Travel Guide to the Highlands, Scotland

Ra's Travel Guide to the Highlands

A large part of Scotland is filled with stunning landscapes filled, small towns, highland cows, culture, and history. A visit here feels like a teleportation to something magical; a complete travel guide to the Highlands.

Table of Contents

Welcome to the complete travel guide to the Highlands in Scotland! The Highlands are located in the north of Scotland, and the cities within the region are some of the most remote places in all of the UK. As Edinburgh grew and established in the 16th century, the Highlands and Lowlands divided and formed a clan system based on blood-ties. During the Jacobite rebellions in the 18th century, the British built government garrisons around the Highlands to prevent the French from invading and to minimize rebellions. Despite these efforts, the conflict between clans grew, ultimately leading to the region falling under military supervision, and the display of clan attire and behavior became illegal.

Land that was confiscated from the clans in 1745 during the Clearances was returned, and in the 18th century, tourism to the Highlands started. This was partly due to famous writers such as Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, William Wordsworth, and Sir Walter Scott. Additionally, King George V, and later Queen Victoria, fell in love with the Highlands as a getaway and established Balmoral Castle as the royal family's Scottish home, and it still is today.

When to Visit the Highlands

The best time to visit the Highlands is also peak tourist season: June to August. This is when the weather’s at its warmest, which isn’t very much due to Scotland’s location. However, you can still visit year-round. You will just experience different sceneries. Just be prepared for the cold rainy weather year-round by packing multiple warm layers, no matter what time of the year it is. Crowds of tourists can be expected during the summer at the popular tourist towns such as Aviemore or at the popular photo spots along Glencoe.

Where to Stay in the Highlands

If you’re staying in the Highlands for a few days and are not into car or tent camping, there are a few other options available. Within the more popular tourist cities, there are a couple of small hotels available, but they need to be booked in advance as there isn’t a lot of room, and they fill up quickly. For more adventurous lodging, consider staying in glamping/eco pods. In the Inverness/Drumnadrochit area, the Loch Ness Backpackers Hostel is available. If you’re in the Isle of Sky, consider The Cow Shed for a unique experience. Otherwise, there are usually a “bothy” available in more remote areas.

When I visited the Highlands, I was traveling with a tour group for a day trip, so I was staying at a hostel in Edinburgh. For information about how I traveled to Edinburgh or if you plan on visiting Edinburgh, be sure to visit my complete travel guide here.

Guides to Scotland

Scottish Souvenirs to Buy in Scotland

Scottish Food to Try in Scotland

Day Trips vs. Driving it Yourself vs. Guided Tours of the Highlands

All three options are a great way to see and experience the Highlands, and I’ve met people who have done all three methods. It ultimately comes down to your time, budget, and priorities. The Highlands cover more than 11,000 square miles in the North of Scotland, which means there’s plenty to see and do.

Many companies offer day trips or multi-day trips with guided tours around the Highlands. These are great for people who are interested in covering the highlights of the region, learning about the history, and not wanting to plan and organize transportation, accommodations, and guides all on their own. The companies will focus on the main touristy/most popular spots, so if you’re looking for a more off-the-path experience, these major tours are not the way to go. However, many solo travelers will book through organized tour groups for safety and also to meet fellow solo travelers.

If you’re looking to create your visit, go at your own pace, or visit less common spots, you may want to consider driving around the Highlands on your own. This is a common option for visitors interested in hiking, camping, and photography. It is common to see tents, cars, and campers parked for overnights in the middle of the Highlands. Car and camper rentals offer prices for those seeking the mystique of the Highlands on their own time.

When I visited the Highlands, I visited on a guided day trip with a large tour group. It was the choice for me because I didn’t want to organize the visit to the Highlands, I was solo traveling, I wanted to learn about the history of the region, and I had limited time in Scotland so I wanted to see the Highland highlights. That said, once I arrived, I wished I had more time for a multi-day visit because the region is stunning.

An important note: there are not a lot of gas stations along the way! If you’re driving the Highlands alone or traveling for more than a day, you want to be aware of your gas tank level.

Where to Visit in the Highlands

Aviemore

One of the most popular spots to visit for travelers, Aviemore is located in Cairngorms National Park. Due to this location, it is prime for outdoor adventure seekers, offering plenty of locations for biking, swimming, hiking, and water sports. From this area, you can bike/hike to a variety of smaller villages in the area.

Isle of Skye

A diverse landscape with tall pinnacles in the south and a peninsula with unique landscapes in the north caused by a giant landslip. However, the most photographed sites are the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Kilt Rock. For hikers, this area has a few paths for every level of hiker.

Highland Castles

With over 1,500 castles in the region, I am not going to list every single one, just the main ones travelers come to visit in the Highlands:

Dunrobin Castle: the largest in Scotland with 189 rooms and with fairy tale turrets.
Eilean Donan Castle: one of the most photographed castles in Scotland on a small tidal island.
Castle Tioram: a crumbling ruin.
Kilchurn Castle: Located by Loch Awe.

Glencoe

Did you visit the Highlands if you didn’t visit Glencoe? One of the most iconic parts of the Highlands and where everyone stops to take photos. The A82 road goes through the whole region in a 20-minute drive. The main spots within this area are: the Three Sisters Viewpoint, Glencoe Lochan, Buachaille Mor, and Skyfall Road.

Inverary

Located by Loch Fyne, this small town is known for its Georgian architecture. Within the city, there is plenty to do, such as small boutiques for shopping, Inverary Castle which is home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyle, and the very well-preserved Inverary Jail.

Loch Ness

A visit to the Highlands wouldn’t be complete without searching for Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. Reports of the Loch Ness monster date back to 565 CE, with sightings reported to the present day. Do you believe in Nessie? Board a cruise of Loch Ness to see for yourself.

Plockton Village

Another small village located by Loch Carron. This is the city that is commonly referred to as the "Jewel of the Highlands" due to the string of beautiful stone houses by the harbor front. During the warm months, local companies will take tourists out on boats to see views of the village from the water.

Iona Abbey

One of the oldest Christian religious centers in Western Europe, dating back to 563 CE. Many buildings such as a nunnery and houses were added and lasted until the Protestant Reformation in 1560.

Beaches

Whether it’s rain or shine, hot or cold, the beaches are a great place to capture amazing views. Walk the white sand while gazing at the turquoise blue water with rocky backgrounds. There are many beaches around the region, but the most popular are Sandwood Bay, Clachtoll and Achmelvich, Luskentyre and Scarista, Camusdarach Beach, and Knockvologan.

Things to Do in the Highlands

In addition to exploring the cities above and learning about the culture and history of the Highlands, there’s plenty to do to keep you busy during your visit. Whiskey is a major aspect of Scottish culture, and the Highlands produce their own unique flavors of whiskey. To pair with your whiskey, consider trying a few of the locals’ favorite meals: shortbread, Haggis Neeps and Tatties, and Bangers and Mash. For castle lovers, there are around 1,500 castles scattered around the Highlands, with one of the most famous being Urquhart Castle. Of course, many people travel to the Highlands to take photos of the incredible scenes and of my personal favorite, the Highland Cows also called Hairy Coos. If you have the time, I highly recommend checking out the Jacobite Steam Train, or ‘Hogwarts Express along the West Highland Railway. I’ll elaborate more on hiking in the Highlands below in the travel guide. Don’t forget to visit Loch Ness and to try and find Nessie!

Hiking in the Highlands

Hiking is extremely popular in Scotland, especially since there are over 280 Munros within the country with the most in the Highlands. The highest peak is Ben Nevis and is located within the Highlands, which will have a hiker experience all four seasons in one day. If you’re unsure of where to start, consider heading to Inverness, which has a lot of hiking trails. If you’re looking for some hiking inspiration, check out these popular spots below:

‘Quiraing’ and ‘The Old Man of Storr’ on the Isle of Skye.
Cairngorm National Park.
Glencoe, where many scenes from Scottish movies are filmed.
Affric-Kintail Way (multiple days)
Great Glen Way (multiple days)
West Highland Way (multiple days)

Be sure to check the weather before starting your hiking adventure and to pack accordingly! Also, treat the land with respect so it can be preserved and visited by future generations.

Tips for Maximizing Your Visit to the Highlands

A travel guide to the Highlands bonus!

Always have an umbrella and rainwear; you never know when it’s going to rain, and there’s a high probability in Scotland.
Bring an actual camera to truly capture the scenic beauty. A phone camera will do okay, but to really capture the lighting, you will need a real camera.
If you’re driving yourself through the Highlands, note that some of the roads get narrow and slippery during cold and rain. Be sure to practice safe driving.
Plan your route before you leave. While spontaneity is fun, for safety purposes, it’s best to have a somewhat plan. This is especially important because not all areas of the region have cell phone service.
Don’t litter. Follow the general rule of taking photos and not leaving a trace of your visit.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and rich history of the Highlands with our comprehensive travel guide to the region. Whether you choose guided tours, self-driving adventures, or day trips, let our insights enhance your Scottish experience. From iconic castles to hidden gems, the Highlands await your exploration – make the most of your trip with this essential travel guide to the Highlands.

Travel Tip

Three languages are spoken in the Highlands: English, Scots, and Gaelic. Many of the locals in the Highlands don't speak English, so it is helpful to know phrases in Scots and Gaelic.