Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness
★ 4.8🇬🇧 Scottish HighlandsSuggested visit 2-3 daysBest season May to September, with long daylight and better roads
NatureLochsRoad trip
Glens, lochs and ruined castles make up Britain's wildest landscape, home of the Loch Ness legend.
Overview
The Highlands cover north-western Scotland in glacier-carved glens, long lochs and moorland. Loch Ness runs about 37 kilometres and reaches more than 230 metres deep, made famous by its monster legend. Urquhart Castle in ruins stands on its shore, and the surrounding routes reach Glencoe, the Isle of Skye and Ben Nevis — classic driving and walking country.
History
Historically Gaelic clan country, it saw heavy emigration after the upheavals of the 18th century and became a destination for tourism and walking from the 19th.
Highlights
- •Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
- •Glen Coe
- •Ben Nevis and Fort William
- •Skye and the Highland driving routes
Practical tips
- •Highland weather turns fast — bring waterproofs and windproofs
- •Midges are fierce in summer; pack repellent
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- The region is free; Urquhart Castle about GBP 12
- Opening hours
- Natural areas open all day
- Local food
- Scottish salmon, venison, whisky
- Getting around
- About three hours by car from Edinburgh or Glasgow; day tours also run.
- Visa
- A visa is required; apply about a month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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