Looking for the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands? Whether you’re looking to explore beautiful national parks or visit some of Scotland’s majestic castles, this guide has you covered!
Although Scotland as a whole has so much to offer, The Scottish Highlands will take your breath away, trust me! This area is famous for its spectacular landscapes, variety of wildlife, and wealth of outdoor activities, so there’s something for everyone. And for Harry Potter fans, it’s full of filming locations!
Best Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands
You can easily visit the Scottish Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh, but I’d recommend spending at least a few days here. As there’s so much to do, it’s not an area you want to rush! It’s my favourite part of Scotland!
Popular destinations, and my favourites include:
- Loch Ness
- The Cairngorms National Park
- Isle of Skye
The best way to see the Scottish Highlands is by car. I always use Rental Cars to hire cars as they check all the top car hire companies for the best price and highest quality. Click here to search Scotland car rental!
1. Spot Nessie in Loch Ness
No trip to the Scottish Highlands is complete without visiting Loch Ness. It’s the UK’s largest lake by volume and stretches from Fort Augustus to just outside of Inverness.
This world-famous loch is one of the mysterious destinations in Scotland, as there’s supposedly a monster lurking deep beneath its surface.
Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as ‘Nessie’, date back to 564 AD, with many people believing this mythical creature to be a plesiosaur. To learn more, we’d recommend heading to The Loch Ness Centre.
This awesome centre has been recently refurbished and will take you through the history of Loch Ness on a 1-hour immersive experience. It’s also possible to head on a boat cruise like this or deep scan cruise of the loch where the boat uses sonar to search its depths!
Another one of the things to do at Loch Ness is take a boat trip from Fort Augustus which I did recently and it was a interesting and entertaining way to see to Loch!
Urquhart Castle is also located on the shores of Loch Ness so is a must-visit and great to sail around on a boat trip like this!
Loch Ness gets busy in the summer season, get your boat tickets book here so you don’t miss out:
2. Explore The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in the Scottish Highlands. This incredible island has so much to offer, boasting breathtaking coastal views, mountainous landscapes, and fantastic hikes.
The Isle of Skye is just over an hour’s drive from Loch Ness, where you’ll head over the Skye Bridge. As there’s so much to do here, we’d suggest spending at least 2-3 days taking in the highlights.
Neist Point is one of the island’s most popular attractions. This incredible lighthouse is a popular photography spot and the coastal views will blow you away. Make sure you pack binoculars too as you’ve got a chance of spotting minke whales from here!
Other must-visit destinations on the Isle of Skye include the charming town of Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Sligachan Old Bridge, and the Fairy Pools. The Fairy Glen is pretty special too.
3. Head to Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is a popular day trip from Edinburgh, as it’s around a 1.5-hour drive from Scotland’s capital city.
Covering an impressive area of 1,748 square miles, it’s the United Kingdom’s largest national park and is a favourite spot with outdoor lovers.
Popular activities in the Cairngorms include hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, and climbing among others, so there’s plenty on offer for the adventurers out there. Depending on the time of year, you can also do snowsports.
The Cairngorms National Park is a fantastic place for wildlife spotting too. Here, you can see a variety of species including beavers, Scottish wild casts, golden eagles, deer, and red squirrels.
Not to mention, there are plenty of awesome attractions found within this national park. These include the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Highland Folk Museum, Highland Wildlife Park, and Landmark Forest Adventure Park.
4. Appreciate the Beauty of Glencoe
Glencoe Valley is one of the Scottish Highlands’ most scenic areas. The towering mountains and picturesque valleys found here have been formed over millions of years, due to volcanic eruptions and shifting glaciers.
To make the most of your visit, you’ll want to travel along the A82 past the Bridge of Orchy, up to the village of Ballachulish. Along the way, stop off at Loch Tulla Viewpoint where you can spot deer.
Not only is Glencoe breathtakingly beautiful, but there are plenty of things to do here. Ballachulish offers the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, and it’s located along the charming Loch Leven.
While exploring this valley, make sure you head to Glencoe Visitor Centre and Glencoe Mountain Resort. The latter offers a fantastic chair lift up the mountain, as well as various winter and summer activities.
5. Hike up Ben Nevis
At 1,345 metres above sea level, Ben Nevis is the largest mountain in the British Isles and hiking up it is one of the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands! Located near the town of Fort William, this huge peak is part of the Grampian Mountain Range and was once an active volcano.
Ben Nevis attracts over 125,000 hikers a year and it’s not hard to see why! From the summit, you’ll get jaw-dropping views of surrounding peaks including Ben Lomond. If it’s a clear day, the vistas can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.
The best route for beginners is the Mountain Track which starts at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre. The full route is around 17 km and you can expect the hike to take anywhere between 7-9 hours.
Just be aware that hiking this mountain is not an easy task and you’ll need to be well prepared. Keep an eye on the weather too as conditions can change quickly here.
6. Explore Castles in the Scottish Highlands
Scotland is known for its majestic castles, with the country believed to have around 1,500 of these historic buildings. Many are located within the rugged highlands and shouldn’t be left off your itinerary.
Eilean Donan Castle is a highlight for sure, known for its scenic lochside setting. Overlooking the Isle of Skye, this castle is in a fantastic location and if you head inside, you’ll learn all about the building’s history.
Other castles in the Scottish Highlands include Urquhart Castle (which overlooks Loch Ness), Balmoral Castle (the Royal Family’s Scottish home), and Glamis Castle. Dunrobin Castle is another popular option!
For those after something more rugged, check out Dunnottar Castle which is set upon a rocky outcrop overlooking the coast.
This full-day tour from Edinburgh will show you some of Scotland’s best castles, including Kilchurn Castle and Inveraray Castle. It includes all transport and you can enjoy live commentary along the way.
7. Drive the North Coast 500
If you’re looking for things to do in the Scottish Highlands, then why not drive one of the country’s iconic road trip routes? The North Coast 500 is certainly one of the most popular options with its breathtaking coastal scenery.
As the name suggests, this route covers around 500 miles and showcases some of the best scenery in Scotland, including pristine beaches and rugged mountains.
For the best experience, you’ll want to spend at least 5 days road-tripping the North Coast 500 as there’s so much to see.
One of the best places to visit is Corrieshalloch Gorge, which is home to several short hiking trails along with plenty of wildlife. Duncansby Stacks is another great spot, as well as Balnakeil Beach and Dunrobin Castle.
Just keep in mind that the NC500 can get very busy during the summer months, so we’d suggest road-tripping this route during the shoulder season instead.
8. Head to John o’Groats
Although John o’Groats is only a small village, visiting here is one of the top things to do in the Scottish Highlands. It’s located near mainland Britain’s most Northern point and is famous for its breathtaking coastal scenery.
John o’Groats may be very remote but there’s a lot to do in this area! Firstly, you can enjoy scenic coastal walks, with one taking you to Duncansby Head Lighthouse and the Stacks of Duncansby.
Boat trips are available from the village too, and you can even take a ferry to Orkney during the summer (May to September). Depending on the time of year, you might even spot the Northern Lights!
This area of Scotland is also known for its fascinating wildlife. Not only are the surrounding cliffs home to an array of birdlife (including puffins), but you can spot plenty of marine life too. This includes seals, dolphins, minke whales, orcas, and sea otters.
9. Visit Harry Potter Filming Locations
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this region of Scotland has so much to offer, as you can visit popular filming locations from the movies.
First of all, there’s Rannoch Moor which is located within Glencoe Valley. This is where the death eaters board the train in the Deathly Hallows (Part 1), and there are some fantastic viewpoints where you can stop and take photographs.
The filming location for Hagrid’s Hut is also located in Glencoe. Loch Shiel is another popular spot which you may recognise as Black Lake, a location of the triwizard tournament in the Goblet of Fire.
While in the highlands, make sure you head to Loch Eilt too, where you’ll get to see Dumbledore’s Grave. Honestly, there are so many awesome places to visit.
Don’t forget about Glenfinnan Viaduct either, which is where the famous Jacobite Steam Train runs along (we’ll discuss this a little later on).
Don’t have a car or want a guide to show you around! Here are 2 great Harry Potter Highlands tours to go on!
10. Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is located along the border between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland. It was the country’s first national park and there’s a variety of things to do here.
Loch Lomond itself is one of the highlights, where you can hike some of the local walking trails, take a cruise of the loch like this, and explore some of the local villages. You can spot plenty of wildlife in this area too including deer, golden eagles, and beavers.
Watersports are also popular in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, so why not explore by canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding? If you love the outdoors, we’d recommend heading to the Falls Of Falloch as well.
There are plenty of things to do in this beautiful national park, with popular attractions including the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, and Balloch Castle Country Park.
11. Drive around the Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Scotland. It’s located in the Inner Hebrides and is known for its epic coastal landscapes, intriguing history, and wildlife-watching opportunities, so there’s something for everyone.
The Isle of Mull may be relatively small, but there are a lot of fantastic sights to see. The main town of Tobermory is a popular spot and is where many people choose to base themselves. Iona Abbey and Nunnery is another must-visit.
However, it’s the wildlife that draws many people to this island. Eagles, puffins, otters, seals, and red deer all call Mull home. Dolphins, whales, and basking sharks can also be spotted off the coast.
To reach the Isle of Mull, you’ll need to hop on a ferry. The most popular route runs from Oban and takes around 45 minutes. Just make sure you book your ferry in advance during the summer.
12. Spend Time in Inverness
If you’re looking for things to do in the Scottish Highlands, head to Inverness. This city is located between Loch Ness and the Moray Firth and is easily accessible.
Inverness may be one of the smallest cities in Scotland, but you won’t be short of things to do. Dubbed the ‘Highland Capital’, it’s known for its cultural attractions, medieval ruins, and incredible history.
Some of the most popular attractions here include the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Inverness Cathedral, the Victorian Market, and Inverness Castle. You can also head out on a boat trip with Dolphin Spirit Inverness.
You won’t need much time here as the city is only small, but there are plenty of day trip opportunities available to see more of the Highlands of Scotland from!
13. Have Fun in Fort William
Fort William is a charming town located along Loch Linnhe. It’s considered the UK’s outdoor capital so is the perfect destination for keen adventurers.
Acting as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom, Fort William is a popular spot with hikers. However, if you’re not up to the challenge, there are tons of other awesome things to do in this area.
First of all, Fort William is home to two ski resorts making it a popular destination during the winter, where you’ll get to try out snowsports. The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is also located here and boasts spectacular views.
If you’d prefer to just do a bit of sightseeing, then attractions include the West Highland Museum, Treasures of the Earth, Neptune’s Staircase, and Ben Nevis Distillery.
Just be aware that Fort William encounters plenty of rainfall, but that shouldn’t deter you from visiting!
14. Stay in Aberdeen
On Scotland’s Northeast coast, you’ll find the charming city of Aberdeen. Not only does this place have a deep connection with the sea due to its location, but the city is also famous for its history, culture, and architecture.
To make the most of your visit, you’ll want to allow 2-3 days in Aberdeen. This will give you enough time to visit the most popular attractions such as Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Duthie Park, Aberdeen Art Gallery, and St. Machar’s Cathedral.
The Gordon Highlanders Museum is another great place to visit, along with Tory Battery. The latter is a historical landmark that offers striking sea views and fantastic dolphin-watching opportunities.
This compact city also boasts a beautiful beach, known for its panoramic vistas and golden sands. Not to mention, there are some fantastic pubs and restaurants serving Scottish cuisine. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Aberdeen!
15. Head out on a whale-watching boat trip
The Scottish Highlands is an area famous for its wildlife, especially its marine life. Along the coast, you can spot various species including seals, dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks among others and a boat trip to see them is one of the best Scottish Highlands activities.
You can also spot whales in Scotland if you’re lucky, including humpbacks, orcas, minke whales, and fin whales. As such, you’ll want to pack a pair of binoculars and a camera, so you can snap some photographs.
The Isle of Mull is considered one of the best whale-watching locations in Scotland, with Sea Life Mull being a popular tour operator. It’s the UK’s longest-running whale-watching company and has been around for over 40 years.
Gairloch is another great location with Hebridean Whale Cruises offering various boat trips. Alternatively, you can head out with Seafari Adventures from Oban.
Honestly, there are so many tour operators to choose from, but make sure you opt for an ethical company.
16. Attend a Highland Games
If you’re looking for unique things to do in the Scottish Highlands, then attend a Highland Games. These are located all around the country and take place between May and September, with the Gourock Highland Games marking the start of the season.
The Highland Games are fantastic events which usually occur over one day. They take place in outdoor spaces and feature a ton of traditional spots such as the hammer throw, caber toss, tug o’war, and highland dancing.
Not only can you watch these sports, but there are often craft stalls, parades, games, and food stands as well. You’ll also get to appreciate traditional Scottish music, especially the bagpipes.
July and August are the best months to visit for the Highland Games as there are over 30 games each month. However, this is the peak season for visiting Scotland so expect the roads and attractions to be busy!
17. Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite Steam Train is most famous for being the ‘Hogwarts Express Train’ as it was used in the Harry Potter Films. This makes it a fantastic activity for movie buffs, although the jaw-dropping scenery is enough of a reason.
The Jacobite Steam Train typically runs between April and mid-October and will take you on one of the world’s greatest railway journeys.
It starts in Fort William (near Ben Nevis) and continues to Mallaig, where you can catch a ferry over to the Isle of Skye. You can either opt for a one-way ticket and head to Skye or book a return.
Along the way, you’ll head past the scenic Loch Morar, Loch Nevis (Europe’s deepest seawater loch), and Glenfinnan.
If you don’t plan to take this train journey, then at least head to Glenfinnan Viaduct by car, where you can watch the Jacobite head over this iconic landmark.
18. Visit Beautiful Beaches
Although the weather in the Scottish Highlands can be very unpredictable but you don’t want to miss out on the beaches, rain or shine!
One of the best places to visit is Achmelvich Beach, which is known for its white sandy shores, turquoise waters, and remote location. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins, porpoises, and minke whales from the shoreline.
You’ll find Sandwood Bay Beach in the very north of the Highlands. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and offers an impressive sea stack and large dunes. It’s also unspoilt as you’ll need to hike to get here (there’s no road access).
Another must-visit is Big Sand Beach, which boasts breathtaking mountain views. Not only is this beach sheltered from the wind, but you can watch some fire sunsets here too. Honestly, there are so many beaches to choose from in the Highlands!
Where to stay in the Scottish Highlands
I recommend checking out Booking.com for hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s in the Scottish Highlands to find accommodation to suit your trip type and budget.
Best way to get around the Scottish Highlands
Without a doubt, driving is the best way to visit the Scottish Highlands and if you fly into Scotland or arrive by bus/ train, you can hire a car in any of the big cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow and start your Scottish Highlands itinerary with a car from here.
I always use Rental Cars to hire cars as they check all the top car hire companies for the best price and highest quality. Click here to search Scotland car rental!
Scottish Highlands Tours
However, there are many day and multiple day tours available, mostly leaving from Edinburgh where you can see the Scottish Highlands with a guide and be able to sit back and enjoy the ride.
I did a 3 day tour with Rabbies a few years ago taking me from Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye and around the Scottish Highlands. Here’s my tour review!