Welcome to The Highlands!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
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About The Highlands
The Highlands (Scots: the Hielands; Scottish Gaelic: a’ Ghàidhealtachd , the place of the Gaels‘) is a historic region of Scotland. Scottish Gaelic was the main language throughout most of the Lowlands and spoken here more than other parts of Scotland. The term is also used for the area north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault, although the exact boundaries are not clearly defined, particularly to the east. The Great Glen divides the Grampian Mountains to the southeast from the Northwest Highlands. The Scottish Gaelic name of A’ Ghàidhealtachd literally means “the place of the Gaels” and traditionally, from a Gaelic-speaking point of view, includes both the Western Isles and the Highlands.
It is a vast amount of land, sparsely populated but becoming more visited by tourists with the fascination of Loch Ness, Outlander series, and stunning landscapes of Isle of Skye, and the Cairngorms National Park. The North Coast 500 driving course along the northern part of the Highlands has brought more adventurous traelers each year to the Highlands as well. The beauty of the Highlands is truly unmatched.
A special thank you to Stefan Zimmerman for this awe inspiring look at the Highlands. subscribe to his channel for more amazing videos by clicking the link below the video.
Area Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
The Scottish Highlands covers a lot of the upper part of Scotland. We have dedicated content like Glencoe and the Isle of Skye to other pages, but these locations are also part of the Highlands. Inverness, Loch Ness, and Cairngorms National Forest are popular destinations in the Highlands.
Eat Play & Stay
Explore more about the wonderful places to see, great restaurants and amazing accommodation in The Highlands! We have chosen one of our favorites for each. Click on the title to learn more, and click Explore More for other options.
Feel free to click on the slide or the icon at the top right to stop and the arrow to continue.
There are so many options in the Highlands. If you find a local pub, you cannot go wrong. Macgregor's Gastropub in Inverness is a top choice by many. Not only is the food good, but you can find some singing & dancing to entertain you as well. Check it out by clicking the title or picture. For other options in the are, click Explore More.
For a great day out and a relaxing time, check out a boat tour on Loch Ness and the Calendonian Canal. You will see amazing historial sites and maybe run into the Loch Ness monster! Click on the title or picture to find out more and Click Explore More for other options.
We have mentioned John before but if you would like to sit back and learn about the history of Inverness and Loch Ness, among many other sites, look into a trip with John. Also check out his podcast by clicking below.
This charming Bed and Breakfast on the banks of Loch Ness is an amazing find. Dear friends of ours highly recommend as a choice when traveling to the highlands. It is a quintessential Scottish experience at its best!
This Lodge is overlooing Loch Ness and has been totally renovated with modern amenities. It is totally on our bucket list! The reviews are outstanding and it offers peaceful tranquility, not too far from Inverness. Photo credit: Emily Sandifer. Click on the title or photo to learn more or Explore More for other options in the area. Watch out for tourist traps as this is a popular area for travellers.
This highly rated Bed & Breakfast is in the Highlands and a great stop on the way to Inverness. The hospitality is bar none and the expereince of staying in a historical setting adds to your trip. You will see sheep, Scottish cows and wildlife just outside your window. Click on the title or picture to learn more or click Explore More for other options in the area.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight
Visit Scotland offers some great suggestions on how to plan your trip to the Highlands. Besides this video, there are a ton of resources for you!
Rick Steves
Rick is at it again! He put together a short video on some amazing sites in the Highlands. Check out the video and click Explore More for his travel guide. Be sure to check out his podcasts too.
On an island in Kyle Lochalsh sits one of the most iconic castles in all of Scotland, Eilean Donan. It majestic lines and long bridge make it a photographer’s favorite.Eilean Donan Castle went through several phases of development from the earliest fortifications of the 13th century through to its destruction in 1719, and the subsequent reconstruction in the 20th century. Check out this site for info on tickets.
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Inverness & Loch Ness
Off the Beaten Path
Inverness is an exciting town at the mouth of the Loch Ness and along the famous northern drive, North Coast 500. It has also seen more recent attention with the series Outlander. From the Bronze Age Clava Cairns to Culloden Battlefield, site of the final, fateful clash of the Jacobite Risings, you can connect with the past at a range of remarkable places in and around the city.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a large lake, one of the largest in the UK. It is a big part of the Highlands and at the shores of Inverness. It is most well known for the sightings of the “Loch Ness Monster” and still draws many people yearly. The expanse of water is captivating and with the 360 Trail, there is so much to see.
Just like the Game of Thrones filming locations, Photasma provides a great overview of the scenes. He gives the best tips on how to visit the locations related to Outlander if you want to venture out on your own. I am sure you can book a tour if you don’t want to find the locations. It also provides great history. Click Explore More find various tours.
Scotland Podcast
John Mackay Harbour sets out to take you on a virtual tour of Scotland. In this episode, John starts in Inverness. He has 2 other episodes related to Inverness, among many other interesting sessions.
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Cairngorm's National Park
Local Spotlight
Cairngorm's Park
The National Park is the largest in the UK. Ironically the person behind the national parks in the U.S. was from Scotland. The national park was not formed until the early 200s. There is wildlife and rolling hills and mountains everywhere you look. It is a true gem of Scotland.
On the way to Inverness just past the Cairngorm National Park, is a great unique experience. Take part in sheep herding demonstration and spend some time on a working farm. Click eExplore More for information.
Virtual Driving Tour ~ North Coast 500
by Outlandish Drives
