The Highlands of Scotland are home to a series of beautiful landscapes, including the famous Loch Ness, which is home to the Loch Ness Monster- or at least that’s what the legend says! It’s also the home to other lochs, glens, rivers, castles, villages and more! The region is split into the Highlands, the Lowlands and the Central Belt, the Highlands are the most northern part of the country, and the hills and mountains can reach up to nearly 2 miles high! There’s no shortage of good photo ops when you’re travelling around this area! The Highlands can be a heavy drive from the capital, so why not hire a car at Edinburgh Airport to begin your journey?
Loch Ness
Loch Ness, or ‘Loch nis’ as it’s sometimes written, is a large loch in the Scottish Highlands that is famed for being the home to the Loch Ness monster. Legend has it that the monster lives in the depths of the loch and comes up to the surface every seven years to feed. Of course, this is an old superstition and nothing has been proven about the existence of Nessie. But the loch is still a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. And we think it’s easy to see why; the beautiful location, the friendly Highlands locals and the famous monster serve to make Loch Ness quite the place to visit! The best photo opportunity is at the Urquhart Castle, where you can get a great view of the loch.
Glencoe
At the heart of the Highlands is the Glencoe Valley. An impressive, rough-edged valley formed by the work of the glaciers in the distant past, the glen’s wild and beautiful scenery has fascinated and inspired artists and writers for centuries, and they’ve given it some of its most evocative names. The glen lies beyond Rannoch Moor, the bleak and haunting expanse of high moorland that has long been a barrier to travel in the Highlands. Today, the moor is still among the most inaccessible parts of the UK, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn when the colours are at their most vibrant, perfect for photos.
Eilean Donan Castle
Dornie, a small Scottish town, is home to the island-shaped Eilean Donan Castle on the shore of Loch Eilean. Scotland’s most photographed castle, it has become quite popular over the years. At night, the castle is particularly beautiful thanks to its unique lighting system.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, Eilean Donan Castle offers many picturesque spots and a loch that is popular for kayaking and other water-based activities. Bird watching is abundant around the loch, which has a rich bird population.
Inverness
Inverness is the capital of the Highlands, and it’s a great place to start your exploration of this region. It’s a charming city with a medieval castle and plenty of pubs and restaurants. Inverness is also located on the banks of Loch Ness, so you can easily do some sightseeing here before moving on to other parts of the Highlands. If you have time, it’s also a good idea to explore the Great Glen Way, which is a walking route that starts in Inverness and ends in Fort William.
Fort William
Fort William is a historic town in Scotland, on the West Highland Line, which is the longest railway in Britain. If you’re looking for a town in the Scottish Highlands, then Fort William is a good choice. It’s the largest town in this area of Scotland, and the closest town to Ben Nevis. Fort William has a fun mix of shops and restaurants that are frequented by tourists. Many people visit to take pictures of the Ben Nevis, but there are plenty of other sights to see while you’re here, such as the Loch Lomond and the Skye Bridge. Fort William is also a great place to go mountain biking! There are a ton of trails that are great for experienced and new mountain bikers. If you’re looking for a picturesque place to take some Instagram-worthy photos, be sure to check out Fort William!
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is a large, extensive park in the heart of the Highlands. This is a beautiful area that’s best known for its gorgeous mountainous scenery and vast, sprawling mountains and glens. The mountains are filled with wildlife, from deer and ptarmigan to eagles and even pine marten. The subalpine coniferous forests are beautiful, filled with the sound of rushing streams or waterfalls. The highlands offer excellent hiking opportunities and views of Scotland’s most beautiful mountains. They are home to vast tracts of forest that are perfect for people who enjoy a good, challenging hike.
Safe Journey!
When travelling in the Scottish Highlands, it’s important to be prepared for all kinds of weather. The weather can change very quickly, so it’s always a good idea to pack a raincoat and some warm clothes, even if the forecast says that it will be sunny. The Scottish Highlands are a beautiful but rugged area. Be sure to take the proper precautions before venturing out, and always remember to enjoy yourself while you’re there!