Highland Travel Guide

Scotland

Fort William showing mountains and a lake or waterhole
Urquhart Castle featuring a ruin and a lake or waterhole
Loch Morlich which includes a river or creek and a pebble beach
Loch Morlich featuring a river or creek and forest scenes
Inverness featuring a coastal town and a river or creek
The Highlands is a region synonymous with drama and romance because of its sprawling unbridled landscape, which incorporates soaring Munros and mountains, jewel-blue lochs that reflect the sky, emerald forests and majestic wildlife. The Scottish Highlands is integral to Scotland’s identity as a nation, and its vast expanse across the north of the UK offers activities and adventure for people from every walk of life.

Where are the Highlands?

The Highlands make up a large area of Scotland, and they don't have definitive boundary lines. Traditionally, the boundary was considered to run horizontally from Helensburgh to Stonehaven, but it is now accepted that parts of Morayshire, Nairnshire, Banffshire, the Hebrides and Aberdeenshire are also considered to be part of the Highlands.

What to Do and Where to Stay in the Highlands

There is so much to explore in this part of Scotland, and where you stay depends on what you want to get out of your trip. For climbers and adventure seekers, Fort William offers access to some of the largest Munros in the UK, including the famous highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Walkers, hikers, bikers, skiiers and trekkers will find a home in the Cairngorms National Park.

Keen kayakers, swimmers, and water sports fans can enjoy plenty of lochs in the region, including Loch Morlich. With locations like Aviemore, Inverness, Fort William and Glencoe all offering spa hotels, sleek boutiques, comfy B&Bs and traditional inns, you can set your worries aside, and your head to rest, by finding accommodation that suits you using Expedia’s handy search tool. Inverness boasts a lively city centre and it is popular with holidaymakers thanks to its close proximity to Loch Ness, where you can search out Nessie and take a tour of the fantastic Urquhart Castle.

Exploring the Isle of Skye

Head to Kyle of Lochalsh, and cross the bridge to the famed Isle of Skye to see the fairy pools, eat freshly caught seafood, explore the Old Man of Stoer and stroll the streets of Portree. This island offers opportunities for Munro baggers to take in a few peaks among the Cuillin too.

Whisky Trails, Golf and the North Sea

On the eastern side of the Highlands past Inverness and the legend of Loch Ness is Moray Speyside, where the Coastal Trail is almost as famed as the Malt Whiskey Trail. See the spectacular north eastern coastline of Scotland where unexpectedly sandy beaches are sheltered by rock outcroppings. Cliffs and tide pools welcome in marine and bird life that will have you reaching for your binoculars.

If you’d rather savour the smooth malts Scotland is famous for, visit a few renowned distilleries like Glenlivet, Glen Moray, Glenfidditch and Strathisla, where you can taste centuries of knowledge in these perfected brews.

The Highlands are where Scottish songs are sung, tales are told and legends are made. Travelling to this magical part of Scotland will leave an indelible mark on your life, so start planning your journey to the Scottish Highlands with Expedia today.

Popular cities in Highland

Urquhart Castle showing a lake or waterhole and building ruins
Inverness
Known for Rivers, Historical and Walking
Inverness has all the attractions of a major city, including quality museums and heritage sites, as well as a perfect placement for Highland exploring.

Reasons to visit

  • Inverness Castle
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Inverness Cathedral
Oban showing a coastal town
Oban
Known for Friendly people, Ferries and boats and Islands
This waterfront town offers a range of typical Scottish delights, including a famous distillery, evocative castle ruins and dramatic, wild landscapes.

Reasons to visit

  • Oban Distillery
  • Ganavan Sands
  • Connel Bridge
Fort William featuring street scenes
Fort William
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Bars
Hike around this picturesque region for views of the stunning lochs. Study Scottish cultural facets of pubs, haggis and whiskey.

Reasons to visit

  • Ben Nevis
  • Inverlochy Castle
  • Neptune's Staircase
Thurso
Thurso
Known for Friendly people, Ferries and boats and Budget
Britain’s northernmost mainland town, this cheerful vacation resort is a popular surfing center and excellent base for excursions into the surrounding countryside.

Reasons to visit

  • Dunnet Head Lighthouse
  • Castle of Mey
  • Farr Beach
Loch an Eilein featuring a river or creek, mountains and island images
Aviemore
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Family-friendly
This lively resort town is the gateway to the Cairngorm Mountains and the United Kingdom’s largest national park.

Reasons to visit

  • CairnGorm Mountain
  • Loch Morlich
  • Loch an Eilein
Isle of Skye which includes hiking or walking, a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Minginish
Check out the local area in Minginish—home to attractions like Faerie Glen and Fairy Pools.

Reasons to visit

  • Fairy Pools
  • Talisker Distillery
  • Talisker Beach