Explore Scotland: The Highlands
Immerse yourself in the vast natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, one of Britain's largest (and most stunning!) regions, stretching over nearly 10,000 square miles! Filled to the brim with mountains, hills, castles, lochs and much more, it really isn't lacking in places to visit! Whether you discover the city life of Inverness, head to Fort William – the UK's 'Outdoor Capital' – or enjoy a relaxing few nights in the small fishing village of Ullapool, you're sure to have a memorable trip! Trust us, the Highlands is guaranteed to captivate you with its rich history and unmatched dramatic, moody landscape. And while it may seem a million miles away, this renowned region is more accessible than you think. So, if you're looking for some top tips of places to visit while you're there, read on to discover our guide!
Wondering where to start your Highlands trip? Inverness is a great place to begin your holiday!
The capital of the Highlands, Inverness is the perfect place to start off a trip to northern Scotland, not only thanks to its accessibility but also its charm! You can get there by car, bus, train or even by plane! While it may be relatively small compared to Scotland's more well-known cities, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, it definitely isn't lacking in things to do! And, there really is something for everyone. For the history-lovers among you, you won't want to skip Inverness Castle. Built in the 1800s and made from beautiful red sandstone, it gets a special shout out in Shakespeare's Macbeth! The Inverness Museum & Art Gallery is also well worth a visit if you're looking to deep-dive into the rich history of the Scottish Highlands. And, just because you're in a city, it doesn't mean you won't be surrounded by pretty nature. Check out the Ness Island Walk to explore Inverness via its riverbank, or head to Plodda Falls where you'll find a spectacular 100-foot waterfall!
Looking for nice places to stay on the west coast? Check out Fort William
Incredibly well located, Fort William is the ideal base while you're discovering the Scottish Highlands. Convenient for day trips, you can easily travel from here to some of the Highland's must-see attractions, including Glencoe – where the famous massacre of Glencoe took place – and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a favourite among Harry Potter fans. Full of hotels, cafés, restaurants and bookshops, the town itself shouldn't be overlooked! Perfect for a relaxing day, it's a great place to get a feel of the authentic way of life in the Highlands. And, if you weren't already convinced, perhaps the fact that it features Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, as a backdrop is enough to make you change your mind! The epitome of the Highlands, you'll enjoy stunning walks and beautiful drives through Fort William’s surrounding moody mountains covered in Heather. Labelled the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK,' sports fanatics are also sure to love their stay here, thanks to all the climbing, mountain biking and water sports that can be enjoyed in and around this magical place.
What is the best part of the Scottish Highlands to visit? Discover the beauty of Eilean Donan!
Step back in time by visiting the incredible Eilean Donan Castle on Scotland's rugged west coast. Dating back to the 13th century, it has played a significant role in various historical events, including the Jacobite risings. Set on a small island, the views surrounding the castle are unlike anything you've ever seen before! You'll just need to walk across the quaint stone bridge from the car park before you immerse yourself in Scotland's fascinating past. And, like all the best visitor centres, it has a nice café and giftshop to visit afterwards. You may also want to walk around Loch Duich, that surrounds the island. If you're a bit of a photography enthusiast, it's the number one place to get a dramatic shot, which perfectly sums up the atmosphere of the Highlands.
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Looking for a smaller place to visit? Where better than Ullapool, a small fishing village!
If you're on the lookout for a picturesque little village to visit, Ullapool is your best bet. Located on the shores of Loch Broom, this fishing town is a real treasure. The harbour is home to a range of small shops, cafés and, more famously, seafood restaurants where you can taste the freshest fish. A picture-perfect place to watch boats go by, you can also while away time here, taking a leisurely stroll or simple observing the local fishermen at work. And if you'd like to find out more about the heritage of Ullapool, we recommend a visit to its museum, where you'll learn more about the village's significance during the Highland Clearances. It's also worth jumping on a boat that departs from the harbour and takes you around the Summer Islands, where (if you're lucky) you'll see seals, dolphins and whales, as well as a variety of seabirds! And, when the fatigue hits after a day of breathing in fresh sea air, you can finish your day listening to live music performed by locals in one of Ullapool's traditional pubs.
Why not head all the way north to Wick?
If you're willing to head far north, almost to the tip of Scotland, we recommend a visit to Wick! A former Viking settlement, it is now a bustling town. Nature lovers can enjoy a scenic walk to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, perched dramatically on a clifftop just three miles north of Wick. This route also offers incredible views of Noss Head Lighthouse. If you're up for a real water sports adventure, you could even head to Sinclair's Bay to try out windsurfing or sand-yachting. And, while you're there, it would be a shame not to head to Ebenezer Place, the world's shortest street! A perfect photo opportunity, it's one to tick of your list!
Whatever the weather, it's time to pull out your map and get exploring the top of the UK!
While there are so many more beautiful places we could recommend, hopefully you now have what you need to get planning your trip to the North of Scotland! You're sure to make memories that will last a lifetime and come home with a camera full of beautiful landscape shots! So, all that's left to do is pack multiple layers, your waterproofs (trust us, you'll need them!) and walking boots, and get discovering the Highlands… And if you're looking for other places to visit in Scotland, why not check out our Guide to Scottish Lochs?