What to do and see in Scottish Highlands, Scotland: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

September 25, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

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. Duncansby Head

John O'Groats Scotland http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/duncansby-head.shtml
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 687 reviews

Duncansby Head

Reviewed By StuartP73 - Westhoughton, United Kingdom

The turn for Duncansby Head is just a few hundred metres up the road from John O'Groats in the direction of Wick. After a couple of miles you arrive at a car park (free)near a lighthouse. A short 10-15 minute walk across fields will bring you to the most amazing view of Duncansby stacks. Well worth a visit just for the stacks however we also got to see seals and some great nesting birds on the cliffs.

2. 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 .

3. Steall Waterfall

Car Park Glen Nevis Place, Fort William PH33 6DA Scotland http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/steallfalls.shtml
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,434 reviews

Steall Waterfall

Reviewed By I4996RBjoannap - Brough, United Kingdom

Drive down a single track road until it comes to an end which is a small free car park so arrive early; there was another car park at beginningof road however it charged for parking and would be quite a walk to get there. We arrived at 9am and had no issues with parking. A great walk along the river with mini waterfalls coming over the path which then opens up to see Steall Waterfall. There is a wire bridge to get closer to see it however there is a great view without crossing. We were lucky enough not to have midges even though it was warm and dry.

4. 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

5. Cairngorm Brewery

Unit 12 Dalfaber Industrial Estate Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore PH22 1ST Scotland +44 1479 812222 http://www.cairngormbrewery.com/index.php?app=gbu0&ns=display&ref=splash
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 354 reviews

Cairngorm Brewery

Reviewed By CptHowdy - Stafford, United Kingdom

Well stocked brewery shop. Alas tours not on at present due to Covid. Knowledgeable and friendly gentleman working in the shop though and got an excellent selection of beers to take away. Plus you can see a good amount of the brewery through the large windows in the shop which is a cool touch.

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. Glen Etive

Glencoe Village Scotland http://lochlomond-thetrossachs.co.uk
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 443 reviews

Glen Etive

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.

9. Bealach na Ba Road

Loch Kishorn, Applecross Scotland http://www.myhighlands.de/bealach-na-ba
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 940 reviews

Bealach na Ba Road

Reviewed By Whatbob - Glasgow, United Kingdom

A lovely drive - many superb views - driving requires care - we had a war crisp day with snow and frozen waterfalls - really enjoyed it - road was quiet for us - could be a hassle if busy.- all single track - it is all sealed.

10. 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!

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