Escapism is on everybody’s mind at the moment, and there is nowhere more perfect to temporarily leave reality than by visiting the melancholically beautiful land of Caledonia. The most northerly part of Great Britain is among the most organically charming staycation destinations in the UK, along with the beaches of Cornwall, and Devon’s rich landscape which are also popular with citizens who can’t shake their travel bug during the pandemic. The striking Scottish highlands are filled with attractions which have something for every type of visitor, from adrenaline-fuelled activities to unique ideas for a therapeutic detox.
1.Take a cruise on Loch Ness
Loch Ness © Ramon Vloon
While the entirety of The Highlands is famous for its stunning lakes and valley’s there is no more favoured than Loch Ness. This freshwater lake, or loch, as it is known Scotland, is the largest by volume in the British Isles. However, it is most renowned for its sighting of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, which gained widespread public attention in 1933. Since then, visitors have flocked to this aquatic haven in an attempt to catch their own sighting of the creature, with many of these hopefuls jumping aboard a cruise to guarantee the most outstanding views of the lake, monster or no monster.
2. Hike up Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis © Rowan Manning
Among the seven best things to do in The Highlands, the highest mountain in the British Isles is unmissable, both from your itinerary and quite literally. Known fondly in Scotland as “The Mountain with its Head in the Clouds”, this iconic landmark is a favourite among hikers, who flock to this 1,345m tall landmark and trek one on of the two paths to the summit. If you are determined enough to reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views which can stretch as far as Northern Ireland on a clear day.
3. Visit Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens © Connor Mollison
It just so happens that the most northerly of Scotland’s many castles is also one of the most charming, as the tall conical spires of Dunrobin Castle resemble an elegant French château. The creative touch of the renowned architect Charles Barry, who is most famous for his work on London’s Houses of Parliament, is evident throughout the castle and its grounds. Whether you explore the entire castle, or you spend a sunny morning in the gardens and tea room, one thing is certain; you will temporarily feel like you have travelled hundreds of miles south of the Highlands and have crossed the English Channel.
4. Sample some whiskey in Talisker Distillery
Sampling Talisker Whiskey © Jacek Dylag
What’s a trip to Scotland without a whiskey? Yes, it’s true, you cannot leave the country without sampling at least one glass of the good stuff, and there is no better place to raise a glass than in the very place where the whiskey is created. The Talisker Distillery is the oldest functioning distillery on the Isle of Skye; the island whose natural splendours have shaped the whiskey to make it the success which it is today. Remember to enjoy a glass overlooking the wild sea which inspired the soul of the whiskey, and pay a visit to the store, where you pick up some gifts or keep a few bottles to yourself.
5. Tour the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
View of the North Atlantic Ocean, bordering Scotland’s Highlands © Ross Sneddon
The only lighthouse designed in an Egyptian architectural style has marked the most westerly point on the British mainland since the mid-nineteenth-century when it was used to guide ships away from the rugged Northern Atlantic coastline. Over 170 years later, the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is a recognised monument, where visitors can learn more about Scottish maritime, and pick up a coffee in The Stables Coffee Shop.
6. Photograph the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye
Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye © K. Brembo
Among the countless stunning attractions in the Isle of Skye, the Fairy Pools are perhaps the most beautiful. Visit the Fairy Pools to gaze upon the sparkling sapphire and emerald waterfalls, and swim in the sparkling body of water, if you can brave the chilly climate. If you are going to head into the water, then remember your wetsuit, and your camera, as you’re going to want to document this beautiful scenery to reminisce for years to come.
7. Dine in one of Inverness’ fine restaurants
Snapshot of Inverness from the banks of the River Ness © Jillian Kim
As the largest city in the Highlands, there is no better place to indulge in some of the finest cuisines in Scotland. Inverness has a restaurant to cater for every palate, from rustic Italian food to traditional Thai dishes. To finish your day in style, with a touch of exclusive Modern British cuisine, then reserve a table at the prestigious Rocpool restaurant, which has earned a Michelin Star for its gourmet creations. Rocpool is the perfect place to try some local seafood, which this northern Scottish area is so loved for.
Current Recommendations:
Whisky tour on the Isle of Skye:
The spectacular landscape and organic islands of the Scottish Highlands are guaranteed to captivate any type of visitor, whatever time of year you decide to visit. While the winters do get chilly, the cold only adds to the charm of this rustic area and creates a cosier environment for indoor attractions. Therefore, as the colder months draw in, we currently recommend booking one of the Distillery tours in Talisker on the Isle of Skye. Tours include going behind the scenes of one Scotland’s best-loved whisky’s, and is followed by a tasting, which is guaranteed to keep you warm, whatever the weather outside! The only thing left to do is to try it for yourself, and you will see why it is one of the seven best things to do in The Highlands right now.
Book your tour of the Distillery by calling 01478 614308 or email talisker@malts.com for more information.
Eilean A’ Cheo tours – Tours & private hire on the Isle of Skye:
Take the stress out of driving on single track roads and book a tour with Eilean A’ Cheo tours and private hire. With extremely professional and knowledgeable driver/guide we make sure all our clients are well looked after and have a good time!
Come with us and see all the beauty spots here on Skye and if you want to see anything that is not specific to Skye then we are more than happy to work with you to create a bespoke tour to make sure you get what you want from your visit to the glorious highlands and islands!
Book a tour with Eilean A’ Cheo by calling 07907 026504 or emailing info@eilean-acheo.co.uk for more information.
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