Does the Loch Ness monster really exist? These are the kinds of questions that will come to mind on a trip to the Highlands, land of mystery, legends and haunted castles. We can't guarantee you'll find the answer, but we're sure you'll find this region enchanting! Located in the north of Scotland,the Highlands boast landscapes from the ends of the earth, where deep lochs, mountains and jagged cliffs form a unique fresco. A road-trip along the Highlands coast is the ideal way to discover its wilderness, lulled by the sound of the often raging sea. And to warm up, the local speciality should do the trick, as this is where you'll find some of Scotland's finest whiskies! To make sure you don't miss a thing when discovering the Highlands, here are our must-sees.
1. The Glencoe Valley, a Scottish postcard
A walk in the Vale of Glencoenatakorn Sapermsap - shutterstock.com
Glencoe is probably one of Scotland's most picturesque landscapes, and has been the setting for many films, including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The valley is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers, stretching for 16 km and punctuated by the immense plains of Rannoch Moor, the peaks of the Three Sisters and the waters of Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven. The A82, which crosses the entire valley, is a unique road, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe.
We recommend you book this day trip, which will take you as far as Loc Ness and take in Glencoe and the Trossachs National Park.
2. What to do in the Highlands See the legendary Loch Ness
Never has a lake held so much mystery! Who hasn't heard tales of Nessie, the legendary monster who lives in the deep waters of Scotland's second-largest lake? Loch Ness is Scotland's largest loch in terms of volume, and lies at the heart of the Great Glen geological fracture that divides the region in two. It's also one of Scotland's best-known sites, not least for its famous monster, which fuels a whole host of popular legends. Named Nessie, he was first spotted in 565 and is said to live in the waters of the loch! The game consists in identifying this charming creature: we're waiting for your photos!
3. Torridon, a poetic stopover
Loch Torridonmaxence Peigne
On the west coast of the Highlands, Torridon is a small village surrounded by unspoilt nature of rare beauty. Loch Torridon is one of the most beautiful in Scotland. Crossed by the A896, it's a succession of lakes, peat bogs and sandstone mountains like the Torridon Hills. As for Loch Torridon, its deep, dark bay, with its many small islands and lush green vegetation, looks like paradise! So there's every reason to visit the village of Torridon. Take a trip from Inverness to Torridon, Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle, and discover Scotland's ancient wilderness on this bookable tour!
4. What to do in the Highlands Durness, at the end of the world
The last village in north-west Scotland, Durness looks like the end of the world, a Scottish Finisterre surrounded by high cliffs. The beaches are beautiful, with Sango Bay among the best known, but our favorite is Balnakeil Bay, which stretches as far as the eye can see. The main site of interest in Durness is Smoo Cave, a series of magical caves that have been inhabited since Neolithic times. The Smoo Burn waterfall that flows through them is splendid.
5. What to do in the Highlands Climb Ben Nevis
"The Ben is a must-see on any tour of Scotland. At 1,344 m, it is the highest peak in the British Isles, and attracts a large number of hikers every year who come to walk its "Pony Track". This route, once used by ponies laden with supplies, is now the preferred path up the mountain. It can be a tough climb, but at 570 m you'll be rewarded by Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, a small mountain loch. You can continue up to the summit, but beware of the weather: if "The Ben" has his head in the clouds, the view of the surrounding area may be reduced.
6. Cairngorms National Park, a natural spectacle
Cairngorms National Park extends over 4,528 km² and covers five Scottish regions, including the Highlands. There's plenty of choice when it comes to itineraries, but we recommend staying in Aviemore, in the heart of the park, where you'll find a host of activities including kayaking, rafting and even a ski resort. In the surrounding area, Glenmore Forest, Cairn Gorm Mountain and Ben Macdui are all great walks. The Highland Wildlife park will give you an insight into the region's rich wildlife. Click here to book your guided tour of the Cairngorms National Park : you'll discover the charming village of Carrbridge and the Old Packhorse Bridge.
7. What to do in the Highlands Fort William, heart of the Highlands
Fort William is the ideal place to stay in the Highlands: the Vale of Glencoe lies to the south, Loch Ness to the north and the east is a gateway to the region's grandest mountains! What's more, the town lies at the foot of the giant Ben Nevis and is bordered by Loch Linnhe. While its historic center may not be of great interest, it's for its unspoiled natural surroundings that people come to Fort William. It's famous for two walks: the West Highand Way, which starts in Milngavie and ends in Fort William, and the Great Glen Way, which starts in the town and heads towards Inverness.
Discover the beauty of Glencoe, Fort William and the Glenfinnan Viaduct ona guided tour you can book right here.
8. Eilean Donan Castle, a symbol
Eilean Donan Castle is certainly one of the best-known images of the Highlands. Surrounded by lochs and mountains, and set in the middle of an island, it's a wonderful representation of the Scottish landscape (and one that's featured on many a postcard!). Built in the 13th century, it was rebuilt identically after being bombed in 1932. The building is a wonder to behold at any time of year, whether in spring when the vegetation is lush and green, or in winter when the snow-capped mountains form a unique backdrop. A visit to Eilean Donan Castle is a must in the Highlands! Click here to book your trip to Eilean Donan Castle.
9. What to do in the Highlands Visit a whisky distillery
Whisky tastingkurt Drubbel
If there's one product the whole world envies Scotland for, it's not really haggis, but rather whisky, its national drink! The Highlands are a major whisky-producing region. Whisky here tends to be dry, while the spirits produced along the coast to the north have an iodized flavor. Renowned distilleries include Pulteney and Balbair in Edderton. And in the heart of the Highlands lies Scotland's oldest working distillery , Glenturret. Click here to book your tour including a visit to Glenturret Distillery.
10. Take the Northcoast 500
A trip to the Highlands offers countless road-trip possibilities, so hiring a car is a great idea. One of the most popular routes for breathtaking views is the Northcoast 500, a coastal route along the Scottish coastline, bathed by the mighty North Atlantic Ocean. It starts in Inverness , before reaching the northernmost part of the Highlands at Caithness and John O'Groats, then south to Dingwall. Wild coves, green hills, mountains and fishing villages form the enchanting backdrop to this unique itinerary.
11. What to do in the Highlands Visit Inverness
When you think of Scotland, you imagine beautiful stretches of water, verdant landscapes and period architecture. Inverness offers all this, and much more, to amazed travelers. Located in the north of the nation, this pretty village can be visited at the same time as Loch Ness. Inverness, Scotland's bewitching pearl, welcomes you for an unforgettable journey to the land of Celtic dreams. Its rolling hills promise a total escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visit the Victorian Market in Inverness, with its well-preserved Victorian clock. Follow this with a visit to Fort George, and you'll have had a great day out in one of Scotland's must-see places!
12. See the Glenfinnan viaduct on the West Highland Line
There's a good reason why Scotland is such a popular destination for family vacations. Children can see for themselves the Glenfinann viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter saga. This is where the famous Hogwarts Express passes through. While it's a must-see for fans, it's also a must-see for everyone, for its magnificent scenery. The monument is impressive: a railroad spanning 1,000 feet (305 m), 100 feet (30.50 m) above the ground. A short hike,the Glenfinann Viaduct trail, allows you to discover it: 4 km in 1 to 2 hours, with a sometimes steep path. If you're lucky, you might even make it to the Jacobite Steam Train!
Discover the beauty of Glencoe, Fort William and the Glenfinnan Viaduct ona guided day trip from Edinburgh, bookable here .
13. Discover the Isle of Skye
In the Hebrides archipelago, the Isle of Skye boasts breathtaking landscapes sculpted by rugged terrain. At the heart of the island is the Cuillin mountain range, with its many peaks rising to over 900 meters, a magnificent playground for hiking enthusiasts. In the north of the Isle of Skye, the Trotternish peninsula offers emblematic panoramas, such as that of the Old Man of Storr, an impressive rock standing like a menhir. On either side, you'll come across numerous lochs, fairy pools carved out by erosion, the remains of castles and certainly a few ghosts of the MacLeod family...
Staying in Edinburgh? Book this 3-day tour of the Highlands, including Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. You'll spend 2 nights in Inverness.
14. What to do in the Highlands Visit Urquhart Castle
It's Scotland's picture postcard par excellence: Urquhart Castle enjoys an absolutely breathtaking location on the shores of Loch Ness, peering over the horizon at the sight of Nessie. The ruins that can be seen today date from the 13th to 16th centuries. Abandoned in the 17th century, it was partly destroyed in 1692 to prevent it falling into the hands of the Jacobites. All that remains today is a romantic shadow of its former grandeur, but the panorama from the top of Grant Tower is awe-inspiring. We recommend booking this tour, which includes a visit to Urquhart Castle and a boat cruise on the legendary Loch Ness.
15. Discover the local culinary specialties
The Highlands, rich in history and tradition, offer a palette of authentic flavors that reflect the rugged character of this iconic region. Traditional dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and cullen skink reveal the influence of local ingredients, while smoked salmon and lamb are staples of Scottish cuisine. Desserts include cranachan, a rich, creamy dessert made with cream, whisky, honey, oats and raspberries. Scottish scones, with jam and cream, also offer an unforgettable sweet break, as do shortbreads, shortbread cookies perfect with tea.
Where to sleep in the Highlands?
For a total immersion in nature, visitors can opt for picturesque bed and breakfasts scattered across verdant valleys and majestic lochs. Charming hotels in the heart of small towns offer a blend of modern comfort and local authenticity. For a more luxurious experience, some historic properties have been converted into luxury hotels, offering sumptuous accommodation while preserving the history and character of the area. Click here to discover all our favorite accommodations in the Highlands.
What to visit in the Highlands in winter
The Highlands in winter offer a magical, tranquil atmosphere, with snow-covered landscapes and a fairytale-like ambience. Here are a few suggestions for places to visit in the Highlands during the winter season:
- Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness: Explore the ruins of this historic castle overlooking the famous Loch Ness. The winter views from the castle and loch are breathtaking.
- Glencoe Mountains: With its snow-capped peaks and impressive valleys, Glencoe is a must-see. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing or snowshoeing in this picturesque region.
- Cairngorms National Park: This national park offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing at the Cairngorms ski resort, walking in snow-covered forests and observing local wildlife.
- The North Coast 500 Scenic Route: Drive this iconic route, which offers breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, secluded beaches and snow-capped mountains.
- The city of Inverness: Discover the warm atmosphere of Inverness during the winter season. Visit Inverness Castle, stroll along the River Ness and enjoy local cuisine in traditional pubs and restaurants.
How do I get to the Highlands from Edinburgh?
Do you have a stopover in Edinburgh and want to explore the Highlands? Here are your options:
- By car: The most flexible and scenic way to get to the Highlands is by car. The A9 road links Edinburgh to Inverness, passing through spectacular scenery. You can also explore secondary roads to discover less-frequented areas.
- By train: Rail services link Edinburgh to several Highland towns, including Inverness. The train offers panoramic views of the countryside, especially the northern part of the route. Be sure to book in advance for the best fares.
- By bus: Intercity buses are an economical option for getting to the Highlands. Several bus companies offer routes to towns such as Inverness, Fort William and Aviemore. Travel times can be longer, but it's an affordable option.
- Organized tours: Agencies offer organized tours to the Highlands from Edinburgh like the ones we've recommended throughout this article. This can be very useful if you prefer not to drive yourself and would like to take advantage of a local guide.
How to visit the Highlands without a car
Visiting the Highlands without a car is entirely possible, thanks to a variety of public transport and other means of getting around. Here are a few suggestions for exploring this magnificent region without having to drive yourself:
- Train: Rail services link Edinburgh, Glasgow and other major cities to parts of the Highlands, including Inverness. Trains offer panoramic views of the Scottish landscape. Be sure to check timetables and book tickets in advance.
- Bus: Scotland has a well-developed intercity bus network. Buses run from Edinburgh to various destinations in the Highlands. Companies such as Citylink and Megabus offer routes to towns such as Inverness, Fort William and Aviemore.
- Organized tours: Many travel agencies offer organized tours to the Highlands from Edinburgh, like the ones we've recommended throughout this article. These tours often include local guides and transport to popular sites.
Still hesitating to add the Highlands to your bucket-list? The Highlands are one of the 17 trendiest destinations in the world to visit in 2024!
What if, for a romantic weekend in Europe, you opted for the Highlands? There's plenty of scope for endless walks on the moors as far as the eye can see. And what about the Glen Coe valley? With its mountains and lush green landscapes, it's the perfect bucolic spot for a hike for two.
