The Highlands

Find solitude in the untamed landscapes sweeping the Highlands—but don’t expect to be entirely alone. Legends, fables, and non-fiction stories of clan battles of yore echo in the moorland, mountains, lochs, and seaside. You never know when the Loch Ness Monster, aka Nessie, will pop out! So head to the Scottish Highlands for unforgettable adventures if you’re looking to escape the insane tourist hustle and bustle filling city streets.

Legends and folklore may linger in the air, and the castles may still stand tall, but the scenery backing these stories and human-made wonders elevate the Highlands plotline from quirky to epic. You may have heard of Ben Nevis (4413ft) and Loch Ness, but other notable natural and historical attractions are Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, Steall Falls, the Nevis Gorge, The Storr, Urquhart Castle, and the list goes on and on.

Scotland’s northern Highland landscape stretches 25,656 km², so it may be best to choose your ideal starting point before going! The Isle of Skye? Try several activities while visiting this seafront location. Assynt? Tackle hill walks, go sea swimming, and birdwatching. What about Fort William, the gateway to the Highlands? Summit Ben Nevis here. Inverness? Loch Ness awaits.

Mountain bikers and road cyclists can find excellent routes around Fort William and Inverness. Meanwhile, sea kayakers will thrive around Shetland, Outer Hebrides, and Orkney. And you’ll find incredible hikes, ranging from easy to strenuous, all over the Highlands. We could go on and on about things to do in the Highlands, but if you’re going for the first time, look into Fort William, Inverness, or Isle of Skye first before venturing deeper.