Scotland - Highlands

Majestic glens, Britain’s highest peak, deepest lochs, heather-clad moors and spectacular wilderness are just some of the things on offer in the Highlands and Islands beyond. The lochs, glens and seas are home to a wide variety of wildlife and these remote areas which are absent of human life, let whales, seals, puffins and a variety of other birds and animals thrive. Here you will find peace and quiet, lots of history and great Scottish hospitality.

THE CAIRNGORMS
The Cairngorms are Britain’s second highest mountain range and home to the UK’s most popular skiing resort, Aviemore. The valley is sliced in two by the River Spey and the area is also famous for its whisky. Walkers can take the 5 hour hike up to the summit of Cairngorm or for those that want a gentler walk can try the Speyside Valley. Those that love fishing also flock here with trout and salmon  aplenty.

FORT WILLIAM AND BEN NEVIS
Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. The town itself is touristy but if you are in the area you cannot miss a glimpse of this wonderful mountain. If you hit the peak, be prepared for the change in weather. Even if it is warm and sunny when you set off the weather will be very different at the top, often with thick fog. Take food and water and allow a full day for the climb.

GLENCOE
This is Scotland’s most famous glen. The Campbells murdered the MacDonalds here in the bloody massacre of 1692. Again this is serious walking country so be prepared with the necessary. The Glen Coe Visitor Centre is a good strating point and attraction with environmental and cultural information. Other good skiing areas are at the Glen Coe Skiing Centre and the Glencoe Mountain resort.

LOCH NESS
Over 23 miles and 129 fathoms of water with possibly a monster hiding, this is the UK’s deepest loch. The area is somewhat touristy but the villages that surround it are very pretty. Drive around the loch by car, stretching around 70 miles and you will see the full beauty of the area. If you want to hit the tourist circuit go to Drumnadrochit and the Original Loch Ness Monster Centre. Urquhart Castle also overlooks the Loch and it can be visited on one of the many boat trips available.

INVERNESS
Capital of the Highlands, the city has plenty of shopping and good eateries.   Walk along the River Ness, including beauty spot Ness Islands and visit the nearby Inverness Castle and St Andrews Cathedral. It is a great base for the area and especially handy for Loch Ness.

ISLE OF SKYE
This is the UK's most visited offshore spot. It is packed with gourmet food and quality accommodation. Apart from that you get the famous Macleod Castle at Dunvegan, magnificent scenery with peaks, hills and a castle. Arrive via the bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh or take a ferry. Portree is the main town with a market square and a picturesque harbour, the starting point for various cruises. Gaelic is widely spoken, give it a go!

THE OUTER HEBRIDES
These Western Isles are wild and beautiful. The area consists of over 200 islands spreading 130 miles in length with Lewis, Harris and North Uist being the most visited.   Stornoway is the busy capital of the Outer Hebrides, great for sampling some of the best Scottish foods such as black pudding.   Harris offers some magnificent white sandy beaches and don’t leave without buying some of the famous Harris tweed. North Uist is a mixture of sea, loch and land and like Harris offers some stunning beaches.  Spot many migrant birds and local waders such as curlews and redshanks.

ORKNEY ISLANDS
The Orkney Islands are accessible by air or ferry from Aberdeen and John O’Groats. The 70 islands make up the archipelago offering some of the most breathtaking scenery and archaeological sites in Europe with stone circles and other evidence of settlements from early man. Its best known landmark, and situated on the second largest island, is the 137 metre high Old Man of Hoy. If you are not a serious climber then view it from land on the scenic walk through the RSPB reserve on Hoy. Watch out for puffins on the coast. In the well preserved island’s capital Kirkwall attractions include the Orkney Museum, Highland Park Distillery and the ruined Earl's and Bishop's palaces. Stromness on the mainland however, although not as pretty, is still a popular place to stay.

SHETLAND ISLANDS
Believe it or not the Shetlands are closer to Norway than Glasgow. The islands are a famous location for bird watching, otter, seal and whale spotting and the unique species of the Shetland pony. Shetland has many Scandinavian features which have been strengthened by war time links with Norway and demonstrated with such festivals as the Up-Hell-Aa Viking Fire Festival (when a Viking Boat is sailed out at dark and set on fire). Music is prominent in the culture, with the fiddle dominating. You can buy handmade fiddles on the islands and it is celebrated every year at the wonderful Folk Festival in May.  Lerwick is the busiest town with white washed homes and steep cliffs nearby. There are more than 100 islands to explore but the Mainland, Yell and Unst are the most popular. In and around the Mainland there are such attractions as the National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Noss.  You could also take the two hour walk across the island or hire a bike. Once on Noss head for Noup the spectacular cliff home to gannets and puffins.  There is also Scalloway Castle and Scalloway Museum both once in the former capital, and at the southern tip of the mainland there is an impressive archaeological site at Jarlshof. Finally Yell and Unst offer some fantastic hill walking including visits to Hermaness Nature Reserve and its visitor centre.  Here in the Shetland Islands you can sample real wilderness and be about as far removed from any hustle and bustle as you can get.