The Scottish Highlands are somewhere that everyone should visit at one time or another. The area is one of outstanding natural beauty that contains fertile farmland, a dramatic coastline, some of the highest mountains in the British Isles and numerous lochs. It is all these features that make the highlands a magnet for visitors from both at home and abroad. One of the best ways to see the highlands is by car, so if you have flown into Scotland why not take advantage of the very affordable Edinburgh airport car hire and get on the road.
Now one of the problems when it comes to the highlands is that there are so many things to see and do. Now assuming you have a limited amount of time you will be unable to see absolutely everything the highlands have to offer. So, in this article we have highlighted what we believe are 10 of the places you should visit in the highland region.
Loch Ness
Let’s face it, Loch Ness is probably one of the most talked about expanse of water in the whole world and as such is a must-see attraction if you are visiting the highlands. One of the reasons the Loch is so well known is the legend of the Loch Ness monster. If you visit Loch Ness you can either opt to take a day trip through the villages that surround the lake, take a Loch Ness or visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre where you can find out everything you need to know about the mysterious monster.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is not only the highest peak in the British Isles but is also without doubt a must-visit part of the highlands. The mountain is a popular destination for ski enthusiasts during the winter months and hikers and ramblers in the summer. There is a cable car available to help you reach the upper part of the ski resort from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains as well as traversing some of the mountain trails. For the hardcore hikers among you why not try hiking to the very summit of Ben Nevis from the Glen Nevis visitor centre. The round trip[ will take you the best part of 7 hours, but the stunning views will make it worthwhile. Remember no matter what time of year it is always make sure you pack clothes for every eventuality as the weather conditions on the mountain can change very quickly.
Fort William
When you visit the Highlands you must call at Fort William. The town which is one of the most important in the region is located at the foot of Ben Nevis. The town is a hive of activity in summer and is full of small shops and traditional Scottish Hostelries where you can sample a dram or two. It is also home to the West Highland Museum where you can find out about the history of the local area. As well as being the starting pointy of the hike up Ben Nevis, it is also where you catch the Jacobite express to Mallaig.
Isle of Skye
No matter whatever else you do you must be sure to visit the Isle of Skye. To get there you can either cross the Skye bridge or take the ferry from Mallaig. We recommend that you allow yourself two days for your visit to Skye to ensure you get to see everything the island has to offer. This includes moorland, rocky valleys, mountains, steep cliffs, and white sandy beaches. If you are a keen hiker or nature lover then Skye will be your idea of heaven.
A Distillery
Alright I know it’s not exactly a place but a visit to one of the 47 active distilleries in the region should be on everybody’s to-do list. Even if whiskey is not really your thing a visit to a distillery is interesting and will give you more of an insight into local culture. As the highlands produces more whiskey than anywhere else in Scotland it would be remiss of you not to learn a bit about the methods they use. When you visit a distillery not only will you learn about how whiskey is made, but the trip will end with that all important tasting session.
Now the five places listed above are just a small sample of what is on offer in the highlands, so before you set off make sure you have planned your trip to ensure you don’t miss anything you really want to see.
