Scottish Highlands | Top 10 Things to See and Do
If you’ve ever visited, lived or travelled extensively within the Scottish Highlands, you’ll know it’s like no other place in the world. With stunning scenery, an enviable coastline and adorable wildlife, the country is the perfect base for any outdoor adventure lover. Combined with a rich history, medieval architecture, and ancestral ties all over the world, it truly has something for everyone.
Living in and travelling throughout the highlands over the past few years, we’ve put together our top ten recommendations for the area, including our personal favourites and some suggestions on having a more unique ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience.
1. Immerse yourself in Scottish history
Scottish history reads like a fantasy epic, with tragic Queens, heroic clansmen and bloody battles all within a tapestry of a rich cultures and traditions, the likes of which are still upheld today. Pick up a book on Scottish history before you come (there are many incredible ones to choose from), or visit some of the museums and historical sites while you’re here.
A pipe band at the Braemar Highland Gathering, an incredible event that displays the best of the country’s pride in tradition.
Our favourite….
Taking in a Highland Games. All across the Highlands during the summer months, traditional games see the locals toss cabers, perform highland dance, hurl shot put, march in a pipe band, and race up hills. The energy at these events are almost impossible to describe, and each event is infused with a pride of Scottish culture.
Off the beaten track….
The entire Jacobite Rebellion is without a doubt one of the most interesting parts of Scottish history. Head to either Braemar or Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s raising of the standard in 1715 and 1745 respectively led to the Jacobites tragic defeat at Culloden, outside of Inverness, the last pitched battle on British soil.
2. Island-hop
The Scottish archipelago has over 700 islands, situated to the North and West of the mainland and categorised into the Shetland, Orkney, Outer and Inner Hebrides. Accessing these islands is made quite accessible from the mainland, namely from ferry ports in Oban, Ullapool and Aberdeen. Whether it’s to see wildlife, discover UNESCO heritage sites, or discover another part of Scotland’s magic, the islands are definitely worth a trip out to.
The Luskentyre beach on Harris
Our favourite…
If you have only one island to visit, the Isle of Skye is a popular island to the west marked by quaint seaside towns, like the idyllic Portree, the formidable Black Cuillin range, and fantastic scenery, like the rolling hills of the Quiraing. Its firm spot on the tourist trail is warranted!
Off the beaten track….
Head to the Outer Hebrides if you’re looking for a completely unique experience. The Isles of Lewis and Harris to the North offer such a different perspective of the country, with Lewis’ historical ties and Harris’ otherworldly landscapes. Read our guide on road tripping the westerly isles below…
3. Castle Tour
The castles that dot the country bring Scotland’s historical tales alive, with some estimates claiming that over two thousand castles and castle ruins are found on Scottish land. Exploring the buildings that housed the clansmen, nobles and royalty of Scotland’s past is definitely worth a look.
Pop into castles such as Edinburgh and Stirling, which offer full tours within their walls, or stop by sites such as Eilean Donan (pictured below) that offer incredible views within the landscape.
Our favourite…
Although we have a few more notable favourites, including Edinburgh and Balmoral, we always go back to visit a small island ruin on Loch an Eilein in Rothiemurchus. Scottish Gaelic for ‘Loch of the island’, the area has fantastic trails in around the loch and we think the castle ruin on the water is worth seeing.
Off the beaten track…
The Aberdeenshire Castle Trail. Although Aberdeenshire is more of a local’s jaunt for staycations, and only part of it is technically classed within the highlands, it’s worth checking out if you’re big into castle country- the area hosts 260 castles, stately homes and ruins. Find out more about Scotland’s Castle Trail here.
4. Follow a whisky trail
Scotch Whisky may just be Scotland’s most well known claim to fame, with single malt drinkers the world over. If you’re keen to know what goes into making a classic Scotch or want a dram right from the cask, the Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a great place to start before you head to the Highlands - they offer great knowledge on the five whisky regions of Scotland (Highland, Lowland, Campbelltown, Speyside and Islay). Depending on your preference, head to the part of Scotland that creates your favourite.
The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is a great place to know your preference before you head to the Highlands. If you like smooth tasting and easy drinking, you’ll be tempted by Speyside, whereas if you enjoy a peaty Scotch, head to the Isles and west coast.
Our favourite…
Royal Lochnagar Whisky Distillery. Situated a stone’s throw from where we used to live, this quaint little distillery on the Balmoral Estate is notable for its royal ties and it’s more traditional distilling methods. Stop in here when you’re making your way through the area.
Off the beaten track…
Still on our list to check out is the small island of Islay off the west coast, known as Scotland’s whisky island. It is so notable for its distinct Scotch that the island comprises one of the five whisky regions of the country, with 9 distilleries to choose from.
5. Go Munro-bagging
Named after hills which reach over 3,000 ft in height, munro bagging is a must-do experience for any outdoor adventure lover, and there are 282 munros to choose from, dotted all over the Highlands. Read more about Munro bagging here.
Steve and our mate bagging An Teallach in the northwest.
Our favourite…
Lochnagar was my first munro, and my ‘home’ munro for years. It has amazing views from the summit, can be linked in with the White Mounth, and can be tackled from multiple sides. What’s not to love? Steve’s favourite is An Teallach (pictured above), which he summited with our mate who's just shy of completist status.
Off the beaten track…
Try heading into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Other than Ben Nevis, the area boasts four of the five highest peaks in the country, and offers insanely stunning views. The bothies and wild camping opportunities make for a great weekend out, and the area isn’t as notorious for midges as the west coast is.
6. Get on the water
The Highlands are a treasure trove of magical lochs, which include sea lochs dotted with islands, and smaller lochans discoverable in the forests on foot. Take to the larger lochs to try a water sport such as sailing or sea kayaking, dip into a lochan for a wild swim, or consider a trip down the Caledonian Canal by boat or canoe.
These waters are also home to what can possibly be referred to as the unofficial mascot of Scotland - head Inverness way to see if you can spot Nessie for yourself. There’s an interactive centre near Urquhart castle on the northwest shores.
Steve and I out for a kayak on the incredibly beautiful Loch Tay, one of our favourite spots.
Our favourite…
Situated in the northern adventure town of Aviemore, Loch Morlich combines beach, loch, forest and mountains within the same landscape. Loch Morlich watersports hires out canoes, kayaks and windsurfers to take to the open water and the stretch of sand is perfect for a staycation that feels like a getaway. There are also trails interconnecting all around the loch that make for an incredible day out
Off the beaten track…
Loch Tay, although technically more central Scotland than northern, is a vast loch between the two small towns of Kenmore and Killin (pictured above). It’s situated in an idyllic countryside, and framed by the Ben Lawers range, and perfect for a bit of solitude.
7. Roadtrip
Whether it’s the famed NC500 that sees travellers drive round the northern coast of Scotland, or a trip up the iconic west coast, no visit to the Highlands is complete without a road trip.
The Lecht Road to Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands, and also the road that leads to the Malt Whisky Trail.
Our favourite…
Within the NC500 and famed for a reason, the Applecross peninsula hosts a winding and scenic road that twists and turns over some of the most stunning landscapes on the west coast. It’s absolutely worth a trip over if you’re in the area.
Off the beaten track…
The Glenshee Pass from Braemar to the Spittal of Glenshee, and the Lecht road from Ballater to Tomintoul (pictured above) are a couple of our favourite drives within the Cairngorms. The rolling green hills climbing up and over the pass are stunning on a nice day.
8. Film Tour
Whether you’re a fan of iconic series such as Harry Potter or Outlander, historical films like Braveheart or Macbeth, or just fancy James Bond or the Avengers, there are a wide array of filming locations that are set in the Highlands.
Head out to Glencoe, where you can envisage yourself as a Bond villain at Glen Etvie (Skyfall), or look to catch the Hogwarts Express at Glenfinnan. It’s also the setting for the 1995 films Braveheart and Rob Roy, highlighting two of Scotland’s historic heroes.
Our favourite…
As I’m a huge HP fan, I can’t deny that my favourite film location is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, pictured above (stay tuned for our post on how to catch the Hogwarts Express). Either book a ticket to ride the train from Fort William to Mallaig, or just head out to Glenfinnan to see it make it’s way along the viaduct.
Off the beaten track…
Head out to Harris to see the moon-like landscapes of the southeast corner of the island, the filming location of the sci-fi epic A Space Odessy, or if you’re a royalist and a fan of the Netflix series The Crown, head up to jaunt around Balmoral Castle or Ardverikie House, the castle you see depicted in the series.
9. Head to the coast (there’s a lot of it)
Scotland has a stunning coastline, and a heck of a lot of it, especially if you’re venturing deeper into the highlands. Head to the west coast, and either take a drive up to spot some of Scotland’s lesser known seaside towns, or rent out some sea kayaks and peruse the ins and outs of the sea lochs.
Our favourite…
If you’re already on the west coast, consider popping by Arisaig and look out over Loch nan Ceall, a small sea loch inlet that looks like you could be on the coast of the Mediterranean. It’s only a few miles south of Mallaig, and worth the stop over.
Off the beaten track…
Head up to the Moray Coast, east of Inverness, to truly see some picturesque seaside towns, like Findhorn and Cullen, and gorgeous coastline well off the tourist trail.
Local’s tip: the language in this neck of the woods is a bit broader, most using a dialect usually referred to as Doric - if you don’t understand, simply ask- these Scots have an awesome sense of humour.
10. Spot Wildlife
Scotland is a haven for wildlife which include the infamous Highland Coo, roe and red deer, Shetland ponies, the adorable little red squirrel, golden eagles, and a variety of sealife which include otters, seals and puffins.
If you’re looking for stags and deer, you’ll see plenty in Glencoe, Applecross and over Glenshee, and Highland coos are abundant all over the country - just make sure to keep a nice distance from both and observe rather than engage. Head to the coast if you’re looking for sea life and seabirds, like we mention above, Oban is a great base for island hopping.
Our favourite…
We love a Highland coo, whose presence is almost synonymous with Scotland, and there’s no better place to spot them roaming free than up along the west coast.
Off the beaten track…
We’re about to head to the Treshnish Isles (accessed off of the Isle of Mull via Oban on the West Coast) to spot some puffins this summer. Although off of the normal tourist trail, Oban is a fantastic place to base yourself if you’re wanting to explore the isles and see the sealife up close and personal.
A visit to the Scottish Highlands should be on every adventurer’s bucket list, whether you try to tick off everything on this list or immerse yourself in a few.
Happy Travels,
Sam
More on Scotland….
Whether you’re coming in from abroad or enjoying a staycation, a trip to the Outer Hebrides is definitely worth it for travellers who enjoy remote and wild landscapes and locations with many cultural and historical ties. From Lewis' Standing Stones that predate Stonehenge to Harris’ infamous white sand beaches, there's something for everyone.