Top 5 Great Days Out in the Highlands
Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From the North Sea to the English border, Scotland boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. One of its most famous natural wonders is Loch Ness, home to Scotland’s famous Loch Monster Nessie.
The Scottish Highlands is a region in north-eastern Scotland that covers 40% of Scotland’s landmass – an area that includes some of Scotland’s highest mountains.
Wild, green, windy, and mysterious, this vast region in the North West of Scotland will for sure amaze you. With all the hikes in the moors and mountains, castles to visit, huge lakes (lochs), and incredible scenic roads, visiting the Highlands is an extraordinary experience!
Without further ado, here are the top 5 great days out in the highlands – enjoy!
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
The Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle are two of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and tourist attractions. With the castle’s long and storied history, it is no wonder that it is one of the top ten castles in Scotland.
The majestic castle stands proudly atop a rock cliff overlooking the shores of Loch Ness. It was once a stronghold to kings and lords, but today it is open for public viewing.
Fort William
Fort William, Scotland is a city with a population of just over 10,000. It is the location of the highest mountain in Great Britain and has been an industrial center since the 18th century. It also served as a major military base for the British army from 1860 to 1960. In recent years, it has been developing as a center for outdoor sports including mountain biking, kayaking, and paragliding.
Of all the forts in Scotland, Fort William is one of the most historic. This fort was built between 1748-1759 to protect the Scottish Highlands from invasion by France. It was originally named Fort Augustus but it changed names to Fort William after the Jacobite uprising of 1745.
Ben Nevis
With a height of 1344 meters, Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in Britain. Located in Scotland, it lies to the west of Loch Lomond and is often described as a dramatic pyramid of rock. Covered with snow from September to April, this imposing mountain can be seen from up to 40 miles away.
The first ascent of Ben Nevis was made by John and Charles Leslie, guides and shepherds at Achalader farm on September 3rd 1771.
Callanish Stones
To this day, the meaning of the Callanish Stones is still a mystery. The stones are located on the island of Lewis in Scotland. This site contains nineteen stones that are aligned in a circle, with an additional ring around them with eight more stones.
It has been speculated that these stones are some sort of astrological site or even a burial ground, but so far no one has come to any definite conclusions about what they were meant to be used for.
The Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite Steam Train is a historic train ride that runs from Fort William to Kyle of Lochalsh. The train was first built in the 1880s and had its heyday in the 1960s, before being retired in 1969.
In 1984, the railway was re-opened as a tourist attraction with two steam trains back on the track. It has become one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
There are many words to describe what the Scottish Highlands are, from magic to wonder to beauty, but none of them quite embody all that this land is. You’ll just have to see it to believe it!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article. In case you are on the lookout for some travel gear or camping equipment, make sure to check out Planet Camping. They offer amazing prices and many travel tips that might come in handy! Happy travels!