

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.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards
Location: Highlands

Discover the Highland’s TV highlights
There are so many filming locations in Scotland to explore, and the Highlands is no exception. Discover everything from Outlander filming locations to those made famous by James Bond, Harry Potter and Braveheart. Lose yourself in the film sets of the eerie ruins of Dunnottar Castle, or the mountain paths of Glen Coe and Glen Etive.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Delve into the art, history and culture of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Learn all about the people, places and traditions that have shaped the region – including bagpipes.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
Location: Loch Ness, Scotland

Loch Ness cruise
Cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness on a boat tour with Jacobite, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Great Glen and spotting the likes of Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse and Urquhart Castle. Be sure to keep an eye out for Nessie, the loch’s mythical monster!
Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
Location: Loch Ness, Scotland

Explore Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail
The Malt Whisky Trail, the only trail of its kind in the world, set in the heart of Speyside, takes in seven world-famous working distilleries, one historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage.
Things to do in the Scottish Highlands
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Featured things to do
Photo by: VisitBritain/Getty Images/Nick David

Mountain biking for all
Hit the Lower Forest Trails in Fort William with options for all levels and abilities, or improve your mountain biking skills with professional lessons.
Explore the Nevis Range by bikePhoto by: VisitBritain/Peter Beavis
Location: Highlands

Wild camping
Head off the beaten track in Scotland’s remotest locations to really get up close to nature – just remember to leave no trace.
Learn more about wild camping in ScotlandPhoto by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven
Location: Highlands

Make a splash
Try the fast-growing adrenaline sport of canyoning, swim in the bracing Atlantic or whip out your oars at Great Glen Canoe Trail. Or walk to one of Scotland’s highest waterfalls, Plodda Falls.
Learn more about water adventures in ScotlandPhoto by: sarahneilson7815
Location: Scotland

Feed deer in the snowy Cairngorms
Take a guided tour to feed Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the Cairngorms National Park.
Learn more about the Cairngorms National ParkPlaces 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. EmbraceScotland also has an array of self-catering options to choose from across the region.
Explore nearby
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 with ScotRail 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 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.
The Highlands are a mountainous, hilly area, mostly located in the northern and western half of Scotland, extending from Dumbarton to the head of the Forth of Clyde and Stonehaven. The area also contains islands such as the Isle of Skye.
There is plenty to do in the Highlands of Scotland from exploring the scenery and nature to hiking, biking and water sports. Its rich history plays a starring role, with various castles such as Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Balmoral Castle. The Highlands have also served as the backdrop for multiple TV shows and movies, including Outlander, Harry Potter, James Bond and Highlander. Follow in the footsteps of some of your favourite stars.
There are multiple places to find Highland Cows near Inverness. You’ll see some alongside the Culloden Battlefield along with some Highland ponies. You can also find them during the summer at Dochgarroch Lock. There are also numerous farms where you may be able to spot the furry creatures.
The city of Inverness is considered the Capital of the Highlands as it’s the only city within the Highlands, serving as a gateway and hub. You’ll find plenty to see and explore there, too, from Loch Ness and its mythical monster to Culloden, a key filming location of the TV show Outlander.





































