Explore the Scottish Highlands
The Highlands and Scottish islands are simply magical. Towering mountains, dark lochs, beautiful Scottish Highland castles and friendly people are just a few of the delights on offer. The Highlands is an area with a long tradition of hospitality and a wealth of romantic folklore, historical heroes and mystical legends.
Plan the ultimate Scottish Highlands tour to explore the farthest corners of our breathtaking nation. Whether you’re looking to escape city life for a quick day trip or enjoy an extended Scottish Highlands holiday, you won’t be short of interesting places to visit.
Discover the best Scottish Highland tours for an unforgettable trip across some of Europe’s most striking landscapes and iconic attractions.
Explore the North Highlands
The rugged wilderness of Scotland’s northern tip is home to some of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands. Choose from epic road trips, quaint Scottish Highland coastal villages, sandy beaches and much more for the ultimate adventure.
North Coast 500
Sit back and relax as you embark on one of the most iconic driving routes on the planet. Known as Scotland's very own Route 66 the North Coast 500 is the perfect way to experience the North Highlands in all its glory.
Enjoy a spectacular cocktail of sandy beaches, impressive mountain peaks and breathtaking views along Scotland's stunning coastline.
Hop aboard your luxury coach in Edinburgh for an unbelievable 8-day tour of Skye, Orkney and the North Coast 500.
Journey amid glorious glens, ancient castles and stunning lochs as you visit the historic battle site of Culloden Moor, breathtaking Smoo Cave and the wonders of the Cairngorms National Park.
John O’Groats
Journey to the northernmost tip of the United Kingdom with a picturesque visit to the world-famous village of John O’Groats.
The 876 mile stretch between John O’Groats and Land’s End in Cornwall is the longest distance between two inhabited points on mainland Britain.
Enjoy a peaceful journey through the delights of the North Highlands with a 1-day tour to Dunrobin Castle and John O'Groats.
Meander your way through the wonders of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve before exploring the ancient history of Dunrobin Castle — a magnificent 15th-century palace and the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland.
After a quick stop at the tiny hamlet of Golspie, enjoy a spot of lunch in Wick before snapping an iconic photo opportunity at John O’Groats.
Inverness and Loch Ness
Often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, the beautiful city of Inverness is bursting with character and important Scottish landmarks.
The historic city rose to fame after its role in two major battles: the 11th-century Battle of Blàr nam Fèinne against Norway and the 18th-century Battle of Culloden which took place on Culloden Moor. Enjoy spectacular views atop Inverness Castle and explore the banks of the River Ness with a jam-packed city tour of Inverness.
Inverness is also the perfect base to explore the surrounding Highlands and is just a wee hop skip and a jump from the world-famous waters of Loch Ness. Grab your binoculars and embrace your inner detective as you cruise across Scotland's largest loch and begin your search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster.
Loch Ness is also a stone’s throw from the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle and Clava Cairns — a fascinating Bronze Age tomb that inspired the Outlander TV series.
Moray & Speyside
For the whisky fanatics out there, the Highland regions of Moray and Speyside are home to some of the best single malt distilleries in the world.
Enjoy a dram of the ‘water of life’ on a visit to Speyside, home to more than 50 whisky distilleries. Famous names such as Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Strathisla all feature on the Whisky Trail, a collection of 9 distilleries plus The Speyside Cooperage, which makes and repairs the casks used in the production process.
The region is also home to the beautifully-reconstructed and preserved Brodie Castle after it was burnt to the ground by rival clan member, Lewis Gordon in 1645. Continue your cultural experience with a flying visit to the 13th-century remains of Elgin Cathedral.
You can’t tour the area without stopping off for a spot of dolphin watching at Moray Firth. Enjoy spectacular views from Chanonry Point as you’re on the lookout for one of the 130 Bottlenose Dolphins that live in the local waters.
Fort William and Lochaber
The striking mountains and lush green pastures of Lochaber is home to the historic town of Fort William.
Hop aboard the real Hogwarts Express as you journey along a stunning 41-mile stretch of Highland countryside on the Jacobite Express Steam Train.
The two-hour train ride between Fort William and the quaint fishing town of Mallaig takes you across the spectacular Glenfinnan viaduct - the perfect way to travel to the Isle of Skye in style.
Lochaber is also home to the UK’s tallest mountain peak, Ben Nevis. Enjoy breathtaking views across Glen Coe and the Great Glen as you bask in the glory of the Cairngorms National Park.
Things To Do In The Scottish Highlands
Glen Coe
Famed for its magnificent scenery this famous valley has a haunting tale to tell. It was the location of the infamous massacre in 1692 when members of the MacDonald Clan were killed in their beds by troops of the Clan Campbell, who were acting on Governemt orders. It remains a controversial act to this very day.
The picturesque landscapes of Glen Coe have been used as the backdrop of many international blockbusters including the Harry Potter movies and James Bond’s Skyfall.
Beauly Priory
Founded in 1230, the ancient ruins of Beauly Priory were once a Valliscaulian monastic community located in the charming Highland village of Beauly.
Bealach na Bà
Wind your way along the third highest road in Scotland through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. Bealach na Bà boasts the steepest ascent of any road in the UK — making it a hot spot for daring cyclists who fancy a challenge.
Fort William & Ben Nevis
Overlooking Loch Linnhe, “The Fort” has a scenic location just a short distance from the towering peak of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.
Another peak of the Nevis range is Aonach Mòr which has a gondola ride to the summit, some 650 m. Originally built to carry skiers, it's now a year-round attraction.
Cairngorms National Park
Home to five of Britain’s tallest mountains, truly wild scenery and Scotland’s rarest wildlife.
Torridon Mountains
Grab your hiking boots as you explore magnificent peaks of the Torridon Mountains and exquisite scenery across the lush planes of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.
Loch Ness
Duncansby Head
Grab your binoculars and read-up on your Scottish birdlife knowledge as you admire the unique wildlife and fascinating geology of Duncansby Head in Caithness. The bizarre shape of the Sea Stacks of Duncansby have puzzled geologists for centuries.
Culloden Moor
The site of the last battle fought on British soil is where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end in 1746.
Jacobite Steam Train
Follow in the footsteps of Harry and his chums by taking an unforgettable trip on the West Highland Railway line.
The real Hogwarts Express operates twice a day during the summer months between Fort William and Mallaig. During the journey the train crosses over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies.
Inverewe Gardens
Discover a riot of colourful and exotic plants, trees and shrubs from around the World. They flourish in these remote gardens thanks to the effects of the Gulf Stream.