The Scottish Highlands captivate every traveller with their wild beauty, centuries of history, and landscapes shaped by time and legend. From rugged mountain peaks and misty lochs to castles steeped in myth, this northern realm of Scotland is an unforgettable destination. Here, we share the most remarkable places to visit in the Scottish Highlands, each revealing a different facet of its majestic charm.
1. Isle of Skye – Scotland’s Crown Jewel
The Isle of Skye is where Scotland’s wild heart beats loudest. Known for its dramatic scenery, Skye’s landscapes are an artist’s dream: jagged ridges, glassy lochs, and windswept glens.
Highlights:
- The Old Man of Storr: A towering pinnacle that dominates the skyline. Hike up at dawn for ethereal views of the Sound of Raasay.
- Fairy Pools: A chain of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls near Glenbrittle. Perfect for wild swimming on a sunny day.
- The Quiraing: A landslip formation that creates a surreal terrain of cliffs, pinnacles, and plateaus.
- Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls: A 60-metre waterfall cascading directly into the sea over basalt columns.
Travel tip: Base yourself in Portree for easy access to Skye’s main attractions and cosy harbourside dining.
2. Glencoe – Valley of Myths and Majesty
Glencoe is Scotland’s most famous glen and perhaps its most hauntingly beautiful. Carved by volcanic activity and glaciers, its scenery is raw and unforgettable.
Top sights:
- Three Sisters Viewpoint: Three towering ridges that form Glencoe’s most iconic view.
- Hidden Valley (Coire Gabhail): A secret glen once used by Clan MacDonald to hide livestock.
- Glencoe Lochan: A peaceful woodland walk with mirror-still reflections of the surrounding mountains.
- Buachaille Etive Mòr: The pyramid-shaped peak that defines the entrance to the valley.
End your day with a well-earned pint at the Clachaig Inn, a legendary hikers’ pub steeped in history.
3. Inverness and Loch Ness – The Heart of the Highlands
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, blends modern vibrancy with Highland tradition. Just a short drive away lies the mysterious Loch Ness, home of the famous yet elusive “Nessie.”
What to do:
- Visit Urquhart Castle, a striking ruin perched above Loch Ness.
- Cruise along Loch Ness to take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
- Explore Inverness Castle, St. Andrews Cathedral, and the Victorian Market.
- Walk the Caledonian Canal towpath for peaceful scenery and local wildlife.
Don’t miss: The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, which delves into the legend and science behind the monster myth.
4. Eilean Donan Castle – Scotland’s Most Photographed Fortress
Standing proudly where three lochs meet, Eilean Donan Castle is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Rebuilt in the early 20th century, it offers breathtaking photo opportunities from every angle.
Inside, visitors can explore restored rooms filled with Jacobite artefacts and portraits of clan chiefs. The castle’s cinematic backdrop has appeared in films such as Highlander and James Bond: The World Is Not Enough.
Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset, when mist rolls off the water and light reflects off the castle walls.
5. Fort William and Ben Nevis – The Adventure Capital
Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether hiking, cycling, or climbing, it’s the perfect base for mountain adventures.
Things to do:
- Climb Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track for unbeatable summit views.
- Ride the Nevis Range Gondola for panoramic vistas of the Great Glen.
- Walk to Steall Falls, a short and scenic trail leading to a dramatic waterfall.
- Explore Glen Nevis, one of Scotland’s most picturesque valleys.
Tip: For a less strenuous day, enjoy the cafés along Fort William’s High Street or visit the nearby West Highland Museum.
6. North Coast 500 – Scotland’s Ultimate Road Trip
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile loop that showcases the Highlands’ finest coastal scenery. Starting and ending in Inverness, it weaves through fishing villages, deserted beaches, and remote mountain passes.
Unmissable sections:
- Bealach na Bà: A winding, alpine-style road with astonishing views over Applecross.
- Assynt: Home to strange, solitary peaks like Suilven and Stac Pollaidh.
- Duncansby Head: Near John o’ Groats, where sea stacks rise from turquoise waters.
Driving advice: Allow at least five to seven days for the full route, and book accommodation well in advance during summer.
7. Cairngorms National Park – Wilderness and Wildlife
Covering 4,500 square kilometres, Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest protected landscape. It offers pristine nature, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights:
- Loch Morlich: A mountain lake with golden sand beaches.
- Aviemore: A hub for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
- Rothiemurchus Estate: Forest walks with red squirrels and deer sightings.
- Highland Wildlife Park: Home to Scottish wildcats, reindeer, and even polar bears.
Fun fact: The Cairngorms are home to five of the UK’s six highest mountains.
8. Plockton – The Jewel of the Highlands
Tucked along Loch Carron’s sheltered bay, Plockton is one of the most charming villages in Scotland. Whitewashed cottages line the waterfront, backed by palm trees that thrive thanks to the mild Gulf Stream climate.
Visitors can take a seal-watching boat trip, enjoy seafood on the harbour, or wander along coastal paths with stunning island views. The village’s tranquil beauty has made it a favourite filming location, including for Hamish Macbeth.
9. Assynt – A Landscape Like No Other
Remote, wild, and otherworldly, Assynt in northwest Sutherland feels untouched by time. Its mountains rise like islands from a sea of lochs and moors.
Top spots:
- Suilven: One of Scotland’s most distinctive peaks, shaped like a sleeping dragon.
- Ardvreck Castle: A haunting ruin beside Loch Assynt.
- Clachtoll Beach: Powder-white sands and turquoise waters perfect for a coastal walk.
- Wailing Widow Falls: A 50-foot waterfall plunging into a hidden gorge.
Stay in Ullapool or Lochinver to explore this surreal corner of the Highlands.
10. Iona Abbey and Staffa – Islands of Faith and Stone
Just off the coast of Mull, the island of Iona holds one of the oldest Christian sites in Western Europe. Iona Abbey, founded by Saint Columba in 563 CE, remains a spiritual sanctuary surrounded by beaches of white sand.
Nearby, the uninhabited Isle of Staffa hides Fingal’s Cave, a natural cathedral formed from hexagonal basalt columns. Boat tours from Fionnphort or Oban reveal puffins, dolphins, and seals along the way.
11. Dornoch and Dunrobin Castle – Coastal Elegance
Dornoch is a seaside town known for its golden beach, historic cathedral, and world-class golf course. Just north stands Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale palace with turrets, formal gardens, and falconry displays.
The castle’s interior reflects centuries of aristocratic heritage, while its clifftop views across the Moray Firth are unforgettable.
12. Highland Whisky Trail – The Spirit of the Highlands
No Highland journey is complete without tasting its whisky. The region is home to some of Scotland’s oldest and most respected distilleries.
Notable distilleries:
- Dalwhinnie: Scotland’s highest distillery, producing smooth, honeyed single malts.
- Glenmorangie: Famous for elegant whiskies matured in American oak casks.
- Glenturret: The oldest working distillery in Scotland, dating to 1763.
- Talisker: Skye’s coastal gem, known for smoky, sea-salted malts.
Book tours in advance for tastings and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Using Inverness Taxis
Exploring the Scottish Highlands is effortless when travelling with Inverness Taxis, the region’s most trusted and convenient transport service.
Whether arriving at Inverness Airport, setting off for a scenic day trip to Loch Ness, or touring the dramatic roads of Glencoe and Skye, Inverness Taxis ensures safe, reliable, and comfortable travel. With local drivers who know every shortcut and viewpoint, and modern vehicles suited for both individuals and groups, it’s the easiest way to discover the Highlands at your own pace. Book in advance or use the SafeKab app for quick, secure rides across Inverness and beyond.
