Choose from 41 Fun Things to Do in The Scottish Highlands
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 41 listings.
Bealach na Ba Pass
Hairpin bends aren’t just for the Alps. At Bealach Na Ba Pass in the remote Scottish Highlands, you can drive along the greatest road ascent in Britain. Full of twists and turns through the remote Highland landscape, the historic road runs from the pretty coastal village of Applecross right through the mountains up to 2,054 feet, making it the third-highest road in Scotland.
The drive can be a little scary at times, but just take it slow and be courteous enough to use the passing places. Local etiquette on Scotland’s single-track roads is to give the person who "gives way" a cheery wave or raise of the hand to say thanks.
When you get to the top of Bealach Na Ba, enjoy the views across the sea out to the isles of Skye, Rum and the Outer Hebrides. From the top car park, there are some great peaks to explore if you’re an experienced hiker, and as you’re already over 2,000 feet up, half the work has already been done for you.
Practical Info
Seventy-four miles west of Inverness, Bealach Na Ba Pass is often closed in winter conditions, and it’s unwise to take the trip in a big RV or with a caravan. Otherwise, you’re good to go.
Address: Applecross, Scotland
From $ 454
Clava Cairns (Stones of Clava)
The Clava Cairns—or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Balnuaran of Clava—are all that remains of what was once a much larger Bronze Age burial complex. Dating back 4,000 years, the evocative cemetery site retains original features, including passage graves, standing stones, and ring cairns (stone circles).
The Basics
Two parts of the Clava Cairns complex can be visited: the Balnuaran of Clava, which features two passage graves, a kerb ring cairn, standing stones, and a central ring cairn; and Milton of Clava to the southwest, with its ruins of a medieval chapel and a cairn. Visitors will find information boards at the site explaining the significance and symbolism of the ancient stone mounds.
The cairns make for a common stop on guided day trips from Inverness and Invergordon, most of which include round-trip transport and visits to other famous Highland sites, such as Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, and Culloden Battlefield—the site of a major Jacobite defeat—which is just a 5-minute drive from the Clava Cairns.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Clava Cairns is a must-see for history buffs.
- The area around the cairns can become muddy after rain, so wear sturdy footwear.
- Bring rain gear in case of a downpour, as the open-air site is exposed.
- The surface around the cairns is uneven and may be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
How to Get There
The Clava Cairns are located about seven miles (11 kilometers) east of Inverness, and are not served by public transport. From the Culloden Battlefield, the cairns are just a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk away. Parking is available at the site.
When to Get There
Because of their off-the-beaten-track location, the Clava Cairns do not attract big crowds. If you want to have the site all to yourself, go early in the morning.
The Mystery and Intrigues of the Clava Cairns
As with many prehistoric burial sites, the Clava Cairns remain somewhat of a mystery. Historians can only theorize about their purpose or meaning. The cairns’ alignment suggest midwinter sunset was an important time for those who built it, but it’s not known exactly why it was so significant. With the sheer amount of effort necessary to arrange the stones for each grave, historians also believe the cairns may have housed important members of society.
Address: Scotland
From $ 91
Glen Ord Whisky Distillery
Founded in 1838, Glen Ord Distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland. Here, at the only remaining malt whisky distillery on the remote Black Isle, it’s possible to go on a behind-the-scenes tour to see and understand the process of making a single malt from start to finish. You’ll get to check out the barley maltings as well as the fermentation and distillation methods, wandering among the barrels and huge copper stills as you go.
As is tradition, at the end of the hour-long tour you’ll get to enjoy a single malt tasting or two. As you sip, you’ll learn how to compare and identify the flavors in whisky. And be sure to make the most of your swig; you won’t be able to buy and enjoy Glen Ord whisky anywhere else in the country, as outside the distillery’s whisky store, the single malt is only sold in Asia.
Practical Info
There are buses from Inverness to Glen Ord village, 30 minutes’ drive away, and the distillery is open all year. An hour-long tour of Glen Ord distillery costs 6 GBP. This includes a complimentary tasting and a visit to the distillery exhibition. From June to August, the distillery is open seven days a week, while from November to February, it's open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open on occasional Saturdays in March, April, September and October.
Address: Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, Scotland
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Tours: £5 adults, £2.50 children (8-17)
From $ 53
Ben Nevis
At 4,409 feet (1,344 meters), Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, a status which makes it a popular destination for climbers. The most frequently used route to the summit is via the Pony Track which begins at Achintee, just outside of Fort William, but even that takes up to nine hours for a round trip and is not recommended for complete beginners.
Thankfully the area also offers a huge range of less arduous activities, including fly fishing, golf, mountain bike riding, pony trekking, kayaking and lowland walking. Pick up a guide in Fort William and set out on one of the numerous well-marked paths, many of which will offer majestic views of Ben Nevis. There's also a popular cycling route along the Caledonian Canal.
Practical Info
Fort William, the closest town to Ben Nevis, can be reached from Glasgow via the scenic West Highland Railway.
Address: Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 52
Chanonry Point
Ever wanted to see bottlenose dolphins feed and play in the wild? Chanonry Point is just the spot. A narrow peninsula in Scotland’s Moray Firth, dolphins can be spotted here throughout the year. In summer though, you’ll often see dolphins come right up to the shore as they chase the salmon that come and go in the rivers Ness and Beauly.
The best spot for dolphin spotting at Chanonry Point is on the pebble beach behind the lighthouse, or at the path near the car park entrance. Try to come around incoming tide, which is an hour or two after low tide. Why? This is when the dolphins love to fish and play in the strong currents. While you’re here, keep a look out for porpoises and grey seals too. And between May and October, you may even see Minke whales.
You can also take boat trips out on the water from Cromarty and Avoch, just along the coast. In nearby North Kessock, between June and September, the Dolphin and Seal Centre is another great place to look out for dolphins.
Practical Info
The dolphin center is open seven days a week from June to September, with regular buses to North Kessock from Inverness. To get to Chanonry Point by public transport, take a bus from Inverness to Fortrose. This journey will take about half an hour. From the post office bus stop, it’s just a 2.7-km walk or a six-minute taxi ride.
Address: Chanonry Ness, Fortrose, Scotland
From $ 53
Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
Using projections and special effects, this immersive exhibition focuses on the ecology of Loch Ness and the mysterious monster that supposedly swims its waters. Curious visitors find out about the lake habitat and the likelihood of a monster surviving here, as well as learning about previous monster hunts, research missions, and hoaxes.
The Basics
The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is spread across seven themed areas, each offering high-tech multimedia presentations focusing on Scotland’s most storied loch. Visitors can review the evidence regarding Nessie’s existence with exhibits that help separate fact from fiction. Organized tours from Inverness often combine a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition with a cruise on the lake itself, and—on some tours—a trip to the ruins of Urquhart Castle, an atmospheric medieval fortress set on the banks of Loch Ness.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is a must-see for those who want to delve into the Loch Ness Monster mystery.
- Travel light. The center has no left luggage facilities so avoid bringing anything bigger than a backpack.
- A coffee shop serving drinks and casual meals can be found at the center, as can a gift shop selling Nessie-themed souvenirs.
- The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is located in Drumnadrochit, 14.5 miles (23 kilometers) south of Inverness. Public transport (bus lines 17,19, 119, and 919) connect Inverness to Drumnadrochit, but departures can be infrequent at times. The easiest way for car-free travelers to go is by organized tour.
When to Get There
The center is open year-round, and is at its quietest first thing in the morning and at last entry. For visitors who want to combine a trip to the center with a cruise on Loch Ness, note that some operators only offer boat cruises between Easter and October.
Key Events in the Nessie Timeline
At the center, visitors can learn all about the important Nessie sightings and research expeditions that have taken place over the years. Among the most famous monster hunt expeditions was that involving the tiny Machan submarine in the 1970s (the submarine is on show here at the center) and Operation Deepscan in 1987, which utilized cutting-edge sonar equipment to trawl the vast loch.
Address: Inverness, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Orkney Islands
Separated from the northern tip of mainland Scotland by the choppy waters of the Pentland Firth strait, the Orkney Islands are an archaeological wonderland. Comprised of about 20 inhabited islands and many more uninhabited ones, the archipelago is littered with prehistoric ruins and Viking remnants. The islands’ interiors, a patchwork of heather-clad moors and fertile grasslands, are encircled by superb sandy beaches and sheer coastal cliffs.
The Basics
The Orkney Islands showcase a side of Scotland few visitors ever get to see. Travelers can visit on guided day trips from John O’Groats, which typically include boat travel to Burwick and transport via the Churchill Barriers, a network of causeways that link the Orkney Mainland (the biggest island in the archipelago) to four other smaller islands to the south. Travelers can also see the islands as part of multi-day tours from Edinburgh that cover highlights of the Scottish Highlands too. Most guided Orkney tours will include a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Skara Brae, a prehistoric stone settlement that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids, and the Lamb Holm Italian Chapel, which was constructed by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided day tours from John O’Groats generally last upwards of 10 hours.
- Bring layers that provide protection from the archipelago’s near-constant wind.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Keep an eye out for the island’s incredible fauna and flora, including the delicate and rare Scottish primrose.
How to Get There
Direct flights to Kirkwall run from the Scottish mainland cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. NorthLink Ferries operate services from Scrabster to Stromness on Mainland Orkney (90 minutes), and from Aberdeen to Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney (six hours). Pentland Ferries run a route from Gills Bay to St. Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay (one hour). From May to September, John O’Groats Ferries carry passengers between John O’Groats and Burwick on South Ronaldsay (40 minutes).
When to Get There
No matter what time of the year, solitude and serenity can be found on the Orkneys. Because of the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, the islands are rarely subject to extreme weather, though the biting wind can make it feel colder than it is. Summer is the best time to go, as longer daylight hours facilitate exploration.
Sightseeing on the Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands are jam-packed with attractions. In addition to the Stone Age temple complex known as the Ness of Brodgar and the Viking-era graffiti in the Neolithic Maeshowe tomb, visitors can survey sunken warships while scuba diving around the Scapa Flow, admire the 1,136-foot-tall (346-meter) cliffs on the island of Hoy, and stroll the boulder-strewn Rackwick Beach.
Address: Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 78
Duncansby Head
Duncansby Head, located in northern Scotland, is the northernmost point on the British mainland. It is a set of dramatic sandstone cliffs that overlook the sea. Some of the cliffs reach up to 200 feet high. Exploring the area along the coastal pathway will give you a great opportunity to see some of the region's unique seabirds and other wildlife. Some of the birds you might see include guillemot, kittiwakes, and puffins, depending on the time of year.
From Duncansby Head, visitors will have a view of the Duncansby Stacks, a group of large jagged sea rocks, and Thirle Door, a rocky arch. Sometimes it is also possible to catch a glimpse of some of the sea life here, including seals, dolphins, minke and killer whales. The nearby village of John O'Groats is the northernmost settlement on the mainland of Britain, and the Duncansby Head Lighthouse marks the northernmost point.
Practical Info
Duncansby Head is located near John O'Groats about 119 miles north of Inverness.
Address: John O'Groats, Scotland
From $ 18
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Established in 1951, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve in the Scottish Highlands is Great Britain's oldest national nature reserve. It covers an area of more than 18 square miles ranging from lochs to mountains. The nature reserve is home to many rare plants and protected animals, including red deer, golden eagles, and pine martens. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty are available for exploring the area. Three paths that start near the visitor center are open all year. For those looking for longer hikes, there is a woodland trail that goes through the ancient pine forest, and a mountain trail that climbs into the mountainous terrain and offers a more strenuous excursion.
Beinn Eighe itself is a huge cluster of rugged mountains, ridges, and scree-covered slopes between Loch Maree and Glen Torridon. This area offers opportunities for more challenging trekking for more experienced hikers.
Practical Info
The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve visitor center is located outside of Kinlochewe and is open from Easter to October.
Address: Kinlochewe, Scotland
From $ 51
Loch Ness
As huge as Loch Ness is, its vast size is not the reason for its global fame, nor is it the magnificent surrounding scenery. The real reason visitors flock to this Scottish body of water is to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Rumors about Nessie have flown since an Irish monk first caught sight of something unusual swimming around the lake’s inky waters back in the seventh century. Today. travelers still cruise around the loch in hopes of catching sight of the mysterious aquatic monster.
The Basics
Loch Ness is most often visited during day trips from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen that incorporate other Highlands attractions such as Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle, Caledonian Canal, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Cairngorms National Park, and even Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Shorter half-day trips, which typically include boat tours on the lake, typically depart from Inverness, while cruise-ship passengers can take shore excursions from Invergordon. Motorized boat trips are the most common way for visitors to scour Nessie’s lair, though it’s also possible to paddle a canoe or kayak out on the loch, or even take a self-guided cycling trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For background on the Nessie phenomenon, visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition at Drumnadrochit.
- Wear warm clothes, including a waterproof outer layer, as it can get cold out on the water.
- Day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow generally last around 12 hours.
- The Loch Ness Centre is wheelchair accessible, however most boat trips are not.
- Bring along a camera so you can document any unusual lake activity!
How to Get There
Loch Ness stretches between Inverness and Fort Augustus, and is one of many such lakes located along the Great Glen. Tours from Inverness, Edinburgh, and Glasgow typically include round-trip transportation to cruise departure points such as Clansman Harbour, Dochgarroch, and Tomnahurich Bridge.
When to Get There
Boat trips around Loch Ness run year-round, though they are weather-dependent. During summer, the main A82 thoroughfare between Fort William and Inverness sees a lot of traffic and sightseeing cruises often sell out, so be sure to buy tickets in advance.
How to Maximize Your Chance of a Monster Sighting
For the best chances of glimpsing the fabled Loch Ness Monster, choose a boat that is fitted with special onboard sonar systems to ensure Nessie doesn’t swim by unnoticed. If you are worried the sound of a motor may disturb Nessie, opt for a canoe or kayak tour instead. And if you’d rather stay away from the water altogether, the high lakeside perch where the ruins of Urquhart Castle lie makes for a great viewing spot, with uninterrupted lake panoramas.
Address: Scotland
From $ 18
Inverness Castle
Perched atop a hill by the River Ness, this Victorian-era red sandstone castle—built to replace the medieval fortress blown up by the Jacobites in 1746—is one of Inverness’ most prominent historic structures. Access to the castle, now occupied by government offices and law courts, is restricted but the grounds are open to the public.
The Basics
Inverness Castle has long played an important role in Scotland’s story, and is a must-visit for history buffs. Thanks to its elevated setting at the summit of Castle Hill, it also affords views over the river and Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Most visitors explore independently, strolling around the grounds to see a Flora MacDonald statue and informational plaques detailing the site’s history. It’s a good place to get a primer on local historical information before venturing to nearby sites with Jacobite connections, such as the Culloden Battlefield or Urquhart Castle. Guided sightseeing tours of the city typically include a glimpse of the castle exterior, while hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at the castle site.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to explore the castle grounds.
- Bring a camera, as the castle’s viewpoint overlooks the city and makes an excellent backdrop for vacation photos.
- The castle grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Inverness Castle is located on the east side of the River Ness in Inverness city center. The castle is a 15-minute walk from Inverness rail station. Local buses stop at nearby Castle Street and on Castle Road.
When to Get There
The views from Inverness Castle are best on clear, sunny days. The grounds are busiest during warm summer weather, but even then, crowds are rare. The setting is romantic at sunset, when the sun’s soft rays hit the surface of the River Ness.
The History of Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle has long played a prominent role in the lore of Scotland, with a history that stretches all the way back to the 11th century. It features in both fiction and history books, having been the setting for part of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and the Jacobites razed the castle to the ground just weeks before their final defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Address: 41 Castle St, Inverness IV2 3EG, Scotland
From $ 13
Italian Chapel
When 550 Italian soldiers were captured in the scorching North African desert back in 1942, it must have caused them quite a shock to be sent in winter to the Scottish isle of Orkne. The POWs were sent here in order to build the “Churchill Barriers,” a series of causeways that would protect the British Grand Fleet in the Scapa Flow harbor. By 1943, the homesick workers requested a chapel where they could worship. What did they get? Two Nissen huts, which they were told to join end-to-end and labor over outside work hours.
What happened next is a beautiful symbol of peace, faith and the power of human ingenuity even in wartime. Local Orkney artists provided brushes and poster paints to decorate the huts; bully beef tins were converted into makeshift candle holders; wood scavenged from shipwrecks was used to create furniture; a car exhaust was covered in concrete to create a Baptismal font. Slowly but surely, those two steel sheds became the Roman Catholic chapel of the Italians’ dreams.
The main man behind the chapel’s decoration was POW Domenico Chiocchetti, who painted a false frontage so that it really looked like the Roman Catholic churches of home. He was so dedicated to the project that when everyone was sent home in 1944, he stayed on to finish the project.
In 1960, Chiocchetti returned to Orkney from his home in Moena, Italy, to assist with a restoration projection of the chapel. When he left three weeks later, he wrote a letter to the people of Orkney: "The chapel is yours, for you to love and preserve. I take with me to Italy the remembrance of your kindness and wonderful hospitality.”
Practical Info
Cared for by local volunteers, entry to the Italian Chapel is free. From Orkney’s main town of Kirkwall, the church is an eight-mile drive south.
Address: Lamb Holm, Orkney, Scotland
From $ 91
Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock is a sea cliff on the north end of Trotternish in northern Scotland. It was named Kilt Rock for its resemblance to a kilt. The vertical cliff is composed of both igneous and sedimentary rock which come together in vertical bands and look like the pleats of a kilt. The cliff is 200 feet high and one of many impressive cliffs along this coast.
Kilt Rock is close to a waterfall that tumbles into the pebbled shore of the Sound of Raasay below. This waterfall is called Mealt Waterfall, and sometimes the wind here is so strong the water doesn't even reach the bottom before being blown away. There is a popular viewing spot that overlooks the dramatic sea cliffs where visitors can see both Kilt Rock and Mealt Waterfall. It is a fenced area and allows visitors to get their postcard pictures of both of these natural beauties in one frame.
Practical Info
The viewpoint for Kilt Rock is located about 15 miles north of the town of Portree.
Address: Portree, Scotland
From $ 64
Caledonian Canal
Pleasure boats float along Caledonian Canal, a scenic 60-mile (97-kilometer) waterway that runs through Scotland's Great Glen, connecting Fort William in the southwest to Inverness in the northeast. The canal, which links Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Dochfour, and Loch Ness, is popular with walkers and cyclists, who follow towpath trails.
The Basics
Though the long-distance Great Glen Way, which follows the path of the canal, attracts hikers and cyclists to the water’s edge, most visitors to Scotland encounter the Caledonian Canal during sightseeing cruises. The most-visited part of the canal is the area around Loch Ness, a vast and scenic lake, and the supposed home of a mysterious aquatic monster. Organized tours departing from Edinburgh and Inverness often include a visit to the canal, as well as trips to other area Highland highlights, such as Urquhart Castle, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, and Glencoe.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Caledonian Canal is a must-see for scenery-seekers and active travelers.
- Swimming is not allowed in the waterway.
- Wi-Fi hotspots are available (for a fee) at various spots along the canal.
- Some parts of the Great Glen Way are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
If you’re coming from Fort William, Neptune’s Staircase, 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of the city in the village of Banavie, are the nearest and most spectacular set of lochs on the canal. To get there, ride the Mallaig-bound train from Fort William to Banavie. If you’re based in Inverness, take a stroll along the Canal Road, which connects to the Great Glen Way.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the canal is in summer. At this time, the weather is generally warmer, days are longer, and sightseers can take advantage of cruise vessels’ outdoor decks. The canal is perhaps at its most scenic during sunrise and sunset, when the golden glow reflects off the water’s surface.
The History of the Caledonian Canal
Built in the late 18th and early 19th century, the Caledonian Canal was meant to serve as a safe route for commercial freight who wanted to avoid the hazardous west coast of Scotland. Unfortunately, by the time it actually opened in 1822, larger steam ships were becoming more commonplace, and were too large to use the canal. Nowadays, the canal is largely used for recreational purposes.
Address: Inverness, Scotland
From $ 26
Quiraing
The Quiraing is a hiking trail on the Isle of Skye in northern Scotland. The trail is a loop covering a distance of about 4.2 miles. It passes through spectacular Scottish landscapes and is part of the Trotternish Ridge. This ridge was formed by a massive landslip, which created cliffs, plateaus, and rock pinnacles. If you enjoy taking pictures, bring your camera to capture the scenery you'll see along the way. You'll be able to see the water as well as the many strange and beautiful land formations in the area.
The path starts through steep grassy slopes, and crosses rock gorges and streams. Parts of the trail are covered in loose gravel. Along the way, you will pass large rock formations, climb over rock walls, and walk near the edges of cliffs. It is a fairly difficult trail, and it is not recommended in bad weather due to visibility and trail conditions.
Practical Info
Quiraing is located 21 miles from Portree and can be accessed from either of the villages of Staffin or Uig.
Address: Isle of Skye, The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
From $ 64
Cawdor Castle
Immortalized at the fictional home of the Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Cawdor Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous castles. Despite its literary notoriety, Cawdor Castle actually has little in common with its fictional counterpart and wasn’t built until the 14th-century - years after both the real and fictional King Macbeth existed. Today, the castle is still home to the descendants of the Clan Campbell of Cawdor and the grade-A listed building remains remarkably preserved, surrounded by immaculate gardens, the Cawdor Big Wood and a 9-hole golf course. Highlights for visitors include the sumptuous Drawing Room, with its fascinating family portraits; the Dining Room, with its grand stone fireplace; the 17th-century-style Tapestry Bedroom; and the Old Kitchen, as well as the fabled Thorn Tree around which the historic castle was built.
Practical Info
Cawdor Castle is located around 20km east of Inverness and is open daily 10am -5.30pm from May to early October. Adult admission at the time of writing is £10.70.
Address: Cawdor, Nairn, Scotland
Hours: Open daily 10am -5.30pm from May to early October
Admission: Adults: £10.70
From $ 16
Eilean Donan Castle
Originally built in the 13th century as a defense against Vikings, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s best-known architectural treasures. It last played a historical role during the 18th century Jacobite uprisings, and was subsequently left in ruins until it was rediscovered and lovingly restored in the early 20th century.
The castle sits proudly on a peninsula in Loch Duich, ringed by rugged hills, and you can immediately see why this is one of the most-photographed sites in Scotland. Walk the shore of the loch to find your own vantage point and then explore the castle itself, where you can visit the banqueting hall, kitchens and bedrooms.
Practical Info
The castle is located in the village of Dornie, on the main road which leads from Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye.
Address: Dornie IV40 8DX, Scotland
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm from March - Nov (opens at 9am in Jul & Aug)
Admission: Adults: £5.50
From $ 51
Culloden Battlefield
The Culloden Battlefield was the site of one of the last battles to take place on British soil. On April 16, 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of 5,000 Jacobite Highlanders faced off against the Duke of Cumberland and 9,000 Hanoverian government troops. Though the Jacobites fought valiantly, they were ultimately defeated, resulting in the elimination of the Scottish clan system and the suppression of Highland culture. Today, the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre retells the events of that fateful day through interactive exhibits that put travelers in the thick of the action.
The Basics
The Culloden Battlefield is a must-see site for any history buff hoping to untangle the story of the British Isles. Visitors can purchase entrance tickets to find themselves on the frontlines of one of the most important battles in British history and explore the popular site at their own pace. The battlefield is also often a stop on guided day tours from Inverness and Invergordon, most of which include round-trip transportation and visits to other famous attractions, such as Loch Ness. Entry to Culloden is included in National Trust for Scotland Discover Tickets, 3- or 7-day sightseeing passes that grant visitors entry to a number of Scottish sights, including Culzean Castle, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, and the Preston Mill. Many travelers combine a visit here with a trip to the nearby Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age site located just 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) away.
Things to Know Before You Go
- To ensure entry, it’s best to book tickets in advance.
- The center and the battlefield are both wheelchair accessible.
- Audio guides are available, so visitors can take a self-guided tour of the outdoor battle site.
- It’s best to wear warm clothing to walk around the windswept moor where the battle took place.
How to Get There
Culloden is about five miles (eight kilometers) east of Inverness. Buses travel from Inverness’ city center to the site, though schedules change seasonally. If traveling without a car, the easiest way to get there is via organized day trip tour from Inverness, most of which include pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
The battlefield is open daily, and most visitors go during summer, when mild weather makes for pleasant strolling around the open-air battlefield site. The visitor center is open daily from 10am to 4pm from January 3 to March 31; from 9am to 5:30pm in April, May, September, and October; from 9am to 6pm in June and July; from 9am to 7pm in August; and from 10am to 4pm from November 1 to December 23, with varying seasonal hours in late December. It’s best to visit in early morning to get in before the crowds.
Things to See at the Culloden Battlefield
Visitors can amble around the battlefield in Culloden Moor, where headstones memorialize fallen soldiers and the Memorial Cairn pays homage to those who died for the Jacobite cause. The battlefield is also the setting for Leanach Cottage, a thatched residence that’s one of the few remaining examples of a common building type in the area during the early 18th century.
Address: Culloden Moor, Inverness, Culloden IV2 5EU, Scotland
Hours: Battlefield open daily, visitor center hours vary
Admission: Adult GBP 11, Family GBP 26, Single Adult Family GBP 22
From $ 14
Fort Augustus
On the southwestern shore of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is a picturesque village of 600 that gets packed with visitors during the summer months. Originally an 18th-century garrison, Fort August lies at the junction of four old military roads.
Surrounded by heather hills and cut in two by the Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus serves as a spot for day-trippers to relax and watch the boats master the longest lock system on the canal. Running from coast to coast, the Caledonian Canal was designed in 1822 to give merchant skippers a shortcut across the country and to help keep boats out of harm’s way. At the time, pesky French pirates were prone to scouring the open seas! Those interested in the canal can find out more at the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre. Also of interest is the Clansman Centre, which provides insight into 17th-century Highland life.
Visitors to Fort Augustus include cyclists and pedestrians tackling the Great Glen Way, a 73-mile trail that runs from Inverness in the east to Fort William on Scotland’s west coast. There are always plenty of Loch Ness Monster hunters enjoying tea and cake around the village, too.
Fort Augustus is an hour’s bus ride from Inverness. From Glasgow, take the train from Queen Street station to Spean Bridge. From there, it’s a 35-minute train ride to Fort Augustus.
Address: Fort Augustus, Inverness, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 104
Urquhart Castle
Set on the shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle attracts many visitors that come here in hopes of glimpsing Nessie, the loch’s fabled aquatic monster. The ruined medieval fortress, which was destroyed in 1762 to prevent it from becoming a Jacobite stronghold, now houses a visitor center that exhibits objects found amid the ruins.
The Basics
Almost all organized tours that come to Loch Ness, whether from Inverness, Invergordon, Glasgow, or even Edinburgh, include at least a glimpse of Urquhart Castle. Many tours combine a visit to the crumbling gray-stone castle with a sightseeing cruise on Loch Ness or the Caledonian Canal, while other tours make stops at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns.
Explore the castle ruins independently, wander around the battlements, admire the splendor of the Great Hall, scan the lake’s surface for the Loch Ness monster, and examine medieval artifacts on show at the castle’s visitor center. Historic Scotland Explorer Pass holders visit for free.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its rich history of battles, Urquhart Castle is an absolute must for history enthusiasts.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear, as much of the ruins are exposed to the elements.
- Most of the castle is accessible via paved paths, with the exception of the guardhouse, the battlements, and the first floor and basement of Grant Tower.
How to Get There
Urquhart Castle is situated on the west bank of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit. From Inverness, drive south along the A82 for around 30 minutes. Buses (including the 19, 917, and 919) connect Inverness bus station to Urquhart Castle.
When to Get There
The castle is busiest in summer, when lines often form at the staircase at Grant Tower and the parking lot occasionally fills. Arrive just after opening, or an hour or two before closing, to experience the ruins at their quietest. During the winter months, the castle ruins are peaceful, and moody weather adds to the atmosphere.
The History of Urquhart Castle
Urquhart has a long and tumultuous history, with a castle having stood here since at least the 13th century. The fortress was seized, reclaimed, damaged, and restored many times between then and the 17th century. In 1762, the gatehouse was blown up to prevent Jacobites from moving in and establishing a base here. Nowadays, the Historic Environment Scotland manages the evocative ruins.
Address: Drumnadrochit, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 18