The Ultimate Scotland Guide: Touring The Highlands of Scotland
Ahh, the highlands of Scotland. An expanse of nearly 10,000 sq miles steeped in magnificent landscapes, incredible hikes and a long, bloody history. There’s no better place for a real, wild adventure than the highlands of Scotland!
In this article, I’ll take you to the most picturesque spots to be found in the highlands, give you the low-down (or should I say high?) on where to go and what to do, as well as how to best be prepared for however you choose to travel around Scotland.
Let’s make your trip to the highlands a truly unforgettable adventure!
Where Are The Highlands
Scotland is split up into two areas of land - The highlands and the lowlands. It then stands to reason that the highlands are the great expanse to the North of Scotland (although they also are off to the West).
From Fort William all the way up to John O’Groats in the North, the highlands include places like Loch Ness, Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park. Rich in history and culture, the highlands are the wild lands of Scotland where once there were bloody battles and now live the friendliest people on earth.
By Jrockley - Own work, based on Image:Scottish clan map blank.png, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2543976
Why You Should Visit The Highlands
I’ve spent the last 10 years of my life travelling far and wide on this beautiful planet and yet I’m always drawn back to the highlands of Scotland. Why? What is it about this untamed wild that draws me back and should draw you in?
Let me first just answer generally with this…
Now, I’d say that picture carries much more then 1000 words of worth, wouldn’t you?
If you’re not yet convinced here are few more reasons why I can’t stay away.
1. The History
Scotland truly has one of the most fascinating pasts, often spattered with violence while shrouded in mystery. A bedrock for inspiration such as George R. R Martin’s ‘A song of fire and ice’ and let’s not forget that bloody love story ‘Outlander’ by Diana Gabaldon.
The Vikings, Jacobite, Scottish kings and queens of old - it’s easy to become swept up in the stories you’ll hear while travelling the highlands and, of course, while visiting the castles!
2. The Castles
There are more than 2000 castles in Scotland and many to be found in the highlands. As a pillar of power and protection for the local communities against invaders, castles in Scotland are everywhere and absolutely stunning to witness.
3. The Wildlife
With such an expanse of untouched natural beauty it’s no wonder that there’s quite an array of wildlife in the highlands. From otters and seals to wild cats and, of course, the magnificent highland stag. Have your camera at the ready when touring Scotland, you never know what critter will pop up next.
If you’re looking for a unique, history rich countryside that will surprise you at every turn with its jaw-dropping beauty - then don’t miss out on exploring the highlands.
Where Should You Go in The Highlands?
The possibilities are seemingly endless so I’m going to try and whittle it down to 5 places in the highlands that will blow your mind. Feel free to disagree and let me know your own favourite place to visit in the comments!
So here we go -
Glencoe
Glencoe is a site of awe-inspiring beauty and historical tragedy. The beauty speaks for itself and the tragedy I’m referring to is of the Glencoe Massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692.
While you can be sure to enjoy Glencoe for the hikes and views, it can add an element of depth to your journey to hear some of the history of the places you visit. Imagining what happened hundreds of years ago while walking the very ground where blood was spilled (or truces forged, kings betrayed, haggis slain) can leave you with a richer experience.
Learn more about Glencoe.
Isle of Skye
One of my all-time favourite places to hike, camp and explore is the Isle of Skye. From the Old Man of Storr to the Fairy Pools, you’ll never be bored with the landscape that surrounds you on the island.
You can reach the island by bridge or ferry and soon be losing yourself amongst the rugged terrain, castle ruins, and idyllic fishing villages.
Learn more about The Isle of Skye.
Loch Lomond
The bonnie, bonnie banks and, in fact, the entire Trossachs National Park is an area of exceptional beauty (are you sensing the theme here?). It’s also one of the more easily accessible locations in the highlands being just 2 hours drive from Edinburgh and only an hour from Glasgow.
There’s something for everyone at Loch Lomond (unless perhaps you hate nature). Cycling, hiking, kayaking and even wild swimming if you’re brave enough!
With millions of visitors each year, it must be up there on Scotland’s most visited destinations.
Learn more about Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.
Orkney Islands
Orkney is truly one of a kind. Unrivalled scenic beauty (except perhaps by Skye) amongst the magical 70-odd isles that make up the islands.
Skara Brae is certainly one of the biggest reasons for a visit. An ancient settlement that dates back further than even the Egyptian pyramids! And yes, in this case the older, the better.
Not the easiest place to get to but with the right tour guides you’ll enjoy every step of the way.
Learn more about the Orkney Islands.
How To Get About the Highlands
We would of course love to have you on our tours, but they are far from the only way to explore the highlands. Getting about comes down to personal preference and to what’s available and so I’ll list out some options for making your way around.
Rent A Car
If you enjoy your own space, your own rhythm and finding your own way while travelling then renting a car might be the perfect option - Just make sure you’ll be comfortable driving on the left!
The luxury of having your own car means you’ll never be rushed, and you can change plans at the drop of a hat. Whether out trying to spot Nessie or blazing a trail up munros, you’ll be moving at your own speed.
There are plenty of car companies that you’ll be able to rent from the airport in Glasgow or Edinburgh. If you’re keen on this option, check out this article on the dos and don’ts of car rentals in Scotland.
Hiking The Highlands
Not for the faint of heart or time-limited travelers but certainly the most scenic and involved way of exploring the highlands. Plus, imagine all the exercise!
Now, of course, my recommendation for this mode of transport is to go during the Spring or Summer… I’ll touch on this later but the weather in Scotland is the most unpredictable I’ve come across. Winter can be miserable and even in Spring/Summer there is no guarantee of decent weather.
Check out The West Highland Way for a 96-mile trek along Loch Lomond and up to Fort William.
Consider joining the popular sport ‘Munro Bagging’ while out and about on foot.
Public Transport
There are plenty of places to take a train or bus to in the highlands. I find lounging in a train watching the rolling hills of Scotland roll on by to be a lovely way to travel.
You will likely have to limit the number of things you can do and places you can see going this route as travelling times will be longer and you might experience delays. Also, if travelling to far-out places make sure to properly plan every step of the journey as in some places, you’ll be hard pressed to find a bus.
If you like travelling by train, check out Scotrail and if buses are more your style than look up routes with Traveline Scotland.
Private Or Group Tours
Finally, for a more failsafe way to travel the highlands you can consider joining a tour. This option does limit your flexibility (unless going private) but it more than makes up for it with knowledgeable, friendly guides and a stress-free trip.
Taking a tour gives you the opportunity to ask questions - learn more about history, culture or anything else that you want to know. It can also be a way to meet new people as you travel throughout the highlands.
There are several tour operators in Scotland and all of them will offer different places to see and experiences to be had. Some offer larger group tours and others, smaller more personalised experiences such as the ones we offer at Experience Scotland’s Wild.
You can check out a list of these tours here and see if they’re right for you!
When To Visit The Scottish Highlands
Personally, my favourite time of year to visit Scotland and the highlands is Autumn. Now that’s probably a controversial opinion though as the weather can be quite miserable around that time. For me, the change in the colour of the trees and shrubs is something truly stunning. It’s also the time that brambles berries are coming into season and just a cracking time to go berry hunting in general.
I would recommend the Spring as the time to visit – although again, the weather can be quite iffy (read rainy). But if you’re not prepared for a bit of rain, you probably should reconsider coming to Scotland in the first place! The Spring is when the bluebells come out and the highland wildlife is transformed into a vibrant wonderland.
The summer can be great for the Scottish sun (something us Scots appreciate with a ‘Taps Aff’ attitude) although Summer also brings the crowds and overcrowding can be an issue. Consider too that it’s prime bug season and they can become a nuisance quite quickly!
An Unforgettable Journey to Scotland
Finding your way around the highlands can be a challenge and so we’re here to help. You can explore more of our articles about the various sights in Scotland, the history, the hidden gems and activities to do along the way.
I hope this guide has inspired you to visit the highlands of Scotland and experience all that it has to offer. Feel free to get in touch with any questions or requests you may have. Now get out there and explore.
Now, I’ll leave you with an old Scottish saying;
Lang may yer lum reek!
