The Scottish Highlands of Scotland cover the northwestern part of the country. And this area then consists of two parts, namely the Grampian Mountains in the southeast and the Northwest Highlands in the northwest. The most famous sights in the Scottish Highlands mainly have to do with the incredibly beautiful nature, ancient castles and the fascinating culture within the region. Of course, the whiskey is also part of this. Many of the whiskeys are named after the places where the basic ingredient water comes from. The Scottish Highlands are ideal for visiting nice towns and villages, making beautiful and challenging walks, climbing mountains, skiing in the winter, various water sports and/or for anyone who likes to enjoy nature. The vast areas in Scotland immediately give you a pleasant and free feeling. The many lakes, rivers, mountains, dales and valleys more than once provide panoramic views that make every photo a success. And the weather, they don’t worry about that in Scotland. Besides many sunny days, there are also plenty of days when it rains. The Scots have the answer to this: Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky. A statement that is absolutely correct. It all becomes completely clear in a visit to one of the many distilleries in Scotland.
Top 10 sights of the Scottish Highlands
#1. Cairngorm National Park
According to Deluxesurveillance, North of Glasgow and Edinburgh lies the vast Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorms form the massif between Central and Northern Scotland. Many of the visitors come to this park for the variety of outdoor activities, the beautiful nature and to visit the cultural heritage. For example, Cairngorms National Park is extremely suitable for beautiful and spectacular walks and / or cycling trips, where you can very well determine the discipline and length. One of the most beautiful long distance routes is ‘The Speyside Way’. This walking tour takes you along the Grampian mountains and the River Spey. The longest route is that of ‘The East Highland Way’. This route starts in Fort William and ends in Aviemore. Some tours can be combined with a visit to cultural heritage. For example, Cairngorms National Park has a number of wonderful legacies to visit, including Ruthven Barracks and the 18th century bridge in Carrbridge. And museums such as the open-air ‘Highland Folk Museum’ in Newtonmore are also recommended. The spacious Cairngorms National Park is also home to a variety of animal species. You can spot different bird species, deer, squirrels and even reindeer. In the Cairngorm Reindeer Center they can tell you about this in detail. The spacious Cairngorms National Park is also home to a variety of animal species. You can spot different bird species, deer, squirrels and even reindeer. In the Cairngorm Reindeer Center they can tell you about this in detail. The spacious Cairngorms National Park is also home to a variety of animal species. You can spot different bird species, deer, squirrels and even reindeer. In the Cairngorm Reindeer Center they can tell you about this in detail.
#2. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National park
The slightly smaller, but certainly no less popular Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is also an impressive nature park. This part of Scotland, which was only designated a national park in the 21st century, is located more in the west of the country. The immense lake Loch Lomond and the rolling hills ‘the Trossachs’ guarantee a nice day out. Several cruise boats sail in Loch Lomond that let you explore the beautiful surroundings from the water. These usually depart from the central point at Balloch bridge. There are also trips to one or more islands in the area, including the islands of Inchcailloch and Inchmurrin. But of course you can also choose other ways to spend your time in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National park. You can go kayaking, windsurfing, walking, cycling, fishing, not to mention exploring Gaelic culture. Different Gaelic names tell you something about the story behind the name. The Visitor Center on the western shore of Loch Lomond is an excellent starting point to visit this captivating national park.
#3. Glencoe
Glen Coe is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Scotland. Just a trip by car through this fairytale area will not leave you unmoved. Spectacular mountains, glacial valleys, green hills and rock formations alternate in a beautiful setting. It is not for nothing that this area is one of the most beautiful mountaineering areas in Scotland. Several maps and routes are available at the Glen Coe Visitor Center to guide you through this beautiful area. In addition, there is a historical presentation about Glen Coe and what role it has played in the past. For example, very violent fights took place here around the seventeenth century, known as the ‘Gencoe massacre’. What many people don’t know is that you can also go for winter sports in Scotland. Mountains such as Ben Nevis are therefore also very popular in winter. In Glen Coe you can go very well in terms of winter sports on the Roaring Stags hills at Meall a’Bhuiridh and Clach Leathad.
#4. Jacobite Train
Harry Potter fans should definitely not miss a ride on the Jacobite Train. The old cabins of this steam train appear in a Harry Potter film. And the route of the Jacobite Train takes you to the famous Glenfinnan bridge, which has also been featured in a number of Harry Potter films. This thirty meter high viaduct from the twentieth century is supported by twenty-one arches and pillars. You automatically imagine yourself in the ‘Hogwarts Express’. The Jacobite Train route starts in Fort William and ends in the fishing village of Mallaig about two hours later. Apart from the Harry Potter bridge and train, the route is of course also recommended for those who love beautiful Scottish landscapes. The passes fantastic panoramic moments in which the landscape comes into its own. Think of lakes, mountains, rocks, beaches, villages and valleys. It is wise to get your ticket for the Jacobite steam train well in advance. If this did not work out, you can always try to buy a ticket on the platform on the day itself. Often about thirty seats are sold on the day itself. then you can always try to buy a ticket on the platform on the day itself. Often about thirty seats are sold on the day itself. then you can always try to buy a ticket on the platform on the day itself. Often about thirty seats are sold on the day itself.
#5. Urquhart Castle
On the edge of the beautiful Loch Ness is the ancient Urquhart Castle. This castle in the mountain area ‘The Great Glen’ is nowadays little more than a ruin. Visitors can visit the remains of the three-storey main building, a dovecote, stables and storage areas. However, most come mainly to enjoy the view over Scotland’s most talked about lake, Loch Ness. This lake is world famous because of the stories about the Lochness monster “Nessie” which is said to be hiding here. Urquhart Castle was built as a medieval fortress.
Especially during the wars for independence, Urquhart Castle occupied an important position. The castle then came into the possession of Duncan Grant and his grandson. And then it was abandoned about 1690 and blown up so that it could not be used by enemies.
#6. Ben Nevis
The highest mountain in Scotland is Ben Nevis. The contours of this more than thirteen hundred and forty-four meter mountain stand out very beautifully and are clearly visible from the county of Inverness and the surrounding area. The point, where a weather station is located, is regularly covered in clouds. For many mountaineers and hikers, Ben Nevis is a challenge. A trip up takes an average of four to five hours, but can be quite dangerous given the weather conditions. Some preparation is in order. There is plenty of information and tips available in the Glen Nevis visitor center. Absurd times are achieved in the climbing course during the annual Ben Nevis Race. Many participants start running up Ben Nevis, only to get off again as quickly as possible. The race is really a spectacle to watch. In the vicinity of Ben Nevis you will also find places of interest such as the village of Fort William, the ‘Neptune’s Staircase’ locks and the Jacobite Steam Railway.
#7. Western Highland Highway
The most famous and perhaps most popular walking route in Scotland is the ‘West Highland Highway’. This multi-day walking tour covers about one hundred and fifty-four kilometers, starting in Milngavie and ending in Fort William. Along the way you pass the most beautiful landscapes with rock formations, mountains, lakes and valleys. You can also visit various villages and sights. This way it is also possible to split up the trip and get some extra rest in between. It goes without saying that your protective equipment should be prepared for the weather in Scotland. Good preparation is therefore half the work. The West Highland Highway is of course also very suitable for day trips. There are special fun and beautiful walks that do not take hours. Visit the visitor center in Milngavie for more information.
#8. Loch Ness
The vast loch of Loch Ness has become world famous thanks to various stories. For centuries people have believed they have seen an unspecified animal in this lake, which is several meters long. Some believe it is shaped like a snake and others have seen bumps on the animal. These and other stories have led to the animal being ‘affectionately’ referred to as Nessie and even made headlines worldwide. None of the stories have ever been scientifically substantiated and thus relegated to the realm of fables. Loch Ness still enjoys its popularity. Every year the lake is visited by thousands of tourists, who like to explore the lake and the surrounding area. And that is certainly not unjustified. The Loch Ness lake is exceptionally beautiful. The dark water has depths of more than two hundred meters and stretches for about thirty-seven kilometers. Nice sights on and around the lake are Urquhart Castle, the village of Drumnadrochit with the Loch Ness Center and Exhibition, Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal with the famous ‘Neptunes Staircase’ locks.
#9. Dunrobin Castle
The Dunrobin castle, where many counts and dukes stayed in the past, is located on the North Sea. Dunrobin Castle was built around the fifteenth century near the town of Golspie and it is still incredibly popular. Various adjustments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have meant that the castle is still in good condition. Visitors can now enjoy eighteenth-century tapestries, fine family portraits and other paintings, and a collection of jewellery, weapons and stuffed animals.
#10. Achmelvich Beach
The miles of coastline of Scotland is divided into rugged rocks, mountains, bays and beautiful beaches. Achmelvich Beach is a beach worth mentioning. The white sand and the blue sea are a pleasant combination for a sunny day at the water. Achmelvich Beach is located in the northwest near Lochinver. Apart from beach and dunes, there is not really a village. However, there are campsites in the immediate vicinity. Due to its location, Achmelvich Bay is particularly popular with hikers, snorkelers and nature lovers.
