Travel Guide
Must-Sees When Going to the Scottish Highlands
Images by Thomas Vinther
My vacation this summer was a bit atypical as we went to Scotland, which basically has no summer at all with fog, rain and the average temperature on 18 degrees. Preferably I like to travel to somewhere warm, but this summer turned out differently. My boyfriend, his family and I were road tripping in the Scottish Highlands for a week – and what a week it was!
The Scottish Highlands are a mixture of history, culture and mind-blowing landscapes. It’s hiking, big skies and major Harry Potter vibes. Also, it has some of the most beautiful nature I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I mean it’s not hard to understand why so many great movies and series was filmed here after all. Travelling around in the Scottish Highlands was truly adventurous and here are some Instagram-friendly spots you need to experience if you ever go there.
WHAT TO SEE
Isle of Skye
Skye is an island in the Scottish west coast and is one of the top locations in the Scottish Highlands to visit due to its breath-taking scenery and landscapes. At the Isle of Skye, you will experience i.a. The Fairy Pools, the Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, Quiraing and more. I would definitely recommend you to spend some days cruising around the island and explore the beautiful going-to-blow-your-mind nature.
WHAT TO WEAR
1. Shearling Jacket 66º North 1.470 DKK / € 195 // 2. Tights Newline HALO 700 DKK / € 93 // 3. Boonie Hat Rains 199 DKK / € 26,5 // 4. Fleece Zip Jacket Arket 590 DKK / € 78,5 // 5. The Track Sunglasses VIU 1.490 DKK / € 198 // 6. Vest The North Face 849 DKK / € 113 // 7. ZINA boots Garment Project 1.800 DKK / € 239
WHAT TO SEE
The Fairy Glen
Located at the Isle of Skye you will find a fairy landscape – the Fairy Glen. The Fairy Glen is a cute little miniature landscape, which you will probably associate with the Lord of The Rings or the Hobbit movies. I bet the pictures say it all.
At the Fairy Glen, you will also find the ancient ruin of Castle Ewen, where it is possible to climb to the top. It does not have much room, though, but the view is pretty.
WHAT TO SEE
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Viewpoint
At the northeastern coast of Isle of Skye, you will find a viewpoint with two spectacular views. Firstly, you will find the Mealt waterfall, which plunges from the top of the cliff and into the ocean below. Behind the waterfall, you will find the 90-meter Kilt Rock, which surprisingly looks like a pleated Scottish kilt. I bet you are out of there within 15 minutes, but the view is so beautiful it’s worth a visit!
Loch Ness
This travel guide of the Scottish Highlands would not be complete without Loch Ness. Loch Ness might be one of Scotland’s most precious national treasures – seriously, every souvenir shop is loaded with Loch Ness merchandise. Unfortunately, but quite obvious though, we didn’t spot Nessie. But if you come back from travelling in the Scottish Highlands without having seen the Loch Ness, have you actually been to Scotland then?
WHAT TO SEE
Ceannabeinne Beach, Durness
In the middle of the fog and the lush landscape, you’ll find the Ceannabeinne Beach near Durness in Northern Scotland. Ceannabeinne Beach is a bounty beach and will make you question whether you’re still on the Northern hemisphere. The beach looks just like southward beaches with crystal blue water, a vast coast and sand so soft you won’t spot a single stone in it. The day we visited Ceannabeinne Beach it was raining. If you are lucky enough to go there on a sunny day, I would recommend a dip in the ocean!
WHAT TO SEE
Smoo Cave, Durness
Only 5 minutes by car from Ceannabeinne Beach you will find Smoo Cave. Smoo Cave is a large combined sea cave and a freshwater cave with an outer and inner chamber, which you can enter and explore. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the cave, and you probably won’t spend more than 20 minutes there, but I can assure you it is worth a visit. The spectacular cave is the largest of its kind in Britain and has beautiful, yet dramatic waterfalls – definitely a must-see.
WHAT TO SEE
Glenfinnan Viaduct
If you’re a Harry Potter-fan as I am, you will definitely need to stop by the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The nature itself is quite awesome, but the viaduct is majestically and impressive placed in the middle of the mountainous landscape. If you haven’t figured out yet, you’ll need to hike the mountain to get there – however, I promise you the view is worth the hike!
The terrain is an improved hill path with a stony surface, but the route is quite easy and not that challenging to hike. I think we spent about 30 minutes hiking up to the viewpoint. Also, if you wish to see the train pass the viaduct, make sure to check the timetable – it will definitely improve the experience.
(For those who didn’t get the reference, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is pictured in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry and his friends are on the train to Hogwarts)
TIPS
Where to eat
- Loch Fyne Oyster Bar
- Lochcarron Bistro
Best Hiking Places
- Sgurr nan Gillean
- The Old Man of Sturr
- Quiraing
- The Great Glen
Top 3 Tips
- Rent a car – otherwise, you can’t get around.
- Wear practical clothes – and bring some extra, you could end up in the rain.
- Bring food and snacks – Sometimes you end up driving for 4-5 hours straight with nowhere to stop by for lunch.
