About the region
Travel to the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are a breathtaking region that offers a unique combination of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The area is home to rugged mountains, shimmering lochs, and rolling green hills that will leave visitors in awe. In addition to its picturesque landscapes, the Scottish Highlands are also steeped in history, with ancient castles, battlefields, and archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into the region's past.
Visitors to the Scottish Highlands can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting, in some of the most spectacular settings in the world. They can also explore charming towns and villages, such as Inverness and Fort William, that are rich in Scottish culture and traditions.
The Scottish Highlands are famous for their whisky, and visitors can take tours of distilleries to learn about the production process and sample some of the finest single malts. They can also experience the region's rich musical heritage by attending a traditional ceilidh or folk music performance.
Overall, the Scottish Highlands offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience that is perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in Scottish culture and tradition.
Getting to the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands can be reached by various means of transportation. The most common way to get there is by flying into one of the main airports, such as Inverness or Glasgow, and then renting a car or taking public transportation to the Highlands. Inverness Airport is the closest airport to the Highlands and is served by domestic and international airlines.
For those traveling by train, there are several options available, including the Caledonian Sleeper, which runs overnight between London and Inverness. The West Highland Line is also a popular option, offering stunning views of the Scottish landscape on its journey from Glasgow to Mallaig.
Driving is another popular way to explore the Scottish Highlands, and visitors can rent a car at the airport or in one of the main towns. The North Coast 500 route is a popular driving route that takes visitors through some of the most scenic parts of the region.
Finally, there are also bus and coach services that operate throughout the Highlands, providing an affordable and convenient way to get around. Regardless of the mode of transportation, visitors to the Scottish Highlands are sure to be treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Alternative and off the beaten track stays and experiences in the Scottish Highlands
For travelers looking for alternative and off the beaten track stays in the Scottish Highlands, there are a variety of unique options available. One such option is staying in a traditional croft, which is a small, traditional Scottish farmstead. Crofts offer a glimpse into traditional Highland life and often come with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also stay in converted farm buildings, such as barns or steadings, which offer a similar experience but with modern amenities.
For those looking for a truly unique experience, there are several eco-friendly and sustainable accommodations available in the Scottish Highlands. From eco-lodges and glamping sites to off-grid cabins and tiny homes, there are plenty of options for travelers who want to get back to nature and minimize their impact on the environment.
In addition to alternative accommodations, there are also a variety of off the beaten track experiences available in the Scottish Highlands. Visitors can explore the region's wild and rugged landscape on a guided hike, taking in stunning views of mountains, lochs, and moors along the way. Wildlife safaris are also a popular option, allowing visitors to spot red deer, golden eagles, and even whales and dolphins.
For those interested in history and culture, there are a variety of off the beaten track sites to visit in the Scottish Highlands. From ancient standing stones and brochs to historic castles and ruins, there are plenty of sites that offer a glimpse into the region's past. Visitors can also attend traditional Scottish festivals and events, such as the Highland Games, where they can watch traditional sports and music performances.
Top 10 things to do in the Scottish Highlands
- Explore the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including the iconic Loch Ness, the rugged Isle of Skye, and the majestic Ben Nevis.
- Visit historic castles and ruins, such as Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden Battlefield, and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.
- Take a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express, which runs from Fort William to Mallaig and offers breathtaking views of the Scottish countryside.
- Follow the North Coast 500, a scenic driving route that takes visitors through some of the most spectacular parts of the region, including the stunning coastline of the North Highlands.
- Enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting, in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.
- Sample some of the world-famous Scottish whisky by taking a tour of a distillery and learning about the production process.
- Attend traditional Scottish festivals and events, such as the Highland Games or a ceilidh, to experience the region's rich cultural heritage.
- Visit charming towns and villages, such as Inverness, Fort William, and Portree, that are rich in Scottish culture and traditions.
- Go wildlife spotting, and see if you can spot some of the region's most famous animals, such as red deer, golden eagles, and even whales and dolphins.
- Take a boat trip to explore some of the region's remote islands, such as the Isle of Lewis and Harris or the Orkney Islands, and discover their unique landscapes and cultural heritage.
The climate of the Scottish Highlands
The climate of the Scottish Highlands is generally cool and damp, with mild temperatures in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter. The region's location in the far north of Scotland means that it experiences long daylight hours in the summer and short daylight hours in the winter, with limited sunlight during the latter months.
In the summer months of June, July, and August, temperatures can reach up to 20°C (68°F) in some areas, although the average temperature tends to be around 15°C (59°F). However, it is important to note that the weather in the Highlands can be unpredictable, with rain and wind often occurring even on sunny days. Visitors should be prepared for all types of weather and bring appropriate clothing and gear for outdoor activities.
In the winter months, temperatures can drop to below freezing, with snow and ice covering much of the region. However, the Highlands' mountainous landscape and winter sports opportunities make it a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports enthusiasts.
Overall, visitors to the Scottish Highlands should be prepared for a cool and damp climate, regardless of the time of year. Proper clothing and gear are essential for enjoying outdoor activities and making the most of the region's stunning natural beauty.