Scottish Highlands

The mountains, lochs and islands of northwestern Scotland, including Glen Coe, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and the Highland railways.

The Scottish Highlands generally refer to the mountains and islands north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault, and are culturally the heartland of the Gaelic language and clan tradition. The region is wider than the Highland council area and often includes Argyll and the Cairngorms. Core highlights: Glen Coe and Fort William, home to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain; the “Harry Potter” steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and the Glenfinnan Viaduct; Eilean Donan Castle; the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye; Inverness, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle; and the whisky distilleries of Speyside. Classic route: from Edinburgh or Glasgow, via Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Fort William, the Isle of Skye and Inverness, then back through the Cairngorms, 5–7 days by car; add 4–5 more days if you include the NC500 north coast loop. For transport, driving gives the most freedom, but many Highland roads are single-track, so you need to give way at passing places; you can also choose a 1–3-day bus tour from Edinburgh or take the West Highland Railway. The weather is changeable, with four seasons in a day, so a waterproof jacket is essential; in summer, midges are numerous on the west coast, so bring insect repellent.

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