Accessible guide to the Scottish Highlands

Take the Nevis Range Gondola from 100 to 650 metres up the slopes of Aonach Mor (the UK’s eighth highest mountain) and enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The gondola has epic views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain and once an active volcano. The trip takes 15 minutes each way and can accommodate wheelchairs. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with views of lochs and mountains. There’s also a restaurant and bar serving locally sourced food and beers, accessible toilets, adapted changing rooms and Blue Badge accessible parking bays. For those who prefer to stay closer to the base of the mountains there are accessible forestry roads and trails.

Take on the white stuff and glide down the slopes of Scotland’s highland mountains at Cairngorm Mountain, Nevis Range Mountain Experience, Glenshee Ski Centre and Glencoe Mountain Resort. Through Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK), lessons are inclusive and tailored for anyone with mobility or visual requirements. There is plenty of equipment, enabling anything from a seat with two skis underneath (bi skiing) to a seat with one ski underneath (mono skiing), adaptive snowboarding, skiing with a voice control headset and more. DSUK also have accessible skiing on an outdoor dry slope in Edinburgh and an outdoor facility in Glasgow.

If you’re a fan of adventure activities in the great outdoors, head to the Cairngorms National Park. Here you’ll find Able2Adventure which has a huge range of adrenaline-fuelled activities that are inclusive to all. With accessible facilities, including postural supports and transfer equipment, have a go at abseiling and indoor and outdoor climbing (with hoists for wheelchairs users), adapted canoeing, orienteering, inclusive paddle boarding, trail wheelchair racing and more. You can also try out bushcraft skills and sleeping under the stars in a hammock.

Experience Scotland’s epic wilderness from the comfort of your seat on the Jacobite Steam Train. This famous 84 mile (135 km) route thunders past impressive sights including Britain’s biggest mountain, Ben Nevis, its deepest freshwater loch, Loch Morar, and the shortest river, River Morar. Harry Potter fans will recognise the Glenfinnan viaduct where the Hogwarts Express chugs along. The train, and some of the stations it travels through are quite old, so facilities are not designed in the most accessible way. However, staff endeavour to help people requesting mobility assistance where possible and there is a small space to store wheelchairs on-board when folded up. There are wheelchair ramps for use in emergencies.

The largest national park in Britain, the Cairngorms National Park holds many adventures that are accessible to all. Try easy access hiking paths in ‘Monarch of the Glen Country’ Badenoch and Strathspey, or opt for the Lochan trail, an accessible route set within the peaceful oasis of the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. There are adrenaline sports with Able2Adventure, or explore the area surrounding Scotland’s highest golden sandy beach Loch Morlich in the Glenmore Forest Park. Wheelchair users can get relatively close to the water, the visitor centre is accessible and there are accessible toilets.

Head to one of Scotland’s most famous natural locations, Loch Ness, where – rumour has it – lurks a certain monster. For those wanting to do some monster spotting, book a trip on the accessible Seagull Trust Cruise boat, run by trained volunteers. If you’d rather stay on dry land, the Loch Ness Centre is accessible. 

Located on the banks of the River Ness, Inverness is the northernmost city in the UK, and on the very doorsteps of the Scottish Highlands. Whether shopping for tartan or designer labels at the accessible Eastgate Shopping Centre, exploring the Botanical Gardens or stepping back in time to explore Fort George on the coast, Inverness welcomes everyone. If you’re curious about how whisky is made, head to the Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre. Set on level access, book a tour to get up close to the distillery action. Tours can be modified to suit visitors needs and include a tasting, of course.

Watch ancient sporting traditions at the Braemar Highland Games. Held every September at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar, the games include hammer throwing, putting the stone and tossing the caber – a test of strength to flip over a large wooden pole. Expect tartan kilts, bagpipes and dance competitions with the traditional Highland Fling. The arena is accessible for wheelchair users and the games are narrated via a tannoy for people who are blind or partially sighted. The arena also has accessible toilets. If you have time, head to the Braemar Highland Games Centre to see the exhibition of the history of the games. It is accessible throughout with level access, hearing loops in the reception area and an accessible toilet.

The site of the tragic ending to the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, Culloden is a place of remembrance. See real weapons and other artefacts from the battle at the fantastic visitor centre, and don’t miss the panoramic views from its roof garden. There are wheelchair-accessible paths around the battlefield, and the roof walkway is also accessible (via a ramp). Staff are trained in disability awareness. 

This former nuclear bunker has been given fresh new life as the Gairloch Museum, a fascinating insight into Highland history and Gaelic culture. Look out for the replica croft house to see how many Highlanders used to live. The museum has a number of wheelchair-friendly adaptations, including a lowered entrance counter and interactive exhibits at a suitable height. There is step-free access throughout the museum and an accessible lift to navigate between floors. An adapted toilet and accessible parking are available. Check out the museum’s sensory maps for more. 

Steeped in royal history, Balmoral Castle has been the rural playground of Britain’s monarchs since the 1850s – and these days, it’s yours to discover. Hire a mobility scooter from the gift shop for free during the summer, with no need to book in advance. The grounds, restaurant and castle are all accessible. There are two sets of accessible toilets. There is Blue Badge disabled parking available, but people without a Blue Badge may use the drop-off service.  

It’s all aboard the Strathspey Railway for a fabulous adventure into the Highlands, and its new accessibility carriage means that more guests than ever can come for a ride. The carriage has spaces for two wheelchairs with adjoining seats for carers. There is no accessible toilet aboard, but all railway stations along the line have accessible facilities.   

Visit the last remaining single malt Scotch whisky distillery on the Black Isle for a taste of Highland spirit. The Singleton of Glen Ord distillery offers a range of tours and tastings, including the ‘Malt to Cask’ and ‘Craft and Cocktails’ tours. The guided tour route is fully accessible via ramps. There are four accessible parking spaces, plus an accessible toilet and a Changing Places facility – the most northerly in Britain!  

Whether you’re wild about whisky or more of a beer boffin, there’s something for you at Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery, Scotland’s first ‘brewstillery’. Sustainability is high on the agenda: the distillery has its own energy centre, using the might of the nearby River Ness to power its machinery. The taproom is completely accessible for wheelchair users. Noise-cancelling headphones for both adults and children are available, as well as sensory fidget bags. Get in touch to receive their social story. For visually impaired guests, trained staff are on hand to support you through the facility, and guide dogs are very welcome.