10 Outdoor Activities in Scottish Highlands That You Shouldn't Miss

August 26, 2021 Giuseppe Pratt

The moody, romantic Scottish Highlands start at Loch Lomond just north of Glasgow. Comprising a slew of mountain ranges, this sparsely populated land is best seen by train on the West Highland Line. Mountains, lochs, bright heather and rhododendrons give way to white sand beaches and rugged coves as the train nears Mallaig. For a more active take on the region, hike the West Highland Way or visit the Trossachs National Park. Ben Nevis, a popular climbing spot, looms over the town of Fort William.
Restaurants in Scottish Highlands

1. Road to the Isles

Fort William Scotland +44 1397 703781
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 64 reviews

Road to the Isles

A 50-mile trail through the rugged Scottish landscape.

Reviewed By jpseddie - Poole, United Kingdom

We did the "Road to the Isles Road Trip" from Fort William all the way and enjoyed it very much. fantastic scenery with mountains rivers and waterfalls all around. Half way point make sure you stop at the Glenfinnan monument and viaduct . For Harry Potter fans the viaduct is the scene from the second movie where the Hogwarts Express caught up with the flying Ford Anglia!. The Glenfinnan Monument has a visitor centre and lots of history surrounding Bonnie Prince Charlie and the views are simply amazing especially from the top looking down on the monument. We finally arrived at Mallaig just as the Jacobite Steam Train ( Hogwarts Express) was leaving ! :o)

2. Sandwood Bay

Kinlochbervie Scotland
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 198 reviews

Sandwood Bay

Reviewed By 292islaw

We started the walk just before 9am and were the only two on the beach when we got there around 80mins later. The walk to the beach is relatively flat with a couple of small ups and downs. There is a stunning backdrop of the larger mountains in the area and small lochans are dotted along the way. Once you turn the final curve of the land Sandwood Bay stretches out to the left with Sandwood Loch to the right. A stunning view with mountain, lochs and coastline in one panorama. The water was tinted with turquoise and there are big dunes leading to the beach front. I would absolutely recommend the 13km round walk and would also recommend going early ish to get pass the night campers on their way back and to miss the day visitors heading down a little later. There is a donation box in car park for John Muir Trust who cleans the car park facilities and ensures the natural, remote beauty of Sandwood Bay is maintained.

3. Camusdarach Beach

Arisaig PH39 4NT Scotland
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 314 reviews

Camusdarach Beach

Reviewed By BoJogetsacked

Beautiful sand dunes,wild waves and tons of space for everyone to play on in my opinion the best beach ever .

4. Sango Bay

Durness Scotland
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 181 reviews

Sango Bay

Reviewed By NomadSue1 - London, United Kingdom

Perfectly gorgeous, probably one of the best beaches in the world with pristine sands and clear water. Great place to walk your dogs.

5. Balnakeil Beach

Durness Scotland
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 276 reviews

Balnakeil Beach

Reviewed By 454kateg - Strachur, United Kingdom

Beautiful big, quiet beach with clean white sands clear azul water below challenging golf course, interesting ruined church and graveyard

6. Durness Beach

Durness Highlands, Durness Scotland
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 390 reviews

Durness Beach

Reviewed By drjasonclark - London, United Kingdom

I went here for my 50th birthday. It was stunning and very very special. White sand, blue sea, and freezing cold (it was January!). A must-visit part of the UK.

7. Glencoe Lochan

Glencoe Village Scotland http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/glencoelochan.shtml
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 308 reviews

Glencoe Lochan

Reviewed By Shelauch

Beautiful scenery, and we were lucky enough to see it on a very calm day, so the mirror images in the water were terrific. An easy flat walk round the lochan with loads of photo opportunities.

8. Achmelvich Beach

Lochinver Scotland
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 428 reviews

Achmelvich Beach

Reviewed By ColinJW1987 - Perth, United Kingdom

Beautiful beach. A short walk over from the main beach is another beautiful more secluded beach, could have been in the Caribbean!

9. Loch Morlich

Glenmore Forest Park, Aviemore PH22 1QU Scotland +44 1479 861221 http://www.forestryandland.gov.scot
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 593 reviews

Loch Morlich

Reviewed By andytM4330OL - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

We had a great weeks weather in Aviemore and Loch Morlich was visited nearly every day.There is so much to do and the girls enjoyed Paddle boarding,Kayaking and swimming in the Loch.We had a lovely beach BBQ one evening as well several picnics

10. Lost Valley Trail

A82, Glencoe Village PH49 4HX Scotland http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/lostvalley.shtml
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 141 reviews

Lost Valley Trail

Reviewed By dr_suchet - Bangkok, Thailand

If you have a chance to visit Scotland, you should find time to drive up north to the high land in Glen Coe. Along the road side A82 before you get into the town of Glen Coe, you will find a land mark of the town ‘The Three Sisters’. You can park your car at the parking lot on the road side. The trail is just starting from there. You will find a small trail leading from the parking lot down to the mountain in front of you. Just walk to the left trail and follow the route. The trail is not too difficult but you need to prepare yourself such as a good hiking shoes , walking stick , drinking water , a jacket etc. it should take you around two to two and a half hour to get to the summit, but you don’t have to worry because you will enjoy the water fall view along the hiking trail. At the top, you will see the famous Lost Valley right in front of you. I love this trail because other than hiking, I also get a very good photo of the mountain and water fall.

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