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The 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.
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Things to do in the Highlands
Slow down and take the time to engage with the Scottish Highlands. Between city, countryside and coast, the Highlands offers plenty of things to see and do.
9 Hidden Gems You Mustn't Miss around Loch Ness
Discover the hidden gems of Loch Ness, and explore some of the best things to see & do in the area. From ancient mysteries, to enchanting forests.
6 Amazing Things To Do Around John O'Groats
Find great things to see and do in John O’Groats and the surrounding area. Discover amazing castles, experience the Northern Lights and more!
12 Top Things to Do in Moray Speyside
Find great things to do in Moray Speyside. Including towns to explore, towers to climb, castles to discover, and more!
11 Amazing Activities & Things to do in Inverness
Find out about attractions, activities, tours and more in Inverness.
Epic Cycling Routes & Holidays in the Highlands
Explore the Highlands on two wheels.
Unmissable Things To Do in Fort William
Get set for action in the outdoor capital of the UK.
Scotland's UNESCO Trail
The Flow Country World Heritage Site
Step into 4000 sq. km of rugged beauty in the North Highlands, where ancient landscapes meet rich history and a vibrant culture.
Wester Ross Biosphere
Discover astounding natural beauty and eco-diversity in Wester Ross.
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.
Inspiration for Highland breaks
Wherever you choose to stay in the Highlands, you'll find stunning hotels, trendy hostels, comfy B&Bs and a whole range of unique self-catering accommodation.
Places to Stay
Check out these handpicked locations for your next holiday in the Highlands.
4Days
Car
Harry Potter Film and Book Locations Itinerary
Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter with our 4-day itinerary travelling from Edinburgh to the Highlands.
4Days
Train
4-Day West Highland Railway Line Itinerary
One of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is a popular and challenging walking route.
North Coast 500 Itineraries
Check out the 2 free itineraries or become a member for more tips on planning the ultimate themed route.
The North East 250
The North East 250 explores everything for which Scotland is famous in a unique Scottish road trip.
North West Highlands Geopark
Follow one of the Pebble Routes through the North West Highlands Geopark.
Find out more about the National Cycle Network
The routes provide a unique snapshot of the country’s rich history whilst also connecting all of Scotland's major cities.
Unique Experiences
Whether you're attending a Highland Games, sampling local whiskies or adventuring up the UK's highest mountain, let the Highlands spark your imagination.
3Days
Car
Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail
Follow this 3-day itinerary around some of Speyside's top whisky attractions in the north east of Scotland.
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, “the mountain with its head in the clouds”.
Map of the Highlands
Explore The Highlands
Get friendly and helpful advice for your trip at our iCentres.
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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.
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
Travel to Fort William & Lochaber
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.
What's on in the Highlands
Events
Find out about the great events happening in the Scottish Highlands, spanning from cultural exhibitions to physical challenges in stunning landscapes!
Places to eat in the Highlands
A tip from your local expert
Just north of the beautiful fishing village of Ullapool, Knockan Crag Visitor Centre is open year-round and promises an earth-moving experience for all. Follow the Rock Route into the North West Highlands Geopark and step back in time!
Kirsten
VisitScotland
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The Loch Ness Monster - Is Nessie Real?
Loch Ness & Highlands Tour
Scotland's National Parks and Natural Heritage Sites
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