Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Scottish Highlands, Scotland on Tripadvisor: See 676,719 traveler reviews and photos of Scottish Highlands tourist attractions. While this mountain resort town along scenic drive Highway 64 only has a year-round population of 3,200, it swells to over 18,000 in th… The area is sparsely populated and spectacular. Boutiques, wine shops and bookstores, as well as popular restaurants and bars radiate out from Highland Square on West 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard. North West Highlands Geopark Limited. The North and West Highlands Route meanders around the coastline from Ullapool to John o’Groats along 158 miles (254km). Ferries and flights reach all the major islands in the Highlands, and Inverness is accessible from London by rail and air. Maybe Moray has ‘the Goldilocks Effect’. To the west you will find the magical Isle of Skye, which is teeming with incredible outdoor spots to explore, including the famous ‘fairy pools’, the Cuillin mountain range and the ‘Old Man of Storr’. You can explore Handa Island (boat trips run from April to September), a unique spot home to no less than 100,000 seabirds including puffins, razorbills, Arctic terns and great skuas, who nest in the lofty sandstone cliffs. After Knockan Crag, the North and West Highlands Route curls west and hugs the coast. The brilliant aspect of staying in the Highlands is there a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. Dunnet Head might be as far north as you go, but John o’Groats takes the prize for the most north-westerly point. Make this the place where you buy souvenirs from your Scottish road trip. There are three diverse districts to discover: Highlands Square, Tennyson Street and Lower Highland . On the upper slopes it became coarser, and put on the characters of the rocks of Ben Fyn, and at last it formed a jewelled hill, with masses of ruddy garnets set in silvery mica, sparkling like a rocky diadem in the golden sun. Offshore you may spot dolphins, basking shark and minke whale. The North West Highlands Geopark is located in the far north of the Scottish Highlands. Some of the oldest rocks in Europe also feature heavily (literally!) This one lies set in picturesque woods, just a short distance from Loch Shin. Across the causeway bridge is Strathnaver Museum where you can discover the history of croft life and learn about the infamous Highland Clearances when hundreds of locals were forcibly evicted in the early 1800s. See the science in the Rock Room and then step outside for the dramatic geology itself and yet more stunning landscapes. Time this Scottish road trip for outside July and August and you may be the only ones on the road. Your drive continues along the northern coast, zigzagging along inlets and around lochs, all stunningly scenic. The MacKay Clan, one of the largest in this part of Scotland, also features at the museum. In this remote spot, you can walk to Duncansby Head with its iconic twin sea stacks and towering cliffs. This also makes the region a tourism hotspot, with many tourists keen to sample the local produce. In traditional Scottish geography, the Highlands refers to that part of Scotland north-west of the Highland Boundary Fault, which crosses mainland Scotland in a near-straight line from Helensburgh to Stonehaven. The area is divided in two parts: the Great Glen divides the Grampian Mountains to the southeast from the northwest Highlands 3. Far-reaching sea and loch views are a given along much of the route – as are sightings of hundreds of sea birds. Built in 1572, it was restored to its former majestic glory by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1952. derstanding. The 13,000 acres of land and gardens are yours to explore and this is a great holiday let for large groups of keen walkers and mountain bikers. The Highlands are accessible by car, rail, bus and air. September - The Wild North Festival, various locations, North Highlands Three wild weekends of outdoor fun in the Highlands, including forest walks, archaeology, whale and dolphin watching and fossil hunting. As well as this, the region is also home to the University of the Highlands and Islands, which has its main campus in Inverness. The North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark offers one of the best opportunities to explore wild places in Europe. The Castle and Gardens of Mey with its typically Scottish turrets enjoys a privileged spot overlooking Pentland Firth. With no fewer than 47 distilleries spread across the region, the Highlands is Scotland's largest geographical whisky producing area – particularly good news if you like a dram of Scotland’s favourite drink. UNESCO awards Geopark status to regions of international scientific importance to geology across the world where communities get together to promote and steward their landscapes for education, tourism and sustainable economic development. Did you know? As well as this, Fraserburgh is known the biggest shellfish port in Europe. The village of Durness includes two must-sees: Smoo Cave, complete with a 50-feet high entrance, sinkhole and underground waterfalls, is the stuff of legend; and Balnakiel Craft Village established in the 60s and a thriving community of artists and artisans. Lots of lovely gift shops too. The weather in the Moray Firth. The line splits at Crianlarich, carrying you either past Loch Awe to Oban, or high up to Rannoch Moor, through remote wilderness and on to Fort William and Mallaig. A wet place, it rains on average 207 days a year in the North West Highlands. North and West Highlands Length 158 miles / 254 km Location Ullapool – John o'Groats. It reaches the North Sea at the pleasant little town of Stonehaven, … The Highlands also has an impressive timber industry, which provides sawmilling, the production of pulp and paper, and the manufacture of higher value goods. In this remote region, you’ll find the highest waterfalls, biggest sea cliffs and the most unusual and spectacular mountains in Britain, along with beautiful lochs (both sea and freshwater), golden-sand beaches and some of … This is a side of Scotland you can only see from the train – a Great Scenic Rail Journey that carries you north along the west coast, through the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. All Scottish road trips should include a castle and this one is no exception. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the Highlands unsurprisingly make the region among the richest in the world for fish, with important markets in places like Mallaig, Stornoway, Lerwick and Oban. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Let us help you find the ultimate large group accommodation from which to base your adventure. F, BLAKE ON THE NORTH-WEST HIGHLANDS, it a false-bedded appearance. Sweeping around the most north westerly part of the Scottish mainland, the North and West Highlands driving route links Ullapool with John O’Groats and passes through the stunning North West Highlands Geopark. North West Highlands Geopark Limited is a social enterprise and a charity which re-invests profits to ensure ongoing development of geo-tourism projects, conservation and … Highlands is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, with an elevation at 4,118 feet. North West Highlands Art - Brynaport, IV54 8 Strathcarron, Highland, United Kingdom - Rated 5 based on 1 Review "What a fantastic place this is! The North West Highlands Geopark is a geological wonderland: the rocks range from the 3 billion year old Lewisian Gneiss to the Torridonian Sandstone which makes up the spectacular mountains such as Ben More Coigach, Suilven and Quinag. How to reach the Icelandic Highlands? If you're looking for something really special, a 5-star hotel in Northern Highlands can on average be found for £144 per night (based on Booking.com prices). It also runs up to Inverness and east out to Elgin, taking in Aviemore and some of the Cairngorms National Park. For all those Harry Potter fans out there, the famous, Hogwarts School, depicted in the films, had a stage presence in the Scottish Highlands, overlooking stunning lochs and mountains. If you’re a fan of nature as wild as it comes, add this one to your must-do road trips list. To the east, are the more bare, more spare, more exposed grounds of Buchan on Scotland’s north-east knuckle where the winds blow. The well-trodden western coast of the Scottish Highlands is a common road trip destination for visitors to the United Kingdom. Discover why you should take a Scottish road trip. To the west, where the Firth narrows, it’s definitely very Highland: Inverness, the Great Glen, and the wet, wet west beyond. Make this your introduction to the stunning sea views that will accompany you almost all the way. She used it as a holiday home until 1996 and you can visit her rooms that often surprise with their “comfort and ordinariness”. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Self Guided+ Cycling – North Coast 500; Wilderness Walking – Wilds of Assynt; Sea Kayaking – The Scottish Highlands; Sea Kayaking – Introduction Course; Sea Kayaking – The Summer Isles; Open Canoeing – North West Highlands; Road Cycling – The North Coast 500 – Highlights; Photography – Assynt and Coigach Lovely comfortable, immaculately presented flat in central location, perfect for visiting the east and west highlands, Loch Ness and Inverness. The North and West Highlands Route meanders around the coastline from Ullapool to John o’Groats along 158 miles (254km). The airport in the region also reaches further out to Europe, with destinations such as Amsterdam, Dublin and Belfast. The western route over Kjolur is passable by ordinary vehicles in summer. Many of these days on the sea at work are based in the North West Highlands of Scotland, which provide a great office on work days and an even better playground on days off. The West Highland Way, which runs from Milngavie to Fort William is a 96 mile-long hiking route that takes in some of Scotland’s most stunning sights and is a great experience for families and individuals. The landscapes of the north-west Highlands are glorious all year. That means Geoparks are […] Everyone in your party will enjoy the sandy beaches and some of the freshest air in the country. The walk to Dunnet Head, home to a RSPB Nature Reserve, rewards you with views of dramatic cliffs and the island of Orkney on the horizon. Our fantastic North West Highlands Walking Tour takes in ascents of some of the most iconic mountains in this stunning part of the Northwest of Scotland including Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Cul Mor. Onwards around the Langjokull glacier on the way to Hveravellir geothermal field before emerging by the Ring Road in the north. Also called “The Queen of Scottish Mountains”, Ben Loyal rises from the North Coast of the Highlands, and this jagged granite peak is prominent on the skyline for many miles around. Along with stunning vistas everywhere you look, keep an eye open for the following highlights: The North and West Highlands Route begins in the pretty village of Ullapool, home to some historic houses that date back several centuries and some glorious beaches. But to escape the crowds flocking to the Isle of Skye, head to the east and north, where far fewer visitors venture and you can actually enjoy a … The Caledonian Canal, which extends from Loch Linnhe in the west, via Loch Ness to the Moray Firth in the north splits this area from the rest of the country. Considering exploring the North and West Highlands Route? Buses reach from the towns of Crianlarich and Glencoe to Fort William and beyond, while trains connect with Inverness and as far north as Wick and Duirinish. Read more in this series: Perthshire Tourist Route | Great Scottish Road Trips #12, North & West Highlands Route | Scottish Road Trips #11, Forth Valley Tourist Route | Scottish Road Trips #7, The Angus Coastal Route – Great Scottish Road Trips #2. Stop off at the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, famous for being the site where scientists solved the geological mystery of plate tectonics. North West Highlands. This is one of the longer Scottish road trips and its 158 miles include plenty en route. The Rock Stop , Unapool, Kylesku, Lairg IV27 4HW. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. By far the largest region in Scotland, the Highlands covers nearly 10,000 sq miles in northern Scotland. west coast setting, with delicious food, arts and crafts and musical workshops. It has the UK’s highest mountains, ranging from 900-1300m 4. And don’t miss the walk to Rhue Lighthouse with its commanding position at the head of Loch Broom. Lochaber West (includes Small Isles) - 0-2* cases (between 0 and 41.6* infections per 100,000 people) Lochaber East and North - 0-2* (between 0 and 42.0*) SKYE The university is made up of 13 different colleges and research institutions, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes across its 70 different learning centres. From wildly remote cottages to seaside villages and larger settlements, like Inverness, the region has an abundance of old and new homes, with views that may make you pinch yourself. Slightly further along the coast at Thurso lies the most northern point in Great Britain. The North West Highlands is an area of immense beauty and Forest Way is ideally situated as a base for touring the Inverpolly/Assynt or Torridon/Gairloch circuits. Can recommend Corner on the Square, Lovat Arms and The Priory Hotel. That said, the route lies dotted with quaint villages and some great things to do. We have reviews of the best places to see in Scottish Highlands. Kids will love the animal and bird spotting, plus there’s plenty of room to run around. There are 258 primary and secondary schools across the Highlands. This Scottish road trip gives you a real taste for the outdoors and for remote locations so for your accommodation, why not stay in a traditional Highland lodge? In the North Highlands and Skye, there are many attractions, but it is the geography that is the most appreciated. Orkney and the rest of the 69 islands in the archipelago sit on the horizon and lie just 40 minutes away by ferry. The children in your party will enjoy the animal centre, home to a good collection of farm animals and a petting zoo. It's also located in one of the few temperate rainforests in North America. You’ll also want to see the famous Corrieshalloch Falls, set in an ancient gorge with tumbling water at the end. On average, 3-star hotels in Northern Highlands cost £76 per night, and 4-star hotels in Northern Highlands are £116 per night. Please Donate. The vast landscape has an undulating coastline, wild expanses, rugged mountains and islands, rushing rivers, and conifer-rich woodlands – what more do you need. The Northwest Highlands are the northern third of Scotland, which is separated from the Grampian Mountains by the Great Glen. The Highland Council has promised 50,000 affordable homes between 2018 and 2023. Think vast open landscapes and lots (and lots) of water, both sea and lochs, along with lofty mountains. Find out more about the school system in Scotland, Find out more about universities in Scotland. Next up in our Scottish road trips series, we explore the north-west coast, home to some of the wildest landscapes in Great Britain. There are impressive rock islands of … along this route, the North and West Highlands Route is also home to steep cliffs, emblematic lighthouses and Scottish heritage. Throw in the odd spot of kayaking, camping and skiing and it offers so much for everyone. The Highlands are formed on Lewisian gneiss, the oldest layers of rock in Scotland. Buses and trains connect with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scotland’s other major cities. Inside, the lodge provides spacious accommodation for up to 13 and has all those Highland touches – think tartan, tweed, roaring fires and absolute comfort. Start your search. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Scottish Highlands, Scotland on Tripadvisor: See 676,734 traveller reviews and photos of Scottish Highlands tourist attractions. The actual driving comes scenic all the way and along some of the quietest roads anywhere in Europe. Highlands has been a mountain respite for over a century, allowing our visitors to unwind while being treated to the finest amenities. Don’t miss the beautiful Pictish Farr Stone whose elaborate carvings date back to 800AD. The North West Highlands At last week's funeral of Andrew's wife, Rosemary, there was a reading of a delightful 'prose poem' that gave a flavour of Rosemary's love of the North West Highlands: Extracts from a prose poem posted from Red River Croft, Wester Ross, in the summer of 2016. We have reviews of the best places to see in Scottish Highlands. Find out more about the outdoors and leisure on VisitScotland.com. Don’t miss the ruins of the only village, last inhabited in 1847. Once visited, it will remain with you, Loyal by name, loyal by nature. The route then heads due north and passes through the North West Highlands Geopark, home to some of the oldest rock formations in Europe. White quartzite caps many mountains and the largest area of limestone in Scotland occurs in the Geopark. Warren Rovetch's The Creaky Traveler in the North West Highlands of Scotland: a Journey for the Mobile but Not Agile was written after Rovetch and his wife Gerda, both old enough to consider themselves "creaky", visited the most northern sliver Scotland, what the … If the great outdoors is not enough to fill your boots, kick back in the area’s luxurious hotels and resorts. This is wild country with just a smattering of villages, sandy bays and remote islands on the horizon. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the north-west Highlands, stretching from Fort William almost as far as Thurso. Who could forget Aviemore too, a quaint town offering retail therapy and the perfect gateway for a Highland tour. The region is home to stunning scenery, including the legendary Loch Ness. The Highlands stretches from Fort William in the west, right up the coast by Skye, around the North Coast 500 to Durness and John O' Groats in the far north. This road trip takes in the best of wild Scotland. Beauly has a fabulous variety of shops and eateries. Two main overland routes link the north and south. The Highlands also feature legendary battlefields, museums packed with rich local history and breath-taking geological wonders, not to mention many famous distilleries and breweries. Far-reaching sea and loch views are a given along much of the route – as are sightings of hundreds of sea birds. If you’re a fan of nature as wild as it comes, add this one to your must-do road trips list. Since 2008/09, more than 1,000 council houses and flats have been completed or are under development in the Highlands. The North and West Highlands Route forms part of the North Coast 500 Route, the most epic of Scottish road trips. Not convinced you should take a Scottish road trip? Sporting some the world’s most stunning scenery, the region is spoilt with wonderful walks, and has one of the oldest and most fascinating histories on earth. Separating the Highlands from the more populous central belt of Scotland, the Highland Boundary Fault runs south-west/north-east across Scotland. When not out on the water, Doug can be found in the mountains at work as a Mountain and Ski Instructor or at play in search of new crags or fresh powder tracks. The UK’s most remote school is on the Scottish peninsula of Scoraig, which can only be reached by boat or winding coastal path and has a headcount of just five pupils. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Introduction: The North West Highlands Geopark is located in the far north of the Scottish mainland. The Cairngorms National Park lies at the heart of this region, offering everything from stunning hiking routes to ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding and so much more. The line of the well known verse states “speed bonny boat, over the sea to Skye”; but nowadays, there is a bridge for the main west coast route onto the island. 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