No trip to Scotland would truly be complete without a visit or stay in the Scottish Highlands. When most people think of the romance and beauty of Scotland, chances are it’s the Highlands that come to mind.
There’s a reason celebrity couples such as Madonna and Guy Ritchie choose this bucolic backdrop as the ideal location to get married; more than just beautiful scenery, there are lots of attractions that bring millions of people every year to the Scottish Highlands.
Getting There
Whether you are staying smack dab in the middle of the Highlands or elsewhere in Scotland, you will need a car to fully explore the region. Technically, it extends across the north-western part of Scotland reaching from the town of Dumbarton to Stonehaven. The capital of the region is usually considered to be Inverness. Smaller towns of the Highlands, such as Ullapool and the Black Isle, are known for their simple charm and worth exploring.
What To Do There
There are many activities and natural attractions to occupy your time in the Scottish Highlands. For outdoor enthusiasts, cycling, canoeing, hiking, fishing and bird watching are some of the more popular pursuits.
If you’re not that into the great outdoors, you may want to opt for taking a tour of one of the many Highland castles, going island hopping via ferry, driving around any of its beautiful lochs, or visiting (and tasting at!) the numerous whisky distilleries.
No matter what you decide to do, take the time to stop and view the magnificent scenery. From deep, blue, crystal clear lakes to majestic mountain peaks and everything in between, Scotland’s Highlands are a region of breathtaking beauty.
Eating and Drinking, Highlands Style
In addition to the area’s famous whisky, you will find plenty of markets and restaurants to sample regional foods you won’t find elsewhere. There’s a difference between the cuisine in the country’s northwest and southeast; in the Highlands, the climate is suitable for raising livestock and the residents here eat a lot of meat and cheese.
Potatoes, introduced in the eighteenth century, are a popular staple, served as side dish, bread substitute, or even main dish. Look for fried herring, soup made from wild game, tatties and crowdie (potatoes and soft cheese), oatcakes, and Atholl brose (oatmeal and whisky) for an authentic taste of the Highlands.
Whether you desire a vacation full of outdoor adventure or simply a quiet, relaxing time spent enjoying the beautiful countryside of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands has what you’re seeking.
Establish a home base in self-catered accommodations that allow you to go at your own pace, then get out and explore all the scenery, activities and special food and beverages to be found in the country’s most iconic region, the Highlands.
About the author: Matthew Bettoli writes for Cottages and Castles who provide Highlands and Islands holiday cottages.
Credits: Photos courtesy of Jeffrey and Rachel Vanneste, Benoît Deniaud and Katherine respectively.