Where to go on Holiday in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands and Islands epitomise Scotland with its picture-postcard scenery; awesome wild places with towering mountains, ancient pine forests and shimmering lochs.

Discover a wonderful variety of contrasting landscapes that will make a lasting impression, from the remote rock-hewn wilderness of far north west Sutherland to the green rolling coastal lands by the Cromarty Firth. Maybe take the 'Road to the Isles' via Mallaig and beyond to Skye or appreciate the 'brooding' and spectacular natural beauty of Glencoe. Wherever you travel you're surrounded by outstanding natural beauty and famous landmarks like the Cairngorms National Park, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness.
The Highlands is not only blessed with wonderful countryside, there are also miles of dramatic coastline, with quiet pristine sandy beaches, picturesque sea lochs and a scattering of pretty coastal villages close to clear turquoise waters.

This is a place to really enjoy 'The Great Outdoors', with plenty of activities from mountain climbing and white water rafting to gentle family walks and mountain biking for all abilities. This part of the British Isles is also a great place to see wildlife; unsurprisingly wildlife flourishes in this great wilderness and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about on land and sea - take one of the many boat trips on offer for close encounters with seals, whales and dolphins or simply get out into the glens, hills and forests to see eagles, deer and maybe even the elusive pine martin to name but a few.

For a holiday at a more leisurely pace visit the region's many historical sites, ancient castles, stately homes and fascinating museums, learn about the Highlands rich history and culture, its clans and conflicts, the tragedy of the Highland Clearances and its role in the Jacobite risings. Summer visitors to the Highlands (mostly July and August) may not want to miss the annual Highland Games, which are held across the Highlands and are a unique spectacle of athletic, dancing and piping events which should not be missed.

The Highland region offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of very different and distinctive areas, each with their very own special character and charm. And getting around is easy, with a good road system feeding up from the south to Inverness and from this hub radiating out to all four points of the compass.

Located at the northern end of the Great Glen and Loch Ness lies Inverness, the main population centre in the Highlands; a bustling modern city with excellent shopping and restaurants. From here just to the north is the Black Isle (which is actually a peninsula), wooded and farm land but with a wild east-facing coastline. Close by in Mid-Ross and Easter Ross there are broad uplands and pretty glens with many places of interest including the Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer and down at the coast Cromarty and Portmanhomack which are ideal for Dolphin spotting and boat hire.

Moving further north is the eastern Highland region of Mid and East Sutherland, an area of coast and glens. Visit the historic Highland coastal town of Dornoch, also famous for some excellent golf courses and Dunrobin Castle with its beautiful gardens. Inland attractions include the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre and Ferrycroft Countryside Centre in Lairg. As you travel north up the eastern coast road through the flow lands of Caithness the land opens out revealing dramatic seascapes and rolling moors which merge westwards into rugged peaks until reaching the North Coast of Sutherland and John o' Groats.

The north western Highlands, which includes Wester Ross and North West Sutherland, has a characteristically bare and rugged landscape in the extreme north west and small local coastal communities. Travelling down the west coast visitors can enjoy striking coastal views and spectacular mountains. There's plenty to see and do here from boat trips and water sports to cycling and walking.

Skye just off the coast has attracted visitors for decades and is easily reached via the Skye Bridge at the Kyle of Lochalsh, as well as ferry services operating from Mallaig and Glenelg (Latter summer only). The island has some of the most majestic mountains and dramatic coastline you will find in Scotland.

South of Inverness to the east is Aviemore and the Cairngorms; mountains, pine-clad slops and wide river valleys, packed outdoor sports centres and plenty of year-round outdoor activities.

At the southern end of the Great Glen the main town is Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe; a major West Highlands touring centre with plenty of outdoor activities and amenities for the holidaymaker and the perfect base for a Highland holiday. Close by is Glen Nevis and towering Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.

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