The Scottish Highlands are a landscape of lochs, mountains and wide-open glens, where winding roads lead to remote castles, coastlines and villages. It’s one of the UK’s most dramatic and least crowded corners, and rural pubs and warm hospitality are never far away. The weather can change quickly, so it rewards those who come prepared for all seasons in a single day.
Community Tips For The Scottish Highlands
Go for a weekend if you want, with direct flights from Luton or Gatwick.
Hire a car. It’s the only real way to get around.
Don’t go in summer because of the midges, or at least check first.
Winter is very cold and is the skiing season.
Prices are normal UK prices.
Be prepared for the cold and sun year round.
Don’t get too dragged into the Loch Ness monster stuff.
The rural pubs are all great.
Daylight is short in winter, so plan outdoor activities for the middle of the day.
Fill up on fuel before heading into remote areas, as petrol stations get sparse.
Weather can change quickly, so pack layers and waterproofs whatever the season.
Explore The Scottish Highlands
Inverness
The AC by Marriott hotel in Inverness was a great base and location without costing too much.
Loch Ness is a must see.
The boat trip to supposedly see or hear the monster is overrated, but a must do when you are there.
Fort George is not well known, but it has very interesting history and stunning views.
Kool Runnings is a Jamaican restaurant in Inverness that is very unusual, with immense portions. (link).
Avoid Inverness city centre on a Saturday night.
Culloden Battlefield, the site of the 1746 battle, is a short drive from the city.
Fort William
It’s much harder to find a good hotel in Fort William.
Climb halfway up Ben Nevis.
Doing the whole thing takes a lot more planning, and the half climb was very good in itself and can be reached from Fort William easily enough.
Take the cable car up one of the mountains near Ben Nevis.
The Geographer in Fort William has great food, with portions with interesting history.
Glencoe is a short drive south and one of the most scenic drives in Scotland.
The Glenfinnan monument is a must for Harry Potter fans, as the viaduct featured as the Hogwarts Express route. It can be reached by train from Fort William, so there’s no need to deal with the busy car park (Richard).
Isle of Skye
Skye is very remote but worth the drive.
The Old Man of Storr is a walk worth doing on Skye. It takes a couple of hours return, so start early, as the car park fills up and the path can be muddy.
Skye has many single-track roads with passing places, so allow extra time and let faster traffic pass.
Other highlights include the Quiraing, Fairy Pools and Neist Point, if you have the time.
It’s a long day trip from Inverness, so consider staying a night on the island.
John O’Groats
Make the drive up to John O’Groats, where it’s possible to run the last few miles.
It’s roughly three hours each way from Inverness, so set off early.
The famous signpost is a classic photo stop.
Duncansby Head and its sea stacks are a short drive away and worth the detour.
Dunnet Head nearby is the actual most northerly point of mainland Britain, if you want a different view.
Check out the map and recent trip notes from our community by Richard
