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Why we love the Scottish Highlands

With islands for exploring, thick pine forests to wander and peaks to climb, the Highlands are packed with picture-perfect scenery and exhilarating experiences. From the valleys of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, to the heights of Ben Nevis or the soaring hills of the Cairngorms, expect everything from folk festivals to adrenaline-fuelled off-roading.

Base your stay at the gateway city of Inverness – also the start for the North Coast 500. Within easy reach of Edinburgh, it offers art and culture, foodie festivals to get your teeth stuck into, botanical gardens and plenty for music lovers. Whether it’s a bracing wild swim, a warming whisky tour or a royal fix at Balmoral, unleash your imagination in the Highlands.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

Beloved by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, you can visit Balmoral Castle and estate in Aberdeenshire.

Plan a visit to beautiful Balmoral, beloved by Queen Elizabeth II

Photo by: @pumpkin_the_pompom

Location: Highlands

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

With their one-of-a-kind sports, these traditional Scottish tournaments are the ‘Olympics of the Highlands’.

Discover the Highland Games

Photo by: VisitBritain/Highland Games Academy

Woman wearing a kilt learning how to toss the caber with male instructor
Highland Games

Crossing open moors, lofty peaks and forest-lined lochs, the West Highland Way serves up 96 miles (154km) of invigorating hiking.

Hit the West Highland Way

Photo by: VisitScotland

Walkers taking in the view of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill part of the West Highland Way
West Highland Way

Enjoy a voyage on the beautiful Loch Ness, and look out for its famous monster too…

Discover Cruise Loch Ness
visitscotland_48743853616
Cruise Loch Ness

Step into Scotland’s history at this mysterious stone circle – thought to be an ancient burial ground.

Plan your trip to Aviemore Stone Circle

Photo by: Alamy

Location: Cairngorms

A view of a Neolithic stone circle in the Scottish Highland town of Aviemore.
Aviemore Stone Circle

If you’ve dreamed of travelling back in time on Outlander, then make it a reality with a bespoke Outlander Tour by insiders from the show.

Get the Outlander experience with Highlander Tours

Location: Highlands

culloden2
Outlander Tour

Hit the road with one of Britain’s most spectacular driving routes – the North Coast 500.

Plan your journey along the North Coast 500

Photo by: North Highlands

Location: Highlands

visitscotland_41106581916
North Coast 500

Celebrate the golden nectar of the Highlands at this annual gathering, featuring 51 Speyside distilleries.

Discover the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Photo by: Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival

Location: Cairngorms

A performer on stage with a violin at the Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Mighty mountains, tranquil lochs and a wild, untamed coastline: welcome to some of the Highlands' most incredible scenery.

Explore off-grid at Lochaber Geopark

Photo by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A woman sitting on a rock wrapped in a tartan blanket
Lochaber Geopark

Welcome to the highest mountain in Scotland. A bucket list destination for hikers, the summit has spectacular views of the Grampian range.

Find your Ben Nevis adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain
Ben Nevis

A sustainable hideaway in the romantic wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

Visit Eagle Brae

Photo by: ©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Strathglass

Man sitting on the terrace of a wooden lodge with large St Bernard dog, Scottish Highlands
Eagle Brae log cabins

The largest ski resort in the UK, Glenshee has slopes for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Strap on your skis and head to Glenshee

Photo by: Mick Durham FRPS / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

Ski mountaineers enjoy the winter conditions in the hills around Glenshee, Highlands Scotland.
Glenshee

The stunning Cairngorm Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland every year, with 19 miles (30 km) of ski runs, 10 lifts and a funicular railway.

Start your snow adventure in the Cairngorms

Photo by: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Location: Highlands

Group of skiers on a snowy slope in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports

First stop for any visitors to the Highlands is the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, in the historic heart of the city.

Learn about the Highlands’ long history at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: Ewen Weatherspoon/ Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Location: Highlands

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Take home a true Scottish souvenir, with some hand-crafted Tain pottery from its workshop in Tain.

Pop in to the Tain Pottery in the Highlands

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

Tain Pottery
Tain Pottery

When in Inverness, visit one of its culinary institutions – Rocpool restaurant, which prides itself on serving local ingredients with world-class flavour.

Enjoy a dinner to remember at Rocpool

Photo by: Rocpool / John Paul Photography

Location: Highlands

Rocpool Restaurant
Rocpool Restaurant

Enjoy real Highland food and hospitality with the Cleikum Social Eating Club – a home-cooked dinner and storytelling experience.

Slow down and enjoy a real Highland dinner

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo/Norman Pogson

Location: Highlands

Scottish Haggis Table Setting For A Burns Night Dinner With A Royal Stuart Tartan Napkin.
Slow Food Highland Dining and Storytelling

Follow in the footsteps of William Wallace – and Mel Gibson – on the Braveheart Tour, taking in key spots in the historic Scottish hero’s life.

Learn about the legend on a Braveheart Tour

Photo by: Shutterstock / oksana.perkins

Location: Highlands

Calm lake panorama overlooking Dumbarton Castle in Scotland
Braveheart Tour

Discover what Highland life was like in the past with this popular living history museum in the Cairngorms.

Journey back in time at the Highland Folk Museum

Photo by: Highland Folk Museum/ Ewen Weatherspoon

Location: Highlands

Highland Folk Museum
Highland Folk Museum

Learn all about Bonnie Prince Charlie with the Jacobite treasures on display at the West Highland Museum in Fort William.

Learn about the Jacobites at the West Highland Museum

Photo by: West Highland Museum

Location: Highlands

West Highland Museum
West Highland Museum

Prepare to be surprised by the Gairloch Museum, with its inspiring displays housed in a former nuclear bunker.

Surprise yourself with a visit to the Gairloch Museum

Photo by: Mark Appleton

Location: Highlands

Gairloch Museum
Gairloch Museum

Party on at the popular Belladrum Tartan Heart music festival on the Belladrum Estate near Inverness.

Visit the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Photo by: Paul Campbell Photography

Location: Highlands

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Head to Cairngorm Mountain in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Plan your adventure on Cairngorm Mountain

Photo by: The Cairngorms National Park

Location: Highlands

Hiking in the Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorm Mountain

You can’t get a more spectacular location than the Isle of Eriska Hotel, overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains.

Get away from it all at Isle of Eriska Hotel

Photo by: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island

Location: Highlands

Isle of Eriska Hotel
Isle of Eriska Hotel

Get away from it all with a stay at The Ballachulish Hotel, on the banks of Loch Linnhe, on the west coast of Scotland.

Have a memorable stay at The Ballachulish Hotel

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

The Ballachulish Hotel
The Ballachulish Hotel

Give yourself a treat whilst in the Highlands and book a day spa treatment at Aspen Spa in Tain and Dornoch.

Take some time out at Aspen Spa

Photo by: Aspen Spa

Location: Highlands

Aspen Spa
Aspen Spa

If you fancy a Highland adventure without the hassle, Wilderness Scotland can curate a tour for you, from adventure sports to retreats.

Plan your next Highland adventure with Wilderness Scotland

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

Man sat with hungarian vizsla dog on his lap on the isolated uk beach of Sandwood bay in Scotland.
Wilderness Scotland

Join the slow food movement and take a sustainable culinary tour through the Highlands and Islands with the Highland Food and Drink Club.

Get a taste of the Highlands with the Highland Food and Drink Club

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Highlands

Fine dining in restaurant. Table with plates and wine glass
Highland Food and Drink Club

Experience canyoning, gorge walking, white water rafting and river tubing in the Cairngorms National Park.

Plan your trip to G2 Adventure Hub Aviemore

Photo by: VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Location: Cairngorms

The Alvie Estate, G2 Adventure Hub
G2 Adventure Hub, Aviemore

Combine epic hiking and outdoor adventures with a photography masterclass – all in the Scottish peaks.

More about Highlands Wildscapes

Photo by: VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Location: Cairngorms

Highlands Wildscapes, Loch Duich from Mam Rattachan
Highlands Wildscapes

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s incredible natural wonders on a guided tour with wildlife experts.

More about Speyside Wildlife

Photo by: VisitScotland / Greme Macdonald

Location: Cairngorms

Speyside Wildlife Tours
Speyside Wildlife

A highlight of the Lochaber Geopark, discover the fascinating geological heritage of Glencoe – ripe for outdoor adventures.

Get your mountain highs in Glencoe

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Hikers celebrating along a country road. Mountains ahead
Glencoe

Beloved by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, you can visit Balmoral Castle and estate in Aberdeenshire.

Plan a visit to beautiful Balmoral, beloved by Queen Elizabeth II

Photo by: @pumpkin_the_pompom

Location: Highlands

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

With their one-of-a-kind sports, these traditional Scottish tournaments are the ‘Olympics of the Highlands’.

Discover the Highland Games

Photo by: VisitBritain/Highland Games Academy

Woman wearing a kilt learning how to toss the caber with male instructor
Highland Games

Crossing open moors, lofty peaks and forest-lined lochs, the West Highland Way serves up 96 miles (154km) of invigorating hiking.

Hit the West Highland Way

Photo by: VisitScotland

Walkers taking in the view of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill part of the West Highland Way
West Highland Way

Enjoy a voyage on the beautiful Loch Ness, and look out for its famous monster too…

Discover Cruise Loch Ness
visitscotland_48743853616
Cruise Loch Ness

Step into Scotland’s history at this mysterious stone circle – thought to be an ancient burial ground.

Plan your trip to Aviemore Stone Circle

Photo by: Alamy

Location: Cairngorms

A view of a Neolithic stone circle in the Scottish Highland town of Aviemore.
Aviemore Stone Circle

If you’ve dreamed of travelling back in time on Outlander, then make it a reality with a bespoke Outlander Tour by insiders from the show.

Get the Outlander experience with Highlander Tours

Location: Highlands

culloden2
Outlander Tour

Hit the road with one of Britain’s most spectacular driving routes – the North Coast 500.

Plan your journey along the North Coast 500

Photo by: North Highlands

Location: Highlands

visitscotland_41106581916
North Coast 500

Celebrate the golden nectar of the Highlands at this annual gathering, featuring 51 Speyside distilleries.

Discover the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Photo by: Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival

Location: Cairngorms

A performer on stage with a violin at the Spirit of Speyside Whiskey Festival
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Mighty mountains, tranquil lochs and a wild, untamed coastline: welcome to some of the Highlands' most incredible scenery.

Explore off-grid at Lochaber Geopark

Photo by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A woman sitting on a rock wrapped in a tartan blanket
Lochaber Geopark

Welcome to the highest mountain in Scotland. A bucket list destination for hikers, the summit has spectacular views of the Grampian range.

Find your Ben Nevis adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain
Ben Nevis

A sustainable hideaway in the romantic wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

Visit Eagle Brae

Photo by: ©VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Strathglass

Man sitting on the terrace of a wooden lodge with large St Bernard dog, Scottish Highlands
Eagle Brae log cabins

The largest ski resort in the UK, Glenshee has slopes for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Strap on your skis and head to Glenshee

Photo by: Mick Durham FRPS / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

Ski mountaineers enjoy the winter conditions in the hills around Glenshee, Highlands Scotland.
Glenshee

The stunning Cairngorm Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland every year, with 19 miles (30 km) of ski runs, 10 lifts and a funicular railway.

Start your snow adventure in the Cairngorms

Photo by: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Location: Highlands

Group of skiers on a snowy slope in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports

First stop for any visitors to the Highlands is the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, in the historic heart of the city.

Learn about the Highlands’ long history at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: Ewen Weatherspoon/ Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Location: Highlands

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Take home a true Scottish souvenir, with some hand-crafted Tain pottery from its workshop in Tain.

Pop in to the Tain Pottery in the Highlands

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

Tain Pottery
Tain Pottery

When in Inverness, visit one of its culinary institutions – Rocpool restaurant, which prides itself on serving local ingredients with world-class flavour.

Enjoy a dinner to remember at Rocpool

Photo by: Rocpool / John Paul Photography

Location: Highlands

Rocpool Restaurant
Rocpool Restaurant

Enjoy real Highland food and hospitality with the Cleikum Social Eating Club – a home-cooked dinner and storytelling experience.

Slow down and enjoy a real Highland dinner

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo/Norman Pogson

Location: Highlands

Scottish Haggis Table Setting For A Burns Night Dinner With A Royal Stuart Tartan Napkin.
Slow Food Highland Dining and Storytelling

Follow in the footsteps of William Wallace – and Mel Gibson – on the Braveheart Tour, taking in key spots in the historic Scottish hero’s life.

Learn about the legend on a Braveheart Tour

Photo by: Shutterstock / oksana.perkins

Location: Highlands

Calm lake panorama overlooking Dumbarton Castle in Scotland
Braveheart Tour

Discover what Highland life was like in the past with this popular living history museum in the Cairngorms.

Journey back in time at the Highland Folk Museum

Photo by: Highland Folk Museum/ Ewen Weatherspoon

Location: Highlands

Highland Folk Museum
Highland Folk Museum

Learn all about Bonnie Prince Charlie with the Jacobite treasures on display at the West Highland Museum in Fort William.

Learn about the Jacobites at the West Highland Museum

Photo by: West Highland Museum

Location: Highlands

West Highland Museum
West Highland Museum

Prepare to be surprised by the Gairloch Museum, with its inspiring displays housed in a former nuclear bunker.

Surprise yourself with a visit to the Gairloch Museum

Photo by: Mark Appleton

Location: Highlands

Gairloch Museum
Gairloch Museum

Party on at the popular Belladrum Tartan Heart music festival on the Belladrum Estate near Inverness.

Visit the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Photo by: Paul Campbell Photography

Location: Highlands

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Head to Cairngorm Mountain in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Plan your adventure on Cairngorm Mountain

Photo by: The Cairngorms National Park

Location: Highlands

Hiking in the Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorm Mountain

You can’t get a more spectacular location than the Isle of Eriska Hotel, overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains.

Get away from it all at Isle of Eriska Hotel

Photo by: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island

Location: Highlands

Isle of Eriska Hotel
Isle of Eriska Hotel

Get away from it all with a stay at The Ballachulish Hotel, on the banks of Loch Linnhe, on the west coast of Scotland.

Have a memorable stay at The Ballachulish Hotel

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

The Ballachulish Hotel
The Ballachulish Hotel

Give yourself a treat whilst in the Highlands and book a day spa treatment at Aspen Spa in Tain and Dornoch.

Take some time out at Aspen Spa

Photo by: Aspen Spa

Location: Highlands

Aspen Spa
Aspen Spa

If you fancy a Highland adventure without the hassle, Wilderness Scotland can curate a tour for you, from adventure sports to retreats.

Plan your next Highland adventure with Wilderness Scotland

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Highlands

Man sat with hungarian vizsla dog on his lap on the isolated uk beach of Sandwood bay in Scotland.
Wilderness Scotland

Join the slow food movement and take a sustainable culinary tour through the Highlands and Islands with the Highland Food and Drink Club.

Get a taste of the Highlands with the Highland Food and Drink Club

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Highlands

Fine dining in restaurant. Table with plates and wine glass
Highland Food and Drink Club

Experience canyoning, gorge walking, white water rafting and river tubing in the Cairngorms National Park.

Plan your trip to G2 Adventure Hub Aviemore

Photo by: VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Location: Cairngorms

The Alvie Estate, G2 Adventure Hub
G2 Adventure Hub, Aviemore

Combine epic hiking and outdoor adventures with a photography masterclass – all in the Scottish peaks.

More about Highlands Wildscapes

Photo by: VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Location: Cairngorms

Highlands Wildscapes, Loch Duich from Mam Rattachan
Highlands Wildscapes

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s incredible natural wonders on a guided tour with wildlife experts.

More about Speyside Wildlife

Photo by: VisitScotland / Greme Macdonald

Location: Cairngorms

Speyside Wildlife Tours
Speyside Wildlife

A highlight of the Lochaber Geopark, discover the fascinating geological heritage of Glencoe – ripe for outdoor adventures.

Get your mountain highs in Glencoe

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Hikers celebrating along a country road. Mountains ahead
Glencoe

Places to stay in the Scottish Highlands

Inverness

Embrace Highland heritage with a stay in the capital of the region – sample award-winning food and unique shopping, or set off on a cycling adventure.

Fort William

Often called the ‘outdoor capital of Britain’, Fort William has everything from sandy beaches to dramatic film locations and distilleries.

Ullapool

A popular stopping point on the North Coast 500 route, tuck into fresh seafood or hop aboard ferry services to the Isle of Lewis.

Explore nearby

The Cairngorms is a playground for wildlife lovers, hill climbers, thrill seekers and more.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies

From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a castle on a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

Jaw-dropping landscapes wrapped in tales and legends, the Isles' wild nature will stay with you forever.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dougie Cunningham

A group of deer near a lake, grazing grass
Fort William, Scotland

Adventure is never far away in Fort William, at the heart of the Highlands.

Photo by: Getty Images / Peter Lourenco

Location: Highlands, Scotland

Two male hikers trekking along a pebbled path, cloudy skies, green rolling mountain vista.

Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Inverness Airport is just 10 minutes from the city centre, and serves domestic destinations across Britain, alongside links to the Scottish Islands. There’s no direct access to the Highlands, but train connections are possible via Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, all taking around three to four hours.

Getting around

By bike

Cyclists can hire a bike using Ticket to Ride or Hi-Bike in Inverness, which doubles as the start point for the Loch Ness 360° Trail, an 80 mile (130 km) circular route around the famous loch.

By train

Scotrail operates services to locations across the Highlands, or jump aboard the Jacobite to cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct and experience one of the world’s best railway journeys.

By car

The Highlands can be taken in on the North Coast 500 touring route, which brims with coastal scenery, castles and historical ruins. Where will your adventure begin?

Want to know more?

Check out Visit Scotland for insider tips and travel inspiration.