Discover Highland: Peatlands, mountains and history

Highland offers a variety of nature and cultural experiences. The Flow Country is an actively accumulating blanket bog landscape in Scotland’s Highland region. Cairngorms National Park is home to 25 percent of the United Kingdom’s rarest and most endangered species. Thus, the ongoing formation of a peatland landscape and the importance of a national park for rare species offer distinct perspectives on nature.

Landscapes and trails

The North West Highlands Geopark covers more than 2,000 square kilometres in the far north of mainland Scotland. Experiences offered there include mountaineering, scrambling, walking trails, routes and tours; offerings by individual operators may change. The Flow Country can be explored on trails such as the Dubh-Lochain Trail and the Forsinain Trail. Trail conditions and access may vary seasonally.

For a longer hike, the Great Glen Way gives you a clear sense of scale: this long-distance trail is 127 kilometres long and runs from Fort William to Inverness. Along the way, quiet forest paths, gentle towpaths and trails leading to elevated viewpoints alternate. The trail is accessible year-round, but weather and local trail conditions remain variable. Check these conditions before setting out.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Great Britain. The Mountain Track starts at the visitor centre in Glen Nevis. In clear weather, 360-degree panoramas from the summit can extend as far as Northern Ireland. The view therefore depends on visibility and is not guaranteed on every summit visit.

Wildlife and travel

The Highland Wildlife Park features animals from around the world that are adapted to cold conditions. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic trails on foot; individual paths may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Which animals can be seen there may change over time. The park can be reached by car, bus or train. Check bus and train timetables before travelling.

The Far North Line runs from Inverness to Wick and Thurso. Its route passes through dramatic landscapes of high mountains and coastline. As rail services and timetables may change, it is advisable to check connections before travelling.

History and special places

Urquhart Castle stands on the shore of Loch Ness and has more than 1,000 years of history. During its 500 years as a medieval fortress, it was the scene of fierce conflicts. Climbing Grant Tower offers panoramic views of Loch Ness and the Great Glen; maintenance or closures may affect access to the tower. If you plan to enjoy the view, check access before your visit. Loch Ness Cruises runs from Drumnadrochit to the deepest point of Loch Ness; check the timetable in advance.

Culloden Visitor Centre has a 360-degree battlefield experience theatre. On the battlefield, you can walk along the battle lines and see the soldiers’ graves beside the memorial cairn. Skylarks live and breed there. Battlefield history, remembrance and a specific nature observation come together here.

The Highland Folk Museum is an open-air museum with more than 35 reconstructed historic buildings. It shows what life in the Scottish Highlands was like from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. The museum is located on National Cycle Route 7, a useful point of reference for combining a museum visit with a cycling trip.

At Glenfinnan Monument, climbing the tower offers a view of Loch Shiel. The exhibition is presented in English and Gaelic. Cycling tours are also available in Glenfinnan. At Fort George, many areas are open for visitors to explore.

Plodda Falls also makes its own scenic impression: the vertical cascade plunges beneath Douglas firs into the Abhainn Deabhag.

When choosing a hotel in Highland, it helps to first consider what matters most during your stay: are hiking, wildlife watching or historic sites your main priorities?

Discover more destinations:

Breakish, Duntulm, Dalchreichart, Halkirk, Dornie, Insh, Forsinard, Carbost, Garve, Balmacara, Fortrose, Avoch, Mallaig, Glenfinnan, Tongue, Durness, Dornoch, Dingwall, Dalwhinnie, Nairn, Muir Of Ord, Roybridge, Brora, Watten, Ullapool, Dundee, Forres, Grantown On Spey, Lochinver, Aviemore, Inverkirkaig, Croy, Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Ardersier, Latheron, Fearn, Culbokie, Altandhu, Tarskavaig, Rhiconich, Balintore, Shieldaig, Rogart, Polloch, Mybster, Letterfearn, Knockbain, Auchlunachan, Torridon, Corpach, Struan, Camusbane, Ardvasar, Applecross, Ardgay, Strome Ferry, Glenelg, Rosemarkie, Kinbrace, Isle Of Raasay, Farr, Kirkhill, Kyle, Isle Of Skye, Cannich, Lochcarron, Golspie, Boat Of Garten, Beauly, Ballachulish, Arisaig, Aird Of Sleat, Morar, Torlundy, Scrabster, Kenmore, Strathan, Wick, Cromarty, Teangue, Castletown, Aultbea, Oban, Shandwick, Contin, Cononbridge, Staffin, Kincraig, Totscore, Dundreggan, Plockton, Achnasheen, Whitefield, Portnalong, Kinlochleven, Acharacle, Lairg, Alness, Duirinish, Spinningdale, Nethy Bridge, Inverness, Invergordon, Invergarry, Helmsdale, Broadford, Bonar Bridge, Gairloch, John o' Groats, Bunchrew, Munlochy, Scarfskerry, Fassfern, Greshornish, Talmine, Glenmore, Foyers, Fort William, Mey, Letterfinlay, Kyle Of Lochalsh, Kyleakin, Kentallen, Keiss, Isleornsay, Tomatin, Thurso, Tain, Strontian, Strathpeffer, Spean Bridge, Portree, Onich, Lybster, Kinlochewe, Dunvegan, Portskerra, Dores, Croick, Evanton, Bowermadden, Dunbeath, Duror, Fort Augustus

For the broader travel overview: Scotland.