The Scottish Highlands

Writers, poets and artists have tried for centuries to capture the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

The ‘place of the Gaels’ is really best seen in person.

Steep mountains and lush glens border vast lochs. Castles and monuments fit into the landscape. Discover national parks, local wildlife and centuries of stories along the way.

Fun Facts

  • Boleskine House on the shores of Loch Ness was once owned by Jimmy Page, lead guitarist of the rock band Led Zeppelin. The house was made famous by the psychic experiments of Aleister Crowley in the late 19th century.
  • Bonnie Prince Charlie landed at Glenfinnan to raise his standard in 1745 and start the Jacobite Rebellion.
  • The Caledonian Canal features four lochs - Loch Linnhe, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy.
  • The spectacular valley of Glen Coe was the site of an infamous massacre in 1692 when nearly 40 members of the resident MacDonald Clan were murdered in their beds by troops of the Clan Campbell.
  • The last battle to be fought on British soil was at Culloden Moor on 16th April, 1746.

Things to see...

Highlands Glen Coe

Glen Coe is considered one of the classic Highland journeys. Mountains meet glens to create a strikingly beautiful landscape. The area is also infamous for the Massacre of Glencoe involving the MacDonald and Campbell clans.

Highlands Dunrobin Castle

Dating back 700 years, Dunrobin Castle is home to the Dukes of Sutherland. It is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses. Its towering spires give Dunrobin the air of a fairy-tale castle.

Inverness

Journey through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery before descending towards the twinkling lights of this modern yet charming city. ‘The capital of the Highlands’ was founded in 565AD where tracks through romantic Highland glens met the River Ness – and there’s now plenty to explore thanks to the delights of its castle, cathedral, museums and market.

Highlands Cairngorm National

Cairngorms is the largest national park in Britain. It stretches from Highland mountain ranges to lochside beaches and embraces dense forests, local plants and rare wildlife.

Isle of Skye

Lose yourself in the beauty and drama of this Inner Hebridean island’s landscape. The jagged Cuillin Hills will astound and inspire you, while travelling to the Trotternish Peninsula will leave you gasping at the rocky pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr. Learn the secrets of Dunvegan Castle and feel your heart swell with the romantic tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Ben Nevis

Imposing, wild and ominous, discover why generation after generation is drawn to the UK’s highest mountain. Proudly standing 4,406ft above sea level, this captivating peak commands respect as it gazes down over glens, lochs and rivers, with the town of Fort William nestling far below. Explore its heather-strewn slopes and see Scotland’s natural beauty at its finest.

Torridon

The breath-taking sight of a golden eagle in flight is never forgotten. Keep a watchful eye during your trip to these beautiful hills and you may see the king of the wing soaring in the clouds above the dramatic scenery. The area is sandwiched between ancient craggy mountains and a sea loch, with an abundance of glorious walking, climbing and wildlife.

Caithness and the Far North

Unspoilt and remote, this northerly oasis is just waiting to be explored. After admiring the high cliffs and offshore stacks at Duncansby Head, pay a visit to John O’Groats, the UK’s most northerly village. Drink in the view of the rugged Flow Country and stop to admire some of the 4,000 monuments dating from prehistoric times to the Highland Clearances.

Argyll and the Islands

Island adventurers are spoilt for choice here, with incredible scenery and 23 inhabited isles to discover, including picturesque Mull, sacred Iona and the famous whisky lands of Islay. Only by spending time on each individual island do you realise that no two are the same, each one bursting with their own special culture, incredible landscapes and rare wildlife.

Assynt

Falcons and eagles dominate the skies at Assynt, with their graceful flights sure to amaze those lucky enough to see them. The most sparsely populated corner of Europe is also home to imposing peaks such as Suilven, Quinag and Stac Pollaidh. It also boasts Scotland’s longest cave and is recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s most outstanding landscapes.

Cairngorms National Park

Discover exactly why outdoor lovers flock to the Cairngorms. This majestic National Park is home to spectacular peaks and five of the UK’s highest mountains. This beautiful wilderness lures visitors back time and again, enchanted by its charming mix of glens, rivers and wildlife and the castles, battlefields and museums that lift the lid on the fascinating history of the Highlands.

Tours that visit Highlands


Loch Ness and the Highlands

Loch Ness and the Highlands 1 Day Tour from £70.00
from Edinburgh
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Jacobite Steam Train, Skye and The Highlands Small Group Tour

Jacobite Steam Train, Skye and The Highlands Small Group Tour 4 Day Tour from £790.00
from Edinburgh
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Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands 1 Day Tour from £60.00
from Glasgow
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Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Skye and the Scottish Highlands 3 Day Tour from £400.00
from Edinburgh and Glasgow
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Heart of the Highlands

Heart of the Highlands 2 Day Tour from £210.00
from Edinburgh and Glasgow
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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle 1 Day Tour from £57.00
from Inverness
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Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands

Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands 4 Day Tour from £845.00
from London
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Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North

Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North 5 Day Tour from £1,030.00
from London
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Skye, Orkney and the North Coast 500 Small Group Tour

Skye, Orkney and the North Coast 500 Small Group Tour 8 Day Tour from £1,732.00
from Edinburgh
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Glenfinnan, Eilean Donan Castle and the North West Highlands

Glenfinnan, Eilean Donan Castle and the North West Highlands 2 Day Tour from £210.00
from Edinburgh and Glasgow
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Loch Ness Explorer

Loch Ness Explorer 1 Day Tour from £58.00
from Edinburgh
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Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands

Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands 1 Day Tour from £62.00
from Edinburgh
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Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland

Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland 1 Day Tour from £69.00
from Edinburgh
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Dunrobin Castle and the Northern Highlands

Dunrobin Castle and the Northern Highlands 1 Day Tour from £56.00
from Inverness
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Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands 3 Day Tour from £595.00
from London
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