Why Do People Visit The Highlands
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- 07-03-2022
Are you wondering: why do people visit the Highlands? We look at the top reasons to visit the Highlands of Scotland.
The Scottish Highlands, known for its traditional music and friendly people, is made up of beautiful highlands and dramatic glens that provide some genuinely stunning walking, cycling, and driving routes. The Scottish Highlands' untamed nature is the clear-sky walk of your imagination.
The seductive, gorgeous northwest highlands are home to many notable views, customs, and individuals. Here's everything you shouldn't miss on your first vacation to Scotland, from scotch distilleries and pubs to ancient castles to gorgeous waterways.
Top Reasons To Visit The Highlands Of Scotland
Inverness
Inverness - located near Ullapool - is a welcoming and enjoyable location to spend an evening, with vibrant culture, thriving local music, theatres and more.
Inverness is the heart of Scotland, blessed with the northern lights, or aurora borealis. The greatest time to witness this magnificent phenomenon is during the winter months.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the country's most popular tourist destination. Edinburgh is a very evocative city that must be visited once in a lifetime, with a completely intact mediaeval castle and a large network of little, reportedly haunted passages and world-famous festivals and fantastic inner-city hiking chances.
Glasgow
Glasgow, an unorthodox and eccentric city, has seen something of a Renaissance. It has grown from seedy and crime-ridden to characterful and vivacious. There are several things to do in this city, ranging from maritime history museums to art galleries and cutting-edge architecture.
Stirling Castle
This magical castle, located approximately an hour west of Edinburgh, is one of the most prominent in Scotland due to its perfect layout and turbulent past. Over the years, several Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling Castle, including the infamously harsh Mary Queen of Scots in 1542; this is possibly the most traditional-looking of all Scottish castles.
Glen Coe
Glen Coe is a short valley spanned by the great River Coe and surrounded by steep, snowcapped mountains built by an ice age glacier; and is considered by many to be the most stunning vista in not just Scotland but for Britain.
These areas are home to some of Scotland's greatest hiking opportunities, such as Bidean Nam Bian Glen and Glen Coe, like many other beautiful areas in Scotland.
Culloden
Culloden Moor, located outside Inverness, was the scene of the last battle of the Jacobite insurrection. Over 2000 brave Highlanders were slaughtered by the English, while Bonnie Prince Charlie battled heroically against Prince William Augustus; centuries of Scottish culture did not survive.
Urquhart Castle And Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle, located on a cliff overlooking Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, played a pivotal part in the 14th-century Wars of Scottish Independence.
As such, it served as a royal stronghold for a long period before being demolished to prevent its use by Jacobite troops in the 17th century.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll amid the remains, which originate from the early 13th century.
Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus, located at the southernmost tip of the iconic Lake Ness, is a teeny tiny small village developed around the Caledonian Canal with appealing waterside bars and unrivalled views of the loch. While there may appear to be few attractions, Fort Augustus serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area.
Hogwarts Express And Glenfinnan
Nothing beats the rush of viewing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct! The Jacobite Steam Train, which traverses the 84-mile route between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Railway Line, is the Hogwarts Express.
It's frequently referred to as one of the world's best rail rides, and with good reason. The spectacular scenery is breathtaking.
Isle Of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the few surviving areas in Scotland with a strong traditional Gaelic spirit. A land where history is made up of Viking mythology and faeries rather than Kings and Queens and brutal battles.
Furthermore, the Isle of Skye has postcard-worthy vistas and views, including sandy beaches, towering mountains, and charming settlements.
Whiskey Distilleries In Scotland
Distilleries are Scotland's equivalent of vineyards in France and Italy; they are the Holy Grail of all things Scottish.
Fortunately, there is a big enough supply to fulfil the growing demand.
According to legend, the original name for scotch was "uisge beatha," which means "water of life". It could be worth stopping by your local liquor store to find out what flavours you favour.
Gin Distilleries In Scotland
The ambitious itineraries encompass Scotland, from Dumfries to the furthest regions of the Scottish Highlands, and include both established and growing boutique distilleries. It teaches visitors about the history of gin and how it became an intricate part of Britain's modern fabric. There's a wide range of beautiful and entertaining distilleries to choose from.
The North Coast 500
This is Scotland like you'd never seen it before: hauntingly gorgeous, wild, and rough. It's enticing to go off the main route and submit to the raw appeal of the now-famous 500-mile stretch of road known informally as the North Coast 500.
In other words, it includes some of the most isolated parts of Scotland and picturesque lighthouses, beaches, mountains, and panoramas.
What Should I Not Miss In The Scottish Highlands?
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is one of the world's most famous lakes and a must-see in the Highlands. To visit the Loch and try to spot its folklore monster called Nessie, take a day journey via the lake's several settlements.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan, near Glencoe, is a picturesque town that draws many Harry Potter enthusiasts for a good reason: there, you can view the Hogwarts Express on a magnificent bridge. The Jacobite Express is a steam train that crosses the viaduct every morning and every afternoon.
Loch Shiel
While at Glenfinnan, enjoy Loch Shiel, the lovely lake that surrounds the settlement. Loch Shiel is also featured in the Harry Potter films. It appears briefly in each film, but it is most recognised for its appearance in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". The Glenfinnan Monument stands in front of the lake's little shoreline, with a monument of Bonnie Prince Charlie atop it.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is Scotland's tallest peak and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Highlands of Scotland. Scottish skiers and hikers go to this peak in the winter and summer.
Steall Waterfall
The spectacular 120-meter-high Steall Waterfall, located about 20 minutes from Fort William, is a must-see. The waterfall is located in the mountains of the picturesque highlands and requires a 1h30-2h journey through the natural beauty of the Ben Nevis gorges.
Sandwood Bay Beach
Sandwood Bay Beach, regarded as one of Scotland's most beautiful beaches, is roughly a 7-kilometre walk from the Blairmore parking. The sight of the big wild beach surrounded by hills and dunes will be your reward at the end of the stroll.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Fortress has been in several films and is the ideal portrayal of a mediaeval Scottish castle. This castle on Loch Duich, accessible through a beautiful stone bridge, is near the Skye bridge, leading to Skye's Isle.
Apple Cross Road
This road drive across the Highlands' North West, between Torridon and Applecross, is a fantastic experience to have on your schedule in Scotland. The drive is on single-track roads through a stunning landscape with a glimpse of the Isle of Skye.
Handa Island
During your stay in the Highlands' north, you may head to Tarbet and charter a boat that will carry you to Handa Island in approximately 10 minutes. This short tour on the protected little island will allow you to see a variety of species, including the famed monk puffin. The Island, a nature reserve, is home to one of Europe's largest marine bird populations.
Fort William
Don't miss Fort William when in the Highlands. It is one of the most prominent settlements in the region and is positioned at the foot of Ben Nevis. Aside from seeing the town, Fort William is the starting point for a trip to the top of Ben Nevis. It's also where the Jacobite Express departs for Mallaig.
Scourie and the Surroundings
Don't leave the Highlands' North-West without seeing Scourie, a lovely village on the seashore. You may go fishing, hiking, or simply stroll along the shore.
Call 07836 332 342 today to book your executive transport.
If you are interested in taking sightseeing tours to explore the breathtaking landscape throughout Inverness and the Highlands get in touch. We offer chauffeur driven tours for sightseeing in Scotland.
Inverness Sightseeing Tours