The Highlands
Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes are just waiting to be uncovered.
If for your next trip you’re looking for an ethereal, rugged landscape, look no further than the Scottish Highlands. With something for everyone, from wildlife spotting to drinking Scotland’s famous whiskies, it’s the perfect destination no matter what your tastes.
The Highlands are perhaps best known for the lochs, which are littered around the area, each providing a unique experience. Some are on the main tourist trails those like Loch Ness with its famed ‘monster’ and Loch Lomond and can be easily reached on day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Others are hidden away, waiting to be stumbled upon, like Loch Morlich and Loch an Eilein near Aviemore. Each one is worth a visit to experience the peaceful waters and wooded slopes that envelope the lakes.
But those slopes are worth exploring in themselves. Take a trek through the Cairngorms National Park to reach the top of Ben Macdui or Braeriach. A little closer to Aberdeen you can find Bennachie, although this is out of the Highlands itself, or near Fort William you’ll come across Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. No matter whether you’re in the north, south, east or west of the Highlands, there’s no feeling quite like scaling one of the peaks some of which are good for novices and the views from the top are always breathtaking.
Of course, not everyone goes on holiday to spend all their time in the great outdoors, and the Highlands is more than ready to provide. Take a trip to the historic city of Inverness before making your way down the coast of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle at Strone, and Fort Augustus. Check out the typical Highland towns of Nairn and Aviemore, or head as far north as you can until you reach John O’Groats.
For those who want to take things a little slower, the Highlands region is known for something else: whisky. Plenty of distilleries open their doors to whisky drinkers, offering tours and tastings to those over the age of 18. From Ardmore and Glenmorangie, to Knockdhu and Tomatin, it’s the perfect excuse to try some of Scotland’s finest exports and buy those all-important gifts for friends and family back home. However, it is important to point out that Scotland has incredibly strict drinkdriving laws compared to the rest of the United Kingdom while in England, Wales and Northern Ireland you’re considered over the limit with 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, in Scotland it’s just 22.
But there’s one thing you can’t miss when visiting the Highlands. If you get the opportunity and you’re visiting in the summer, head to the Highland Games for a traditional Scottish experience. Watch the caber toss, hammer throw and a tug o’war, before a parade of pipers makes its way around the arena. You can also enjoy track and field events, Highland dancing competitions, and good food and drink. A fun day out for all.
If you haven’t already booked your trip to the Highlands, what are you waiting for? Whether you want to trek in the hills, explore the towns and villages in the area, or enjoy the Highland Games, it’s the perfect getaway for all.