10 Places You Must Visit in the Scottish Highlands

No visit to the Scottish Highlands would be complete without a visit to the home of the crowd-pleasing Loch Ness Monster (aka “Nessie”). Granted, the elusive monster may not make an appearance, but the area around the deep, dark loch does not disappoint. Take a cruise past the 1,000-year-old ruins of Urquhart Castle, before heading inside to climb Grant Tower for excellent views over the loch. If visiting Loch Ness from Inverness, book a combination tour that includes stops at such sites as Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns.

Perhaps the most celebrated valley in the region, Glencoe is a place of haunting beauty. Surrounded by towering peaks, it’s an excellent place to go hiking, mountain climbing, or even skiing in the winter months. If you’re not so keen to exert yourself, just driving through Glencoe offers some of the best views in Scotland. For those short on time and lacking their own wheels, there are a number of Glencoe tours departing from both Edinburgh and Glasgow that also include visits to Loch Ness.

Rising 4,409 feet (1,344 meters) above sea level, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles and a premier destination for climbers—even those with only moderate experience. While reaching the summit is very doable, climbers should keep in mind that it’s steep and conditions can change rapidly; not for nothing does its Gaelic name—Beinn Nibheis—translate to “venomous mountain.” If you don’t want to tackle the climb alone, join a guided hike from Fort William.

Spanning 1,000 feet (304 meters) and soaring 100 feet (30 meters) above ground, this impressive railway viaduct has long been a fixture on the Highland landscape but is today most famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies. While a ride on the Hogwarts Express may be out of the question, you can book a seat on the the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs from mid-April through mid-October. Book tickets separately, or combine the train ride with a full-day tour of the Highlands from Inverness.

Related article: The Marauder's Map of Harry Potter Filming Locations in the UK

Without a doubt, Eilean Donan is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. Perched on its own little island at the convergence of three great lochs and surrounded by mountains, the 13th-century fortress creates a romantic and very photogenic scene. Visitors can cross the stone bridge to have a wander around the castle’s rooms and view artifacts, or visit during a stop on a tour to the Isle of Skye—the castle is situated close to the Skye Bridge, after all.

The UK’s largest national park—the sprawling, granite mountain–dotted Cairngorms—is a magnet for outdoor adventurers who can try their hand at everything from hill climbing and mountain biking to skiing and white-water rafting. Less active travelers, however, can explore the park’s most scenic sites and enjoy a few drams from a local whisky distillery on a day tour from Inverness.

In Caithness, on the northeast coast of Scotland, the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Duncansby Head reach up to 200 feet (61 meters) high and shelter seabirds such as guillemot, kittiwakes, and puffins, depending on the time of year. A short walk from Duncansby Head affords excellent views of Duncansby Lighthouse, as well as the looming, jagged rock formations—known as Duncansby Stacks—just offshore. Handily, Duncansby Head lies on the North Coast 500 driving route and is typically included on wildlife cruises from John O’ Groats and day trips around Caithness, making it easier than you might think to visit.

In the northwest Highlands (and part of the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), the Torridon Hills are a playground for outdoor lovers and hill walkers—not to mention an easy day trip from Inverness. A highlight is Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, home to a cluster of mountain peaks and a variety of wildlife, including golden eagles. Nearby Loch Maree is also one of Scotland’s most scenic lakes and a great spot for a gentle paddle.

Straddling both the Highlands and the Lowlands, island-studded Loch Lomond is arguably Scotland’s most famous loch, as well as the centerpiece of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. From a gentle cycle around the lake to a strenuous climb up the 3,195-foot (974-meter) Ben Lomond, there’s plenty to do on and around the loch. It’s also an easy day trip from both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

If you’re looking for isolation, this is where you’ll find it. A wide, uninhabitable expanse of bog, heather, and wind-bent pine trees, it doesn’t get much bleaker than Rannoch Moor. You can reach Rannoch Moor’s lonely train station by taking the West Highland Line, then strap on your backpack for a challenging walk into the hills. Bleak it may be, but unworthy it ain’t.