Scottish Highlands Travel Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat
Looking for tips before visiting the Scottish Highlands? Prepare for your trip to the land of lochs and lush landscapes with this guide.
Wide open spaces, fairy-tale castles, and mesmerizing scenery collide in the north of Scotland, a region that inspires wanderlust in all of us. Whether you’re cruising through the never-ending rolling hills or wandering around an ancient fortress, a Scottish Highlands tour will capture your heart as you explore the region’s rugged terrain, charming culture, and riveting history.
Follow our Scottish Highlands Travel Guide, complete with tips for visiting the Scottish Highlands from our staffers and travelers, and make sure you don’t miss a moment, landmark, or viewpoint. Below are all the things to know before visiting the Scottish Highlands on tour with us!
Scottish Highlands travel basics
Currency: Pound sterling, which is commonly referred to as the “pound,” is what you’ll use. You might hear locals use “quid” (e.g. “that’ll be five quid”) in the same way Americans refer to dollars as “bucks.” “Pence” is Scotland’s version of pennies, with 100 pence equaling one pound.
Language: English—emphasized with a lovely Scottish accent!
Location: You might be wondering, where are the Scottish Highlands? The Scottish Highlands dominate the sparsely populated northern third of Scotland, a region where the breathtaking sights outnumber the area’s friendly residents.
Getting around: The best way to explore the Highlands is by car or private motor coach on tour. Many of the sights and attractions are spread out over the country’s vast terrain and require a drive.
Phrases to know: “Hiya” is a common greeting. You can reply with the same, or simply say “hello.” “Aye,” which means yes, is heard frequently throughout Scotland. If you find yourself out and about on a rainy day, you might hear locals saying, “What a dreich day,” referring to dreary or damp weather.
When is the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands?
Planning to visit the Scottish Highlands but can’t decide when to go? The region is breathtaking in any season, however a visit in spring or summer highlights the beautiful natural landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. But, here’s one of our best Scottish Highlands travel tips: Don’t let rainy weather deter you! Regardless of the season, Scotland is known for wet weather (silver lining: emerald green hills!), but remember that a day that starts out cool and misty could quickly turn warm and sunny by the afternoon.
Visit the Scottish Highlands in the winter for holiday festivities
One thing’s for sure: The Scots know how to celebrate! A trip to the Highlands during this time of year will deliver a joyous burst of holiday cheer. Take our Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland tour in the winter to peep the Christmas decorations and cozy up from winter’s chill in a lively pub. Just be prepared: This is the offseason, so some remote businesses in the Highlands may be closed for this chilly time of year.
Visit the Scottish Highlands in spring to spot fields full of wildflowers
Travel to the Scottish Highlands in spring to witness landscapes in Oban, the Isle of Skye, and other Highlands spots blooming with greenery and fields of flowers. April is also when the region starts gearing up for the peak travel season again, with bucket list attractions like the Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express) beginning to run again for the season. Take our Landscapes of Scotland: Oban, the Highlands & Edinburgh tour in the spring to hop aboard.
Visit the Scottish Highlands in summer to enjoy the region’s dreamiest weather
Does it still rain in Scotland in the summer? Yes, it does—but the summer months still usher in more sun and warmer weather than this country sees throughout the rest of the year. So, if you’re looking to get outdoors on your trip to the Highlands, summer’s likely your season! Plus, the region is so far north that the sun stays out until late (we’re talking past 10 p.m. in June!).
Summer also brings some exciting annual festivities—and we have tours to take your there! When you travel on our Scotland & The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo tour in August, you’ll get to see this spectacular event in the country’s capital before heading up to the Highlands to take in all the stunning scenery.
Visit the Scottish Highlands in the fall to explore amidst lighter crowds
The weather begins to cool down in September, but fall is still a lovely time to plan a visit to the Scottish Highlands. As the peak tourism season slows, you’ll get to meander around the area’s most breathtaking natural sites and charming villages with more space all to yourself. Take our Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland tour in autumn to enjoy castle explorations against a backdrop of fiery foliage.
Discover the Scottish Highlands in every season
What to eat and drink in the Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands travel should definitely include plenty of eating and drinking. Scottish cuisine draws influence from its local environment as well as British dishes and European fare. The result is a multicultural combination of foods with some long-standing Scottish favorites. From the North Sea’s fresh seafood offerings to crowd-pleasing traditional dishes, a hearty meal is never hard to find while on our Scotland tours.
Fish n’ chips
Fish in any form is a must-try in the Scottish Highlands, but a big chunk of fried fish on top of a heaping pile of fries (salt and vinegar optional but recommended) is a staple meal. Keep your eyes peeled for mom-and-pop shops—the smaller the shop, the better the fish n’ chips.
Haggis
Wondering how to travel through the Scottish Highlands like a local? Digging into Scotland’s national dish is one way to do it! Haggis combines sheep’s liver, heart, and lung mixed with onion, oatmeal, and other spices to create a savory and filling meal. Haggis is typically served with “neeps and tatties,” aka turnips and potatoes. Our staffer Lori named eating haggis in Scotland as one of the best parts of her England, Scotland, and Ireland tour. She said, “It’s definitely something you can’t leave Scotland without trying!”
Black pudding
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try Black pudding. (No, it’s not a dessert.) Also referred to as blood pudding, this is Scotland’s version of blood sausage, and it was originally developed as an ethical and economic way to use every part of the animal. The mixture is made with pork blood, pork or beef suet, and oatmeal before it’s packed into a sausage casing and served boiled or grilled.
Orkney cheeses
Hailing from the far-flung northern Orkney Islands, Scottish Highland cheese is famous countrywide. This won’t come as a surprise once you see the number of cows in Scotland! Cheddar is the most common variety and an absolute must try while in the Scottish Highlands. Additionally, there are dozens of farmhouses throughout the region that make artisan cheeses. Take advantage and sample other local favorites produced in the Scottish Highlands, like Cannonball (you’ll understand the name when you see it) and the crumbly Grimbister Farmhouse Cheese.
Edinburgh Rock
This classic Scottish sweet is named after the hill that props up the city’s famous castle. Made from sugar and cream of tartar, the rock candy resembles a piece of chalk (and crumbles like it, too), but melts in your mouth like cotton candy.
Scottish tea
Full-bodied black tea is served all day, every day, in Scotland. The Scots drink an average of five cups of tea per day, so it’s only a matter of time until you’re offered to join for a “cuppa.” Choose the Scottish Blend or Brodies, two of Scotland’s most favored teas.
Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky is the national drink of Scotland, and sampling it on tour is encouraged. Drinking it where it’s produced is the best lesson on Scotch that you’ll get anywhere! Whether you’re into peaty and smoky, light and smooth, or single malt or blended, you’ll find your favorite variety in Scotland.
Irn-Bru
This soda is so popular that it’s considered “Scotland’s other national drink.” The bright orange soda burst onto the scene in 1901 with a secret recipe, and it’s the No. 1 selling soft drink in the country.
Fun things to do in the Scottish Highlands
Scotland is known for its castles and there’s more than enough to explore on a Scottish Highlands tour. However, if you’re wondering what to do in the Scottish Highlands after you get your fill of all the castles, we’ve got plenty of ideas. Whether you want to learn some new dance moves, sample the national drink, or marvel at the mind-blowing scenery, we have a list of activities to fit every traveler’s wish list.
Drink scotch
It’s not a trip to Scotland without a taste of the country’s namesake whisky. By law, authentic Scotch can only be produced at a distillery in Scotland. (This is one of many interesting facts about Scotch whisky.) Tour Oban Distillery and learn about the malt whisky-making process from a knowledgeable guide as part of our Landscapes of Scotland tour. Or, taste your way around Blair Athol Distillery while you explore on our Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland tour. Bottoms up!
Discover Loch Ness
Famous for its legendary monster, “Nessie,” Loch Ness is one of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands. On tour, you can cruise around the loch and take in the tranquil views while keeping one eye open for Nessie herself. If you’re curious about the many “Nessie spottings” over the centuries, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit chronicles all the alleged monster encounters.
Listen to bagpipes
It’s not uncommon to hear the blaring notes of bagpipes in the distance while traveling through the Scottish Highlands. Settle in for the full experience and take part in a traditional ceilidh. This is a lively gathering complete with bagpipe serenades and Scottish country dancing. It’s a party you won’t soon forget and witnessing one is one of the top things to do in the Scottish Highlands. Another way to catch a bagpipe show is by snagging tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual event in August that showcases the best martial bands and dancers in the world. Check out our Edinburgh Travel Guide for more on this and other things to do in Edinburgh.
Visit Glencoe
Immerse yourself in history and nature in the scenic village of Glencoe on our Landscapes of Scotland tour. Perched on a steep-sided valley surrounded by towering mountains, the enchanted location is just the start of Glencoe’s charm. Make the mile-and-a-half trek up Signal Rock (where, according to legend, the signal was given to start the infamous Massacre at Glencoe) and gaze out on Loch Levens below. Keep your eyes open for wildlife like red deer and foxes along the way. When you’ve had your fill of vistas, return to the town to learn about the local culture and history at the Glencoe Folk Museum.
Explore ancient castles, like Urquhart
Scotland is scattered with castles... as many as 1,500. From the regal landmarks built during Medieval times to those completed in more recent centuries, each castle reveals a piece of Scotland’s captivating history. While all of Scotland’s castles are worthy, Urquhart Castle is one of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands while on tour. The castle ruins double as a historic attraction and an epic viewpoint over the picturesque Loch Ness. The castle also happens to be a film location for the TV series “Outlander.” Check out all the other “Outlander filming locations in Scotland that traveler Lisa visited on her Customized Tour.
Soak up dramatic landscapes
One of the best things to do in the Scottish Highlands is to take to the hills. Every twist of the winding country roads boasts a view more incredible than the last—so don’t plan on napping between destinations while on tour! Pass through Trossachs National Park and look out over Loch Lomond, traverse the Western Highlands (keeping your eyes open for shaggy Highland cows), and take in the beauty of the valleys, mountains, and lochs that shape the region. The landscapes are so impressive that we named them one of the six things we love about Scotland.
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Souvenirs to buy in the Scottish Highlands
You’ll definitely want to bring back a few mementos to remember your travels to the Scottish Highlands. Luckily, the Scottish Highlands have plenty of unique souvenirs to offer. These are some of the best things to buy in the Highlands to remember your trip to Scotland for years to come.
Tartan
This plaid-patterned fabric is synonymous with Scotland, so it only makes sense that you come home with a piece of tartan clothing. Tartan is also one of the six things we love about Scotland! Kilts are probably the best-known tartan garment, but if you’re not sure about actually sporting one at home, pick up a stylish tartan scarf instead. The Highland House of Fraser and The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, both in Inverness, sell a variety of tartan items.
A Nessie keepsake
This is a unique buy to remember your time spent around the legendary loch. T-shirts, coffee mugs, stuffed animals, toys—the souvenirs run the gamut at places like Loch Ness Gifts and Great Glen Gifts in Inverness.
The thistle
As Scotland’s national flower, the thistle is a common emblem seen around the country. Pick up a framed print, tea towel, piece of pottery, or coaster set with the pretty purple flower.
What to pack for a trip to the Scottish Highlands
All-weather clothing is best when traveling to the Scottish Highlands. Chilly mornings and evenings are typical, rainy spells are common, and warm sunshine often prevails in the afternoons. Check out our packing list and make sure you’re comfortable and prepared for gallivanting around the Scottish Highlands, no matter the changes in weather.
Layers
T-shirts, long-sleeves, and hoodies that are easy to peel off throughout the day (and pile back on in the evening) are your best friend.
A waterproof jacket
We recommend packing a warm, waterproof jacket for your Scottish Highlands travels. This will help you stay warm and dry while cruising along lochs and popping around quaint villages.
A collapsible umbrella
Surprise rain showers are a part of the fun in Scotland—when you’re prepared! Keeping a small umbrella tucked away in your bag will help ensure the weather never foils any of your travel plans.
Waterproof walking shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are essential when taking a spin through the Scottish Highlands. While on our England, Scotland & Ireland tour, our traveler Stephanie said, “There’s a lot of walking. When you visit a new place you really want to explore the area, so be prepared for that. Bring good walking shoes.” Pro tip: Make sure yours are also waterproof! Highland terrain can be muddy, so you want to make sure your socks stay dry.
A brimmed hat
Whether it’s keeping the sun off your face or your head dry during rainy explorations, you’ll be thankful for the cover.
Prepare for your trip to the Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands travel FAQs
Traveler photos from the Scottish Highlands
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