Encompassing around two-thirds of the country, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are rugged, remote and beautiful. Separated from the rest of the country by the Highland boundary fault, this region boasts some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, from sky-piercing peaks and deep lochs to sandy beaches and emerald glens. Amidst all this natural beauty you’ll discover wonderful wildlife, historic sights and more whisky distilleries than you can shake a stick.
So where should you start? To help you out, DK Eyewitness editor Rachel Laidler has rounded up some of the best experiences the north of Scotland has to offer.
So where should you start? To help you out, DK Eyewitness editor Rachel Laidler has rounded up some of the best experiences the north of Scotland has to offer.
Wild camp on the Isle of Skye
While Scotland offers an abundance of jaw-dropping places to wild camp, nowhere beats Skye as a place to pitch your tent. Shaped like an unwieldy jigsaw piece, Scotland’s second largest island is known for its otherworldly scenery, including mist-shrouded mountains, waterfall-filled glens and surf-beaten sea lochs. Wild camping is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this magical landscape.
You can pitch up almost anywhere on the island, but for the most spectacular views, head to the Quiraing, an ancient landslip made up of sweeping plateaus, rocky pinnacles and lofty cliffs. Watch the sunset over the mainland in the distance, then – if you’re lucky enough to camp on a clear night – lie back to spy the milky way blazing above you.
You can pitch up almost anywhere on the island, but for the most spectacular views, head to the Quiraing, an ancient landslip made up of sweeping plateaus, rocky pinnacles and lofty cliffs. Watch the sunset over the mainland in the distance, then – if you’re lucky enough to camp on a clear night – lie back to spy the milky way blazing above you.
Explore the iconic Eilean Donnan
Imagine a Scottish castle and it’s probably Eilean Donnan that springs to mind. This 13th-century fortress, perched on a tiny island that sits at the meeting point of three sea lochs, is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
Get up close to this iconic castle by wandering over the arched stone bridge connecting it to the mainland. Admire its imposing defences up close, then head inside to stroll through its stately interior, decorated with period furniture and fine art. Don’t leave without taking a stroll around its imposing battlements, which give awe-inspiring views over the lochs and mountains that encircle the castle.
Get up close to this iconic castle by wandering over the arched stone bridge connecting it to the mainland. Admire its imposing defences up close, then head inside to stroll through its stately interior, decorated with period furniture and fine art. Don’t leave without taking a stroll around its imposing battlements, which give awe-inspiring views over the lochs and mountains that encircle the castle.
Go in search of the Loch Ness Monster
Steep-sided mountains plunge down into forest-fringed Loch Ness. An incredible 37 km (23 miles) long, this brooding body of water is best-known as the dwelling place of Scotland’s most famous monster.
The best way to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie is by jumping on one of the boats that cruise up and down the loch; many have sonar devices to help you track this evasive creature. Bring your binoculars, too, and keep your eyes trained on the water – you never know what you might spy.
Even if Nessie doesn’t make an appearance (she’s notoriously shy), there’s plenty here to keep you entertained, whether it’s exploring the lochside ruins of 13th-century Urquhart Castle or sipping on a pint at waterside Dores Inn, a local favourite.
The best way to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie is by jumping on one of the boats that cruise up and down the loch; many have sonar devices to help you track this evasive creature. Bring your binoculars, too, and keep your eyes trained on the water – you never know what you might spy.
Even if Nessie doesn’t make an appearance (she’s notoriously shy), there’s plenty here to keep you entertained, whether it’s exploring the lochside ruins of 13th-century Urquhart Castle or sipping on a pint at waterside Dores Inn, a local favourite.
Road trip along Scotland's Route 66
Winding around the crown of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is regarded as one of the world’s most iconic driving routes – and it’s easy to see why. This 830 km (516 mile) route, which takes two weeks to complete, traces the wild and spectacular coastline of the northern Highlands. Here, meandering roads will take you past heather-strewn moorlands, golden sands, sheersided sea cliffs, towering mountains and tumbling waterfalls.
Want to stretch your legs along the way? Stop off points include generations-old whisky distilleries and Neolithic tombs, plus ancient castles and seaside villages. There are also endless opportunities to get active, whether that’s wild swimming at Achmelvich beach or bagging Scotland’s most northerly Munro, Ben Hope. Whatever you do, keeping the pace slow will allow you to fully soak up the untamed beauty of this remote slice of Scotland.
Want to stretch your legs along the way? Stop off points include generations-old whisky distilleries and Neolithic tombs, plus ancient castles and seaside villages. There are also endless opportunities to get active, whether that’s wild swimming at Achmelvich beach or bagging Scotland’s most northerly Munro, Ben Hope. Whatever you do, keeping the pace slow will allow you to fully soak up the untamed beauty of this remote slice of Scotland.
Unearth historic sites on the Orkney Islands
Located just off the northernmost tip of Scotland, this scattering of islands boasts a fascinating history that stretches back over 5,000 years. Here, the past can be found everywhere you turn, from Viking settlements to World War II wrecks, but it’s the islands’ cornucopia of Neolithic sites that really sets it apart. In fact, it’s a local joke in Orkney that if you stick a spade in the ground, chances are you’ll accidentally unearth an archaeological site.
Take a stroll around the mystical Ring of Brodgar, a series of weathered standing stones built between 2,500-2,000 BCE, or explore the Tomb of the Eagles, a sacred burial sight filled with the bones of hundreds of sea birds. Whatever you do, don’t leave without a trip to Skara Brae. Older than the pyramids of Giza, this astoundingly well-preserved Neolithic village provides a vivid glimpse into the lives of Orkney’s ancient people.
Take a stroll around the mystical Ring of Brodgar, a series of weathered standing stones built between 2,500-2,000 BCE, or explore the Tomb of the Eagles, a sacred burial sight filled with the bones of hundreds of sea birds. Whatever you do, don’t leave without a trip to Skara Brae. Older than the pyramids of Giza, this astoundingly well-preserved Neolithic village provides a vivid glimpse into the lives of Orkney’s ancient people.
Get folky in Inverness
In search of Scottish folk music? Look no further than Inverness. The Highland’s diminutive capital is home to countless pubs where performances of traditional music are a nightly feature.
One great spot for folk sounds is The Gellions, thought to be the city’s oldest watering hole. A local’s bar through and through, this unpretentious pub has live music every night, plus a lively ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance) on a Saturday night.
Another favourite is Hootenanny’s, or simply Hoots, renowned throughout the Highlands for its live Scottish music. From Sunday to Wednesday, this constantly packed-out bar sees local musicians get together to play traditional folk tunes, while on Saturdays it hosts what’s thought to be Scotland’s longest running ceilidh – on those nights, dancing isn’t just encouraged, it’s compulsory.
One great spot for folk sounds is The Gellions, thought to be the city’s oldest watering hole. A local’s bar through and through, this unpretentious pub has live music every night, plus a lively ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance) on a Saturday night.
Another favourite is Hootenanny’s, or simply Hoots, renowned throughout the Highlands for its live Scottish music. From Sunday to Wednesday, this constantly packed-out bar sees local musicians get together to play traditional folk tunes, while on Saturdays it hosts what’s thought to be Scotland’s longest running ceilidh – on those nights, dancing isn’t just encouraged, it’s compulsory.
Wildlife-watch in the Cairngorms
A diverse landscape of sculpted mountains, ancient forests, rushing rivers and heather-blanketed hills, it’s no wonder the Cairngorms is the perfect habitat for countless animals. In fact, this vast national park is home to 25 per cent of the country’s threatened species, including golden eagles and wildcats.
While you’ll probably spot roe deer, ptarmigan and mountain hares on a hike, other species can be more elusive. Visit the Rothiemurchus Estate for the best chance of glimpsing red squirrels and pine martens, or head to Loch Garten where, if you’re lucky enough, you might spy an osprey pluck a fishy lunch from the water.
While you’ll probably spot roe deer, ptarmigan and mountain hares on a hike, other species can be more elusive. Visit the Rothiemurchus Estate for the best chance of glimpsing red squirrels and pine martens, or head to Loch Garten where, if you’re lucky enough, you might spy an osprey pluck a fishy lunch from the water.
Sample a dram (or two)
Whisky is in Scotland’s soul, so it’s no surprise that distilleries are liberally scattered across the country, with some of the best found in the Highlands. Take a tour of Speyside’s world-renowned Macallan Distillery, housed in a striking grass-roofed building, or head to the Dalwhinnie Distillery in the Cairngorms sip on single malts with notes of heather honey and vanilla.
Not a fan of whisky? Make for Dunnet Bay Distillery on the north coast. Creating unique gins and vodkas infused with hand-forged local botanicals, this small distillery offers fascinating tours by friendly guides that end with tasting sessions.
Not a fan of whisky? Make for Dunnet Bay Distillery on the north coast. Creating unique gins and vodkas infused with hand-forged local botanicals, this small distillery offers fascinating tours by friendly guides that end with tasting sessions.
Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train
For Harry Potter fans, this world-famous train is synonymous with the Hogwarts Express, and it’s fair to say that the route it travels is utterly magical. Starting in Fort William, the train takes two hours to wind its way to the pretty port of Mallaig, chugging past bracken-covered mountains and remote lochs on the way.
One undoubted highlight is passing over the sweeping curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct – another star of the Harry Potter films – and drinking in views of tranquil Loch Shiel, a long finger of water lined by emerald-green hills.
One undoubted highlight is passing over the sweeping curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct – another star of the Harry Potter films – and drinking in views of tranquil Loch Shiel, a long finger of water lined by emerald-green hills.
Hike the heights of Ben Nevis
The undisputed king of the mountains, Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest peak. This imposing mountain, affectionately known as “The Ben” by locals, was once an immense volcano that caved in on itself after an explosion.
Fancy tackling it? Then pull on your hiking boots and wend your way up the Pony Track, the main route that leads to the mountain’s sub-Alpine peak. As you ascend the zig-zagging path, you’ll pass by peaceful lochans and the tumbling cascade of the Red Burn. The hike can be tough in places, but the view from the rocky summit is more than worth it: on a sunny day expect a 360-degree panorama over the surrounding peaks of the Nevis range, tranquil lochs and, in the distance, the shimmering sea.
Fancy tackling it? Then pull on your hiking boots and wend your way up the Pony Track, the main route that leads to the mountain’s sub-Alpine peak. As you ascend the zig-zagging path, you’ll pass by peaceful lochans and the tumbling cascade of the Red Burn. The hike can be tough in places, but the view from the rocky summit is more than worth it: on a sunny day expect a 360-degree panorama over the surrounding peaks of the Nevis range, tranquil lochs and, in the distance, the shimmering sea.
Wend your way through Glencoe
Windswept Glencoe is blessed with a bleak sort of beauty. Sculpted by glaciers, this v-shaped valley is guarded by a series of impassive munroes, including the triangular Buachaille Etive Mor, one of the country’s best-loved peaks.
While munro-bagging is definitely one way to admire the glen from on high, there are also less adrenaline-inducing ways to explore the landscape. Why not lace up your hiking boots and wander along one of the many footpaths that criss-cross this untamed landscape? Or cruise by car down the winding road that follows the valley floor; in fact, carry on a little further and you’ll reach the lonely yet achingly beautiful Glen Etive, one of the locations in Skyfall.
While munro-bagging is definitely one way to admire the glen from on high, there are also less adrenaline-inducing ways to explore the landscape. Why not lace up your hiking boots and wander along one of the many footpaths that criss-cross this untamed landscape? Or cruise by car down the winding road that follows the valley floor; in fact, carry on a little further and you’ll reach the lonely yet achingly beautiful Glen Etive, one of the locations in Skyfall.
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