Travel
Discovering the Scottish Highlands If you’re on the hunt for a staycation closer to home instead of your usual holiday abroad, the Scottish Highlands should definitely be on your radar. Imagine awe-inspiring landscapes, towns rich in culture, fluffy Highland cows, centuries of history and castles straight from a fairy tale – all topped off with a dose of Scottish hospitality. We’ve put together some of the top things to do on a staycation in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. 1. Hike or ski Ben Nevis A hiker’s paradise in summer and a skier’s playground in winter, the UK’s highest peak is a year-round magnet for keen outdoor types. Nevis Range is the Scots’ favourite ski resort in winter, but its panoramic mountain views make it worth a visit during summer too. Take a cable car there to enjoy hikes of varying degrees or tackle the seven-hour trek to Ben Nevis’s peak! While exploring Ben Nevis, base yourself at nearby Fort William, a fantastic jumping off point for exploring the Highlands’ glens and mountains. 2. Visit Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Lose yourself in the medieval history of Inverness’s ruined castle, dating all the way back to the thirteenth century. The castle also sits on the banks of the iconic Loch Ness, making the pair a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Scottish Highlands. Book a fascinating tour around Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness to learn about their role in Highlands history, keeping an eye out for the mythical monster rumoured to roam these waters…
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3. Spend some time on the Isle of Skye Scotland’s crown jewel, the Isle of Skye is the largest and arguably the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides, with spectacular moors, rocky valleys, dramatic mountain ranges and white sandy beaches. Admire the Old Man of Storr, take a dip in the turquoise waters of magical Fairy Pools, walk along the cliff front to Neist Point Lighthouse and hike the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery. 4. Go hiking in Glen Coe Glens are deep, narrow valleys that are synonymous with beautiful scenery, and Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s finest. Carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic explosions, Glen Coe’s beauty has made it the star of many famous films, including Skyfall and the Harry Potter series. If you don’t fancy exploring on foot, the A82 highway cuts straight through the verdant valley. Make time for plenty of stops – the scenery is out of this world! 5. Explore Britain’s biggest national park Covering 1,748 square miles, Cairngorms National Park is twice the size of the Lake District and cradles five of the UK’s six highest summits. You could easily spend days exploring the mountains, lochs, rivers, forests and villages of this mammoth national park, but if you’re short on time don’t leave out a visit to Balmoral Castle – Queen Victoria’s favourite – and a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. As you explore, look out for the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, the UK’s only free-grazing reindeer!
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