Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands cover the mountainous northern half of Scotland, stretching from the Great Glen to the north coast and the far west. The region holds Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom at 1,345 metres, the Cairngorms and Glen Coe, as well as deep lochs including Loch Ness. Inverness is the main city and a common base, while Fort William, Aviemore, Ullapool and Kyle of Lochalsh serve as bases for walking, skiing and ferry connections. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile driving route around the northern coastline, passing Applecross, Assynt, Durness and John o'Groats, with beaches, sea cliffs and single-track roads. Other popular experiences include the Jacobite steam train from Fort William over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Speyside Whisky Trail, Eilean Donan Castle, wildlife trips to spot red deer, golden eagles and dolphins, and the Isle of Skye, reached by bridge. Visitors typically allow at least three to seven days, since distances are long and roads are slow. Photography highlights include the view through the Glencoe pass, Glenfinnan, the Quiraing on Skye and the Old Man of Storr. Crowds concentrate at Glen Coe, Eilean Donan and Skye from June to August, when accommodation books out months ahead. Midges, small biting insects, are prevalent from June to September, particularly at dawn and dusk on still days, and repellent or head nets are widely used. Weather can change within an hour, so layered clothing is essential even in summer. Driving takes longer than distance suggests, with passing places on single-track roads that require courtesy and patience. Fuel and food stops are far apart in the north-west, so keeping the tank above half is wise. The region is free to explore, though individual attractions, ferries and distilleries charge their own admission.