Travel Scotland. Places to see on a first trip to the Scottish Highlands

This travel guide is full of information and travel inspiration for first-time visitors to the Scottish Highlands. For all lovers of the great outdoors, culture and history, a trip to the Highlands creates memories that last a lifetime.

The Scottish Highlands are known for heritage, clan history, fairytale castles, seawater lochs, quirky tea shops and cafés, lush vast space, towering mountainscapes, deep ridges, gurgling streams and rivers, ancient woodland, shipwrecks, colourful villages, a lively pub scene, passionate artisans, and exciting film locations. Throw in friendly locals, and adorable highland coos to complete the picture.

What else can you find here: How to get to the Scottish Highlands, the best time to visit, what to wear, how to pay, and where to eat. If you want to dig in even deeper before your trip, or if you can't visit the Scottish Highlands in person just yet, I recommend books to read for a Verbatim Journey to Scotland.

18 Places to see on a first trip to the Scottish Highlands

Eilean Donan Castle

Picture a castle in Scotland. There is water, there is a stone bridge, there is an island. Eilean Donan Castle in the western Highlands of Scotland ticks all the boxes. It is located just around the corner from the village of Dornie where three sea lochs—Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh—meet. The castle sits on a little island connected to the mainland by a three-arched stone bridge. You can imagine that depending on the tides, the whole scenery around the castle changes.

In the 13th century, there were Viking raids, and people had to come up with ideas about how to best refuse these, and they built castles. This place has a storied history, including destruction during the Jacobite risings. Eilean Donan is a proud symbol of Highland heritage, resilience, and clan history. The castle you see today has been this beautiful ever since the 1930s following extensive restoration works. The scenery is magnificent and worth the visit, but you can also visit the castle.

Information Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Just follow the A87, just before you get to the Skye Bridge. It is an ideal stop if you are on your way to the Isle of Skye. You can park your car for a fee. Arrive early to secure a spot. Entrance to Eilean Donan Castle is about EUR 15, it is best to check before you visit. Do not forget to visit the tearoom for a hearty snack, or scones and clotted cream (or both).

Eilean Donan Castle Lookout

Go for a quick walk up the hill for a wonderful bird’s eye view over the loch. Another option is to go by car. Parking spaces are limited though. 

Information Eilean Donan Castle Lookout, Bridge Road End, Kyle IV40 8DX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Free.

Portree

Portree harbour, on the Isle of Skye's east coast, is a picture-perfect natural harbour framed by cliffs and forested hills with the town of Portree on its shores. The tiny town is fit for a queen, some say its name stems from the Gaelic Port Rìgh, meaning "King’s Port." A wee while ago, King James V visited. It was in the 16th century.

A fishing village, and a hub for local farmers, Portree has grown into a vibrant town. The restaurant scene is lively and diverse, there are plenty of bistros, and cafés. Boutiques sell locally made art, and several souvenir shops line popular Wentworth Street.

Portree is near the Skye Bridge easy to reach by car from the mainland or by bus from Inverness or Fort William. It gets busy in spring during Skye Live and in August during the Highland Games, do not visit without booking accommodation in advance. 

Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a rock pinnacle located on the Isle of Skye, a short drive north of the pretty town of Portree along the Trotternish Ridge. This is one of Skye’s most iconic wild landmarks. The formation was created by a massive ancient landslide around 6,000 years ago. According to local lore, there was a giant buried in the earth, leaving only his thumb visible.

If you are on the road, and if you think about the history of the place, you are reminded once more how fleeting our time on earth is. The Trotternish ridge is formed of a series of lava flows erupted from fissures around 60 million years ago. This is a good place to understand that your 'once upon a time' is now.

The hike to the Old Man of Storr begins from a car park on the A855. Depending on your fitness you reach the base of the pinnacle after about one hour. If you have a little picnic, and if you take a few photos, you can add the same time plus a bit to get back to your car, and you are at three hours. It is an easy walk, but one might experience the trail as somewhat steep and rocky in places. I recommend you wear sturdy boots, and you bring warm clothes (beanie and gloves in spring and autumn). It is rather windy near the pinnacle, and that makes it feel cold. One has to expect rain and mist, even in summer. On a clear day, the views are nothing short of fantastic.

Information Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye. Old Man of Storr Car Park, Skye IV51 9HX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Paid parking. Come early to secure a parking spot. There are toilet facilities located in the rear of the car park near the starting point of the hike.

Sligachan River and Sligachan Old Bridge

This is the ideal place to run down to the river as if your life would depend on it, plunge your face into the icy cold water, and hope for the best. Energizing. Wait. What? This is the inspiration behind it. I am standing on this bridge all by myself. Enjoying the sound of silence. Admiring the magnificent scenery. Thinking about Highland heroine Flora Macdonald. A coach arrives. The passengers are all in their seventies, all in great spirits, chatting and laughing. Some women seem to be on a mission, go straight down to the bank of the Sligachan River, get on their hands and knees, and dip their faces in the water. Wow, I think, the guide probably told them how clean the water is in this river. Is it? As they stand up, there is loud laughing and shrieking from their fellow tourists. They leave, faces still wet, resulting in more laughter from the group. After having watched this ritual several times, it occurs that there must be another reason than clean water behind this. I ask a few of them what’s going on here. They tell me they don’t speak English. I keep on asking around until one guy finally tells me, that people do this to be granted eternal beauty. The river has been enchanted by fairies, and if you dip your face in and let it dry naturally, you are going to be beautiful until eternity and forever.

Eternal beauty? Oh la la. For free? What is not to love? Do not miss this opportunity.

Information Sligachan Bridge, Sligachan, Isle of Skye IV47 8SW, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre

The Glenfinnan Monument honours the 2,000 clansmen who fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie (Prince Charles Edward Stuart) in the 1745 Jacobite uprising. The 18-metres high monument with its sculpture of a Highlander at its top was erected in 1815 and can be seen from afar. I recommend you take the time for a visit. If you stand at the monument, you can enjoy a sweeping view over Loch Shiel and impressive, lush green hills. Here, three rivers meet, one of the river Finnan, hence the name Valley of Finnan. It is marvellous. I visit on a sunny day, but locals tell me how lucky I am since it often sits under a grey sky and cloaked in mist.

Information Glenfinnan Monument and Visitor Centre. Glenfinnan, Lochaber PH37 4LT, Scotland, United Kingdom. Leave your car at the Glenfinnan visitor centre car park, from there it is an easy signposted walk of about two minutes. The place is also easy to reach by bus from Fort William (bus station). Hours: 9.30am to 5pm. There is a café and bathroom facilities on site.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

21 arches. 30 meters high. 380 meters long. Building works finished in 1898. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, the longest viaduct in Scotland, part of the West Highland Line, that most will know from Harry Potter. Indeed, it is apparently a famous viaduct for Harry Potter fans. I have to admit to never have read or watched Harry Potter (I reckon I might be the only person left who hasn’t). People were so excited to be here, the excitement was palpable. I overheard a man who rang his mum to tell her he was waiting for the Hogwart Express. It was simply wonderful to see how delighted people were to be there.

Information Glenfinnan Viaduct. Glenfinnan, Lochaber PH37 4LT, Scotland, United Kingdom. Leave your car at the Glenfinnan Monument car park, from there it is an easy signposted walk of about five to ten minutes. The place is also easy to reach by bus from Fort William (bus station). Hours car park: Hours: 9.30am to 5pm.

Corpach Beach Shipwreck

Once upon a time, this fishing vessel voyaged the North Sea named MV Dayspring for mackerel. After three decades of manoeuvring its way through rough seas, thick fog, and sunny days, about fifteen years ago it was time to retire. The dream was to turn it into a floating restaurant. Life had other plans. The vessel broke loose in a storm. Coastguards helped to find its final resting place at Loch Linnhe. To visit, park at the Corpach Marina and walk a few steps to the beach. In the background, you see Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in the Grampian Mountains. Not only that, but it is also the highest mountain in the UK.

Bring food for a picnic on the beach, but if that is too much of a hassle for you, there is a wonderful café at the marina, An Cafaidh Mara Corpach, that invites you to feast on coffee and cake, and snacks. It sits directly by the yacht harbour, at the entrance to the Caledonian Canal.

Just in case you wonder, Corpach in Gaelic A’ Chorpaich, means "field of corpses," probably linked to ancient funeral routes.

Information Corpach beach shipwreck. Park your car at Corpach Marina, PH33 7JJ, Scotland, United Kingdom. Paid parking.

Glencoe Visitor Centre

Situated in the heart of Glencoe, the visitor centre offers a quiet yet informative insight into Highland history. The surrounding landscape is stark and dramatic with looming ridges and deep valleys. A short walk from the centre you reach a traditional turf house. 300 years ago, locals created turf houses like this one using only what they found in the surrounding landscape. Craftspeople, skilled in traditional building techniques, helped design and reconstruct one as authentically as possible. You can very well imagine this area covered by as many turf houses as there are mountains.

Do not leave before visiting the café and the exhibition. There is also a shop that sells souvenirs and books. Oh, and yes, there are Highland Cows, and they are seriously cute. Long Horns. Shaggy Coat. What is not to love?

Information Glencoe Visitor Centre, Ballachulish PH49 4HX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Hours: 9.30am to 5pm. Paid parking. Donations are welcomed.

Glencoe Village

The village at the mouth of Loch Leven is a small place with tragic history. During the Glencoe Massacre in February 1692, members of the Glencoe MacDonald clan were killed under orders from the Scottish government in order to bring the clan in line behind the crown. The soldiers arrived under the false pretence to be looking for shelter. Days after their arrival they insidiously killed about 40 members of MacDonald clan during the night. The village is now home to a few hundred residents. It is a quiet place, and you wouldn't imagine what happened here. There is a memorial to the Glencoe massacre in the village.

St. John’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Glencoe

This little stone church on the shores of Loch Leven is ever since it was built in the late 19th century open to all. Services continue to be held regularly. Walk the churchyard and remember those who lived life in this wild and pretty corner of Scotland.

Information St. John's Scottish Episcopalian Church, Ballachulish, Ballachulish PH49 4JP, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Three Sisters Viewpoint

If you drive along the A82 in Glencoe, you are going to automatically come across the Three Sisters viewpoint. When the continents of Avalonia and Laurentia collided, the peaks in front of you began their life 470 million years ago. Then came volcanic eruptions, glaciers and ice sheets floating down the valley, floodings. And here we are today. This view, oh la la. This place offers one of the most arresting views. I visit on a sunny day, but I can see how the three sisters, Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh, lived on this valley's floor for centuries. Proudly battering wind, snow, rain, and sunshine.

Information Three Sisters Viewpoint, Ballachulish PH49 4HX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Paid parking is directly off the main road. It is a popular stop, come early in the day or late in the afternoon, or bring time to wait for a free spot.

Hidden Valley - Coire Gabhail Hike

Back in the days the MacDonalds clan of Glencoe guided their stolen cattle here to hide it. At first it is an easy walk but soon you start to climb up the hills, slippery in places, and once you are up at the very top you have to cross a river, and this is when you might start to seriously wonder how they brought their cattle here. All in all, this is not a long walk, approx about four hours return. The path is uneven, often slippery, some mild climbing over boulders is required at times. Please wear sturdy footwear, flip flops won't do. It is not an accessible track, and it is not possible to visit with a stroller. Carry water and some snacks, wear sunscreen in sunny weather and bring rain protection (just in case). If you are sort of fit, the trail is the one for you. Keep in mind that this is not an easy stroll, but a hike over mostly rocky terrain. It is a beauty of a place.

Information Hidden Valley hike. Park your car at the Three Sisters Viewpoint, Ballachulish PH49 4HX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Paid parking. There are no toilet facilities.

Lagangarbh Hut - 'Wee White House’

Just off the A82, the main road through Glencoe, at the foot of impressive Buachaille Etive Mor, sits Lagangarbh hut. The little white cottage seems to be protected by the mountain scape behind it. Its roof is local slate, and the walls are of stone, built to withstand the battering of strong winds and storms. It is a photo opportunity not to be missed and also wonderful for short hikes from the main road. You step off the main road and instantly in what feels like complete remoteness, that is the beauty of the Highlands. It is a destination in itself, and a beautiful one. Walk towards the river and over the footbridge and on into the valley.

Information 'Wee White House, Lagagarbh Cottage M36W+P6, Ballachulish PH49 4HX, Scotland, United Kingdom. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, a bed at the cottage can be booked via an online booking system, but please note that applications to stay at the hut are only accepted from Mountaineering Clubs, Hillwalking Clubs, Individual members of Mountaineering Scotland or the BMC (British Mountaineering Council).

Glen Etive - Gleann Èite in Scottish Gaelic

A single-track road winds its way through this long, softly winding valley carved by ice and water. The river Etive runs 18 kilometres through the valley till it reaches Loch Etive. The area, famous for its deers probably would have remained largely untouched, if James Bond wouldn't have arrived. The road is packed with tourists. All searching for the famous spot where Judie Dench and Daniel Craig, stand next to the Aston Martin DB5, looking down into the valley towards Bond's childhood home. That was before the vehicle is later shot to pieces by the villain. It is a magnificently beautiful place, make sure it stays this way. There is just no time to litter. 

Information Glen Etive, Ballachulish PH49 4JA, Scotland, United Kingdom. Simply put ‘Skyfall Scene’ into Google Maps and find the exact spot.

Fort William

The town on the shores of Loch Linnhe, named after William of Orange aka William III England, was built around a fort in the 17th century to control the Highlands following various uprisings. The fort is long gone, but the town, surrounded by most magnificent scenery with sea lochs, steep glens, and Ben Nevis on the horizon, is the place to be if you are after live music, food, and entertainment.

Fort William is often called the outdoor capital of the UK. The West Highland Way begins and ends here, the place is famous for motorcycle races and mountain biking trials, and it is a true hub for climbing, walking, and winter sports. And there is also a cinema, and a museum conveniently located side by side in the historic town centre. Visit the sculpture of Henry Alexander Jr, the son of a car dealer who drove up and down Ben Nevis in a Ford Model T in 1911. What an achievement. After it took him five days to reach the summit, he made his way down to Fort William within one day.

Ben Nevis, Paddy's Bridge and Steall Waterfall

Just outside of Fort William, and only after a short ride of about ten minutes, you reach Ben Nevis. To climb to the mountain's summit 1,345 metres above sea level undoubtedly takes a lot of preparation and effort, but there are plenty of opportunities for shorter hikes through the ancient woodland. Go on a walk of about four hours along the Water of Nevis, or into the scenic Nevis Gorge to Steall Waterfall, Scotland’s second-highest waterfall. There are no toilet facilities, bring snacks, water and wear weather appropriate clothing/sunscreen. 

Information Paddy's Bridge, QXCM+8W, Kinlochleven, Fort William PH33 6SZ, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Commando Memorial Spean Bridge

Unveiled in 1952, the three bronze figures stand for all the men of the British Commandos who trained in this terrain during the WW2. Please visit the Garden of Remembrance, where personal items of former soldiers tell their story.

Set on a rise above Spean Bridge in the western Highlands, the Commando Memorial offers great views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding hills. It is hard to accept and sad that, in this day and age, and with all the knowledge we have, humanity still has to fight wars.

Information Commando Memorial in Spean Bridge, Spean Bridge PH34 4EG, Scotland, United Kingdom. Tickets free. Located just off the A82, it’s a short drive north of Fort William and easily reached by car.

Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants in Fort William, Spean Bridge, Glencoe

The Geographer, 88 High St, Fort William PH33 6AD, Scotland, United Kingdom. Pub food. They don't take bookings. Closes 9pm.

Glencoe Gathering, A82, Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HW, Scotland, United Kingdom. Pub food. Closes 8pm.

The Crofter Bar and Restaurant, 11 High St, Fort William PH33 6DH, Scotland, United Kingdom. Pub food. Closes 1am.

Sónas Restaurant, 147 High St, Fort William PH33 6EA, Scotland, United Kingdom. Closes 10pm. Book in advance.

Black Isle Bar fort William, Gordon Square, Fort William PH33 6DY, Scotland, United Kingdom. Pizza. Closes 11pm.

Old Station Restaurant, shire, Station Rd, Spean Bridge, Inverness PH34 4EF, Scotland, United Kingdom. Pub food in a converted Victorian railway station. Book in advance. Last orders at 9pm.

Ben Nevis Bar. 103 High St, Fort William PH33 6DG, Scotland, United Kingdom. Pub food. Closes 11pm. No bookings during the summer season.

Cluanie Bar & Kitchen, Glenmoriston, Inverness IV63 7YW, United Kingdom. Pub food. Closes 9.30pm.

Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast in Fort William, Spean Bridge, Glencoe

Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre & Larder Cafe, Inverlochy Mains, North Rd, Fort William PH33 6TQ, United Kingdom. Monday to Saturday from 9am, Sunday 10am. You can also buy wonderful handmade souvenirs and jewellery, books, soap, stationery and sweets.

The Old Deli, 32 High St, Fort William PH33 6AT, United Kingdom, opens 8am.

The Wildcat, 21 High St, Fort William PH33 6DH, United Kingdom.

The Bridge Cafe, Fort William, Spean Bridge PH34 4EP, United Kingdom

Crafts & Things Glencoe, Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HN, Scotland, United Kingdom. Opens 9.30am, closes 5pm.

Old Pines Hotel & Restaurant, Gairlochy, Road, Spean Bridge PH34 4EG, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Birch Café, Bayfield Rd, Portree IV51 9EL, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Skye Pantry, 2 Seafield Cres, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AD, Scotland, United Kingdom. Cakes are delicious. There is also an Antique Shop and Souvenir shop and even a grocery shop next door. 

 Travel Information Scotland  

Visa requirements for Scotland

Visit this website of the Government of United Kingdom to find out whether you need only your valid passport, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to travel to Scotland. Use this official website, as there are apparently frauds trying to make money from selling ETA’s. There is no agent needed to apply for it; it costs GBP 16. 

How to get to Scotland and the Scottish Highlands

Many destinations offer direct flights to Edinburgh Airport or Glasgow Airport. The best way to get around the Scottish Highlands is by rental car. Both airports are about the same distance from Glencoe.

How to travel by car and ferry from Europe mainland (France) to Scotland

Here come a few things that are good to know before you jump aboard a ferry to get to Scotland from mainland Europe.

Take the ferry from Calais to Dover. The tickets for the ferry (inclusive of the fare for the rental car) are reasonably priced, it is value for money, and there are several compelling deals to get on the website of PO Ferries. You can book online, and it is a rather straightforward booking process. Ferry rides from the ferry terminals in Calais to ferry terminals in Dover take about 1.5 hours. To avoid disappointment, it is good to book the ferry tickets in advance. You'd need to arrive at the ferry terminal about 60 minutes in advance, and you will be given all the details when booking the trip.

During the passage, you are allowed to go upstairs and have drinks and food and look at the channel from the deck.

Addresses Ferry Terminals Calais in France and Dover in England, UK.

-Port of Calais (Ferry Entrance), 62100 Calais, France.

-Dover Cruise Terminal, Western Docks, Dover CT17 9DQ, England, United Kingdom.

Please double-check all information provided with PO Ferries when you buy the tickets.

How long should I visit the Scottish Highlands?

Do you visit places, take a few photos, and are on your way to the next highlight? Good news, there are enough highlights in the Scottish Highlands that are easy to reach and that you can visit quickly. If that is what you envision for your trip, a weekend might be enough to see the places. If you want to look around and experience the sounds and smells of nature, and go for hikes, and find cute cafés, listen to live music at pubs, calculate some more time. As always in life, it depends on what you like to do and on what you are interested in.

One week is a good start. A short trip might be a good option to give you a first taste.

Best time to visit the Scottish Highlands – The weather

May to September are the warmer month. Please keep in mind that this is Scotland. You will probably always have to put on a light jumper, even at the hight of summer in August.

Spring temperatures hoover around 13 degrees Celsius. Summer temperatures average at around 17 degrees Celsius, and there is lots of daylight, it hardly ever gets real dark. In autumn, it can be getting cooler, and as low as 8 degrees Celsius. In winter you can expect six degrees Celsius and below.

In many northern European countries, we use the saying: There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.

What kind of clothes should I wear in the Scottish Highlands and how should I dress?

Everything is possible when it comes to the weather in Scotland. On any given day it can be windy, sunny, it can rain heavily, and all that in one day. Bring clothes and sturdy shoes for when you go hiking, cycling, or boating. Make sure to carry rain gear for the great outdoors, as well as some warm layers. In sunny weather wear sunscreen and a hat. In winter, you’d need to wear the full winter gear, puffer jacket, gloves, beanie, winter boots. Pack accordingly and be on the safe side. In summer, wear sunscreen and a hat. Dress in layers. Just bring a rain cover and a jumper and you are going to be fine.

Also, from May to September midges (tiny flies) might be around at dusk, you would need to put on midge repellent spray. They even have a midge forecast in the UK, visit the website. The Scottish Highlands are high-risk areas for Lyme disease; ticks can be found in heath and woodland. 

Scotland – Currency and how to pay

The official currency in Scotland is the British Pound (GBP). In general, contactless payment is accepted everywhere. Credit cards are accepted everywhere. To be on the safe side, carry some cash. You find ATMs in most places.

What to read? Go on a Verbatim Journey to the north of Scotland

-The Island Swimmer by Lorraine Kelly.

-Pretty Young Rebel by Flora Fraser.

-Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith.

From Berlin with love