Top Things to do in Scottish Highlands
Top Hotels in Scottish Highlands
- 1. The Onich Hotel
- 2. Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness
- 3. Travelodge Inverness Fairways
- 4. The Garrison Hotel
- 5. Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
- 6. Ness Walk Hotel
- 7. The Morar Hotel
- 8. Craigmonie Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
- 9. Premier Inn Inverness East hotel
- 10. Premier Inn Thurso hotel
Things to do in Scottish Highlands, Scotland: The Best Sights & Landmarks
The moody, romantic Scottish Highlands start at Loch Lomond just north of Glasgow. Comprising a slew of mountain ranges, this sparsely populated land is best seen by train on the West Highland Line. Mountains, lochs, bright heather and rhododendrons give way to white sand beaches and rugged coves as the train nears Mallaig. For a more active take on the region, hike the West Highland Way or visit the Trossachs National Park. Ben Nevis, a popular climbing spot, looms over the town of Fort William.
Restaurants in Scottish Highlands
1. Road to the Isles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
A 50-mile trail through the rugged Scottish landscape.
Reviewed By jpseddie - Poole, United Kingdom
We did the "Road to the Isles Road Trip" from Fort William all the way and enjoyed it very much. fantastic scenery with mountains rivers and waterfalls all around. Half way point make sure you stop at the Glenfinnan monument and viaduct . For Harry Potter fans the viaduct is the scene from the second movie where the Hogwarts Express caught up with the flying Ford Anglia!. The Glenfinnan Monument has a visitor centre and lots of history surrounding Bonnie Prince Charlie and the views are simply amazing especially from the top looking down on the monument. We finally arrived at Mallaig just as the Jacobite Steam Train ( Hogwarts Express) was leaving ! :o)
2. Duncansby Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 687 reviews
Reviewed By StuartP73 - Westhoughton, United Kingdom
The turn for Duncansby Head is just a few hundred metres up the road from John O'Groats in the direction of Wick. After a couple of miles you arrive at a car park (free)near a lighthouse. A short 10-15 minute walk across fields will bring you to the most amazing view of Duncansby stacks. Well worth a visit just for the stacks however we also got to see seals and some great nesting birds on the cliffs.
3. Bealach na Ba Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 940 reviews
Reviewed By Whatbob - Glasgow, United Kingdom
A lovely drive - many superb views - driving requires care - we had a war crisp day with snow and frozen waterfalls - really enjoyed it - road was quiet for us - could be a hassle if busy.- all single track - it is all sealed.
4. An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Macle0dM - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
What a lovely walk through a woodland trail from the Glenmore visitor centre along the Revoan Pass the the Green Loch. We met some local people who told us that the water colour is because the fairies wash their socks in the water in the evening. Magical place.
5. Invergordon Mural trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By AdHoc-Travellers - Longboat Key, United States
Our cruise ship docked at Invergordon as a gateway to Inverness. The ship provided a shuttle to Inverness, but it was an overcast, rainy day and we decided to take it easy and stay in Invergordon instead.The town is small and very quiet, but the collected murals are absolutely wonderful and we were extraordinarily pleased that we stayed. All the murals are great, but our personal favorite, shown here, depicts the Royal Hotel fire of 1973 (the mural was painted in 2007) which destroyed a local landmark and resulted in the loss of one life. The more we look at our photo of it, there more we love it. It is absolutely beautiful. If you are anywhere in the vicinity, don't miss it.
6. Eilean Donan Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,314 reviews
This picturesque castle, built in 1220, holds the title of the most photographed castle in Scotland.
Reviewed By Armaska - Tallinn, Estonia
Eilean Donan was our third castle after Stirling and Inveraray and they all were worth the visits! They all have picturesque locations but they are super different in the inside. We really liked the Eilean Donan audio tour and we specially liked the kitchen and bedrooms - super interesting to see how noble people lived. And do not miss the before pictures - it is unbelievable that a family (and restoration worker) had the vision and means to build it up again. Definitely a gem!
7. Urquhart Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,250 reviews
Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands. Climb the Grant Tower that watches over the iconic loch, peer into a miserable prison cell, said to have held the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn, and imagine the splendid banquets staged in the great hall. A more comfortable view of the iconic ruins, against a backdrop of Loch Ness and the hills of the Great Glen, can be enjoyed from the café. Urquhart’s stories are also told through a remarkable collection of artefacts left by its residents, historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine, and a short film. The castle has a distinctly Highland heritage and the site has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s history. This is where St Columba is said to have worked miracles in the 6th century, where acts of chivalry and defiance provided inspiration during the Wars of Independence and where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power.
Reviewed By 882davidh - Seamill, United Kingdom
What an amazing castle, even though it is a ruin. We were there nearly 2hrs wandering around and taking pictures. It was a brilliant day of still water and bright sunshine, almost shorts and tee shirt weather, and this was in mid November!! We were told in the summer that is very busy. If I was going to make one recommendation, be there as soon as it opens. We were able to walk around, take loads of pictures solely of the castle and grounds, and not other visitors. There is an excellent visitor centre as well, full of information (including a short film on the history), things to buy (obviously), and a large café with panoramic views of the castle (indoor and outdoor seating). There is also disabled facilities, a lift to the lower level and they provide 4 wheel mobility scooters as well to get down the pathway to the castle. The staff are really friendly, so helpful and very knowledgeable about the ruin.
8. Culloden Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,982 reviews
This battlefield marks the site of the historic 1746 battle between the Duke of Cumberland and Prince Charles.
Reviewed By 381davidh381 - Markinch, United Kingdom
First time ever been here and it was very interesting with lots of information and a guide who recounts stories and events of the battlefield and people involved. Excellent film room where you literally are in the battle with each wall having different troops fighting and shooting etc. Innovative features such as telling the stories and events from both sides involved on the walls across from each other. Would be interesting no matter if you are Scottish or not as it is such an interesting and important part of Scottish and British history and so well retold and displayed. Wish we could have been there on a non rainy day as the walks through the battlefield were interesting and atmospheric and would have spent longer had we not been so wet. Much better than last time my wife was there years ago and is a definite place to see if in the Inverness area
9. Loch Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,707 reviews
Many people believe that this brooding lake in Northern Scotland, 21 square miles in size at an average depth of 800 feet, could certainly hide a large dinosaur-like "monster," the lake's long-time and elusive resident.
Reviewed By Elksmommy - Frisco, United States
Loch Ness is beautiful. Any view of it is just gorgeous. Thankfully, there are several places along the loch designated for stopping so that people can enjoy the view and take pictures.
10. Inverness Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
Inverness Cathedral,located on the banks of the River Ness. The most northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK. The vision of Bishop Eden with Alexander Ross as it’s architect. Built between 1866 and 1869 and formerly consecrated in 1874. Excellent stained glasses windows and exquisite stone and wood carving can be found inside. Free entry to Cathedral. Our Cafe and Shop is located in the cathedral grounds.
Reviewed By Y8837LLgabriela - Ploiesti, Romania
Inverness Cathedral was build from 1866 to 1869, on the shore of the River Ness, as the Protestant Cathedral Church of St Andrews, belonging of the Scottish Episcopal Church. This Cathedral have an impressive external aspect, with two huge towers, and a carved portal. Inside the Cathedral we admired the large nave, with two side galleries. We saw some massive columns, some beautiful stained glasses, carved wooden pews, and a wonderful mosaic on the floor. The ten bells of this cathedral sound a special song. Also, we visited an interesting souvenir shop. The Cathedral worth a visit.
