over four days with its historic Shetland Folk Festival, celebrating local, national and international music.

North Coast 500

Hit the road with one of Britain’s most spectacular driving routes – the North Coast 500.

North Highlands

Cairngorm Mountain

Head to Cairngorm Mountain in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

The Cairngorms National Park

Isle of Eriska Hotel

You can’t get a more spectacular location than the Isle of Eriska Hotel, overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains. This tranquil spot is at the mouth of Loch Creran, in West Argyll.

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island

The Ballachulish Hotel

Get away from it all with a stay at The Ballachulish Hotel, on the banks of Loch Linnhe, on the west coast of Scotland.

Give yourself a treat whilst in the Highlands and book a day spa treatment at Aspen Spa in Tain and Dornoch.

Balmoral Castle

Beloved by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, you can visit Balmoral Castle and estate in Aberdeenshire.

@pumpkin_the_pompom

Wilderness Scotland

If you fancy a Highland adventure without the hassle, Wilderness Scotland can curate a tour for you, from adventure sports to retreats.

Highland Food and Drink Club

Join the slow food movement and take a sustainable culinary tour through the Highlands and Islands with the Highland Food and Drink Club.

Featured things to do

VisitBritain/Getty Images/Nick David

Mountain biking for all

Hit the Lower Forest Trails in Fort William with options for all levels and abilities, or improve your mountain biking skills with professional lessons.

VisitBritain/Peter Beavis

Wild camping

Head off-the-beaten-track in Scotland’s remotest locations to really get up close to nature - just remember to leave-no-trace.

Make a splash

Try the fast-growing adrenaline sport of canyoning, swim in the bracing Atlantic or whip out your oars out at Great Glen Canoe Trail. Or walk to Scotland’s highest waterfall, Plodda Falls.

sarahneilson7815

Feed deer in the snowy Cairngorms

Take a guided tour to feed Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the Cairngorms National Park.

Places to stay in The Scottish Highlands

Embrace Highland heritage with a stay in the capital of the region - sample award-winning food and unique shopping, or set off on a cycling adventure.

Fort William

Often called the ‘outdoor capital of Britain’, Fort William has everything from sandy beaches to dramatic film locations and distilleries.

A popular stopping point on the North Coast 500 route, tuck into fresh seafood or hob aboard ferry services to the Isles of Lewis.

Explore nearby

Cairngorms national park.

The Cairngorms is a playground for wildlife lovers, hill climbers, thrill seekers and more.

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

Jaw-dropping landscapes wrapped in tales of legends, the wild nature will stay with you forever.

VisitBritain/Dougie Cunningham

Getting to The Scottish Highlands

Inverness Airport is just 10 minutes from the city centre, and serves domestic destinations across Britain, alongside links to the Scottish Islands. There’s no direct access to the Highlands, but train connections are possible via Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, all taking around 3-4 hours.

Getting around

Cyclists can hire a bike  using Ticket to Ride or Hi-Bike in Inverness, which doubles as the start point for the Loch Ness 360° Trail, a 80-mile (130km) circular route around the famous loch.

Scotrail operates services to locations across the Highlands, or jump aboard the Jacobite to cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct and experience one of the world’s best railway journeys.

The Highlands can be taken in on the North Coast 500 touring route, which brims with coastal scenery, castles and historical ruins. Where will your adventure begin?

Want to know more?

Check out Visit Scotland for insider tips and travel inspiration.

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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Things to do in the Highlands

We care for some of the most iconic and magnificent places to visit in the Highlands. Here's a list of 12 things to see and do on your tour of the Scottish Highlands, from soaring mountains and iconic wildlife, to Jacobite monuments and 'impossible' gardens.

Discover the Jacobites

Scotland ’ s history is pulled into sharp focus at these battlefields and monuments, which tell the story of the famous Jacobite risings .

1. In 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his father’s Standard at Glenfinnan , marking the start of the fourth (and final) Jacobite campaign. At our visitor centre you can learn more about the ’45, before climbing the tower to join the lone Highlander atop the famous monument. Take a moment to reflect as you take in the panoramic view of Loch Shiel.

2. At Culloden Battlefield , near Inverness, where the Jacobite risings came to a brutal and harrowing end, you’ll get a moving and respectful view of this chapter in Scottish history. Visit our immersive museum and take a guided tour around the battlefield and memorials – see this pivotal point in history from both sides.

3. Few places are as awe-inspiring and atmospheric as Glencoe , where volcanic eruptions and powerful glaciers have sculpted towering jagged mountain ranges. Some say that legendary Celtic hero Fingal spent his life among these inhospitable mountains. This was also the home of the MacDonald clan, victims of the infamous Glencoe Massacre in 1692.

Outdoor adventures

The Highlands are a landscape unlike any other, and the perfect playground for anyone who loves to hike, cycle, kayak or climb.

4. The Five Sisters of Kintail is one of the finest hill walks in Scotland, and a great challenge for fit and experienced walkers with the right equipment. For families there are low-level walks along Gleann Lichd, and you can even give sea kayaking a go with the help of our friendly rangers.

5. One of the special things about venturing into the Highlands is that feeling of isolation. Reaching the Falls of Glomach takes a lot of effort – getting to and from the falls involves a 12 mile hike – but it’s worth every step.

Crystal-clear water plunges 113m in a constant thunderous roar, making Glomach (Gaelic for ‘hazy’) one of the tallest waterfalls in Britain. This is an unforgettable, unmissable experience.

6. Want to get your adrenaline going? The trails on Balmacara Estate are perfect for mountain biking. In fact, you can try all sorts of outdoor pursuits on this traditional Highland crofting estate – activities like orienteering, hiking and birdwatching let you experience the environment in new ways.

Walking in Scotland

Places for nature lovers

Want to go wild? You ’ ll find some of Scotland ’ s rarest wildlife in the Highlands, from soaring birds of prey to unique plant species.

7. Is there a more iconic Scottish animal than the red deer? The distinctive bellow of these majestic mammals can be heard echoing through the glens in rutting season, and there’s no better place than Torridon to spot them in the wild. Get up early to find them on the hillside, or visit our deer enclosure and museum for a closer look. There’s lots of other wildlife to see among this dramatic landscape, too, from otters to eagles.

8. Calling all plant lovers! You simply can’t miss the ‘impossible garden’ at Inverewe , created by Osgood Mackenzie over 100 years ago. What was once a barren wilderness is now home to thriving plants from all over the world – Wollemi pines, Himalayan blue poppies, Californian redwoods and rhododendrons from India and Nepal! And if that isn’t enough, you can even spot Scotland’s Big Five wildlife in the surrounding habitats .

Highland castles and homes

Looking for things to do near Inverness? Get out your map and discover these fantastic historical properties.

9. Rose-coloured turrets, cool collections, nature-spotting and play parks – Brodie Castle has everything you need for a great family day out. Hop along to our Playful Garden to find a giant bunny sculpture and musical games, then explore the woodland adventure playground behind the castle. The castle is crammed with art and antiques, and the grounds offer many opportunities to enjoy a relaxing stroll whilst admiring the views.

10. Fossil hunter, folklorist, stonemason, writer, geologist and social justice campaigner – Hugh Miller might be Scotland’s most famous multi-tasker! This great Scot came from humble beginnings, and you can learn more about the man and his work – and try to solve the ‘mystery trail’ – at the Hugh Miller Birthplace Cottage & Museum in Cromarty.

Did you know that Miller’s great-grandfather, who built the cottage, was a pirate?!

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By becoming a National Trust for Scotland member you are helping preserve Scotland's history for future generations.

Free* places to visit

With all that rugged wilderness at your disposal, you can take your pick of things to do in the Highlands that don ’ t cost a penny, including some free events.

11. At our wild Highland properties we’re all about BYOE ... bring your own equipment! If you have your own canoe, mountain bike or walking gear, you can come to our outdoor places and paddle/pedal/scramble/ramble to your heart’s content. If you don’t have the kit, or you need a guide, we’re happy to help you bag a Munro or explore the sea lochs .

12. Look out for free events throughout the year. From craft fairs and plant festivals to children’s activities and expert talks, there’s always something happening at our places.

Don ’ t forget, members benefit from free access to all of our places. Find out more about how to join .

*Parking charges may apply at some of our places if you ’ re not a member.

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42 Best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands

My husband is thoroughly Irish and adores the land of his birth, but when visiting Scotland’s Highlands and gazing out over the landscapes he said and I quote “this quite possibly is the most beautiful place on earth”.  If you are heading to Scotland and looking for inspiration on where to visit then you need to know about the best places to visit in Scotland’s highlands.

Lonely Planet says that the Scottish Highlands are one of the  best regions in the world to visit in 2019 You have probably seen much of the stunning Scottish Highlands in movies such as Rob Roy, James Bond or Harry Potter and TV shows like Outlander. Some of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands are sites you might already have seen in these shows. Here are 42 epic reasons why you need to take that trip to some of the best places to visit in the Highlands of Scotland.

The raw windswept vistas of the highlands of Scotland are inspiring the coastline is rugged and incredibly beautiful with a great lack of tourists. There are ruined castles, castles to stay in, a loch monster to chase, whiskey, pubs more whiskey and more pubs. The people offer some of the best hospitality anywhere in the British Isles and the craic is mighty in the Scottish Highlands.

In order to help you plan your stay and where to go in the Scottish highlands, I have put together, with my writer friends, this guide of the 42 best things to do in the Scottish Highlands, with all points of interest and must-see attractions. It isn’t difficult to drive in Scotland and I highly recommend a car rental for driving in the Highlands it will make your trip so much easier.

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

Wouldn’t you love to stay in one of the famous Scottish highlands castles?

Where are the Scottish Highlands?

Fort william , the islands , ten fascinating facts about the scottish highlands, getting around the scottish highlands, stirling castle, wallace monument, dunrobin castle, oban, the gateway to the islands, gylen castle, dunollie castle, isle of skye, camusdarach beach, urquhart castle, cawdor castle, fort william, the jacobite express, glenfinnan viaduct, commando memorial, glen roy national nature reserve, castle stalker, buchanan castle ruins, loch lomond and the trossachs, house of bruar and falls of bruar, kilchurn castle, loch sunart,  eilean donan castle, cairngorms national park, loch dunmore & the faskally woods, handa island, speyside whisky private tour from inverness or aviemore and surrounding areas, highland whisky tour with a visit to inverness & cawdor castle from invergordon, city escape: highlands private day trip, attend the highland games, highland cows, which scottish train starts in fort william and is known as the harry potter train, where is the scottish highlands capital, what is the highest point in the scottish highlands, what is considered highlands in scotland, what are the west highlands, when is the best time to visit the scottish highlands.

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What is considered the Scottish highlands? The Scottish Highlands region is a vast area covering more than 11000 square miles. The further north you travel the more wild and remote the Highlands become.

The Highlands stretches from Fort William in the west, right up the coast by Skye, around the North Coast 500 to Durness and John O’ Groats in the far north. It also runs up to Inverness and east out to Elgin, taking in Aviemore and some of the Cairngorms National Park. There are so many things to do in the Scottish highlands you can be sure the entire family will enjoy themselves.

What are the major cities in the Scottish Highlands?

Inverness is the main city of the Scottish Highlands and one of the best places to stay since many of the Highland attractions such as Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park are just a short drive away. The Moray Firth has some stunning shorelines and the hiking on the Moray Trail is phenomenal. You can also make a visit to what is known as the sunniest spot in Scotland Nairns beach.

One of the best places in the Scottish highlands to visit is Fort William in the western Highlands is considered the outdoor capital of the UK. Basing yourself in Fort William gives you the perfect place to explore Ben Nevis the UK’s tallest mountain or take the Gondola up the mountainside. You can visit Glencoe and Glenfinnan more on those later.

Aviemore is around 30 miles south of Inverness and is the main town in the Cairngorms National Park. A popular ski destination and a summer vacation spot in the Highlands and is close to Loch an Eilein (5 miles south), Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

Oban is on the West Coast of Scotland and is called the “Gateway to the Isles”. From Oban, you can take the ferries to the Outer Hebrides, Inner Hebrides and Argyll & The Isles and Mallaig, which connects to Skye. The main highway that runs through Oban runs straight to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Most folks who visit Scotland want to visit the world-famous Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides. The Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides Islands are located off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. The Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands are located off the northernmost tip of mainland Scotland and can be accessed via ferry leaving from Thurso.

• Why are they called the Highlands? The Scottish Gaelic name of A’ Ghàidhealtachd literally means “the place of the Gaels” and traditionally, from a Gaelic-speaking point of view, includes both the Western Isles and the Highlands.
• Scotland’s national dish is Haggis a sort of sausage with lots of parts we don’t usually eat in North America such as lungs, heart, and other offal.
• Scottish folks love their neeps and tatties which are essentially turnips (we used to call it Swede) and potatoes.
• Oatcakes are also a favourite Scottish food – this is a flat oat biscuit served with butter and jam or cheese. 
• Three languages are spoken in the Highlands: English, Scots and Gaelic
• What is Scotland’s “right to roam” law? This means that everyone is allowed to walk or cycle through the land as long as it’s not motorized as in cars and motorbikes. You can hike through private and public land including– mountains, fields, forests, grassland, coastal areas, and lochs as long as they do so responsibly.
• The Orkney Islands are an archipelago in Northern Scotland that actually used to be owned by Norway.
• It has the UK’s highest mountains, ranging from 900-1300m
• The northwest Highlands are, geologically speaking, 750 million years old
• Loch Ness holds more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined

The Highlands are accessible by car, rail, bus and air. Buses and trains connect with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scotland’s other major cities.

Buses travel from the towns of Crianlarich and Glencoe to Fort William and beyond, while trains connect with Inverness and as far north as Wick and Duirinish.

Ferries and flights reach all the major islands in the Highlands, and Inverness is accessible from London by rail and air. Though there are smaller airports in the Scottish Highlands, Inverness Airport, located in Dalcross just outside the city of Inverness, serves the destination and is its main airport with flights to Dublin, Belfast, and Amsterdam. Easyjet, LoganAir, KLM and British Airways fly out of and into Inverness.

Touring the Scottish Highlands: Places to see in the Highlands

The Highlands refers to that part of Scotland north-west of the Highland Boundary Fault, which crosses mainland Scotland in a near-straight line from Helensburgh to Stonehaven. Here are 32 of the best places to visit in the Scottish highlands.

Glencoe is a valley located in the west of the Scottish highlands. The area is known for its spectacular views, peaks, waterfalls and typical highland landscape. The valley was made famous thanks to various movies that were filmed in the area, such as Harry Potter, James Bond, Highlander, Braveheart and the Outlaw king.

The village of Glencoe, located at the edge of Loch Leven, is a good starting point to explore the valley. The Macdonald’s memorial reminds one of the killings of the clan in 1692 and the Folk museum and visitor centre to tell the tale of the clans and legends of the highlands. The best way to enjoy Glencoe, however, is on a hike up the various viewpoints.

The Glencoe walking trail and the three sisters are great for families, while experienced hikers might enjoy a good hike up the Ben Nevis or the Pap of Glencoe. The best way to get to Glencoe is by car via the A82. It’s a day trip from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, with a driving time of 2 to 3 hours. Make sure to pack some warm clothes because Glencoe can be rather cool and windy. The temperatures average 20 Celsius in the summer months. Discover more ideas and things to do in Glencoe and collect some tips to plan a trip to this breathtaking region. Contributed by Paul of PaulMarina.com.

Gairloch sits on the West coast of Scotland. This Gulf Stream gives it a warmer climate.

There is a pretty harbour and also a couple of lovely sandy beaches, along with sheltered bays. Islands add to the views which look stunning at sunset.

Not only does Gairloch have an award-winning museum, but there are also plenty of nice places to eat. The GALE Centre is a community-run centre with a fantastic cafe with outside dining. The menu features fresh ingredients and lovely home baking.

It’s only a few minutes’ stroll from The Gairloch Hotel which is the largest in the area. This older-styled hotel is popular with coach holiday guests. It has a fantastic location overlooking a sandy beach.

Whichever way you travel to Gairloch you will enjoy fantastic views and scenery. There is also a great circular road trip route which takes in waterfalls, wild goats and gorges to name a few. Contributed by Melanie of The Professional Traveller

Stirling is where the Lowlands meet the Highlands of Scotland. Here you have to visit Stirling Castle high on a volcanic outcrop, the castle guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth for centuries. Today it remains a great symbol of Scottish independence and national pride.

It was here in 1543, at the age of just nine months, that Mary Queen of Scots was crowned queen in Stirling Castle’s Chapel Royal after the death of her father, James V. She lived at the castle for most of the first five years of her life until she was moved to Dumbarton Castle and eventually to France.

It was built in honour of William Wallace, the man known as ‘Braveheart’. Wallace was an incredible ‘Guardian of Scotland’ and played an integral role in the battle against England for Scotland’s independence. Perhaps one of his most famous battles was the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

The capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is definitely one of the best places to visit in this area. The city is also a great base for anyone looking to take a Scottish Highland tour . From stunning views of the River Ness to historic castles and public parks, there’s something for everyone in Inverness.

One of the best things to do in Inverness is to visit the iconic Inverness Castle. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the River Ness, the castle offers stunning views of the surrounding area. As of 2022, Inverness Castle is closed for renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2025. However, visitors can still admire its architecture from the outside and enjoy the river view from where it is situated.

To briefly escape from the bustling city centre, why not take a stroll through the Inverness Botanic Gardens? Besides a tropical house, a cactus house, several ponds, and flower meadows, this entry-free place is also home to a number of events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before you visit.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Culloden Battlefield should not be missed. Located just outside of Inverness, Culloden Battlefield is the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1745. The battlefield is now a memorial site and museum and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Scottish history.

Getting to Inverness is easy as it’s just a short drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow, or you can take the train from London King’s Cross Station. Once you’re in Inverness, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. I would highly recommend staying at Loch Ness Lodge – a beautiful retreat with panoramic views over Loch Ness and luxurious traditional Scottish design. Contributed by Fiona of Fiona Travels from Asia.

Ben Lomond stands tall at 974 meters, or 3,196 feet, above sea level and remains one of the most important mountains in the Scottish Highlands. It’s part of the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. 

The hike is relatively moderate, taking an average of 4 to 6 hours for a round trip. You’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of Loch Lomond on a clear day, although the misty landscape of the mountains can also be a remarkable sight.

One fun fact about Ben Lomond is that you can see its peak from the top of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in all of Britain that’s more than 40 miles away!

Visiting Ben Lomond is a popular day trip from major Scottish cities. It’s only an approximate 1.5-hour drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh. But an underrated way to enjoy Ben Lomond is to actually arrive by campervan and stay in the car park overnight. There’s nothing quite like waking up to impressive ranges in the distance. Not to mention you can get a headstart and enjoy a less crowded hike.

Afterward, grab a meal from the Clansman Bar at the Rowardennan Hotel, right next to the parking lot. They’ve got a huge selection of local dishes and delicacies, as well as warm drinks! Contributed by Bradley of Dream Big Travel Far.

Loch Ness is a large, freshwater loch that is located approximately 37 kilometres (23 miles) southwest of Inverness (the nearest town to the Loch and Highland Capital). Loch Ness is the second largest loch in Scotland, after Loch Lomond and it is 230 metres deep.

Urquhart Castle, sitting overlooking Loch Ness has played a large part in the loch’s dramatic history and appears perched as if looking for the famous or infamous Loch Ness monster.

The best-known early mention of Nessie that attracted a lot of attention was an article in the Inverness Courier published on 2 May 1933, about a large “beast” or “whale-like fish”. Since then Nessie has been at the forefront of local folklore and news. There have been over 1000, sometimes unexplainable, eye-witness accounts and sightings that continue to fuel the everlasting presence Nessie has at Loch Ness.

Dunrobin Castle is not only the oldest continuously inhabited house dating back to the 1300’s it is also the largest Castle in the Northern Scottish Highlands with 189 rooms.

The Castle, which resembles a French château with towering conical spires and fairytale turrets was originally a fortified stone keep sitting atop the cliff. From the 16 th century, there were a series of additions and a large extension. The Castle overlooks the Moray Firth just north of Dornoch and Golspie.

Sir Charles Barry who was the architect for the Houses of Parliament in London was called upon to remodel the castle in 1845. He changed the house from a fort to the popular Scottish Baronial style inspired by Balmoral.

In 1915 a fire broke out at the house and it was rebuilt by Sir Lorimer who designed its current Scottish Renaissance style.

In the late ’60s, the Castle became a boys’ boarding school for seven years before reverting back to being a family house. Within the formal Castle grounds and gardens, there is a Museum that was originally built as a summer house and it contains family artefacts including items collected from primarily Africa and around the world. There is also a collection of Pictish stones and cross-slabs.

A visit to Dunrobin Castle now includes daily birds of prey flying demonstrations and see spectacular shows featuring Peregrine and Gyrfalcon as well as Harris hawks.  Dunrobin Castle is open annually from 1st April to 31st October and an adult ticket which includes the grounds and Birds of Prey demonstration costs £13.50.

While the Battlefield of Culloden may have gained some popularity in recent years due to the TV series, Outlander, it has been long loved by history buffs worldwide.  If you’re not familiar, The Battle of Culloden is where Bonny Prince Charlie’s Jacobite Rebellion came to an end. The Scottish were defeated here by the English on April 16, 1746.

While I was visiting Inverness with some friends, we had wanted to take a day trip with Rabbie’s Tours but, unfortunately, they were sold out on the only day we had available.

Rabbie’s is my absolute favourite tour company when visiting Scotland. If we had gone on the tour, we would have seen Glen Affric and Clava Cairns in addition to Culloden.

Despite the small setback, I decided we’d just go on our own! We were staying in Premier Inn’s Inverness Centre location (a fabulous hotel by the way) which conveniently sits next to Bus #3’s stop at Huntly St.  With no transfers, we arrived at Culloden Battlefield within 40 minutes.

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre is an obvious love letter to the history of the Highlands and to preserving the stories of those that lost their lives here. It’s an incredible multi-media facility that alongside archaeological finds you’ll experience a 360-degree battle immersion theatre that drops you literally in the centre of the fighting. You could easily spend all day here.

The Battlefield of Culloden itself is a sobering walk through the fields where over 1,600 men were killed. 1,500 of them were Jacobites. They have the field marked out with different coloured flags so you can see where the British and the Jacobites took their various positions. There are also markers for clans who lost their family members here.

While visiting Culloden Battlefield, you will also see Leanach Cottage which not only survived the battle but some think may have served as a field hospital. Inside the Visitor Centre, there is a lovely little café that serves hot and cold dishes for breakfast or lunch. It was the perfect end to our visit before heading back to Inverness . Contributed by Jessy of Brighter Things Planning.

Split into North and South, Oban makes a brilliant touring base. You could spend days exploring castles, gardens, villages, beaches, forests, and fun and unusual attractions, from the power station hollowed into a mountain to boat trips where you can spot basking sharks and a host of other sea life.

Oban is often referred to as the seafood capital of Scotland and with the famous Oban Whiskey Distillery right at the heart of the town. Oban is also where many ferries depart from heading to the islands.

Gylen Castle is an impressive tower house, built by the MacDougalls, in a beautiful spot overlooking the Firth of Lorn on the lovely island of Kerrera, near Oban in Argyll on the western seaboard of Scotland.

On a rocky promontory jutting into the sea, Gylen or Gylem Castle – the castle of fountains – is an elegant but compact 16th-century L-plan tower house, which consists of a square main block and a stair tower.

Gylen was a property of the MacDougalls, who also held Dunollie Castle. An earlier castle here may have been where Alexander II died during an expedition to recover the Western Isles in the mid-13th century.

A visit to the Dunollie Museum, Castle And Grounds is a must-do. Dunollie is the home of the renowned Hope MacDougall Collection. With over 5,000 objects gathered by the late family clan member. The collection forms a diverse,  and fascinating record of the region’s social history as it includes letters, momentoes and photographs from the clan folk and the local area.  

You can explore the Castle and historic grounds with woodland walks, gardens and stunning views over Kerrera, North Lorn and to the islands beyond. There is also the enchanting Dunollie Woodland Trail with its fascinating stories of woodland life and folklore leading you to the mysterious hidden Willow Garden.

Assynt is located in the northwest part of Highlands, a short drive north from Ullapool. Its scenery is unique and extraordinary and unlike any other part of the Scottish Highlands. Vast moorlands are cut by rivers and a maze of thousands of lochans (small lakes) with several monolith mountains rising up proudly. Each one of them, although not high in altitude, is full of character and its own shape which can be recognisable from miles away.

But this is not everything; Assynt is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Scotland and stunning sea-stack Old Man of Stoer. Lochinver is the biggest settlement in this part of the country with many smaller villages scattered along single-track roads of Assynt.

The outdoor enthusiast will be spoilt by a choice of coastal, woodland and hill walks with a classic hike to the top of Stac Pollaidh a favourite one of locals and visitors alike.

Assynt is also a good choice for those who would like to enjoy Scottish hospitality with some great pub and restaurant options like Lochinver Larder or Kylesku Hotel Restaurant.

The easiest way to get to Assynt is to drive from any city in Scotland, the closest being Inverness. by Ela & Beata from Stunning Outdoors

Without a doubt, one of the best places to visit is the Isle of Skye is a picture-perfect location that attracts many professional photographers and travellers that are looking for a unique break in the Scottish Highlands. Hiking the Old Man of Storr famous from the Prometheus movie is only one of many amazing things to do on the Isle of Skye .

The closest airports to the Isle of Skye are Edinburgh and Glasgow. You can get to the island via a free bridge. The best part is that you won’t need to worry about high ferry prices as you would when visiting other Scottish islands.

Make sure to plan your trip in advance, because there are limited accommodations on the island. Portree is one of the best locations to stay on the Isle of Skye because it is only a short drive from many amazing attractions such as the Old Man of Storr or Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls.

Dalriada is a Bed & Breakfast on the Isle of Skye  with views of the Cuillin mountains you will fall in love with this location. Moreover, there are many incredible restaurants by Portree Harbour where you can try seafood with amazing views. However, no restaurant offers such views as The View Restaurant. So, book a table and admire the incredible scenery of the Scottish Highlands. By Paulina from the UK Every Day.

A fabulous beach with views across to the Islands of Rum, Eigg and Skye it sits in a sheltered bay with sugar-white sand. The perfect location to swim, and take up some water sports. 

On the banks of the famous Loch Ness, you will find the stunning ruins of Urquhart Castle. This 1000-year-old castle saw much military action from the 1200s until its demise in 1692. Edward I of England – ‘Hammer of the Scots’ – captured the castle in 1296. The stronghold was then reclaimed by the Scots and lost to the English once more.

In the 1300s, Urquhart featured prominently in the Scots’ struggle for independence. The castle came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he became King of Scots in 1306. In 1332, in the dark days following Robert I’s death, Urquhart was the only Highland castle to hold out against the English. Castle admission is £12 per adult.

 One of the Scottish Highlands’ most picturesque castles you can climb to the top of Grant Tower and navigate the castle to see artefacts and the immense trebuchet.

Set in the Scottish highlands on the outskirts of Inverness in the ancient fishing port of Nairn lies the magnificent and moody Cawdor Castle . If you remember your high school Shakespeare the witches prophesied that Macbeth would become the Thane of Cawdor.

Built in 1370 Cawdor sits amidst towering trees that surround the 14th-century castle and its pristine gardens. Cawdor has survived many attacks over its 600-year history including the Battles of Auldearn and The Battle of Culloden that were fought mere miles away but Cawdor remained untouched. When visiting Cawdor Castle, there’s much to see.

You can explore 12 principal rooms of this unique home containing collections of Rare Tapestries, Fine Art, Furniture, Ceramics and Sculpture spanning 3,500 years. Adult admission is £13.50 and includes access to the gardens and grounds, 5+ miles of nature trails and the Castle itself.

Home to  Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest mountain and the Jacobite Train, Fort William is a great town in its own right. However, the town’s proximity to Inverness and the Isle of Skye, make Fort William a great base to day trip and explore the Highlands .

On the shores of Loch Linne, Fort William is the outdoor capital of the Highlands. Most people come to Fort William to hike Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest mountain. However, even if hiking isn’t your thing, Fort William has plenty of activities.

One of Fort William’s most popular attractions is a ride on the Jacobite train. The model for the Hogwarts train in the Harry Potter franchise, the Jacobite runs twice daily over the Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous by the movie. However, even those that aren’t fans, will love watching the beauty of the Highlands from the window of this steam-powered train.

Like the rest of the Highlands, Fort Williams is full of charming B&Bs. And The Grange, a restored Victorian house, is one such place. A luxury B&B, The Grange has made the list of the best 20 places to stay in Scotland. And with a spectacular view overlooking the Loch, you will not be disappointed.

And when all the hiking or just taking in the beautiful scenery, makes you hungry, there is no better place than the Black Island Brewing Co. Home to organic craft brews and wood fire pizzas made from local produce, a trip to Black Island Brewing Co. in the centre of town is the perfect place to enjoy good food, good drink and warm Scottish hospitality. Contributed by Faith of 3 Tickets Please.

The Jacobite Express  is an old steam train that was restored and put back in service following the success of the Harry Potter movies where it represented the Hogwarts Express.

Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84-mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. An adult day return trip costs £79.50.

Glenfinnan Viaduct is best known these days for its niche interest of Harry Potter fans who flock to the site daily to witness the ‘Hogwarts Express’ train crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct bridge . However, the site and surrounding scenery has been a local tourist attraction (managed by the National Trust) since long before the viaduct and train featured in the Harry Potter film series.

The train itself, the Jacobite steam train, leaves from nearby Fort William and travels to Mallaig on a 2-hour journey through Scotland’s mighty highlands. This train journey is an attraction in itself with a return journey taking roughly 6 hours. However, most people are happy just to see the train puff on by from below.

The train however is seasonal, only puffing past in the summer months (June – October), and if this is your main interest in Glenfinnan it’s best to start out at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre where it’s just a short walk to reach the various viewpoints. The time of the train passing is normally around 11:00 AM and 15:00 PM.

Otherwise, there is a lot more to the area including the serene scenes of Loch Shiel and highland hills opposite a towering 18-meter statue with a kilted Highlander known as Glenfinnan Monument. There are also many rambling routes in-and-around the hills and Loch and there’s just a lot to explore.

The National Trust Visitor Centre also shares the historical relevance of the area which is centred around the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Glenfinnan is roughly 25-minutes out from Fort William which makes it the ideal vantage point for longer stays with local tour options to explore Glenfinnan and the surrounding area. It is also possible to reach Glenfinnan, Slatach Road End by bus which is roughly 700-metres out from the viaduct.

The nearest airport to Fort William is Oban but the more established route is travelling from Glasgow airport. Alexandra Hotel is then a handy, affordable hotel in the centre of town. Contributed by Allan of Bangor NI.

Ben Nevis is a dramatic site soaring high above all other mountains in the UK it is the tallest peak at 1,345 metres above sea level. This dramatic mountain can be scaled by a 7-hour hike which starts at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Or you can take the Cable car up to the top and enjoy some magnificent views from the ski resort.

Once an active volcano Ben Nevis now seems to sit swathed in white clouds acting as a guardian to Scotland’s wild highlands. 

The Commando Memorial is a listed monument in Scotland, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, it has become one of Scotland’s best-known monuments, both as a war memorial and as a tourist attraction offering views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr.

In the Northern Scottish Highlands, you will find the picturesque fishing town of Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom. This settlement has a long history stretching back as far as the age of the Vikings but it wasn’t officially established as a village until 1788 when the British Fisheries Society built a herring port on the shore of Loch Broom.

While many people only visit Ullapool to take a ferry to the Isle of Lewis, there are lots of worthwhile attractions in the area that make Ullapool a great visitor destination in its own right.

Highlights include climbing Meall Mhor hill, walking along the Ullapool seafront, and taking a boat trip or a sea kayak to the Summer Isles which are renowned for their incredible rock formations and abundant marine wildlife.

Ullapool makes a great base to explore Sutherland and the Northern Highlands. The facilities in the village are excellent and the surrounding area is one of the most scenic in Scotland.

The Glen Roy National Nature Reserve is famous for its ‘Parallel Roads’ that cut 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!

Glen Roy means “red glen” and is located in the Lochaber area of the Highlands of Scotland is famous for the geological phenomenon of three loch terraces known as the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy. These ‘roads’ formed along the shorelines of ancient lakes during the ice ages.  From above they resemble man-made roads running along the side of the glen most of the glen is designated as a national nature reserve.

Castle Stalker is a four-storey keep famous for being in the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie as the Castle of Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh.  It sits on a tiny island on Loch Laich midway between Oban and Glencoe. Castle Stalker is privately owned and is open to the public at selected times during the summer.  

Buchanan Castle is in Stirlingshire, on the way to Loch Lomond. It’s on the banks of Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way and it is a total ruin. Buchanan Castle was built in 1852-1858 as a home for the Montrose family, serving as such until 1925. It passed to the Clan Graham in the late 17th century and was eventually abandoned in 1954 when the roof was removed to avoid taxes.

Technically you cannot visit the Castle or tour the grounds but you can visit it if you are very careful.

The Trossachs form a National Park with Loch Lomond and are steeped in history. That history includes  Robert The Bruce, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots & Rob Roy MacGregor. Sir Walter Scott wrote about Rob Roy and Loch Katrine in his novels and poems.

Perched on the boundary of the Highlands, a visit to Scotland’s Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a chance to immerse yourself in nature.  The overawing beauty of the lochs, of which there are 22 larger ones, is almost too much for one heart to take. 

Head to the village of Arrochar for stunning views of Loch Long.  As the mist descends, step out onto the jetty and let yourself be enveloped by the ethereal beauty of the lake.  If you like a challenge there’s a way-marked hike up the Cobbler, part of the Arrochar Alps.  If you prefer your walks with a bit less of an incline, explore the nearby Ardgartan forest instead.

Whilst you’re at Loch Lomond you have to take at least one boat journey across the lake.  I recommend making the trip from Tarbet to Inversnaid.  Once at Inversnaid, take in the ferocious Inversnaid falls and walk a mile of the West Highland Way to visit the site of Scottish folk hero Rob Roy’s cave.

Don’t miss out on a stroll around picture postcard pretty Luss.  Here you’ll find quaint streets, independent boutiques and plenty of cafes for sampling some Scottish shortbread or other sweet treats. 

Stay at Ashfield House B & B, Arrochar.  It’s exquisitely decorated and with the kindest owners, I’ve ever come across.  Breakfasts are hearty and delicious.

If you like your food to come with a bit of divine inspiration, book a table at Slanj.  This restaurant is housed in a former 18th-century church and hosts local live music nights.

Regular trains run from Glasgow to Balloch, Loch Lomond (50 minutes journey time). There are also stations at Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui, and Crianlarich.  Local buses can be used to travel around Loch Lomond (#926 and #976). Contributed by Katie of Flip Flops included.

With views of forests, lochs, farmland, hills and rivers, hill walking in this area is very popular. Here in Scotland the smaller mountains are called Munros they are higher than 3000 ft, and Corbetts are between 2500 and 3000 feet. There are many of these in the Trossachs for hiking and climbing.

There are many historical places to visit in the National Park including beautiful churches, castles and stately homes that have kept their traditional charm. There are many castles to visit including Carrick Castle at Lochgoilhead and Inveraray Castle home to the Clan Campbell. And of course, there is Stirling Castle which was built in Victorian times but is a great place to visit.  Then there is Doune Castle which was part of the film location of ‘Monty Python & the Holy Grail’ in 1974.

I adore a food hall and am an admitted foodie and the Food Hall at the House of Bruar is a magnificent one.  This is where you head to shop for a fantastically stocked drinks section, a huge range of cheeses, cured meats and pies from the deli, smoked fish and also a wonderful selection of every kind of indulgence, both sweet and savoury.

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 Scottish-made clothing, blankets and tweeds.

When you are in the area take some time to hike to the Falls of Bruar. This is a 2km walk to the stunning Falls set in the middle of ancient woodland.

As a Campbell by birth, I had to visit our Clan’s original power base Kilchurn Castle which sits at the head of Loch Awe with views of the peak of  Ben Cruachan just visible.

The  Glenorchy Campbells moved permanently to Taymouth Castle in 1740 and tried to sell Kilchurn Castle to the government which didn’t want it. The castle was abandoned in 1760 when a bolt of lightning struck it and caused significant damage. The castle is closed but you can still visit the exterior of the site.  

Located in the Western Scottish Highlands you will find Loch Sunart which is the Highland’s longest sea loch at 31 km. As a sea loch, it is the perfect place for those who fancy spotting puffins, dolphins and whales.

Loch Shiel is near Glenfinnan in the western highlands of Scotland is one of Britain’s most beautiful lakes. The loch stretches for 28 kilometres and is the 4th longest loch in Scotland. During the summer there are boat tours on the loch and the surrounding mountains are great for hiking. 

Loch Shiel also appears in Harry Potter movies. Both Loch Shiel and Loch Morar were used as the Hogwarts Lake. The former you’ll recognise from wider shots, and the latter was used for close-up scenes throughout the film series. Also in the grounds of Hogwarts is Hagrid’s Hut, which in real life was located in Glencoe.

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

In front of the lake is a small beach perfect for a picnic lunch and at the top of the hill, you will see a statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Glenfinnan Monument which commemorates the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. The lake and region are historically associated with the Macdonald clan. On St. Finnan’s Isle is an ancient chapel and the traditional burial place of the Macdonalds.

Dornie is the epitome of what makes the Scottish Highlands so great. The cool fresh water, crisp air, and vibrant greenery are what make this place so magical. This little fishing village has welcoming people and that small town charm you can’t help but be swept in.

The highlight of this area is Eilean Donan Castle. It’s located less than a mile outside of the village and is well known as one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. it’s a popular stop for many Scottish Highland tours. With Scottish weather, you may want to bundle up a bit as you walk your way through the castle grounds and surrounding fields

When it comes to where to eat, your choices are limited but that doesn’t mean they aren’t delicious. The top choice would be The Clachan pub and restaurant. Here you can get yourself a tasty Guinness pie along with fish and chips,

There is no flight that will take you directly to Dornie. The best way to get to Dornie is to drive yourself or take a bus or train. The closest airport would be the one in Edinburgh. From there it is easy to take a direct route, but it does take up to 6 1/2 hours so be prepared.

However you get to the Scottish Highlands, don’t pass up on this opportunity. What makes this country so great is all the little villages and towns you will find and be able to explore. Contributed by Nicholas of The World Overload.

Eilean Donan is probably the most photographed Castle in Scotland and has featured in movies such as James Bond, Highlander, Rob Roy and Elizabeth: The Golden Age to name just a few.

The first fortified structure was not built on the island until the early 13th century as a defensive measure, protecting the lands of Kintail against the Vikings who raided, settled and controlled much of the North of Scotland and the Western Isles between 800 and 1266. 

This stunning castle is found deep in the Scottish Highlands overlooking the magical Isle of Skye guards and sits within 3 tidal lochs on its own small island. This is the castle you see on many gifts from Scotland.  Admission to Eilean Donan costs £10 per adult. 

Loch Tay is the sixth largest loch in Scotland, with two gorgeous villages situated at either end of the 1.5-mile-long expanse of water.

The loch is extremely picturesque, surrounded by tall hills dressed in dense forests and the loch’s villages possess a laid-back and peaceful charm. One of the villages even houses a majestic castle called Taymouth Castle.

One of the main reasons why I love Loch Tay is the plethora of walks that you can take. A favourite walk of mine is to the Falls of Acharn, a hidden set of falls located in a steep gorge. The walk covers a distance of 1.25 miles and takes roughly 1 hour to complete. On the walk, you are greeted with stunning views of the falls via a rather unusual viewing platform which you have to access by walking through a dark tunnel known as the Hermit’s Cave.

Another favourite walk of mine is the hike to the Black Rock Viewpoint, nestled within one of the towering hillocks that surround the loch. This viewpoint yields fantastic views of the loch.

Finally, you have the walk to the abandoned village of Lawes, a collection of long-forgotten buildings in various stages of disrepair. The ancient village even has its own resident ghost.

The closest major city to Loch Tay is Perth, an hour’s drive southeast of the loch. Perth doesn’t actually have a commercial airport, therefore the nearest airports can be found in both Glasgow and Edinburgh , which are both just under 2 hours away by car. There is little in the way of public transport around Loch Tay so I’d highly recommend hiring a car for your visit.

There are numerous accommodation options available to you in the Loch Tay area. My personal favourite is the Mains of Taymouth estate, in the small village of Kenmore. However, there are many more options available such as the delightful Moness Resort in the nearby town of Aberfeldy.

In Kenmore, on the eastern banks of Loch Tay, there are only a couple of eateries: The Courtyard and the Paper Boat on Loch Tay. However, both of them serve delicious food and the Paper Boat has absolutely gorgeous views over the loch.

There are a few more options in Killin, on the west side of the loch. Killin is slightly larger than Kenmore and there are several restaurants dotted along the main road through the town such as Shutters restaurant. Contributed by Ella of ellamckendrick.

The Cairngorms National Park is located in the eastern region of the Scottish Highlands and covers over 4500 square kilometres.  Stretching from Perth in the South to Inverness in the north and towards Aberdeen, in the east, the mountainous region can be seen driving north on the A9.

This area is perfect for a long weekend especially if you enjoy long hikes or wildlife encounters.  Cairngorm mountain is the highest peak in the area and is the place to visit for skiing in the winter months.  In the summer months, there are long walks across the meadows down to the town of Aviemore via Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. 

For younger visitors Landmark Forest Highland Park is full of adventures and is one of the few places where red squirrels can be seen on the treetops.  Nearby is the Highland Wildlife Park with native wild cats as well as other Arctic wildlife.

As with other parts of the Highlands the Cairngorm National Park has several excellent distilleries to visit including Speyside Distillers and Balmenach Distillery.

With the cairngorms covering such a large area it is worth taking time to look for places to stay close to activities that you want to explore.  Aviemore is a good base for mountain activities while Braemar and Kingnussie are more relaxed.

The Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on Spey is a traditional highland hotel with an amazing selection of whiskeys.  It may not be modern, but it provides a comfortable base with good food and hospitality. Suzanne from Meandering Wild

One place in the Scottish Highlands that shouldn’t be missed is the charming Victoriana town of Pitlochry. It sits in the shadow of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike due to its many attractions and charming high street.

The Queen’s View is the most famous landmark in Pitlochry giving stunning views of the Tay Forest, River Tummel and one of Scotland’s best-known hills, Schiehallion. The river runs through the heart of Pitlochry and a circular walk past the dam, theatre and gardens is a picturesque route to follow. If you arrive in salmon season you may even see the phenomenon of the salmon ladder in use at the dam which helps the salmon make their way upstream.

A tour of the Blair Athol Distillery is another one of the many  reasons to visit Pitlochry  and will no doubt be high on the list for visitors who fancy tasting a wee dram of whisky. Outside town, Eradour Distillery is an interesting place to visit and is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries.

The Cairngorms National Park is also on Pitlochry’s doorstep offering visitors plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy along with numerous walking trails.

Back in town, Pitlochry has plenty of places to stay including the beautiful Craigatin Bed and Breakfast, a luxury five-star property in the centre of town.

Pitlochry is easily accessed from main Scottish cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh. It can also be reached by train from London and in six and a half hours the hustle and bustle of city life can be replaced with the calm and beautiful Scottish Highlands. Contributed By Angela of Where Angie Wanders.

Near the town of Pitlochry, you can enjoy the small but perfect Loch Dunmore located in the Faskally woods just outside the town. It is an easy walk from town or there is a car park on-site. Loch Dunmore can be quite a special spot at the right time of year with lilies on the loch and stunning colours on the rhododendrons on the banks. The owners of Faskally House created this model woodland in the 19th century and the house later became a school for young foresters. 

The Enchanted Forest is running from October 4 – November 4, Faskally Wood is set to once again be illuminated in dazzling light with 80,000 visitors expected to travel to Pitlochry for the hugely popular event. This year’s atmospheric show, Of The Wild, is firmly rooted in nature highlighting the natural wonders all around us and inspired by the hidden beauty of the wild forest after dark. Using the magnificent Faskally Wood as a natural backdrop, you will experience a sound and light show experience that is simply magical.

If you are headed to the North part of the Highlands you should explore the hidden secret of Hand Island.  Each spring, tens of thousands of seabirds migrate to the magnificent Torridonian sandstone cliffs that rise from the Atlantic on the northwest coast of Handa Island.

This wild island is an internationally important breeding site for puffins, guillemots, razorbills and great skuas that spend the summer breeding and feeding in the rich waters. Within those waters, you may also spot minke whales, grey seals, basking sharks, orcas and bottlenose dolphins.

The best time to visit Handa is during the breeding season from Mid-May to July. You can take the pedestrian ferry service from Tarbet  and when you arrive on Handa you will be met by a volunteer, who will give you a short introductory talk about the reserve and answer any questions you may have

Visit a distillery

Scottish whiskey is made differently from Irish Whiskey as it only uses malted barley and Irish uses a blend of both unmalted and malted. The malted barley used in Scotland is dried over peat smoke which gives it that distinctive “peaty” flavour.

With no fewer than 47 distilleries spread across the Highlands and Islands, the Highland whisky region is by far Scotland’s largest geographical whisky-producing area. To call Highland whiskies diverse is an understatement: it boasts probably the widest array of styles, from rich and textured to fragrantly floral – these are whiskies that refuse to be pigeonholed.

In this region, you’ll find some of Scotland’s oldest distilleries including  Glenturret  at Crieff and  Balblair  at Tain, and some of Scotland’s newest, such as  Isle of Raasay Distillery ,  Torabhaig Distillery  on Skye and  Ncn’ean Distillery  by Lochaline.

Scotland is world-renowned for its scotch whisky. Visit the best distilleries in the Speyside without the stress of navigating on this full-day tour with round-trip transport from your local accommodations. Booking a private tour ensures that you get to explore at your own pace, take your time with whisky tastings, and tailor the day’s itinerary according to your interests. Snacks, water, and onboard WiFi are included for your convenience. Private tour ensures a personal and tailored experience Visit distilleries and enjoy whisky tastings at your own pace Guide/designated driver eliminates the stress of navigating Snacks, water, and on-board WiFi included

Read more about Speyside Whisky Private Tour from Inverness or Aviemore and surrounding areas

Invergordon is just a cosy small town in the Highlands but has all facilities to welcome the Cruise ship passengers in at the port for going on to see a large number of attractions in the Highlands area. Enjoy personal private service without being rushed as when you are a part of a large group. You’ll visit Inverness town and Cawdor Castle and of course one of Highland Whisky Distillery.

Read more about Highland Whisky Tour with a visit to Inverness & Cawdor Castle from Invergordon

This is not a typical day trip; this is YOUR day trip! Step outside of Edinburgh and go to the Highlands for a fuller, more extensive experience by exploring the beauty of the region. Sit back and admire the views as you travel through beautiful scenery typical of the region. Make stops along the way to visit classic spots like Stirling castle, Linlithgow palace, and Dalwhinnie whisky distillery.

Let’s not forget about the hidden gems your host has in store for you. They can’t wait to share some of their unique stories and let you connect with their culture in an enjoyable and inspiring way. So get ready and enjoy the ride! Withlocals City Escape Private Day Trip™ is one of the Withlocals’ signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Read more about City Escape: Highlands Private Day Trip

The Braemar Gathering, near Aberdeen, is held in September, it is the biggest and most prestigious Highland Games event and enjoys the patronage and attendance of the Royal Family.

Its origins are Royal too. It’s said the Highland Games originate from Ireland in 2000 BC and that they crossed the water to Scotland with the fourth and fifth-century migrations of the Scotti into Dalriada (Argyll) and beyond. 

I can’t leave the Scottish Highlands without mentioning my love of the Scottish coo or cow. Highland cows are often known as the gentle giants of Scotland. With their long horns and flowing red locks, these iconic beasts are easily recognised and can be seen all over Scotland.

Originally, small farmers kept Highlands as house cows to produce milk and meat. A group of cattle is generally called a herd, a group of Highland cattle is known as a “fold”. This is because, in winter, the cattle were kept in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather at night. In 1954, Queen Elizabeth ordered Highland cattle to be kept at  Balmoral Castle  where they are still kept today

Inverary Castle

As a proud Campbell, I have to tell you about Inveraray Castle my ancestral grounds before we leave the Scottish Highlands the Castle sits on the Northern bank of Loch Fyne and is considered the gateway to the Highlands and Islands from the Southwest.

The town was established by the Duke of Argyll, head of Clan Campbell, and is famous for its Georgian architecture. Loch Fyne is known for its seafood, which can be sampled in one of several restaurants around the town.

Inverary Castle was used in the filming of Downton Abbey and is a beautiful fairytale castle of turrets and towers You can tour the castle and see the swords used at Culloden, Brown Bess muskets, Lochaber axes and 18th-century Scottish broadsword. The State Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room contain magnificent French tapestries which were woven especially for the Castle, fabulous examples of Scottish, English and French furniture and countless other precious artworks

The train is called the Jacobite Express and it travels from Fort William through the Highlands the best place to see the train is to head to Glenfinnan where you will find the Glenfinnan Viaduct which is known as the  Harry Potter Bridge .

that would be Inverness which is known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, as the region’s largest settlement and only city. With a population of around 47,000.

The Highlands includes the highest point in the United Kingdom, Ben Nevis, with an elevation of 4,406 feet (1,343 metres).

The Highlands stretches from Fort William in the west, right up the coast by Skye, around the North Coast 500 to Durness and John O’ Groats in the far north. It also runs up to Inverness and east out to Elgin, taking in Aviemore and some of the Cairngorms National Park.

The West Highlands run from about 30 kilometres northwest of Glasgow to Fort William. Most of the southern part lies within the magnificent Trossachs National Park and around Loch Lomond. The northern contains Glen Coe the highest mountain in Britain Ben Nevis and Rannoch Moor.

There are so many beautiful places to stay in Scottish highlands but take into consideration when is the best time to visit. The shoulder period from April to September is perfect to visit the Highlands and avoid the cold winter temperatures. June to September is midge season along with tourists and best to avoid both.

This is by no means a definitive guide to the Scottish Highlands it really is just a few of the best places in the Scottish highlands but it gives you an idea of all the must-see places that lie in the highlands of Scotland and why you will come back time and time again.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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Must-Visit Attractions in the Highlands

The Highlands of Scotland are full of things to do – whether you want to camp in wild places , explore ancient castles, visit small towns and villages, taste fresh locally sourced food, or discover fascinating histories and culture. Here is a wee selection of just a few ideas for your next Highland adventure.

Did you know – culture trip now does bookable, small-group trips pick from authentic, immersive epic trips, compact and action-packed mini trips and sparkling, expansive sailing trips., john o’ groats.

Architectural Landmark

A good place to start, this tiny village is often the last place people visit, simply because they’ve walked, run, cycled or driven the length of the UK – typically from Land’s End. It’s not actually the northernmost point on mainland UK, as many think – that honour goes to Dunnet Head, just down the road – but it’s a great place for a coastal walk or, if you’re lucky, to see the Northern Lights.

Natural Feature

In a word: iconic. The scenery here is stupendous and if you are the outdoorsy type you will find much to do. If you aren’t, then the road through the glen affords some incredible views nonetheless. During the colder months, fun activities you can enjoy here include snowshoeing and dog sledging – both of which form part of our four-day winter adventure in the Scottish Highlands.

Highland Wildlife Park

Park This is one of the best places in the region to get up close and personal with the native wildlife of Scotland . Red squirrels run free across the park and a captive breeding programme for the Scottish wildcat offers hope for this rare species. Other residents include amur tigers, European grey wolves and red pandas.

McCaig’s Tower

Built at the end of the 19th century, this tower was never finished to John McCaig’s original design. Instead, it houses a beautiful garden and affords wonderful views over the wee town of Oban and beyond.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Architectural Landmark Travelling the last part of the West Highland Line – from Fort William to Mallaig and back – over summer, this steam train carries people along a railway regularly voted the best in the world. Harry Potter fans will recognise parts of the line, too.

Glenfinnan Monument

Visible from the appropriately-named Jacobite train, this monument marks the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie unfurled his banner and rallied the clans to his cause. Beyond is Loch Shiel, a stunningly wild area. Expect to see deer, eagles and more.

Castle Tioram

Memorial Less famous than the renovated castle on Eilean Donan , the ruined Tioram guards the western entrance to Loch Shiel and remains an awe-inspiring sight. Located on a tidal island, a visit here is likely to avoid the crowds associated with some of the other Scottish castles .

The Old Forge Pub, Inverie

Pub, Seafood, British, $

The most remote pub on the mainland of the UK, you can only get here via a ferry ride – or a very long walk indeed – as there are no roads into the tiny village. Once you arrive, you may be surprised at just how good the locally sourced food is. The friendly welcome and warm atmosphere should keep you entertained for many hours.

Culloden Battlefield

Memorial, Ruins A visit to Culloden – located just outside Inverness – is a poignant one. The wind that almost constantly blows across the battlefield adds to this feeling, as though the past is somehow much closer. The visitor centre is full of interesting artefacts and stories, but it’s the battlefield itself that will leave a lasting impression.

Highland Cattle

Natural Feature These fluffy coos need little introduction. They are to be found all over the Highlands and come in several different colours. Driving around the back roads of Scotland, it’s a common sight to see people pulled over and taking selfies with these friendly beasts.

Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness

Museum, Ruins

The ruins of Urquhart are a short distance along the Great Glen from Inverness and attract not just fans of history, but also those keen to use the tower as a viewpoint to spot Nessie . Loch Ness is vast, but there are few more iconic shots of the loch than those with this castle in the frame.

Laidhay Croft Museum

Museum On the North Coast 500 route, this little museum crams a lot into a small space. If you want to see how the crofting communities in this part of the world lived and worked, the tools they used and the homes they lived – and still live – in, this is a fascinating place to visit. There is also an excellent tearoom to enjoy a late afternoon tea in.

Architectural Landmark Until recently this small town was overlooked, as visitors rushed north to catch the ferry to Orkney . However, this is changing and for good reason – Wick has a long history and a wonderful museum to showcase it all. A walk around the former herring town is fascinating and includes the shortest street in the world. In winter, this is also an excellent place to try and catch the Northern Lights – or the Merry Dancers, as they are known in this part of the world.

In one word: vast. This huge cave is near to Durness on the far north-western coast of the Highlands and features an array of fascinating geological features – an underground waterfall and lake being just two. Although entry to the cave is free and it’s open all year, in order to get the most from the experience, it’s worth joining a tour that operates from April to September.

Dunrobin Castle

Historical Landmark

A fairytale castle on the eastern side of the Highlands, Dunrobin also has stunning gardens and an array of activities – including a famous falconry display.

Plockton is a picture-perfect wee village, situated where the mountains reach the relatively warm waters of the west coast of Scotland. How much warmer is it here than the east coast? Perhaps the palm trees growing in the village will give you a clue.

Architectural Landmark Ullapool is a popular spot for refuelling, whether refilling cars to make the epic journey further north or for filling your stomach. There is a ferry west to Stornoway and attractions in the area include the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge , a local heritage museum and both a book festival and a music festival – the wonderfully-named Loopallu .

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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

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.

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!

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!).

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.

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.

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 !

Tourist Advice for Visitors to the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a wild and mountainous region situated in the northwest of Scotland. Although the region covers 9,906 square miles, it’s home to just 600,000 people, making it one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe.

Visitors to the Highlands can immerse themselves in a landscape of serene lochs and towering mountains, along with some of Scotland’s largest forests and a rugged coastline that’s rich with wildlife.

Touring the Scottish Highlands

There has been a recent uptick in the popularity of private, small-group tours of Scotland among retirees, lone travellers, and middle-aged couples.

Smaller buses are a more comfortable and convenient alternative to the massive coaches of yesteryear. If you’re uneasy riding with a big bunch of strangers, you might like to choose smaller buses that seat no more than sixteen passengers rather than standard-size coaches, which may hold as many as fifty.

You’ll get to see parts of Scotland that passengers of cumbersome forty-foot vehicles never get to see thanks to the fact that these short-wheelbase vehicles can easily navigate the country’s small, winding roads.

If you’d like to visit the Scottish Highlands on a mini-coach tour I highly recommend Rabbie’s. This tour operator has been running since 1993 and exclusively uses small tour buses in groups of a maximum of 16 people so you’re guaranteed to make new friends on each trip.

Rabbie’s drivers are experts in all things Scotland so you’ll hear a few fascinating – and hilarious – tales as you make your way around the most beautiful parts of the country. To book a sightseeing tour of the Scottish Highlands or to find out more information about the different tours you can take around the Highlands, check out the Rabbie’s website .

Here’s an example itinerary of what you can expect to see on a Rabbie’s tour:

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.

Explore small group tours of Scotland with Rabbie’s

Where Are the Scottish Highlands?

When you visit Scotland, you basically have three options for finding places to visit. First, you can do what most people do and head to the big cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh , with the latter playing host to the majority of the best tourist-friendly experiences that the country has to offer.

Second, you can go to the Hebrides islands and immerse yourself in their vast windswept beaches, and third, you can explore what I believe is the most beautiful part of the UK—the Scottish Highlands .

The Highlands are traditionally considered to be one half of Scotland, with the other being the Lowlands, and both areas are divided by the Highland Boundary Fault . This fault line starts near the area of Helensburgh (around 40 miles north of Glasgow) and extends all the way to Stonehaven in the northeast, with much of the landscape west of the fault pushed up in an enormous rift.

This fault line is the main reason why there are so many mountains in western Scotland, which couple with millennia of ice-age glaciers carving their way across the landscape has left behind the Highland’s famously high peaks and picturesque glens.

While the Lowlands are relatively flat, the Highlands are much more dramatic – think windswept moors surrounded by vast mountain ranges and you’ve pretty much got it – and they’re very sparsely populated, having one of the lowest densities of people outside of the great plains of Russia.

It’s not quite true to say that the Highlands follow the fault line in its entirety as the boundary turns north before it reaches the east coast and then arcs back towards the city of Inverness (the capital of the Scottish Highlands) in the area of the Moray Firth .

Everything north and west of this point (including the Orkney and Shetland Isles and the Western Isles) are also in the Highlands so I think you’ll appreciate it’s a pretty big area, and one that needs a lot of prior planning if you’re thinking of exploring it.

The Highland Boundary Fault :

The Weather and the Best Time to Visit the Highlands

If there’s anything that will have a big impact on your decision to visit the Scottish Highlands, it has to be the weather. Unlike the cities where it doesn’t really matter which month you plan your trip for, in the wild and exposed Highlands you’ll always be at the mercy of the elements, so choosing to come here in winter could mean you’ll have a downright miserable time.

Scotland’s winters generally last from November to February, but with global warming, it seems that Scotland is experiencing far milder temperatures than it once did. That being said, once you head into the more elevated regions, you’re almost guaranteed to experience 0 °C all day every day, especially in places like Braemar (officially the coldest place in Britain), where the lowest-ever recorded temperature was -27 °C (-16.6 °F).

Bear in mind that these temperatures plummet even further when you take wind chill into consideration. If you’re thinking of exploring the Highlands in winter, remembering the effects of wind chill can literally be a lifesaver.

To calculate wind chill, multiply the wind speed by 0.7 and subtract that number from the temperature, e.g., if the temperature is 5 °C and the wind speed is 10 mph, then 5 – (10 x 0.7) gives you a wind chill temperature of -2 °C, which is a considerable difference caused by little more than a stiff breeze.

On a positive note, if the main reason to visit the Highlands in winter is for snow sports then you’ll be pleased to know that here in Scotland we have pistes that rival the alps at the Nevis Range, the Cairngorms, and Glencoe.

On average, there are 100 days of snowfall each year in the Highlands, and due to the elevation, the snow usually lasts until April (Scotland’s snow sports season generally runs from November to April). This is also something to keep in mind if you’re thinking of driving in the Highlands in the winter, as many roads become impassable for days on end.

If you do find yourself driving through snow, keep an eye on the snow poles on either side of the road as they give an indication of where the road is as well as how deep the snow is. You’ll find more travel advice in this article, How to Tour Scotland in Winter which is a must-read for winter visits to the Scottish Highlands.

If winter sports aren’t part of your agenda, I would have to say the best time to visit the Highlands are the summer months (June, July, and August), as they have the longest days, the least amount of rain, and the highest temperatures.

I’ve compiled a few averages in the table below which shows the differences in Highland weather between January and August.

Midges in the Highlands

There’s one big problem with visiting the northwest of Scotland, and it’s something that can ruin your entire summer holiday: midges. These tiny biting insects are prevalent throughout the Highlands, where they like to hunt for food anywhere that’s damp on days that are cool and have wind speeds under 5 mph (8.05 km/h).

On their own, these 1-3 mm insects are nothing more than a minor irritation, but they swarm in their thousands and are irresistibly drawn to human beings whose blood is a rich source of protein for them.

If you get stuck in the Highlands where there are midges (an estimate of their numbers is 181 Trillion ) you’ll find it can be an unbearable experience. They tend to emerge from May to September, but that can change with a number of factors, including how cold the preceding winter has been and how warm it is later in the year.

My advice to combat these biting horrors is to take a look at this article: Avoid Midges in Scotland , and buy a bottle of Smidge anti-midge lotion (Amazon).

Essential Gear to Pack for the Highlands

A visit to the Highlands can be an unforgettable experience, especially if you head into the mountains where it’s possible to enjoy an all-day hike and not see another person all day. If you really want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then the Highlands of Scotland need to be at the top of your list of places to go.

While these remote landscapes are undeniably beautiful they can also be deadly, with facilities that are few and far between, large areas of impassable bog and moorland, ridges with sheer-sided faces, and weather that can – and will – change to the extremes at the drop of a hat.

Obviously, you’ll have to pack extra gear in winter compared to summer, but there are a few essentials that you should keep with you at all times for no other reason than safety should you ever find yourself lost in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

This is what I keep in my backpack as a minimum, even in summer.

Please note, the following links are Amazon affiliate links.

1: Backpack waterproof cover . You will get caught in the rain at some point in Scotland, and there’s nothing worse than reaching into your backpack only to find a puddle of water at the bottom. Prevent water from soaking your clothes and expensive gear with one of these cheap waterproof backpack covers.

2: Pac-a-mac . They’re not exactly the height of fashion, but foldable waterproof jackets are unbelievably handy for coping with Scotland’s changeable weather. Roll it up and pop it in the bottom of your bag for those days when it’s too warm to wear a thick jacket.

3: Base layer . These thin long-sleeved shirts are designed for sports, but I’ve found them ideal for: A: an extra layer to pull on top of my T-shirt if it suddenly gets chilly; and B: something to cover my arms if there are too many midges about. Base layers roll into a tiny size and weigh next to nothing, so it’s worth keeping one in your bag at all times.

4: Convertible trousers . As I already mentioned, Scotland’s weather is changeable throughout the year so you’ll find yourself constantly veering between being too hot or too cold. One thing that helps enormously is wearing convertible trousers that have legs that can be quickly zipped off, thereby turning them into a pair of shorts.

5: Mobile phone with an OS Maps subscription . If you’re walking in the Highlands a map is essential for your safety. While waterproof paper maps and a compass are still the best options, if you’re on a short sightseeing trip, I highly recommend using your phone and the OS Maps app instead.

With the OS Maps app,, your phone acts as a GPS receiver and overlays your position onto a highly detailed map of the Highlands, and it even shows you which way you’re facing.

What to Pack for a Winter Visit to the Highlands

If you visit the Highlands in winter there will be a few additional items you need to take with you, primarily to keep you warm but also to keep you on track when snowfall covers the ground. The following is what I’ve whittled my gear down to after years of exploring the Highlands in winter:

1: Wrap up warm with several layers of clothing, and wear a sweat-absorbing base layer along with a rain and windproof jacket. You’ll lose a lot of heat from your head, feet, and hands, so always make sure you have a woolly hat, gloves, and thick socks to keep your extremities toasty.

2: I can’t overstate how important good-quality boots are in Scotland. Get a pair that has good grips (Vibram soles are best) and is waterproof, and make sure they have supportive ankle protection. I personally swear by Berghaus boots, as although they’re a wee bit more expensive, they last much longer than cheaper brands, plus they’re supremely comfy.

3: Pack high-energy food and drinks to replenish the energy you’ll be burning to keep warm in the cold. With regard to water, bear in mind that you should take 2 litres per person per day, and each litre weighs 1 kg. I take two bottles on my winter walks: one insulated Thermos flask for a cup of hot tea down the road, and a tough metal water bottle to keep me hydrated.

4: You’ll need somewhere to pack all that equipment away so a backpack isn’t just handy, it’s essential. The majority of people don’t need a top-of-the-range pack for short walks, so if you’re only visiting the Highlands on a day trip, you’ll be fine with any rainproof backpack costing under £30 from Amazon.

This article will help you choose a budget backpack: The 5 Best Lightweight Backpacks to Use in Scotland , which lists small backpacks that are perfect for a brief sightseeing tour of the Highlands.

5: Take walking poles. Not only will they help you balance on slippery surfaces but they’ll allow you to poke the ground in front of you so you don’t end up falling into a snow-covered hole.

6: Take a map and compass and learn how to use them. After a snowfall, the landscape can change dramatically, and it’s easy to lose your bearings. Ordnance Survey, which offers a selection of extremely robust, waterproof maps, produces by far the best maps.

The main reason to use a paper map instead of a mobile phone app is that you never need to worry about battery life, which is a serious consideration on a multi-day hike.

Buy OS Landranger maps direct from Ordnance Survey.

7: Become familiar with your route before you leave and stick to it. One of the main reasons winter hikers get lost is because they suddenly decide to take a different path and then find themselves unable to get back onto their pre-planned track.

If you want to keep costs down the  Walk Highlands website is a fantastic resource for walking routes in Scotland, and Google Maps is very handy as a GPS – but make sure you have a power pack in your bag as a backup.

8: If you happen to find yourself lost in the middle of nowhere in the winter, there’s one thing that could mean the difference between life and death. That ‘thing’ is Scotland’s network of bothies, which are weatherproofed huts located in the remotest regions of the country.

Bothies are always unlocked, and they’re free to use, with the only requirement being that you leave them clean and tidy after you’ve used them. I recommend getting this guidebook for finding bothies in the Highlands: The Scottish Bothy Bible .

Where to Stay in the Highlands

Visiting the Highlands is different from visiting the rest of Scotland for many reasons, not least because it’s such a vast area with towns and villages spread miles and miles apart. In fact, Highland settlements are so spread out that some areas have fewer people than the Steppes of Russia!

That means tourists can have a wonderful time exploring the great outdoors in peace and quiet, but it also means it’s very difficult to find accommodation.

While you could pack a tent, you’ll have to brave the midges in summer and it will be absolutely freezing in winter. Camper vans are an option, but unless you already own one you’ll have to pay upwards of £1000 per week for a rental.

That leaves hotels and B&Bs, which are probably best for the majority of people travelling to the Highlands. Because there are so few of them and because they’re so popular, it’s very important to book your accommodation well in advance in order to secure a room, and from personal experience, I suggest booking at least 6 months beforehand if you’re planning a summer trip.

One thing to be aware of is that hotels ramp up their prices during the tourist season and even more so during the school holidays, so by planning a little, you could save 50% or more by simply adjusting the weeks of your stay.

The following is a list of more tips that will save you money when booking your next hotel in the Highlands of Scotland:

1: Although the cheapest time of year for hotel rooms is winter, in some places, like Inverness, the prices will ramp up again the closer you get to Christmas due to the Christmas markets and festivals. If you’re after a cheap winter holiday in the Highlands, check the prices in early January, when hotels are desperate for business.

2: Two suggestions for saving money on chain hotels like Marriott are to book via their own website, which is often cheaper than price comparison websites, and join their loyalty points scheme while you’re there. Most of these schemes build points for each stay, which you can later redeem for rewards such as a free meal in the hotel restaurant or a free overnight stay.

3: Hostels are by far the cheapest option for cheap accommodation in Scotland, and the days of sticky carpets and cold, dingy rooms are long gone. Most even offer single rooms with an en-suite bathroom these days. In Inverness, take a look at Bazpackers, and in Fort William, I recommend Ben Nevis Inn Rooms.

4: Another alternative for cheap overnight accommodation is to find a Groupon deal. The only thing to bear in mind is that you’ll likely have to book well in advance, so Groupon isn’t much good for an impromptu overnight stay.

5: Airbnb is a fantastic option for the budget-conscious traveller and there are some real bargains to be had, plus you can cook your own meals which saves even more money. A recommended alternative to AirBnB is Vrbo.

6: Even cheaper than hostels and Airbnb is pitching a tent. It’s legal to pitch your tent wherever you like in Scotland as long as it isn’t on privately owned land, but make sure you abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . If you need help finding a suitable tent, check out this article: The 5 Best Tents for Summer Camping in Scotland .

7: As already mentioned, Scotland has lots of bothies, so use them! Although they’re not exactly up to hotel standards, they’re completely free, so check out  The Mountain Bothies Association  for more information about them. Another great resource is The Scottish Bothy Bible, which you can buy on Amazon .

Where to Stay in Fort William

• Victoria House B&B . Lochy Bridge, Lochyside, Fort William, PH33 7NX. Full Scottish breakfast, free parking, non-smoking rooms, pets allowed, free WiFi, family rooms, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, full Scottish breakfast.
• Alexandra Hotel . The Parade, Fort William, PH33 6AZ. Free parking, non-smoking rooms, restaurant, facilities for disabled guests, free WiFi, family rooms, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, bar, very good breakfast.
• Ardrhu House, Fort William . Ardrhu House Onich, Fort William, PH33 6SD. Free parking, non-smoking rooms, beachfront, restaurant, facilities for disabled guests, free WiFi, tea and coffee makers in all rooms, and a good breakfast.

Where to Stay in Inverness

• Chieftain Hotel , 2, Millburn Road, Inverness, IV2 3PS. Free parking, non-smoking rooms, restaurant, free WiFi, pets allowed, family rooms, bar, and superb breakfast.
• Culliss House B&B . Culliss House, 15 Culduthel Road, Inverness, IV2 4AG. Free parking, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, tea and coffee makers in all rooms, and an exceptional breakfast.
• Heathmount Hotel . Kingsmills Road, Inverness, IV2 3JU. Free parking, non-smoking rooms, restaurant, pets allowed, family rooms, bar, superb breakfast.

Where to stay in Braemar & Cairngorms

• Braemar Lodge Hotel . Glenshee Road, Braemar, AB35 5YQ.  tea/coffee maker in all rooms, bar, breakfast.
• The Gordon Guest House . Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5QB. Non-smoking rooms, free parking, free WiFi, exceptional breakfast.
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch . Braemar Road, Ballater, AB35 5XA. Swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, non-smoking rooms, restaurant, facilities for disabled guests, free parking, bar, breakfast.

Where to Stay In Crianlarich

• Best Western The Crianlarich Hotel . Main Street, Crianlarich, FK20 8RW. Free parking, non-smoking rooms, pets allowed, free WiFi, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, bar, very good breakfast.
• Inverardran House Bed and Breakfast . Crianlarich, FK20 8QS. Free parking, free WiFi, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, exceptional breakfast.
• Craigbank Guest House . Main Street, Crianlarich, FK20 8QS. Free parking, free WiFi, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, superb breakfast.

How to Get Around the Highlands

Getting anywhere in the Highlands takes much longer than it does when you’re in the main cities, purely because it’s such an enormous region and everything is spread so far apart. However, there are a few ways to get to the Highlands, so don’t let that deter you.

Flights to the Highlands

If you’re an international visitor you’ll arrive in Scotland at one of our main international airports depending on where you’re coming from – most likely Aberdeen airport (Address: Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 7DU), Glasgow airport (Address: Paisley, PA3 2SW), or Edinburgh airport (Address: Edinburgh EH12 9DN).

Once at these hubs, you have the option of continuing your journey inland by train or car or booking an internal flight from Aberdeen or Glasgow, with the former serving Orkney and Shetland and the latter connecting to the Western Isles.

The infrastructure between these airport hubs is excellent, and you can take a train from Edinburgh and be at Glasgow in less than an hour, so flying into the capital city and ending up on remote islands like Barra and Tiree is remarkably easy. You’ll find everything you need to know about travelling to Scotland by air in this article: The Complete Guide to Scotland’s Airports .

Using Trains in the Highlands

Scotland has a love/hate relationship with its train network, mainly because the services are generally overpriced and subject to frequent delays, but they can be an easy way to get to the Highlands if you do a bit of planning before you set off.

The West Highland Line is particularly recommended because it’s extraordinarily pretty along much of its route,whether you’re travelling from Glasgow to Oban where you can then catch a Calmac ferry to the Hebrides Islands, or Glasgow to Fort William, where you can step on board the Jacobite steam train that runs to the northwest fishing town of Mallaig.

If you’re intending to use the train you really should experience this route to Mallaig as it’s absolutely beautiful and has, in fact, been described as one of the greatest train journeys in the world. You’ll find out more about it in this article: A Guide to the Jacobite Steam Train .

While these routes are very scenic, they can also be a huge pain in the wallet, so I recommend getting a rail travel pass to save money. The  Spirit of Scotland travel pass  offers unlimited rail travel throughout Scotland for either 4 or 8 days, and you’ll find stations in most towns in the Highlands.

Alternatively, the  Highland Rover travel pass  gives you four days of unlimited travel over eight consecutive days, and it also gives you 20% off ferry services to Orkney and Shetland,which can be useful if you’re planning to head to the far north during your holiday. You can also book tickets with The Trainline (my preferred option), which usually saves at least 1/3 compared to purchasing tickets at the station.

Using a Car in the Highlands

By far the most convenient form of transport in the Highlands is a car, but if you’re travelling here from overseas, it can also be the most expensive. Hire car costs can be extortionate once you add on fuel (we have some of the highest fuel prices in Europe) and insurance (likewise), but there are ways you can keep your costs as low as possible.

Unless you’re travelling in a big group I suggest getting as small a car as is practical, and you’ll find something like a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa will whisk families around Scotland’s narrow roads economically, safely, and comfortably.

My top tips for getting a hire car in Scotland are to think seriously before splashing out on collision waiver damage (it’s often a rip-off), go direct to a rental company like SIXT or Hertz instead of using a rental car broker, and don’t get conned into taking out a load of vaguely worded insurance you probably won’t need.

Once you’re out on the open road, you’ll find the scenery gob-smacking, and being able to pull over onto the roadside whenever you like is definitely a bonus, but there are some downsides to driving in Scotland.

First and foremost, I strongly advise you not to drive in the Highlands in winter if you’re an inexperienced driver, as weather conditions can change at the drop of a hat and a road that started off clear in the morning can be buried under a thick blanket of snow in the afternoon. That, coupled with the fact that many roads are winding and single-track, can make for treacherous driving conditions.

On the other hand, embarking on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands in summer when it’s green and lush is a not-to-be-missed experience, especially if you head to the far north and drive one of the greatest road journeys in the world on the North Coast 500 .

I think it’s safe to say there are more than enough places to visit in the Scottish Highlands that you could easily spend a two-week holiday there and never get bored, and it makes a great alternative to spending a summer break in the busy cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the scottish highlands.

Traditional thinking divides Scotland into two halves, the Highlands and the Lowlands, by a geological line that follows the Highland Boundary Fault. 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 . 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 Inner Hebrides or you can take the train from Glasgow to Fort William. You can then step on board the Jacobite steam train which runs to the northwest fishing town of Mallaig.

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 is located to the north.

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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 .

Top tourist attractions & places to visit in Scotland

Looking for the most popular Scottish tourist attractions? We've got iconic castles, incredible museums, family days out, beautiful gardens, and places off-the-beaten-track. What's more, many of them are completely free to visit! Check out our list, based on the latest visitor numbers.*

National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh

National Museum of Scotland

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Admission: Free

Set on Edinburgh's Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and precious objects. Not only one of the best attractions in Scotland, it's also one of the most popular in the UK outside of London and offers a great, year-round programme of temporary exhibitions and events.

Similar places to explore: The National Portait Gallery, The McManus Art Gallery & Museum, Perth Museum.

• On Public Transport Route
• Hearing Loop
• Level Access
• Accessible toilets
• Cafe or Restaurant

Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

Admission: Paid

Edinburgh Castle is a true icon of Scotland and has dominated the skyline of the capital for centuries. Unusually, it's set atop an extinct volcano. It takes the title of Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction.

Similar places to explore: Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland Palace.

• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point

Scottish National Gallery Edinburgh

National Galleries Scotland: National

© National Galleries Scotland

The Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland's national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the 19th century. The walls of this top attraction are adorned with masterpieces, from Raphael, Velázquez and Vermeer to Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh, as well as works of Scottish artists.

Similar places to explore: National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One and Two, The Burrell Collection, Aberdeen Art Gallery. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Glasgow

Exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery

You'll want to keep coming back to this museum time and time again. Set next to a classic Victorian park by the River Kelvin in Glasgow's west end, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses a staggering 8,000 objects in over 22 beautiful galleries.

Similar places to explore: Hunterian Museum, V&A Dundee, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum.

Riverside Museum Glasgow

Riverside Museum

The spectacular Riverside Museum sits on the River Clyde and is home to the Glasgow Museum of Transport. It is full of fascinating objects and vehicles which tell the story of Scotland's past and present. It's one of the top places to visit in Scotland and a must-visit when in Glasgow.

Similar places to explore: RRS Discovery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, National Museum of Flight

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden; Edinburgh

Founded in 1670 and considered to be one of the finest gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers 72 acres of peace and tranquillity and is only a stone's throw from the bustling city centre.

Similar places to explore: Dawyck Botanic Garden, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, St Andrews Botanic Garden,

National War Museum Edinburgh

Red and white striped military jacket on display at the National War Museum

The National War Museum can be found in Edinburgh Castle and is filled with exhibits and artefacts that tell of the impact of war on Scotland's history, identity and reputation abroad.

Similar places to explore: The Gordon Highlandesr Museum, Coldstream Museum, Fort George. 

Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh

Giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo

© The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

With over 1,000 animals from every corner of the globe, a visit to Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic family day out. At this top attraction in Edinburgh you can meet the penguins at the famous Penguin Parade and get closer than ever before to chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail.

Similar places to explore: Highland Wildlife Park, Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park.

Glenfinnan Monument The Highlands

Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

An epic tourist attraction amidst Scotland's stunning landscapes built to honour the fallen Jacobite clansmen, the Glenfinnan Monument overlooks Loch Shiel and is backed by the world-renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct. Learn more about this turbulent time in Scotland's past and the kilted Highlander who stands on top of the monument.

Similar places to explore: Wallace Monument, Tay Bridge, Leaderfoot Viaduct.

Stirling Castle Stirling

Stirling Castle

Not only one of the finest and best-preserved Renaissance buildings in the whole of the UK, Stirling Castle was also the favoured residence for many of Scotland's kings and queens. It sits dramatically atop a volcanic rock overlooking the River Forth and was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. 

Similar places to explore: Linlithgow Palace, Holyrood Palace, Caerlaverock Castle.

Gallery of Modern Art Glasgow

A large sandstone building with pillared entrance area and a tall cupola feature on the roof. Lots of people can be seen milling aorund the outside of

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is Scotland's most visited art gallery and the centre for Glasgow's extensive modern and contemporary art collection. Found in the heart of Glasgow in Royal Exchange Square, with the famous Duke of Wellington Statue guarding out front (usually with a traffic cone atop his head), GoMA is free to enter. 

The gallery provides a thought-provoking programme with displays of local and international artworks alongside temporary exhibitions and events with artists. Don't miss the permanent display that charts the building's history. 

The Burrell Collection Glasgow

The Burrell Collection

Art lovers rejoice! Situated in Pollok Country Park in Glasgow, The Burrell Collection has undergone a major refurbishment for visitors to view Sir William Burrell’s greatest art collection. Inside you’ll find over 9,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history. Artwork from major artists including Rodin, Degas and Cézanne make a star appearance.

Similar places to explore: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Pier Arts Centre, The Hunterian.

Glasgow Cathedral Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral

This medieval cathedral is thought to have been built on the site of St Kentigern’s tomb and marks the birthplace of the city of Glasgow. One of Scotland's most magnificent medieval buildings, Glasgow Cathedral is the only one on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. Admire carved stone bosses on the ceiling of the Blackadder Aisle, and one of the finest post-war collections of stained-glass windows in Britain.

Urquhart Castle Inverness

Urquhart Castle

© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

Urquhart Castle has had its fair share of dramatic moments. Thankfully, you won’t come face-to-face with any gruesome or bloody battles during your visit. Step back in time and uncover the history behind the famous castle ruins left by its residents, historic replicas and much more. Make sure to climb up the Grant Tower where you’ll enjoy glorious views of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs, Loch Ness.

Similar places to explore: Dumbarton Castle, Lochleven Castle, Kilchurn Castle.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

© Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries. Situated at the foot of the Royal Mile, the building itself is an architectural gem with an array of impressive Baroque decorations in its interior. The Palace is beautifully decorated with tapestries, portraits of the Royal Family and antiques.  

Take a tour and explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Don’t miss the beautiful ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens.  

Today it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King.

Johnnie Walker Experience Edinburgh

The Journey of Flavour Tour at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Hosted across eight floors of the transformed landmark building right in the heart of Edinburgh, the flagship Johnnie Walker Experience offers a personalised whisky experience where you can explore the flavours of Scotland. 

Edinburgh’s newest hotspot is perfect for whisky lovers and novices alike, complete with dining experiences, bars, and a whisky retail area. Come on in and discover five-star tours, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, immersive tastings and locally sourced cuisine, and shop whiskies you won’t find anywhere else. This full sensory journey culminates in the 1820 rooftop bar that offers unbeatable views of Edinburgh skyline including Edinburgh Castle.  

V&A Dundee Dundee

An image of V&A Dundee in the evening.

The first V&A museum in the world outside London, and the first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland, the V&A Dundee is not to be missed. You're guaranteed a fantastic experience with permanent and changing displays showcasing work from around the world in this UNESCO City of Design.

The current V&A Dundee exhibition is Tartan , which celebrates the global story of a unique pattern which has connected communities worldwide.

Glencoe Visitor Centre Glencoe, Highlands

The Three Sisters, Glencoe

Nestled at the foot of the glen is the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre, an essential starting point for adventures in Glencoe and Glen Etive. You can get a taste of the stories that make Glencoe National Nature Reserve so special and plan your visit to the area here.  

Learn about the Clan MacDonald and the tragic massacre of 1692, discover world-famous film locations featured in Harry Potter, Outlaw King, Braveheart, Skyfall and more, go on a wildlife Land Rover Safari tour with a ranger, or climb (or just admire) one of the eight Munro mountains that tower above the glen. 

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Edinburgh

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two)

© Keith Hunter

If you're a lover of art, don't miss out on a trip to one of Edinburgh's most iconic buildings. You can delve into Scotland's past through an array of entrancing imagery, paintings, photography, sculpture, film and more.

Culzean Castle & Country Park Ayrshire

Culzean Castle and Country Park

© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

This majestic cliff-top castle is tucked away in the Ayrshire countryside in an outstanding coastal location. Boasting a regal exterior, intricate interior, pristine gardens and 260 hectares of grounds to explore, you are all set for an enjoyable family day out.

Similar places to explore: Dunrobin Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, Caerlaverock Castle.

• Pets Welcome

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(*This list is based on the  Moffat Centre Scottish Visitor Attraction Monitor 2022.)

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