Scottish Highlands

Where to go and what to see in the Scottish Highlands to get the most from your trip – a 10-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.

One of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys – an 84-mile round trip from Fort William to the little fishing village of Mallaig along the west coast of Scotland.

Sail through Scotland’s mesmerising Highlands along the dramatic Caledonian Canal, taking in spectacular landscapes, craggy castles, whisky distilleries and glassy lochs, as well as the islands and waterways of the Inner Hebrides.

Europe’s most luxurious hotel train offers a relaxing introduction to the Highlands, with stops including country houses, castles, gardens, Loch Ness and world-renowned Scottish whisky distilleries.

A spectacular road trip around the far-flung north coast of Scotland – spellbinding landscapes, ancient castles, occasional whisky distillery, and rich Scottish heritage.

A true grain-to-glass distillery on a 2,000-acre independent family estate on the Angus coast. They grow all the ingredients on their farm for their award-winning spirits including the first climate-positive gin made from peas, potato vodka and Scotland’s first rye whisky in 200 years. They’ve also recently launched a striking new state-of-the-art visitor experience and tasting room.

A charmingly old-fashioned Highland wildlife experience – trek to see wild reindeer roaming the mountains of the Cairngorms.

Pronounced ‘cheerum’ this atmospheric, 13th-century ruined fortress on a tidal island in Loch Moidart in Lochaber on the west coast has been uninhabited for around two centuries. Closed to visitors due to the dangers of crumbling masonry you can still wander across the sandy causeway to marvel at its ancient exterior.

A place of pilgrimage for Shakespeare scholars (Macbeth was the Thane of Cawdor), this ancient fortress complete with drawbridge, turrets and towers dates back to the 14th century and is furnished with rare Flemish tapestries, oil paintings and fine antiques. The walled gardens peppered with contemporary sculptures are also a highlight.

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.