During our recent journey through the Scottish Highlands, we discovered a magical realm of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and rich cultural experiences. We're excited to share our first-hand adventures of the top things to do in the Scottish Highlands, from misty mountains to legendary lochs, helping you plan your own unforgettable Highland experience.
Things to do in Scottish Highlands |
1. Explore the Majestic Eilean Donan Castle
We arrived at Eilean Donan Castle just before sunset, and it was magical. The castle, perched on its own island where three sea lochs meet, gave us some of our best photos of the trip. Originally built in the 13th century, Eilean Donan Castle was largely destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719. The castle we see today is actually a careful reconstruction from the 1920s, though it remains one of Scotland's most photographed monuments.
💡 Insider Tip: The castle cost £12.00/adult with the last admission being 5pm. However, after the castle closes at 6pm, you can walk the castle grounds for free (outside only)! We arrived after 6pm to watch sunset and it was magical. |
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2. Hike the Legendary Old Man of Storr
Our early morning hike to the Old Man of Storr was well worth the 6 AM wake-up call. We experienced far fewer crowds on our way up this 3.5 mile trail compared to our way down and watching the sun rise over these ancient rock formations was unforgettable. The parking lot filled up by 8 AM, so we were glad we started early.
🥾 Download the trail offline here for your own safety and easy navigation |
3. Chase Waterfalls at the Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye offer a truly magical experience. These crystal-clear cascading waterfalls set against the dramatic Black Cuillin mountains create an unforgettable sight. For the adventurous, wild swimming is possible, though be prepared for chilly waters - it's an exhilarating experience that's well worth braving the cold!
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4. Witness the "Hogwarts Express" at Glenfinnan Viaduct
For an unforgettable view of the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, we hiked to the viewpoint overlooking Glenfinnan Viaduct. The train crosses twice daily at 10:45am and 3:00pm (April through October) - we timed our visit for the morning crossing and watched in awe as the steam locomotive puffed across the curved viaduct against the backdrop of stunning Highland scenery. If you prefer to ride the train instead, you'll want to book your tickets at least 3 months in advance!
🚂 Note: at the viewpoint location shown below, the train will be traveling in the direction towards you at 10:45am (as shown below) and traveling in the direction away from you at 3pm |
5. Sample Scottish Whisky at Talisker Distillery
A tour of Talisker Distillery is a must-do experience on Skye. Visitors can learn about the traditional whisky-making process from expert guides and enjoy a guided tasting of their renowned single malts. We strongly recommend booking in advance, as walk-in spots are rarely available and many visitors are turned away disappointed.
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6. Hunt for Nessie at Loch Ness
While we didn't spot the monster, our day at Loch Ness was fantastic. The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit offered fascinating scientific explanations for the Nessie phenomenon. We highly recommend combining this with a visit to Urquhart Castle's ruins - the views are spectacular.
🎟️ Book in Advance - Urquhart Castle Tickets: £13.95/Adult. You will not even be allowed in the parking lot without purchasing online tickets first! |
7. Hike the Three Sisters of Glencoe
The Three Sisters of Glencoe offer some of Scotland's most dramatic hiking trails. We tackled the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail), which takes you through the heart of these majestic peaks. The 2.5 hour hike is challenging but rewards with breathtaking views of the glen and surrounding mountains. For less experienced hikers, the Glencoe Military Road trail provides a more moderate 1 hour adventure while still showcasing the area's stunning beauty. Remember to check weather conditions before setting out - we found the early morning offered the clearest views (Three Sister's car park filled up by 8am!)
🥾 Other Trail With Epic Views: Stob Mhic Mhartuin (3.2 miles; Difficult); Stob Dubh via Buachaille Etive Beag (4.3 miles; Difficult); Hagrids Hut (0.6 miles; Easy) |
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8. Discover the Mystical Clava Cairns
Walking among these Bronze Age burial cairns near Inverness felt like stepping back in time. We visited early morning when the light streaming through the stone circles created an ethereal atmosphere.
With so much history around Inverness, you may consider taking a guided tour instead! This one includes a boat cruise on Loch Ness 🐉 |
9. Marvel at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Visitors to Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited castle will be amazed by the centuries of Highland history preserved within its walls. The gardens offer a peaceful retreat, and guests can often spot seals during the castle's boat trips.
✍️ Pro Tip: Free Parking. There is no need to pre-book in advance. Last entry is 5pm. Ticket prices are £16.50/Adult or £14.50 for just the garden |
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10. Watch the Sunset at Neist Point Lighthouse
An evening at Neist Point will give you the most spectacular sunset of your trip. We recommend bringing a thermos of hot chocolate and warm clothes - the wind can be fierce, but the views are worth it!
🚶♂️Note: It is about a 0.8 mile walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse, this is not a lighthouse you can drive up to! |
11. Visit the Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint
We couldn't believe our luck when we spotted ancient dinosaur footprints near the 90-meter waterfall (you'll just have to go and see for yourself!). The basalt columns really do look like a Scottish kilt, and the view changes dramatically with the weather.
🚗 Parking: there is plenty of parking at this lookout, however, it is paid (credit cards accepted) |
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12. Explore the Magical Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen felt like walking through a miniature Highland landscape. The mysterious spiral grass formations create an enchanting atmosphere. It’s truly puzzling how the wavy terrain were formed in this landscape and after doing a bit of research online, the best answer we could find was, “fairies”. 🤷🏼♀️
🧚🏻♀️ The 1.1-mile walk offers an easy but magical experience for visitors. |
13. Navigate the Fort Augustus Locks
We spent a fascinating morning watching boats navigate the Caledonian Canal locks. The local lock-keeper shared incredible stories about the canal's history
and engineering challenges.
🛍️ Fort Augustus is the perfect place to grab some Loch Ness Monster souvenirs! |
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14. Experience Highland Culture in Inverness
Our evening in Inverness was filled with traditional music and friendly locals. We particularly enjoyed our walk along the Great Glen Way and discovering hidden treasures in Leakey's Bookstore, housed in an old church.
🚲 Have time to rent a bike? The Great Glen Way stretches 74 miles from Inverness to Fort William, passing through gorgeous highland scenery! |
15. Discover Outlander Filming Locations
For Outlander fans, the Highlands offer a treasure trove of filming locations that bring the beloved series to life. We explored Blackness Castle, where walking through the grounds felt like stepping into Claire and Jamie's world. The ancient stone circles at Clava Cairns, which inspired Diana Gabaldon's writing, and Fort Augustus's impressive locks featured in several episodes were highlights of our tour.
🏰 You can also visit Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), however, tickets must be purchased in advance and only allow entry to the property (entry in the castle in off limits) |
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Looking for more Outlander locations in Scotland? You may also consider visiting Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) and the perfectly preserved village of Culross and the town of Falkland, with the latter featuring the cafe where scenes of Claire and Frank were filmed.
Planning Your Highland Adventure
We found May to September offered the best weather and longest daylight hours. We personally visited in May and thought it was the perfect balance of pleasant weather and minimal crowds.
Essential Travel Tips from Our Experience:
Book the Jacobite Steam Train and Urquhart Castle at least 3 months ahead - we learned this the hard way!
Pack layers and waterproofs - Scottish weather is ever-changing and unpredictable
Rent a car - we wouldn't have discovered many hidden gems without one
Start early - we avoided crowds and got better photos by beginning our days at sunrise
Bring cash - we found several remote cafes and shops that couldn't process cards
Check out our free planning guide for more tips!
Our Highland adventure was truly unforgettable, filled with breathtaking landscapes, warm Scottish hospitality, and magical moments. We hope our experiences help you create your own perfect Highland journey.
Want to learn more about our Scottish adventures? Check out our Free Planning Guide and follow our social media for more tips and stories from our travels!
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