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Heading to Scotland soon and wondering what are the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands? I’ve got you covered!
Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and while visiting Edinburgh is definitely a must do, if you want to see what Scotland is really all about, you need to go to the highlands and the islands.
The highlands are the mountainous region in the north west of Scotland. It includes places like Glencoe, Inverness and more.
Whether you are an Outlander fan or just love stunning landscapes, here are the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands.
1. Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan Viaduct is the ultimate place to visit in the Highlands for Harry Potter fans. It’s located in Glenfinnan, near Fort William, and was used as a filming location in several Harry Potter movies.
Remember when you see the Hogwarts Express on a viaduct with the stunning landscapes in the background, that’s it!
The easiest way to get there is by car. There is a National Trust car park where you can leave your vehicle and then go on the walk to the viaduct.
It’s mainly flat (except the last part to the view point) and not strenuous so it’s a good family-friendly activity.
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PRO TIP: The real-life version of the Hogwarts Express is called the Jacobite train. It runs from April to October and you can spot it if you time your visit accordingly. Make sure to check the timetable.
If you don’t have a car, you can also opt for a day tour from Edinburgh.
2. Isle of Skye
This is the most famous Scottish island of all and by far one of the most beautiful. It’s easy to get there by car since there is a bridge that connects the mainland to Skye.
There are many beautiful natural landmarks to discover including the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools and more. It’s an absolute paradise for hikers!
But you can also learn plenty about the Scottish culture and history of the clans, particularly if you visit Dunvegan castle.
Finally, don’t miss out on the beaches. While Scotland may not strike you as the best destination for beaches, it actually is! My favourites on Skye are the coral beaches and Talisker bay (it’s a mix of black and white sand).
PRO TIP: It’s better to avoid June to August on Skye because of the midges. Also, it gets very crowded during the school holidays and the roads are simply too tiny for the amount of people so try to avoid this time as well.
3. Glencoe
Glencoe is the best place to visit in Scotland if you want to discover dramatic landscapes. It consists of the village of Glencoe as well as the valley of Coe (hence the name Glen Coe).
The rugged landscapes were created by volcanoes and glaciers and I can promise you one thing, you will be amazed by the beauty of the place.
It’s also one of the rare places in the UK where you can find a ski resort.
If you’d like to learn more about the origins of Glencoe, make sure to go to the visitor centre which is run by the National Trust of Scotland. It’s very interesting and there is a café where you can get food.
But the absolute best thing to do in Glencoe is hiking. There are many walking paths and while a lot of them are quite hard, you can also find easier options.
I highly recommend Devil’s Staircase and the Lost Valley. Both of them are exceptional hikes and boast amazing views.
PHOTO TIP: As you drive in the valley, you will spot a little white house. This is a very cute photo spot and there is some space on the side of the road if you want to stop and take photos.
4. Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom (and therefore in Scotland), making it the ultimate destination for hikers.
It’s located near the town of Fort William and is a must-see whether you are into hiking or not.
If you’re up for a challenge, take the Ben Nevis Mountain Track up to the top. This is a challenging 10-mile route that takes around 8 hours to complete.
Make sure to check the weather conditions before you start though.
If you’re not up for the walk, you can still enjoy the views of Ben Nevis from Fort William but I particularly recommend going to Neptune’s staircase and Corpach port (you can see the little harbour with Ben Nevis in the background, it’s stunning).
5. Oban
Oban is a seaside town on the west coast of Scotland. It’s often referred to as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and is a must-visit for foodies and nature lovers alike.
This charming port town serves as a gateway to the Hebridean islands including the isle of Mull but it’s also a destination on its own right.
The town centre is very cute and there are loads of places where you can get delicious food. If you love whisky, make sure to go to the Oban Distillery.
You can also opt for the local walking tour which will take you to all the important sights such as St Columba’s cathedral, Dunollie Castle, Oban War & Peace Museum as well as McCaig’s Tower.
It’s a stunning open stone tower that boasts panoramic views of the bay and the islands.
6. Inverness
Inverness is the main city in the Scottish Highlands. It was granted the status fairly recently (in 2000) and is a popular destination for people who want to experience the highlands and discover famous places.
The city itself is a nice place to visit. If you opt for the local walking tour, you will discover places such as Inverness Castle, Town House, Inverness cathedral but also Ness Bridge and Old High Church.
But that’s not all, from there you can also go to the famous Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
Finally, make sure to go to the Culloden Battlefield which is where the last battle of the Jacobite rising took place (if you are an Outlander fan, that’s definitely a must-see!).
7. Loch Ness
No visit to the Highlands would be complete without a trip to Loch Ness. It’s the largest loch in Scotland (by volume) and is of course famous for its monster, Nessie.
It’s a great place to go for a cruise but also explore the picturesque Urquhart Castle.
You can also go on a walk around the lake (not entirely because that would be very long but parts of it).
Whether you are into photography, history or simply want to discover stunning landscapes, you’ll love it.
8. Isle of Mull
The isle of Mull is an island of the Inner Hebrides and is a paradise for wildlife lovers. While Skye is very famous and popular with international tourists, Mull is a lot quieter, yet has so much to offer!
You can take the ferry from Oban to Craignure and explore from there. It’s preferable to have a car since public transport is limited.
The main town is Tobermory and it’s a great place to go for a meal. The main street is very colourful and beautiful. You can also go on the walk to the lighthouse.
But the thing Mull is particularly known for is its wildlife spotting opportunities. Dolphins, seals, puffins… you can all see them if you opt for a boat tour.
Also make sure to go to Staffa which has an incredible cave with basalt columns and Iona, where you can find beaches that will make you feel like you’ve suddenly landed in Cuba.
9. Fort William
Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis and on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. This town is an adventure seeker’s paradise, offering everything from hiking and mountain biking to skiing in winter.
The West Highland Museum in the heart of the town is a great place to visit if you would like to know more about the history of clans and the Jacobite uprisings.
Also make sure to check out Neptune’s staircase which is an absolute wander of engineering. You can also walk all the way to Corpach. It’s a scenic walk and you’ll get great views of Ben Nevis from the port (providing the weather is nice).
Another amazing thing to do is to go on a train ride on the West Highland Line. This is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and you get to go on the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
If you are a Harry Potter fan visiting in summer, you should also consider going on the Jacobite train. It leaves from Fort William station and goes all the way to Mallaig via Glenfinnan.
10. Cairngorms
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK. It’s an absolute paradise for hikers, adventure lovers and birdwatchers.
From ancient forests, serene lochs to some of the UK’s most beautiful mountains, it truly has it all! It’s one of the best places to go for munro bagging!
Make sure to drive the snow roads since they are very scenic and definitely one of the best road trips in the UK.
Please note that if you are visiting in winter, you may also get to see the Northern Lights!
11. Eilean Donan Castle
Arguably one of the most iconic and photographed castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle sits on its own little island at the meeting point of three sea lochs in the western Highlands.
It’s a symbol of Scotland’s romantic past, with parts of the castle dating back to the 13th century. The castle’s restored interior and its picturesque setting make it a must-visit.
It’s also been a filming location for several movies.
PRO TIP: I highly recommend driving to the lookout (only 5 minutes from the castle). It’s a bit higher up and you can take beautiful photos from there.
Map of the best places to visit in the highlands in Scotland
Now that you know everything about the highlands and the best places to visit, it’s time to pack your bag and explore!
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