Discover the Scottish Highlands
From loch to glen: Travel to the Scottish Highlands
Amazing landscapes, incredible heritage, and plenty of eerie stories that aren’t always what they seem… this is what awaits you on your escape to the Scottish Highlands. This impressive region is the perfect place for an exciting Roadtrip, offering plenty to see and do for all ages and interests!
Spanning stunning coastlines, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear lochs, it can sometimes be hard to decide what to see. If you’re still finalizing your Roadtrip itinerary, check out our incredible suggestions for how to spend your time in the Scottish Highlands.
If you love being by the sea…
The Scottish Highlands are much more than gleaming lochs and incredible nature. There are countless coastal spots to enjoy, especially on the islands near the region. Why not cross the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh to the Isle of Skye for a trip to Camas Daraich? You won’t want to miss this secluded beach at the southernmost tip of the island.
Harris is blessed with white sand beaches that could easily belong to the Caribbean. Luskentyre Sands is a must-visit, offering waters so clear you’ll be tempted to take a dip—though you might quickly regret it!
Back on the mainland, the northeastern coast boasts numerous beaches with incredible sand dunes and breathtaking views of the North Sea, including the pristine Reiss beach at Sinclair Bay.
If you want to stand in the middle of a battlefield…
Scotland’s ill-fated Jacobite uprisings not only marked the end of the Highland way of life but also led to numerous battles across the region. Few are as well-known as the Battle of Culloden!
The site of the battle, Culloden Moor, is an expansive field just outside Inverness, managed by the National Trust since 2007. Walk the grounds where Highlanders and dissident British soldiers fell, and take in the poignant stone markers inscribed with the names of the clans who fought in this bloody battle on April 16, 1745. The site also features a visitor center where you can brush up on history and purchase some tartan souvenirs.
If you want to feel like a lord or lady of the era, don’t miss Eilean Donan Castle
No trip to Scotland would be complete without seeing at least one castle! The Highlands are home to many magnificent ones, including Eilean Donan. Located on its private island near Kyle of Lochalsh (the gateway to Skye), it’s one of the UK’s most iconic castles.
Eilean Donan, which once housed a monastery, has been rebuilt countless times over the years and even helped repel Viking invaders in the 13th century. You can wander through its incredible halls, admire the loch from its battlements, and learn all about its history—including how it was bombarded by cannons and later blown up by the Royal Navy in 1719.
If you feel like hiking to the highest peak in the UK, don’t miss Ben Nevis (seriously, you can’t miss it!)
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for some family photo opportunities, a weekend under the shadow (or at the summit) of Ben Nevis is perfect. Once an active volcano, it’s now the highest mountain in the British Isles, just 20 minutes from Fort William.
There are numerous trails to tackle the mountain. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, park at the Upper Glen Nevis car park and follow the eastward trail to the 120-meter-high Steall Falls. You’ll even find a fun rope bridge along the way!
If you’re still waiting for your Hogwarts acceptance letter, head to the Glenfinnan Viaduct instead
If you’ve binge-watched the Harry Potter films more times than you can count, you’ll undoubtedly recognize this scenic spot. Located in the western Highlands, the monumental Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway bridge built in 1897.
While you can’t hop aboard the Hogwarts Express, you can cross the viaduct on the famous steam train, The Jacobite, which runs from Fort William to Mallaig. Alternatively, park at Glenfinnan Station and take a walk along the Glenfinnan Trail to admire it from a distance.
If you choose the train, keep an eye out the window for the Glenfinnan Monument, a colossal stone tower built in 1803 to honor the clansmen who supported Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprisings.
If you want to spot the legendary Nessie, keep an eye on the waters of Loch Ness
No visit to the Highlands is complete without seeing at least one loch! Loch Ness is the top choice, thanks to the mythical monster said to lurk beneath its surface.
Known as one of Scotland’s largest and deepest lochs (reaching 225 meters at its center), you can drive along its waters for 37 km on its western shore. Take a short break and descend to the rocks to admire the views—and stay alert in case Nessie decides to make an appearance! Who knows what secrets the loch truly holds?
If you enjoy a drink or two, don’t miss Blair Athol Distillery
Are you a whisky lover? The Scottish Highlands are the birthplace of some of the world’s oldest and most admired bottles. While there are over 40 distilleries across the region to enjoy a dram (the Scottish term for a measure of whisky), Blair Athol is a great choice.
Located in Pitlochry, a charming town on the road to Cairngorms, the distillery offers fantastic group tours and tasting sessions in its atmospheric bar. If you’re driving, it’s best to pick up a bottle of the classic Blair Athol 12 Year Old Single Malt to enjoy later.
To see how Highlanders lived in the past, visit the Highland Folk Museum for a trip back in time
This impressive living museum is located on the edge of Cairngorms National Park (home to fantastic ski resorts, rugged peaks, and the Queen’s summer retreat, Balmoral). The museum, which includes a full-scale village inhabited by actors in historical attire, offers visitors a wonderful glimpse into the lives of Highlanders in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Highland Folk Museum has even been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including Outlander! If you have time, drive ten minutes up the road to the Highland Wildlife Centre, just outside Kincraig, where you can see native species such as red squirrels and Scottish wildcats.
How to get to the Scottish Highlands
Okay, you’ve decided where to go, but what about the logistics of your Roadtrip? Fortunately, this is a region easily explored by car. Rent a vehicle in any of Scotland’s major cities (Aberdeen or Inverness are closest to the region) and get ready to cover miles and miles of roads surrounded by incredible scenery.
If you’re planning to travel in colder months, remember that heavy snow can fall in the mountains. It might be worth switching to a 4×4 or at least ensuring you have winter tires. Some parts of the Scottish Highlands are extremely remote, so don’t forget to leave the cities with a full tank to avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere.
