Discovering the Scottish Highlands

If outdoor adventures and romantic scenery sound like key ingredients for your perfect staycation, it won’t take you long to fall in love with the Scottish Highlands. 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. If, like many of us this year, 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. Whether you choose to drive there in your own vehicle, kick back on a train journey or take one of the direct flights to Inverness from an airport near you, the Highlands are easier to access than you’d think. With so many sights and experiences to tick off while you’re there, we’ve put together just a ‘wee’ selection 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 well worth a visit in the summer too. Take a cable car there to enjoy hikes of varying degrees, or for a real challenge, tackle the seven-hour trek to Ben

Nevis’s peak! Regardless of the season, wrap up warm and wear your waterproofs; the weather can change very quickly at this altitude.

While exploring Ben Nevis, it’s a good idea to base yourself at nearby Fort William. Set amidst magnificent mountain scenery, this charming town has been coined the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and is 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 picturesque 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…

3. Spend a couple of days 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. Spectacular moors, rocky valleys, dramatic mountain ranges and white sandy beaches: Skye’s landscapes will take your breath away.

Admire the iconic 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. The Isle of Skye has no shortage of things to do; you could spend a week here alone!

4. Go hiking in Glen Coe

You’ll hear the word ‘glen’ a lot on a holiday to the Scottish Highlands, mainly because this corner of the world is filled with them. These deep, narrow valleys 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. Outdoorsy types will find plenty to do here, but 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 truly out of this world!

Conveniently, Glen Coe is set just twenty-three miles south of Ben Nevis, making it easy to add both attractions into your holiday.

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 six highest summits in the UK.

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. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to follow too. As you explore, keep an eye out for the Cairngorm

Reindeer Herd, the UK’s only free-grazing reindeer!