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
What to do and see in Scottish Highlands, Scotland: The Best Free Things to do
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. Cairngorms National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 223 reviews
Welcome to the Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and is one of the country's most special and cared for landscapes with a wide variety of traditional and unique villages and communities.
Reviewed By Ennie123 - Scotland, United Kingdom
The Cairngorms National Park is a truly breathtaking national park that encapsulates the true essence and outstanding beauty of Scotland with the spectaculor Cairngorm mountain range and the surrounding area with the park radius. The national park itself, is in North East Scotland and was established in 2003. It is the second National Park in Scotland. Weather you visit in the winter to take in the snow covered mountains, to do some ski-ing or snowboarding or visit during the other seasons you can see that this park is something truly special and unique. The park has something for everyone. The Scottish highlands will captivate your heart from walking through the many trails, visiting the little towns and villages along the way, taking in the diverse wildlife but most of all you will see that away from the major towns and cities of Scotland, just how beautiful the wilds of Scotland is and how it will take you on a mystical journey from past to present. Maybe I am biased because I am Scottish but there is no disputing the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and that if you can visit, then do so.
2. Steall Waterfall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,434 reviews
Reviewed By I4996RBjoannap - Brough, United Kingdom
Drive down a single track road until it comes to an end which is a small free car park so arrive early; there was another car park at beginningof road however it charged for parking and would be quite a walk to get there. We arrived at 9am and had no issues with parking. A great walk along the river with mini waterfalls coming over the path which then opens up to see Steall Waterfall. There is a wire bridge to get closer to see it however there is a great view without crossing. We were lucky enough not to have midges even though it was warm and dry.
3. Glen Coe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,423 reviews
The National Trust for Scotland cares for Glencoe National Nature Reserve, a 14,000 acre estate with 60 kilometres of footpaths for you to explore, marvel at the panoramic mountain views and spot internationally-renowned wildlife. Glencoe is a natural wonder, the remnants of a 'caldera' or super-volcano, formed many millions of years ago and later shaped by glaciers during numerous Ice Ages. Its history is a poignant one, most famed for the 'Massacre' of 1692 and more recently as a playground for pioneering mountaineers and climbers. Find out more or support the conservation work of Glencoe's Ranger team at the NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre at the western end of the Glen.
Reviewed By AlanMcCleish - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Stunning landscape rich in wildlife and natural beauty.History is also a major asset to this place although some of it is a wee bit dark.Some of the hills look like they deserve a lot of respect when venturing into them up high.
4. Balnakeil Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By 454kateg - Strachur, United Kingdom
Beautiful big, quiet beach with clean white sands clear azul water below challenging golf course, interesting ruined church and graveyard
5. Durness Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 390 reviews
Reviewed By drjasonclark - London, United Kingdom
I went here for my 50th birthday. It was stunning and very very special. White sand, blue sea, and freezing cold (it was January!). A must-visit part of the UK.
6. Glen Etive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By Krs922v - Balloch, United Kingdom
Whilst staying at the Kingshouse Hotel we took a drive to Glen Etive and kept going until we ran out of road at Loch Etive. Lovely drive with single track and lots of passing places. It's very peaceful at the Loch and the scenery was hauntingly beautiful.
7. Glenmore Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By PortPie - Inverurie, United Kingdom
Beautiful area of Scotland, with a fantastic walk up to the green lake. I have never seen anything quite like it, car park at Glenmore is quite small so make sure you get there early. On return went into the cafe for a takeaway coffee and cake, staff very friendly and all COVID measures adhered to. Defiantly be back.
8. Loch Morlich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 593 reviews
Reviewed By andytM4330OL - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
We had a great weeks weather in Aviemore and Loch Morlich was visited nearly every day.There is so much to do and the girls enjoyed Paddle boarding,Kayaking and swimming in the Loch.We had a lovely beach BBQ one evening as well several picnics
9. Lost Valley Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By dr_suchet - Bangkok, Thailand
If you have a chance to visit Scotland, you should find time to drive up north to the high land in Glen Coe. Along the road side A82 before you get into the town of Glen Coe, you will find a land mark of the town ‘The Three Sisters’. You can park your car at the parking lot on the road side. The trail is just starting from there. You will find a small trail leading from the parking lot down to the mountain in front of you. Just walk to the left trail and follow the route. The trail is not too difficult but you need to prepare yourself such as a good hiking shoes , walking stick , drinking water , a jacket etc. it should take you around two to two and a half hour to get to the summit, but you don’t have to worry because you will enjoy the water fall view along the hiking trail. At the top, you will see the famous Lost Valley right in front of you. I love this trail because other than hiking, I also get a very good photo of the mountain and water fall.
10. Stac Pollaidh Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By MarshallC954 - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Easy road access and a short sharp uphill walk on mostly good paths to the fabulous saddle of Stac Pollaid (though the actual summit is for experienced climbers). Stunning views, weather permitting, of the Assynt wilderness and Suilven.
