Top Tips to Follow for your Scottish Highlands Holiday

Numerous iconic landmarks and everlasting visuals of Scotland can be discovered in your Scottish Highlands holiday. There’s a clear chance of stumbling upon enthusiastic production teams shooting the upcoming major drama, blockbuster thriller, or nature documentary. Sequences from Outlander, Skyfall, Harry Potter, and Macbeth drew inspiration from the splendid, atmospheric, and distinctly ‘other’ qualities of the location.

Unexpectedly isolated, this is among the least populated regions in Europe. You can travel for miles on stunning roads in the West Highlands or stare for hours from your train seat at the desolate and remote beauty of Sutherland’s ‘Flow Country’ and spot no one. Alternatively, explore the Cairngorms, the UK’s largest National Park, which features five of the nation’s tallest peaks, distinctive wildlife, and historic castles.

A trip to The Scottish Chocolate Centre or a Speyside whisky tour will offer cheerful company. With numerous regions available, we can assist you in discovering the locations you truly wish to visit, appreciate the well-known landmarks you’ve always heard about, and reveal some hidden gems as well.

Tips for your Scottish Highlands Holiday

• Travel along the Moray Coast, known for its great sunshine track record, and take a break at the wonderful Cullen Beach where dolphins can occasionally be seen.
• Visit the Scottish Chocolate Centre in Grandtully, which is the home of internationally acclaimed Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett.
• Explore a castle or two or three – ranging from enchanting ruins to restored grand houses, there are numerous options available.
• Observe a demonstration of the captivating ancient craft of barrel-making at the Cooperage on Speyside before starting a whisky tour and tasting.
• Make your way to Applecross for breathtaking views of Skye and an excellent seafood lunch at the inn.

Things To See & Do in Your Scottish Highlands Holiday

You can truly relish the excitement of the open road in the Highlands, with fantastic routes and mountain passes to drive, such as the North Coast 500, Glencoe, the Rest and Be Thankful, Glenshee, Glen Spean, and the winding turns of Bealach na Ba.

You may want to discover beautiful Perthshire with its flowing rivers and foggy alleys. This area is excellent for walking and is renowned for its links to the outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Blair Castle in the nearby area of Blair Atholl is strongly suggested for an impressive view of Scottish social history.

Why not explore Inverness, Scotland’s biggest city, often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, where you can uncover the enigmatic Loch Ness and the impressive Urquhart Castle?

The tranquil and serene charm of Ardnamurchan is difficult to surpass; a slender, elongated peninsula by the banks of Loch Sunart, it contains the most western point of the British mainland.

Travel to the northernmost part, via picturesque train ride or car, to explore the untamed nature of the Flow Country, enchanting highland valleys that have long been abandoned yet were once bustling with life, along with the stunning coastal landscapes of Sutherland and Wester Ross.

While some check off John O’Groats, venture a mile or two further northeast to Duncansby Head, featuring its short lighthouse and wide vistas towards the Orkney Islands. A brief stroll by the seaside, enjoying the salty breeze, will uncover the rugged splendor of a rocky arch and sea stacks, sculpted into existence by the relentless waves.

Travelling To & Around 

Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen airports serve as convenient entrances to the Scottish Highlands – rent a car and you’ll reach the countryside in under an hour. Alternatively, you could fly straight to the Highland capital, Inverness, and start your journey from that location.

Trains effectively connect the main cities, featuring an overnight Sleeper service from London. In addition, the West Highland Line, Kyle to Inverness Line, and the Far North Line travel through breathtaking landscapes and form the foundation for our self-guided train travel vacations. 

Scheduled local drivers/guides or brief taxi rides guarantee seamless connections – just let us handle it and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Distances might not seem vast on a map, yet roads can be winding and slim, particularly when venturing off the main routes, so take your time to guarantee a relaxing vacation in the Scottish Highlands. 

A self-drive or fly-drive vacation allows you to effortlessly access some of the more distant locations, while our thoughtfully crafted train journeys eliminate the necessity of driving, all while ensuring you experience both the main attractions and some lesser-known treasures during your travels.

Conclusion

The Scottish Highlands holiday offers breathtaking scenery, rich history, and unique experiences for every traveler. Whether by car or train, you’ll discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and warm hospitality. With our tips, your Highland adventure will be unforgettable.

FAQs

1. What are some must-do tips for a Scottish Highlands holiday

Make the most of your Highlands adventure by driving along the Moray Coast, visiting ancient castles, and exploring the Scottish Chocolate Centre. Don’t miss a scenic drive through Speyside to watch traditional barrel-making, or a trip to Applecross for incredible seafood and sweeping coastal views. Be sure to explore Perthshire, Inverness, and the wild Flow Country, and always allow extra time for the Highlands’ winding roads.

2. How should I plan travelling to and around the Highlands?

You can fly into Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Aberdeen, then rent a car for flexibility. Alternatively, start from Inverness, which is well connected by rail and road. Scenic train routes like the West Highland Line, Kyle-Inverness, and Far North Line offer stunning journeys through rugged landscapes. For more remote locations, local drivers or private guides are a great option. Keep in mind that travel times are often longer than expected due to narrow and twisting roads.

3. What are some lesser-known or hidden gems in the Scottish Highlands?

Venture off the main tourist trail to discover the Moray Coast, the vast and untouched Flow Country, and quiet castles or restored homes tucked away in the countryside. The Ardnamurchan Peninsula is another hidden gem — remote, wild, and filled with breathtaking views far from the crowds.

4. Which areas are good for scenery and wildlife?

For dramatic scenery, visit Glencoe, Sutherland, Wester Ross, the Cairngorms, and the Flow Country. Along the Moray Coast, you might spot dolphins, while the inland lochs, glens, and mountain passes are perfect for wildlife spotting and photography. Each area showcases a different side of the Highlands’ natural beauty.

5. What to expect from the roads and travel times in the Highlands?

Highland roads can be winding, narrow, or single-track, meaning that even short distances may take longer than expected. Driving speeds are slower than in urban areas, and scenic routes often invite photo stops. Plan fewer stops per day and allow buffer time to enjoy the journey without rushing.

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