The Scottish Highlands are a rugged, mountainous region in northern and western Scotland, famous for dramatic landscapes, deep lochs, ancient castles, and rich Gaelic heritage. They are one of the UK’s most iconic travel destinations. We did a loop and hit many of the top sights.
Balmoral Castle is the Scottish home of the British royal family, located near Ballater in Aberdeenshire, within the Cairngorms National Park. We visited the castle, however, the park was closed due to wildfires. We had planned on Gin tasting at the top.
Inverness is the unofficial capital of the Scottish Highlands and a convenient base for exploring northern Scotland. It sits on the River Ness, near the northern end of Loch Ness.
Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most famous lochs, stretching about 23 miles (37 km) southwest from Inverness through the Highlands. It is best known for the legendary Loch Ness Monster (“Nessie”), but the scenery and historic sites are the bigger attractions.
Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most spectacular castle ruins, dramatically situated on the shore of Loch Ness. It is about 30 minutes south of Inverness.
⚔️ Jacobites: It was eventually abandoned and deliberately destroyed in 1692 to prevent it being used by Jacobite forces.
🏰 History: The castle dates back to at least the 13th century and played an important role in the medieval struggles between the Scottish and English crowns.
Culloden Battlefield is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites, located about 15 minutes east of Inverness. It was the site of the Battle of Culloden on April 16, 1746, the final battle fought on British soil.
- ⚔️ The battle: Government forces defeated the Jacobite army, ending the Jacobite attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy.
Clava Cairns is a remarkable prehistoric site near Culloden Battlefield, famous for its ancient stone circles, standing stones, and burial chambers. It is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric archaeological sites.
🪨 Age: The site is about 4,000 years old, dating to the Bronze Age.
Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of Scotland’s most famous railway landmarks, dramatically curving through the Highlands near Glenfinnan, about 30 minutes from Fort William.
🚂 Harry Potter: The viaduct became world-famous after appearing in the Harry Potter films, including scenes featuring the Hogwarts Express.
Fort William is the largest town in the western Scottish Highlands and an excellent base for exploring Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and the surrounding lochs.
Glencoe Lochan is a small, beautiful loch just above the village of Glencoe, surrounded by forest and spectacular mountain scenery.
The Three Sisters of Glencoe are three dramatic ridges descending from Bidean nam Bian, one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. They are located along the A82, between Glencoe and Fort William.
Luss Village is a small pretty town, great spot to have lunch and enjoy the views.
some sights along the drives. Driving the Isle of Skye and the Highlands is a trip in itself.
