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Scottish Highlands

  • Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Ruins of Kilchurn Castle on the edge of Loch Awe with brown hills behind

Expect stunning scenery – here Kilchurn Castle next to Loch Awe

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

The Highlands is a land of tartan-clad myth and legend: a dramatic, mountainous region, twice the size of Wales, slashed with jagged lochs and peppered with gnarled castles.

It’s a magnet for history buffs, a world-class adventure playground and a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts: magnificent stags roam across mist-shrouded moorland while golden eagles soar overhead.

There are wild, deserted beaches to tramp and empty roads snaking through forest-fringed glens sprinkled with whisky distilleries – perfect road-trip territory.

And for the end of the day, there are cosy castle hotels where you can tuck into wild venison or salmon from the rushing rivers.

Orientation

Inverness, at the Highland’s core and staging point for Loch Ness, sits at the top of the Great Glen, which cuts diagonally across Scotland from the southwest to northeast.

On the wild north coast you’ll find white-sand beaches and soaring cliffs. Head down the sea loch-indented west coast to activities centre Fort William, at the southern end of the Great Glen, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Tours, tickets & transfers

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

  • Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Viator

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. This jam-packed tour offers stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance to escape the bustle of modern life. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture through captivating myths, legends, and historical landmarks. Visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can enjoy an optional boat cruise and perhaps spot Nessie! Marvel at the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and (season permitting) meet the iconic Highland Cows. Every winding road reveals new photo opportunities, stories, and memories. Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.

Price £60

Min age 7

Rating 4.80 / 5 [6403 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

  • Edinburgh

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

Viator

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable 12-hour adventure from Edinburgh and experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury mini-coach with a friendly, knowledgeable guide and a small group of no more than 16 people – ensuring a relaxed, personalised experience. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, steeped in history and surrounded by towering peaks. Continue your journey through rugged Highland scenery to the picturesque village of Fort Augustus. Here, you’ll enjoy a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, where you can soak up breath-taking views and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie! With the water stretching out against a backdrop of forested hills, this is a true highlight of the day. Afterwards, travel through the stunning Cairngorms National Park, passing natural landmarks. Your final stop is the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you can enjoy a short stroll before the scenic drive back to Edinburgh.

Price £102

Min age 5

Rating 4.72 / 5 [5853 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh

1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

Viator

1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey through the Highlands, where breathtaking landscapes and legendary tales await. Stand on the shores of mysterious Loch Ness or take to the water on a boat cruise, in search of its elusive resident. Travel through Scotland’s most iconic scenery, from the dramatic beauty of Glen Coe to the sweeping Great Glen and the wilds of Highland Perthshire. Along the way, you might even catch a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis, standing tall over it all.

Price £68

Min age 5

Rating 4.73 / 5 [3475 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

Viator

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beguiling mystery and dramatic history on this day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, witness the stunning vistas of Cairngorms National Park and cruise along world-famous Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster and tour Urquhart Castle ruins. Admire an ancient castle in Stirling as you pass by, learn about the massacre at Glen Coe and the adventures of Scottish legend William Wallace, whose life is depicted in the film ‘Braveheart.’ Be sure to bring your camera to capture stunning views and maybe even a glimpse of ‘Nessie’! Please note on December 26 there will be no castle or cruise available

Price £66

Min age 3

Rating 4.64 / 5 [2581 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh

Viator

Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh
This 12 hour tour will fit in as much of Scotland as can possibly done in one day! You will witness the stunning scenery of Glencoe and Ben Nevis before you make your way to Loch Ness for a cruise across its deep waters looking for evidence of its renowned resident, Nessie. Enjoy traveling in comfort on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches as you witness the stunning sights that Scotland has to offer. Please note: This tour is designed to pack into one day as much as possible of Scotland’s highlights! While much of the journey is enjoyed from the comfort of the coach due to the distance covered, you will experience breathtaking views and scenery along the way.

Price £62

Min age 4

Rating 4.53 / 5 [1848 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

Hogmanay is a traditional highlight – nobody celebrates New Year quite like the Scots and there are ceilidhs (dances) scattered all over the Highlands.

However, if you want to sightsee, many attractions close over the winter months. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit.

The summer season can be mobbed in the tourist hotspots and midges can be a nightmare on the west coast particularly (the midges are at their worst June to September). If you want to experience the traditional Highland Games you’ll need to brave the peak season crowds.

Getting there and away

Inverness is the main gateway to the Highlands and its transport hub, with an airport and train station on the main east coast line. However, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are also access points. It’s just a three-hour drive from Edinburgh to Inverness up the A9.

Getting around

Driving is a dream in the Highlands. You’ll often have the route to yourself, especially along the coastal roads in the far north.

However, take care on the A9 (the main north–south route) as it’s a muddle of dual and single carriageway; slow-moving trucks and driver frustration can cause tailbacks and accidents. During the summer there is also a plague of caravans on the roads.

Where to stay

Inverness is the small, bustling capital of the Highlands and a good base for sightseeing, outdoor activities and Loch Ness.

Fort William, in the shadow of Ben Nevis and the Nevis range ski slopes, is the west coast’s outdoor activities hub. Aviemore is its equivalent on the east in the Cairngorm National Park.

For staggering coastal scenery, the northwest coast can’t be beaten, while foodies should head to gourmet hotspot the Isle of Skye.

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