🏔️ Highlands, Scotland
Things to do in The Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness
Brooding glens, lochs and the home of Nessie
A favourite for honeymoons
The Scottish Highlands are Britain at its wildest — heather-clad mountains, mirror lochs, lonely glens and castles, including the legendary deep waters of Loch Ness. From Edinburgh you can sample it on a long day trip, or better, a multi-day loop taking in Glencoe, the Isle of Skye and the West Highland scenery.
Misty glens, lochside castles and cosy Highland inns — wild and wonderfully romantic.
Time needed
1 day (taster) to 3–5 days (proper loop)
Best time
May–September for the longest days and (relatively) best weather; autumn brings golden colour
Region
Highlands, Scotland
Don’t miss
Glencoe, Loch Ness and the glens
Drive through the dramatic glaciated valley of Glencoe, cruise or stop at Loch Ness (and the ruined Urquhart Castle), and wind through the West Highlands past the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame. Skye’s otherworldly landscapes crown a longer trip.
Check availability on GetYourGuideTop things to do in The Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness
- Glencoe’s dramatic mountain valley.Find tours
- A Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle.Find tours
- The Glenfinnan Viaduct (the “Harry Potter” railway bridge).Find tours
- The Isle of Skye’s Fairy Pools and Old Man of Storr (multi-day).Find tours
- Whisky distilleries along the route.
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How to get to The Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness
Day tours to Loch Ness and Glencoe run from Edinburgh (long days), but the Highlands reward a 2–5 day trip; Inverness is the northern hub. Self-drive gives the most freedom, or take a small-group tour.
Hire a car in Edinburgh
Compare rental deals — handy for reaching The Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness at your own pace
Best time to visit
May–September for the longest days and (relatively) best weather; autumn brings golden colour. Midges are worst June–August — carry repellent. Winter is dramatic but daylight is short.
The Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness tips
- A day trip from Edinburgh is a lot of driving — a multi-day tour or self-drive does the Highlands justice.
- Pack for four seasons in a day, and carry midge repellent in summer.
- Book the Jacobite (“Hogwarts”) steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct well ahead.
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Opening hours, prices, transport and entry rules change — always verify before you go, and check your government’s current travel advice. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.