Top 10 things to do in the Highlands
The Highlands are Scotland’s big wilderness: mountains, lochs, glens, castles and the Isle of Skye. Distances are long, so plan time and fuel. It is the best place in Britain for scenery.
- 1
Glen Coe
📍 GlencoeWalks, sceneryA dramatic glen with mountain walks and a notorious history.
- 2
Ben Nevis
📍 Fort WilliamMountain, walksThe highest mountain in Britain, with a long path to the summit. Weather changes fast.
- 3
Isle of Skye: Fairy Pools
📍 Glenbrittle, SkyeWalks, waterfallsA string of blue pools and waterfalls beneath the Cuillin.
- 4
Isle of Skye: Old Man of Storr
📍 Near Portree, SkyeWalks, viewsA rock pinnacle above the sea, reached by a steep path.
- 5
Eilean Donan Castle
📍 DornieCastle, viewsA famous castle on a tidal island at the meeting of three lochs.
- 6
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
📍 DrumnadrochitLake, castleThe famous loch, with the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shore.
- 7
Culloden Battlefield
📍 Near InvernessHistory, battlefieldThe site of the last battle on British soil, with a visitor centre.
- 8
Glenfinnan Viaduct
📍 GlenfinnanTrains, viewsA curved railway viaduct, known from Harry Potter, beside Loch Shiel.
- 9
The Jacobite steam train
📍 Fort WilliamTrains, sceneryA steam railway from Fort William to Mallaig over the viaduct. Book ahead.
- 10
Dunrobin Castle
📍 GolspieCastle, gardensA fairytale castle with gardens beside the sea, with falconry displays.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.