The rugged landscapewhere wildlife and nature collide, plays its part in making this area a mustsee part of Scotland anytime of the year. Throughout your visit keep an eye outfor rutting red deer, Scottish Wildcats, mountain hares and if you are reallylucky and pick the right time of year, Golden Eagles.
From castle to log cabinthere is a wide range of places to stay in the Scottish Highlands.You may want to set up base near one of the nearby cities and towns of Inverness,FortWilliam or Aviemore.There are some stunning hotels in the Scottish Highlandsranging from budget friendly 2 and 3 star hotels to luxury 5 staraccommodation. Whatever your taste in hotel when you go on holiday, The Highlandsas it’s affectionately known by locals has you covered.
The town of Fort Williamoffers a good base for walkers and mountain climbers looking to explore BenNevis and the surrounding area. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotlandand indeed the United Kingdom, making it popular all year round with walkersand mountain climbers. At over 1300metres it’s not for the faint hearted.
To gain a true flavourof highland life and experience how the locals lived and worked in years goneby, a visit to the HighlandsFolk Museum is a must. The first open air museum in the UK, it hasover 30 historical buildings helping to visualise life in the highlands in the1700s.
The ScottishHighlands is certainly stepped in history, none more so than theNational Trust site of Culloden, famous for the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Thevisitor centre makes for an educational andinformative base with which you can get to know the area before settingof to explore the location of the last hand-to-hand fought battle in Britain –a real bit of history right there. Families and young children can search for missionsonline before heading off on adventures across the site.
Gelncoe mountain resortin the Highlands is perfect for individuals, familiesand groups all year round. In summer visitors can enjoy activities likemountain biking, hill walking, orienteering and climbing, while visitors inwinter can experience a true ski holiday with skiing, snowboarding and sledgingall available in various locations around the Scottish Highlands.
No trip to the ScottishHighlands would be complete without a visit to the famous lochsthat are dotted around the area, none more so than the world famous LochNess, home to the famous mythical Loch Ness Monster. Explore the areaon foot or enjoy a relaxing cruise around the Loch. Loch Insh is anotherpopular area of the Highlands and for those of youwho enjoy water sports like windsurfing and sailing, Loch Insh is a must see.With a range of land, water and snow activities in Loch Insh, this area isperfect for adrenaline junkies among you.
A short break to the ScottishHighlands is not complete without sampling a taste of the areaand sampling to popular Highland hospitality. Pubfare and bar meals are very popular offering fresh local produce includingsmoked salmon, roasted pheasant and of course steak and chicken pies. If youare adventurous with what you eat you may want to try Haggis a national dish ofScotland. With live music and storytelling, the Highlandpubs and bars offer a unique experience and a perfect way to relax and enjoy aScottish ale or whiskey after a day out exploring the Highlandsof Scotland.