Top Things to do in Scottish Highlands
Top Hotels in Scottish Highlands
- 1. The Onich Hotel
- 2. Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness
- 3. Travelodge Inverness Fairways
- 4. The Garrison Hotel
- 5. Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
- 6. Ness Walk Hotel
- 7. The Morar Hotel
- 8. Craigmonie Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
- 9. Premier Inn Inverness East hotel
- 10. Premier Inn Thurso hotel
Countries
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Scottish Highlands, Scotland
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. Aigas Field Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 170 reviews
Please avoid the disappointment of being turned away. Aigas Field Centre is a residential business and not open to passing visitors. Prior booking is always required. The internationally acclaimed and award-winning field centre for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; Aigas is a Highland estate and family home offering unsurpassed hospitality, educational holidays and wildlife experiences to residential visitors from all over the world.
Reviewed By mfhunter
I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
2. Glencoe Lochan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 reviews
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.
3. Glen Etive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By Krs922v - Balloch, United Kingdom
Whilst staying at the Kingshouse Hotel we took a drive to Glen Etive and kept going until we ran out of road at Loch Etive. Lovely drive with single track and lots of passing places. It's very peaceful at the Loch and the scenery was hauntingly beautiful.
4. Handa Island Wildlife Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Handa Island is one of the most important seabird colonies in northern Europe. Home to over 100,000 seabirds in the summer, including internationally important populations of Guillemot, Razorbill and Great Skua. Small numbers of Puffin and Arctic Skua amongst other seabirds also nest. The island is also superb for botany and for spotting whales, dolphins, seals and the occasional otter. The scenery and geology is also fantastic.The reserve is owned by the Scourie Estate, and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. There are few facilities on the island, just a small visitor shelter, composting toilet and shop. The reserve is reached by a ferry boat from Tarbet, near Scourie, and runs from April to September (Phone to check dates). The ferry runs on demand Monday - Saturday from 9.00am, with the last boat out to the island at 2pm. Returns available all day with the last one being at 5pm. Ferry charges £12.50 for adults, £5 for children (ages 5-14), under 5's are free. Please note, the ferry does not run on Sunday or in severe weather.
Reviewed By WalczakMarcin - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Placed in a quite remote part of North-West Scotland near Scourie, and just 3 miles off the famous NC 500 route, this is a real treat as much for bird watchers as casual tourists seeking for a great day out. Arriving at the pier in Tarbet there is a car park with enough space to accommodate tourists willing to cross to Handa Island. After purchasing tickets from very friendly staff the boat takes up to 12-15 tourists on board. The travel time from the pier to the island is about 10 minutes and it costs £15 per adult and £5 per child. As far as I am concerned the first boat leaves at around 09:00, while the last one takes tourists to the island at around 14:00. The latest return boat is 16:45 but staff should make sure that nobody stays overnight at the island. It might take anytime between 2.5 and 4 hours to walk around the island but to explore it properly more time should be allowed. Therefore, I would recommend to arrive as early as possible to avoid any disappointment. There is a path to follow and it is not recommended to walk off the path, especially during the birds' breeding season. The period between May and July is the best for bird watchers, though anytime before and afterwards it would be still great time to observe sea life and enjoy amazing views this island offers. The only issue to experience during visit this summer was that the shelter with toilet was shut due to Covid-19 pandemic. I would strongly recommend visiting Handa Island, and put as a must visit place for anyone coming to not only into this area but to Scotland as the country.
5. Highland Titles Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 465 reviews
The Highland Titles Nature Reserve is a uniquely funded conservation project. We sell souvenir plots of Scottish land to people all over the world and use the profits to manage the land as a nature reserve. Thousands of our customers visit the nature reserve each year to witness the progress made possible with their support. Improvements include walking trails, a 3-acre lochan, tree planting, benches along the way for quiet enjoyment of the surroundings and signage explaining the natural habitat. If requested in advance we will try to arrange for a local guide to help you find your plot, and if required, to get around the Reserve. Our vehicle is not always available and we cannot guarantee that a driver will be able to take you. Refreshments and lodging are available in a number of nearby communities.
Reviewed By gazbot
We recently had a wonderful trip to our plot. We didn’t know if covid would prohibit us but our visit was very safely managed and very enjoyable. We can’t wait to come back again. Fantastic service.
6. Shieldaig Falconry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Private falconry and archery experiences . Come and fly our beautiful birds of prey to your gloved hand, or test your skills at archery in the stunning grounds of shieldaig lodge hotel
7. Glencoe & Dalness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Denarchy7 - Cleveland, United States
My wife and I were on a bus trip and stopped in Glencoe. I have to say on the whole, the Scottish Highlands are amazing. Glencoe was especially amazing. The scenery is just breathtaking.
8. Highland Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,157 reviews
Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world's mountains and tundra in our spectacular setting. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area on foot. With everything from wildcats to polar bears don't miss the Highlands' wildest day out!
Reviewed By Z2586KMhelenw
We went here for my 30th birthday and it was amazing, there were so many animals to see and such a large area to cover that we were there all day, also loved the combination of the walk round zones and the drive round safari (you can go on a park vehicle if you prefer). The polar bears and wolves were particular highlights. There were plenty of spaces for a picnic both under cover or out in the sunshine. Would definitely go back!
9. Inverpolly Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
A visit to this nature reserve takes visitors "off the beaten track" to explore its magnificent, remote and rugged setting, and a chance to experience some of Scotland's most distinctive mountains of Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Canisp.
10. Loch Maree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By JulieWill - Atherstone, United Kingdom
Stunning scenery with some nice places to eat, there is a good tourist information centre with a nice little cafe and a little shop. There is an old military base not far away ( ask at the tourist info ) with some great views. There are also some nice local beaches.
