Alright, so you’ve brushed up on your backpacking tips, you’ve strapped on your kilt and you’ve bought your plane ticket. It’s time to start exploring the Scottish highlands, but with a culture so rich and history mixed with legend, deciding where to begin this adventure can leave your head spinning.
Top 10 Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands
That’s where these top 10 things to do in the Scottish Highlands come in handy.
Hike in Glen Coe
In a place as beautiful as Glen Coe, it’s easy to forget that its history’s stained by blood. Back in the late 1600′s, the MacDonald clan was massacred by another group of highlanders. These highlanders pretended they were guests of the MacDonald’s, eating and drinking with them before turning on them during the middle of the night. This happened when the MacDonalds wouldn’t pledge their allegiance to the new Monarch of England, Prince William of Orange. Even though its story is a tragedy, Glen Coe is a reminder of the beauty and the history the highlands have to offer.
Explore Loch Ness
Loch Ness is not only home to the fabled monster but it’s also the biggest Loch (Lake) in the highlands. Tucked away, this little gem seems a million miles away from the real world. At Loch Ness, you can enjoy a relaxing walk while taking in the stunning highlands or you if you are feeling a little more adventurous hop on a monster-hunting tour and go looking for Nessie yourself.
Experience the Callanish standing stones.
These stones on Scotland’s western isles are older than Stonehenge. Excreted by Neolithic people around 4000 years old, and while they are not as big as Stonehenge, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to see something that’s over 4000 years old.
Eilean Donan
The locals call Eilean Donan the sexiest castle in Scotland and I agree. This piece of Scottish history, built on the tiny island in Loch Dunin, is the view you came to Scotland to see. Chances are you have seen this castle before as it has been in numerous movies. If you are a sucker for medieval castles and scenic views, a trip to Eilean Donan is right up your alley.
Drive the Coast to Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock is tied in with the legendary Finn McCool. Yes, the same Finn McCool that made Giants Causeway which sits on the Irish coast. The folds in the Rock make it look like a Kilt, hence the name. The beauty of the coast leading up to Kilt Rock is reason enough for a visit.
Become Eternally Youthful at Sligachan
One of the best parts about Scotland is learning all the folklore. Legends say the creek at Silgachan is home to Elven, king of the fairies. If you dunk your head into the water for seven seconds, you will have eternal youth. Be careful though! Elven is known for being notoriously mischievous and his deals never work out as you anticipate.
Walk the Culloden Battlefield
If you’re a history buff, then Culloden’s Field is a stop you won’t want to miss. On this field outside of Inverness, the battle of Culloden took place. It was the famous last battle of the Jacobite rebellion. Here two -thousand highlanders fought and died trying to gain independence and restore their rightful prince to power. Today people come here to honor their memory.
Visit the Monument to William Wallace
We’ve all seen the movie. Mel Gibson hops into a kilt, dons a Scottish accent, and starts consuming people with fire from his eyes and bolts of lightning from his ass. William Wallace was a great leader who stood against the tyranny of Edward the first. The Scottish people still pay tribute to his heroic deeds at his monument at Sterling. The monument is massive and offers some great views of the surrounding countryside. Outside the monument, bagpipers play outlawed tunes on outlawed pipes.
Wander the Neolithic Village of Skara Brae Stone Age
On the northern tip of Scotland lie the Orkney Islands. Here, you can find the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which dates back to over 5000 years ago. For being 5000 years old, these little stone huts are well-preserved and are not something to miss.
Party like a Highlander
Fort Augustus lies on the edge of Loch Ness. This sleepy little village is home to the famed hostel, Morag’s Lodge, which is anything, but sleepy if you go at the right time. Their lively bar plays host to a variety of different types of parties every night of the week. However, none is bigger than their Highland Kilt Party.
A kilt party is like a toga party on steroids. Imagine a group of people dressed in kilts laughing, drinking, and stumbling to the sound of blaring music. I learned from this party that it’s amusing to watch people stumble around in kilts. The long summer days are perfect for drinking a dram of whiskey, doing a wee Scottish dance and having a highland experience.
Do you have anything to add to the top 10 things to do in the Scottish Highlands?
Also Read: Top 10 things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
