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Image: Walkers in Glen Affric
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is really the Scotland of your imagination and the perfect backdrop for your next adventure. It's no wonder that it was named as one of National Geographic's "Best of the World" destinations in 2023. Explore the mysterious Loch Ness, pass through the striking Cairngorms National Park, walk up Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis, or discover the rugged coastline of Caithness.
Great things to do in The Highlands
Slow down and explore the Scottish Highlands. Discover diverse landscapes, historic villages, rugged coastlines, and dramatic hikes from Inverness to beyond.
9 free things to do in the Highlands
Heading to the Highlands needn't cost you the earth - there are tons of free attractions, things to do and places to visit!
12 Things to do in Fort William and Lochaber
See unmissable sights in Fort William and Lochaber, including Ben Nevis, the West Highland Museum, and more.
6 Best things to do in Loch Ness
Explore amazing things to see and do in Loch Ness, including waterfalls, cycling routes, walking trails, and hidden gems.
12 Amazing activities & things to do in Inverness
Discover a range of attractions, activities, tours, and more in Inverness, offering something for every interest.
9 of the best things to see & do on Skye
An island of epic landscapes, Skye is a place full of magical experiences just waiting to happen at every corner.
6 Amazing things to do around John O'Groats
Explore top sights in John O'Groats and the surrounding area, including amazing castles, the Northern Lights, and more!
Top days out ideas
Whether you enjoy hiking, history, wildlife, or simply taking scenic drives, the Scottish Highlands are one of the most breathtaking and dramatic landscapes in the UK. Enjoy memorable day trips and thrilling adventures, each offering new experiences that will keep drawing you back for more.
New: Inverness Castle Experience
Now open, don't miss the immersive Inverness Castle Experience when visiting Inverness.
Highland games in Scotland
From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.
Ben Nevis
Discover Ben Nevis, Scotland’s iconic peak and the highest mountain in the UK, known as “the mountain with its head in the clouds”.
9 Stunning Highland walks in Scotland
Discover these stunning Highland walks, including Suilven and the West Highland Way.
North West Highlands Geopark
Stretching over 2,000 square kilometres in the far corner of mainland Scotland, the geopark is a spectacular example of different rock geologies.
The Flow Country World Heritage Site
Step into 4,000 sq. km of rugged beauty in the North Highlands for an unforgettable experience.
Wester Ross Biosphere
Discover the natural beauty and rich eco-diversity of Wester Ross, where rugged scenery and abundant wildlife unite in perfect harmony.
The Loch Ness Monster - is Nessie real?
More information on the monster's background and potential whereabouts.
Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries
The Scottish Highlands are made for adventure, offering miles of stunning landscapes, glorious wilderness and cultural landmarks to explore. Whether you're searching for shorter day outings, hiking, cycling, or road tripping, there are hundreds of routes and trails to suit every traveller.
Snow Roads Scenic Route
© North East 250 / Damian Shields
Follow a route
From real-life locations where iconic scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot to the scenic Wester Ross Coastal Trail driving route, where will you go?
See what's on in The Highlands
The Scottish Highlands host a vibrant calendar of events, ranging from music festivals and cultural exhibitions to physical challenges in stunning landscapes. From staples like the Strathpeffer Highland Gathering to the Loch Ness Marathon & Fun Runs celebrating the great outdoors, find your favourite!
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
© VisitScotland / Iona Spence
Events
Find out about the great events happening in the Scottish Highlands in the coming months and plan your visit around these unique local experiences.
Travel to and around the Highlands
Getting to the Highlands
Bus and coach
You can easily get to and around the Highlands using the extensive network of public transport and roads. The region may appear remote, but this beautiful part of Scotland is very accessible and is certainly worth the journey.
For local bus services and timetables check out Stagecoach Bus
Train
To work out your travel plans, decide which area of the Highlands you want to visit, and you can then find information on travelling by train or other forms of transport.
Inverness is a travel hub for the Highlands, with local services to and from places such as Nairn and Elgin, or connections further afield to cities like Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
For train times and ticket information check out Scotrail
Driving
Depending on which part of the Highlands you are travelling to, local websites have up-to-date information on how to get there by car and other forms of transport. Choose a location and take a look at the one of the links below:
Travel to Inverness, Nairn & Loch Ness
Flying
Inverness Airport is located to the east of Inverness city centre, with a short journey time to the centre by car. The airport has flights to and from destinations across Europe, including several airports in London.
It is also possible to fly to other airports in Scotland, including Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport before travelling north to your destination.
Getting around the Highlands
Cycling
The Highlands is a beautiful place to explore on a bike. There are a number of cycle routes to explore in the area, which provide a blend of wide open spaces, forests and woodland - along with relatively quiet roads in many locations.
Bus and coach
Using public transport on your trip to the Scottish Highlands is easy and accessible.
A local bus network connects towns and villages in the region including popular places such as Inverness, Fort William and Aviemore.
For local bus services and timetables check out Stagecoach Bus
Train
Railway stations in the Highlands include Fort William, Wick, Thurso, Carrbridge and Kingussie.
You can get to most places that have rail services from Inverness train station.
For more information, visit the Scotrail website.
Driving
The Highlands has an extensive road network including several waymarked driving routes such as the NC500 and SnowRoads Route.
Bringing your electric car? Browse charging points in the Scottish Highlands.
The A9 links Inverness to southern Scotland. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh are around 3 hours away, while the west coast of Scotland is accessible via the A86 and A82 to Fort William. The A96 links Inverness to Aberdeen on the east coast.
Kingsmills Hotel
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Places to stay in the Highlands
From luxury seekers to budget-conscious adventurers, the Scottish Highlands offers a wide range of accommodation options. Check out these handpicked locations for your next unforgettable holiday in the Highlands.
Playback Bar interior with pool, giant football, and shuffleboard
© Playback Bar
Places to eat in the Highlands
You might be surprised at the variety of dining experiences awaiting you in the Highlands. Discover the vibrant local food scene, from cosy pubs and fine-dining restaurants to seafood shacks and street food favourites.
Ride the chairlift to the top at Glencoe Mountain Resort
© Ski-Scotland / Steven McKenna
Find information on accessible trips
The Highlands is a wonderful destination for travellers of all abilities. Whether you have mobility issues or require other specialised support, there is a range of accessible holiday options and accommodation to suit your needs.
The Highlands by area
Geodiversity, outdoor adventures, history, arts & crafts, music, food & drink - whatever it is you love, you'll find it in the Highlands.
Moray Speyside
Discover a land of natural contrasts, from the mighty Cairngorm Mountains to the rugged world-famous Moray coast.
Inverness & Loch Ness
Discover the history, experiences, people and places that surround Inverness and Loch Ness.
West Highland Peninsulas
Discover rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, beautiful lochs, historic castles and much more.
Easter Ross
A place you can reset the clock, drinking in the scenery whilst sipping a locally distilled single malt.
Fort William & Lochaber
Welcome to the outdoor capital of Scotland.
Aviemore & The Cairngorms
The UK’s largest National Park, in the Scottish Highlands, offers masses of things to do including watersports, snowsports and wildlife watching.
Nairn
Nairn is a relaxing and friendly seaside town on the Moray firth.
Skye & Lochalsh
Your perfect Isle of Skye adventure awaits!
Wester Ross
Explore and stay in this beautiful area, famous for walking and hiking.
Caithness & Sutherland
Adventurers will find this region rich in unique leisure opportunities.
Explore further
A whole new world of awe-inspiring scenery, quaint villages, historical landmarks, and outdoor pursuits awaits those who venture beyond the Scottish Highlands. Explore the nearby regions and find everything from lush forests and striking castles to rocky coasts and unique islands.
Scotland's islands
Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.
Aberdeenshire
Discover the region of Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, including holiday ideas, accommodation, travel information, and fantastic things to see and do.
Perthshire
Enjoy the perfect holiday in Perthshire with plenty of things to do, including family-friendly days out or adrenaline fuelled outdoor activities.
Other things you might like
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Scotland's national parks and natural heritage sites
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