The Scottish Highlands
Why we love the Scottish Highlands
With islands for exploring, thick pine forests to wander and peaks to climb, the Highlands are 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 plenty for music lovers. Whether it’s a bracing wild swim, a warming whisky tour or a royal fix at Balmoral, unleash your imagination in the Highlands.
Discover the Highland’s TV highlights
There are so many filming locations in Scotland to explore, and the Highlands is no exception. Discover everything from Outlander filming locations to those made famous by James Bond, Harry Potter and Braveheart. Lose yourself in the film sets of the eerie ruins of Dunnottar Castle, or the mountain paths of Glen Coe and Glen Etive.
Explore Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail
The 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.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Delve into the art, history and culture of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Learn all about the people, places and traditions that have shaped the region – including bagpipes.
Loch Ness cruise
Cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness on a boat tour with Jacobite, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Great Glen and spotting the likes of Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse and Urquhart Castle. Be sure to keep an eye out for Nessie, the loch’s mythical monster!
The Scottish Highlands
Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the wild and awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands are all about scenic beauty and adventure.
Go monster hunting and look for ‘Nessie’ on the Loch Ness Trail, or take to the North Coast 500, Scotland’s ultimate road trip.
Watch adrenaline fuelled action, such as tug-o-war and caber toss, at the annual Highland Games, or explore the trails and soaring peaks of Glencoe.
Hike the stunning coastline, mountains and islands of Lochaber Geopark, or cross Scotland’s highest waterfall, Plodda Falls.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Loch Ness is 22 miles (36km) long and 1.7 miles (2.7km) wide, and holds more fresh water than every lake in England and Wales combined.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- The Highlands covers almost 10,000 square miles, with the mountains in the northwest region of Torridon dating back 750 million years.
- The kilt is the national dress of Scotland and originated in the Highlands in the 16th century.
- The Jacobite Steam Train visits Britain´s highest mountain, shortest river and deepest loch (lake), as well as Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Hogwarts Express.
- The Highlands is home to Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak, which stands in the Grampian Mountains, at 4,396 ft (1,340 metres) tall.
- Set in the heart of Speyside, The Malt Whisky Trail takes in seven world-famous working distilleries, and is the only trail of its kind in the world.
Things to do in the Scottish Highlands
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Featured things to do
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.
Explore the Nevis Range by bike (opens in a new tab)
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.
Learn more about wild camping in Scotland (opens in a new tab)
Make a splash
Try the fast-growing adrenaline sport of canyoning, swim in the bracing Atlantic or whip out your oars at Great Glen Canoe Trail. Or walk to one of Scotland’s highest waterfalls, Plodda Falls.
Learn more about water adventures in Scotland (opens in a new tab)
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.
Learn more about the Cairngorms National Park (opens in a new tab)Places to stay in the Scottish Highlands
Inverness
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.
Ullapool
A popular stopping point on the North Coast 500 route, tuck into fresh seafood or hop aboard ferry services to the Isle of Lewis. EmbraceScotland also has an array of self-catering options to choose from across the region.
Explore nearby
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 with ScotRail are possible via Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, all taking around three to four hours.
Getting around
By bike
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, an 80 mile (130 km) circular route around the famous loch.
By car
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?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in the Scottish Highlands?
Planning a business event in the Scottish Highlands?
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