Top 10 Things to Do in The Scottish Highlands

Exploring the Glenfinnan Viaduct — ready to spot the Hogwarts Express! Photo taken by Barbie and Panda

There’s no place more magical to visit than the Scottish Highlands. There is plenty to see, most notably the Isle of Skye — However, the adventures don’t stop there. There are tons of places off-the-beaten-path, and countless adventure activities that are hardly heard about outside of The Highlands. Here are just 10 of the top things to see and do in the Scottish Highlands! We hope this list helps you to plan your trip and add a few activities that will make your journey one you’ll never forget!

1. Explore the Isle of Skye

Perhaps the most sought after place to visit in the Scottish Highlands, there’s no place like the Isle of Skye. Enormous mountains with daring cliffs, green hill after green hill layers themselves as far as the eyes can see. This is quintessential Scotland in and of itself, and a photographer’s paradise. 

2. Stay at the Isle of Eriska

Out of everything we did in Scotland, we cannot recommend this enough! Getting off the beaten path and heading to the Isle of Eriska, a private island with a luxury hotel, for those looking for a bit of rest and relaxation, this place is perfect. Perched at the edge of a small forest, the Isle of Eriska holds beautiful views of Loch Linnhe, as well as an elegant and pristine manor containing warm fireplaces, delicious tea, and incredible food. We ate at the hotel’s Michelin Star awarded restaurant, and it was one of the highlights of our entire trip! Whether you’d like to golf, go biking, or simply enjoy the spa, the Isle of Eriska is an amazing experience. Treat yourself and book one of their private hilltop reserves!

3. Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Made famous as being the viaduct the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a sight that can’t be missed by any! The historic viaduct crosses an enormous length, framed by mountains on either side. There’s parking just off the highway, and about a half mile hike up to the viewpoint, though you can view the viaduct from afar if you don’t feel like walking. We highly recommend walking along the small road from the parking area to the viaduct. From there, the path is guided by signs that will take you under the viaduct and up to the viewpoint looking over from above. This is where you get the best view of the viaduct and can see the train crossing towards you! Be sure to check the schedule for when the Hogwarts Express will cross the viaduct as the timetables change from season to season.

4. 4x4 Adventures at Loch Lomond

I never knew I could go off-roading in the Scottish Highlands until I heard about 4x4 Adventures Scotland in Loch Lomond! Wow, what an experience! We had never driven stick shift before, but the guys at 4x4 Adventures were hilarious and extremely helpful in teaching us. Drive up the mountains surrounding Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch, and enjoy the incredible views as you drive through mud and along daring cliffs. If you drive like us, you’ll be laughing about this experience for the rest of your trip! It’s a real treat and can’t be missed!

5. Enjoy Scottish Afternoon Tea

This deserves a category for itself because you simply can’t get tea this good in the states! No matter where you may be staying in the Scottish Highlands, you cannot pass up the opportunity to have a true Scottish afternoon tea experience!

6. Drink the Night Away at a Scottish Pub

Find a pub and pick your poison! Whether whiskey, wine, liquor or ale, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the culture at a boisterous pub in the Scottish Highlands. There’s something incredibly friendly and warm about taking a seat at a pub after a long day exploring. Some hold live performances and music, while others classically keep it simple. We were sure to plan a few meals at pubs, leaving time in the evening to stay if we’d like. Bonding over a couple drinks at a pub may become some of your fondest memories as you visit Scotland!

7. Stop Off at The Kelpies

Giant horse-head statues greet you as you leave Edinburgh and head into the Scottish Highlands. These statues are 30 meters tall located in the Falkirk area, and are a perfect stop-off to grab a few photos and buy a snack or a few souvenirs at the gift-shop. The Kelpies pay homage to the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy. They are just as beautiful to view at night, as the statues light up!

8. Eat at the Monachyle Mhor Hotel

Another location off the beaten path that you can’t miss, the Monachyle Mhor Hotel is a sweet and charming accommodation that offers a fantastic dining experience. Lunch is served from 12 to 2pm and dinner is served from 6:45 to 9pm. You’ll want to book in advance, and leave plenty of time to enjoy the grounds.

Exec head chef Marysia Paszkowska has been at Monachyle since 2010 cooking exceptional Scottish food, sourced mainly from our farm, or nearby – our venison comes from the surrounding hills. We pick vegetables, fruit, and herbs from the kitchen garden, and forage in all sorts of secret spots. Tom is always involved in the food, from sourcing and planning, to pickling and preserving.

9. Take the Nevis Range Gondola

Near to Fort Williams, the Nevis Range Gondola provides spectacular views atop Aonoch Mór Mountain. This experience is great for everyone, young and old. Once at the top of the mountain, take your time taking photographs, hiking around and gazing at the scenery. The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is the only one of its kind in Britain and reaches the heights of 650m. It was built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in Britain, originally as a way to transport skiers to the slopes. The Mountain Gondola has become an amazing visitor attraction, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic ride and absorb the stunning views and clear mountain air. It is also widely used as a short cut by climbers to the many challenging winter climbing routes on Aonach Mòr and by hill walkers to access summer routes. During the summer mountain bikers who ride the exciting & challenging downhill tracks use the Gondola for uplift as do paragliders on their journey to the clouds.

10. Visit Castles, A Lot of Castles

With over 2000 historic castles, Scotland takes the cake. Apart from Edinburgh Castle, there are many more to visit in the Scottish Highlands. Some of the best to visit are Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, Ardvreck Castle, Brodie Castle, and Dunnottar Castle. We stopped off at Doune Castle, not too far off from Edinburgh and had a great time reminiscing on scenes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail! This castle is more recently made famous from the series, Outlander.

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