Things to Do in Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom

The Scottish Highlands represent one of Europe's last great wilderness areas, encompassing dramatic mountain ranges, pristine lochs, ancient castles, and remote islands. This vast region stretches from the Central Belt north to the rugged coastlines of Caithness and Sutherland, offering visitors an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, rich history, and Highland culture. From the legendary Loch Ness to the towering peaks of Ben Nevis, the Highlands provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and cultural discoveries. The region is steeped in clan history, Jacobite tales, and Celtic traditions that continue to shape modern Highland life. Visitors can explore historic battlefields, tour whisky distilleries, witness traditional Highland games, and experience the warm hospitality of Highland communities. Whether you're seeking challenging mountain hikes, peaceful loch cruises, or immersion in Scottish heritage, the Highlands offer an authentic and unforgettable Scottish experience that captures the romance and majesty of this legendary landscape.

Top Things to Do in Scottish Highlands

Loch Ness Monster Hunting

Cruise the mysterious waters of Scotland's most famous loch while searching for the legendary Nessie. These boat tours combine stunning Highland scenery with fascinating local folklore and often include visits to Urquhart Castle ruins. The deep, dark waters and surrounding mountains create an atmospheric setting perfect for monster spotting and photography.

Booking Tip: Tours cost £15-30 and run year-round with multiple departures daily in summer. Book directly with operators like Jacobite Cruises or Loch Ness by Jacobite for better prices than hotel bookings. Morning tours offer clearer views and fewer crowds.

Isle of Skye Day Trips

Explore Scotland's most famous island with its dramatic landscapes including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the fairy-tale Dunvegan Castle. These tours showcase Skye's rugged coastlines, mystical rock formations, and traditional Highland culture. Many trips include whisky tastings and visits to local craft shops.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from Inverness cost £45-65 and run April-October. Small group tours (8-16 people) offer better experiences than large coaches. Book 2-3 days ahead in summer and look for tours that include entrance fees to attractions.

Highland Castle Tours

Visit magnificent castles like Eilean Donan, Cawdor, and Blair Castle, each telling unique stories of Scottish clan history and royal connections. These tours often combine multiple castles with scenic drives through glens and past lochs. Many castles feature guided tours, gardens, and clan exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Multi-castle tours cost £40-60 and individual castle entries are £8-15. Purchase Historic Scotland Explorer Pass for £41 (7 days) if visiting 3+ castles. Tours run year-round but some castles have limited winter hours.

Whisky Distillery Experiences

Tour world-renowned Speyside and Highland distilleries to learn about traditional whisky-making processes and sample premium single malts. These experiences range from basic tours with tastings to master classes and blending workshops. Many distilleries are set in stunning Highland locations with visitor centers and gift shops.

Booking Tip: Basic tours cost £8-15, premium experiences £25-50. Book directly with distilleries for best availability, especially for weekend tours. Designate a driver or join organized tours that include transportation between multiple distilleries.

Highland Adventure Activities

Experience the rugged Highlands through activities like hiking Ben Nevis, white-water rafting, mountain biking, or Highland games experiences. The region offers everything from gentle nature walks to extreme sports, all set against breathtaking mountain and loch scenery. Many operators provide equipment and expert guides for safe Highland adventures.

Booking Tip: Activity costs vary widely from £30 for guided walks to £100+ for extreme sports. Book with certified operators and check weather conditions. Summer offers the most activity options, while winter activities require advanced booking and proper gear.

Getting There

The Scottish Highlands are easily accessible by car, train, or bus from major Scottish cities. Inverness, the Highland capital, is connected by direct trains from Edinburgh (3.5 hours) and Glasgow (4 hours), with regular flights from London and European cities to Inverness Airport. Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring remote areas, with the A9 providing the main north-south route and scenic routes like the A82 along Loch Lomond and through Glen Coe. Bus services connect major towns, though rural areas have limited public transport options.

Getting Around

A rental car is essential for fully exploring the Highlands, as many attractions and scenic areas are not accessible by public transport. The region features single-track roads with passing places, requiring courteous driving and allowing extra travel time. Local bus services connect main towns but run infrequently, especially in winter. Organized tours provide convenient transportation for popular attractions like Loch Ness and Isle of Skye. For hiking and remote exploration, consider hiring local guides or joining walking groups for safety and local knowledge.

Where to Stay

Inverness City Center

Fort William

Aviemore

Pitlochry

Dornoch

Ullapool

Food & Dining

Highland cuisine celebrates local ingredients including fresh seafood, Highland beef, venison, and foraged items like wild mushrooms and berries. Traditional dishes include haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup), and fresh salmon. Many restaurants focus on farm-to-table dining with ingredients sourced from local estates and coastal waters. Pub meals offer hearty portions perfect after Highland adventures, while fine dining establishments in towns like Inverness and Fort William showcase modern Scottish cuisine. Don't miss trying local specialties like black pudding, shortbread, and pairing meals with Highland single malt whiskies.

When to Visit

May through September offers the best weather for Highland exploration, with longer daylight hours (up to 19 hours in midsummer), warmer temperatures, and most attractions and activities operating full schedules. July and August are peak tourist months with the warmest weather but also the highest prices and crowds, plus midges can be troublesome in still conditions. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide excellent value with fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors, though weather can be unpredictable. Winter visits offer dramatic snow-capped landscapes and cozy fireside experiences, but many attractions have reduced hours and weather can severely impact travel plans.

Insider Tips

Pack layers and waterproof clothing regardless of season, as Highland weather can change rapidly and dramatically throughout the day.

Fuel up whenever possible as petrol stations are sparse in remote areas, and always carry emergency supplies including food, water, and warm clothing when venturing into the wilderness.

Book accommodation well in advance for summer visits, especially during festival periods like Edinburgh Festival time when visitors often extend trips to the Highlands.

Things to Do in Scottish Highlands