Nothing compares to the beauty of exploring the Scottish Highlands. From majestic mountain views to gorgeous glens and sparkling lochs, this iconic region of Scotland is home to breathtaking landscapes as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for an adventure or just starting out on your journey, let us take you on an unforgettable tour through Scotland’s most picturesque countryside.
What to See in the Scottish Highlands
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover all of the must-see locations that will make up your ultimate Highland experience. Embark on an adventure that will etch its beauty onto your heart as you discover local lore, culture, history and cuisine in a Scottish area of unparalleled natural beauty.
From the world renowned Loch Ness, to Urquhart Castle and lesser known sights such as Glen Strathfarrar and Plodda Falls, there’s lots to see in the Scottish Highlands. There are many whisky distilleries in the area, some specializing in exclusive single malt Scotch. We recommend spending at least a week if you can, and hiring a car to get around.
1. Arrochar
This charming village in the West Highlands is nestled on the banks of Loch Long. Close to the Arrochar Alps, it’s popular with mountaineers and hikers.
You can easily access Argyll Forest Park from here. Claymore Hotel was formerly known as Arrochar House and was the seat of the MacFarlane clan.
2. Beauly
Meaning “beautiful place”, this little town takes its name from Mary Queen of Scots’ reaction when she stayed here in the sixteenth century, “C’est un beau lieu”. Beauly is located next to the River Beauly, one of Scotland’s most well know salmon fishing streams.
This lovely Scottish town is a 20 minute drive from Inverness. Beauly Priory was founded in 1230 and the burial ground for the chiefs of Clan Lovat, the Frasers.
There are some charming gift shops and cafés, including The Old School House, plus an award winning deli. If you’re here in the Summer, make sure to check out the Pipe Band who perform in the square every Thursday evening.
3. Dog Sledding in the Scottish Highlands
There are lots of interesting activities in the Highlands including walking and fishing but our favourite has to be dog sledding.
4. Glen Afric
A “glen” in Scotland is a valley, generally a deep, narrow one and sometimes with a watercourse running through it. One of the most scenic of these is Glen Affric, immortalized in the Monarch of the Glen, by the famous artist Landseer. It still looks like something from a painting these days.
Stretching for 30 miles, it’s situated within the Highlands National Nature Reserve and a beautiful place for a hike, bike or drive.
5. Plodda Falls
Also located within the Highlands National Nature Reserve, Plodda Falls near the village of Tomich are 46 metres high. They’re one of the best hidden gems in Scotland. To reach the falls, you first walk through a stunning forest before arriving at the viewing platform.
This Highlands waterfall is quite a hidden gem so unless it’s the weekend you may well get the place to yourselves.
Take in the view to the rocks below. If you have the time and energy, there’s a path that leads all the way to the bottom.
7. Golden Retriever Statue
On the way back from Plodda Falls at Tomich, there’s a statue celebrating the golden retriever. The breed was created on this estate in the 1800s by landowner Dudley Marjoribanks, known as Lord Tweedmouth. He crossed a Tweed water spaniel with a wavy-coated retriever, and the golden retriever was born.
8. Glen Strathfarrar
Rivalling Glen Affric in beauty is Glen Strathfarrar, an exceptional valley that many consider to be the most majestic in Scotland. What makes it exceptional is that the road into the Glen is private. Access to motor vehicles is restricted so it is relatively traffic free, although you might find some sheep creating a jam 😉
The River Farrar flows for 12 miles before converging with the River Glass to form the River Beauly. It’s well known for its salmon and trout fishing.
9. Monar Dam
Towards the end of the Glen Strathfarrar route, you come to the Monar Dam, the largest arch dam in Britain.
You’ll definitely feel like you have stumbled on the set of Skyfall, it is so remote and the only thing that is missing is a Bond villain.
10. Loch Ness
No visit to the Highlands would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness. Famed the world over for the elusive Loch Ness monster, it’s a must see. We started at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, a surprisingly scientific investigation into the mystery of Nessie. Whilst it leaves you to make up your own mind, it does debunk some of the hoaxes.
Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish loch by surface area, but the largest in volume in Great Britain thanks to its great depth. I wonder what that black dot is on the lower left of this photo…could it be Nessie…or a powerboat 😉
11. Urquhart Castle
Scotland’s second most visited tourist attraction after Edinburgh Castle is an impressive sight, located on the banks of Loch Ness. Dating from the 13th to 16th century, it has fabulous views from the Grant Tower battlements.
Once one of the largest castles in Scotland, Urquhart was fought over by the English and Scottish from the 14th to the 17th century.
12. Glenfinnan Viaduct
Immortalized in the Harry Potter movies, Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Scottish Highlands. The viaduct has 21 arches and overlooks Loch Shiel.
The Jacobite Steam Train, run by West Coast Railways, passes over the viaduct on its way to Mallaig. In the Harry Potter films, it’s known as the Hogwarts Express.
Lunch in the Scottish Highlands
Fiddler’s is a well known restaurant serving up delicious local specialties, a stone’s throw away from Loch Ness.
They have an award winning malt whisky bar with a huge selection of whiskys.
Where to Stay in the Scottish Highlands
All of these attractions are located within 30 minutes of Eagle Brae, a collection of luxury log cabins that’s the perfect base for exploring the Highlands in style. After your visit to the Northern Highlands, Gleneagles in Perthshire is a good option as part of a road trip to Edinburgh.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Scottish Highlands
As you can see, there is plenty to occupy your senses and capture your attention when exploring the Scottish Highlands. With its romantic landscapes, unique wildlife, and rustic traditional cuisine, a tour of the Highlands will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
In this article, we’ve covered only a fraction of the splendors that await for those venturing north. For those inspired to learn more, we urge you to check out our other travel articles in order to discover even more about these storied lands.
Bask in the sights and sounds of the pristine outdoors, unearth its secrets and appreciate all it has to offer – a journey to Scotland’s beautiful Highlands is one you won’t soon forget.
Read all our Scotland travel features here.
You might also enjoy:
- A Taste of St Andrews
- Best Places to See the Northern Lights
- Where to Eat in Edinburgh
- A Weekend in Edinburgh
- Complete Northern Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
- Cromlix Country House Hotel Review
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Ahhh…It looks so wonderfully peaceful!
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
It’s all very tranquil, a great place to recharge your virtual batteries!
I have been to Scotland but only to Edin and Glasgow… I know in my heart that I have to go back one day so that I can see beautiful untouched parts like this.
www.LUXESSED.com
You really should, it’s such a beautiful area yet easy to get to
Wow such a unique and beautiful place! I want to visit it some day, but may be first stop is England. The nature is peaceful! Love that place!
xx
cvetybaby.com
You could always get a train or plane up from England, it’s not too far
The Highlands look absolutely gorgeous! I’d love to visit and explore everything you’ve mentioned someday!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I hope that you get the chance, Courtney
Gorgeous scenery! great pics! Love the coat, I too have a red coat but it’s different!:)
I get so much wear out of that coat, mind you the wildlife can see me coming 😉
I haven’t had a chance to visit Highlands yet however probably next year I will be doing that. Scotland is a beautiful place and there are so much to see! These photos are great!
www.elabellaworld.com
It’s a huge country, I’d have loved more time to go to the coast but it’s amazing how much you can cram into a weekend
Scotland really does deserve more of my attention – some beautiful photography in this post Suze 🙂
Thanks very much Suzanne, even though the weather was a bit mixed, Scotland is beautiful
The Scottish Highlands have been on my list for the longest of times – there’s something so Downton-Abbey-holiday special / Amanda Brooks-y about them that I’ve always been drawn to. This post is quite helpful and bookmarked for when I finally go!
Sophia
http://plaidismyfavouritecolour.blogspot.com/
Yes there’s a really retro vibe that I love, having said that there are all the mod cons like high speed wifi too
wow that looks like a beautiful place!
♥ Ellen
Latest post: SHOPSTYLECONQUER.COM
It’s a stunning region, Ellen – glad you liked the post
I loved this post. The highlands are on our to do list… Don’t know when we could ever visit, but I hope that we will be able to one day… What a beautiful place! Love, Kathleen
I do hope that you get the chance to visit, Kathleen – they’re so easy to get to from Inverness yet you feel like you are a world away from anywhere once you’re there!
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The highlands look so picturesque! I am really keen to visit sometime 🙂 I would love to try dog sledding too!
Ash | Liakada
You’d love the dog sledding, very exhilarating!
Wow, amazing scenery, I would like to visit this place asap!!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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I hope that you get the chance, Paola – you would really get some amazing shots here
Ahh Suze I love this post! Really made me miss holidays in the highlands, certainly sounds like the perfect break!
Lauren xx | The Lifestyle Diaries
Thanks Lauren, I can see why you miss it so much
Such a gorgeous corner of the world!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
It’s totally gorgeous, and very unspoiled – no cars for miles around!
One of my favourite places in the world! So beautiful yet so underrated!
Yes it certainly deserves to be better known
Gorgeous! Your post really makes me want to visit the Highlands. I’m interested in the dog sledding too. I had no idea this was an option there!
Neither did I, they’re hounds so they go incredibly fast!
These pics are simply amazing! I really like your blog 🙂
xoxo
https://voxofvanity.wordpress.com/
Gosh, I am so envious of your trip! This place looks amazing!
xx Leah / www.eatpraywearlove.com
I wish that I’d had longer there but it was a great first glimpse
oh wow beautiful photos! and great recommendations! I am dying to visit Scotland one day so I will be keeping this post in mind! thanks for sharing!
lifeisashoe
My pleasure, I’m very glad that it was helpful
I really want to visit Scotland, and Ireland and Wales, there’s so many beautiful places to see in the UK!
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I know, we’re really spoilt for choice here, Corinne!
to spend time close to nature is my drea. I love all of your photos and the nature all around.
xxx
mari
www.ilovegreeninspiration.com
Thanks very much Mari, I really enjoyed getting closer to nature for the weekend
Oh I’d just love to see the Scottish highlands, those views of the lakes are utterly breathtaking – so underrated by so many British travellers as a destination (myself included). A road trip through these highlands would be such a perfect way to recharge the batteries and get in some fresh air and nice walks.
Yes and some of the roads are so car-free, it makes driving a real pleasure
Some great choices and lovely photos. I never knew the golden retriever was from the highlands and that waterfall looks stunning
I didn’t either, we stumbled upon that by chance – the waterfall was lovely and so peaceful
Wow! The scenery is breathtaking and so are your pictures. I would love to visit once!
Love, Layla Rosita
Fingers crossed that you get the chance, Layla – thanks for stopping by
Gorgeous photos, looks like a dreamy place!
xo, jill
www.BornFancy.com
It certainly is, Jillian!
wow, such beautiful photos and landscapes! definitely got to go there one day!
http://www.footnotesandfinds.com
I hope that you get the opportunity, by the way I love your blogger gift guide
What a beautiful place!!!
Interesting fact about golden retriever. 🙂
Yes I found that fascinating about the golden retrievers, they’re one of my favourite breeds of dog
Looks like you visited some lovely places! I love the Golden Retriever statue, too!
The Golden Retriever statue was a nice surprise, I didn’t know they originated there!
Breathtaking pictures, Scotland is so beautiful. I would love to tour Scotland so many hidden gems, wonderful scenery and wildlife Lucy x
You’re right Lucy, it has lots of hidden gems and is a lot easier to get to than I’d imagined
Of course I’d love to see the Scottish Highlands :). And I am so happy you posted this today. I really love serene places and this seems like one of them. I am so loving everything about the highlands, simply beautiful.
Kia / KTS
www.houseofkts.com
It was so great to unwind and take in that scenery, see the deer and the dogs. I can see why people fall in love with the place!
It all looks great (the gorgeous greenery!) but if I’m honest what I most like is your coat xxx
crossinglemons.com
Thanks Sam, good old Burberry – I wear it to death!
I have just added the Northern Scottish Highlands to the list of places I have to visit. Really beautiful!
Danielle
www.spring2spring.com
You would love it Danielle, there’s something magical abotu the region
OMG I NEED TO GO THERE! It looks amazing!
zoelhernandez.wordpress.com
You really should, Zoel – you’ll have a blast
OMG Amazing Colors!!!!! Beautifull Place….
How to survive the Mother Law
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I love Scotland, and your photos really do it justice! So beautiful. Looks like you had such a fun time. I’m looking forward to the dog sledding post 🙂
Polly xx
Follow Your Sunshine
I think you summed it up! I love Scotland and most especially the highlands and islands!
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Oh my… I am soooo jealous!
PS
Great hat & coat dear 😉
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
I love the expressions on the dogs’ faces! They look like they are having a ball!!