High misty mountains, deep mysterious lochs, bloody battles and nature at its finest; that is the Scottish Highlands and a great place to take a road trip. Hopefully, I can take you to places you’ve never been when I was exploring the Scottish Highlands and some familiar much-loved locations in one of my favourite parts of the world.
If you are travelling around the United Kingdom, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Travelling Up the A9 To the Scottish Highlands
There is something magical about the Scottish Highlands, and there is still much more exploring by me to be done. I hope to come back one day soon. Hopefully, next time I get a few days with fewer showers and more blue sky.
Whatever the weather, Scotland puts on a fantastic show, and everyone should come and explore the Scottish Highlands, especially if they love nature and history.
Highland Wildlife Zoo
A slight detour off the A9 will bring you to the Highland Wildlife Zoo, 7 miles south of Aviemore, at the Kingussie turnoff. I wanted to come to this Zoo because it has polar bears, and I was intrigued about how they would live up here.
All the enclosures aren’t far from the car park and visitor centre. There are also two cafes here and a playground for the kids.
I was especially keen to see the Arctic Foxes with their summer coats. They looked so adorable and smaller than I thought they were.
Of course, the polar bears were next, and this was the mother and son swimming in their pond. I wasn’t happy with the photos, as they were a bit far away. The male bears are across the other side of the park. They have at least four bears in total in the park.
I got there mid-afternoon, so some animals, including the European Wolves, were easily seen. Others like the Snow Leopard were still elusive to me.
The Zoo is also a safari park. After looking around the animals in the enclosures, it was back in the car and heading around the park. Here you see deer, elk, bison, and more. This is where I got the best view of the male Polar Bear eating his dinner.
A very natural environment zoo with animals you don’t usually see. Great for the kids.
Hours
| 29 March – October | 10 am to 5 pm |
| July – August | 10 am to 6 pm |
| November – 28 March 2025 | 10 am to 4 pm |
Prices
Online bookings only. Click here to go to the page and book your visit.
Culloden
Culloden is just an 11-minute drive outside Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. For anyone who has watched Outlander or knows their Scottish history, it should be well-known to you. If you don’t know the history of what happened here, you should go to the information centre exhibition.
Inside the exhibition, you can also see artefacts dug up from the ground and left untouched for over 200 years. You will be immersed in the emotions within the 360-degree battle theatre.
You have to pay for the exhibition, although it’s free to walk the grounds and go up to the roof of the Visitor Centre. Here you will see views across the battleground.
You can either walk around the battleground yourself or take a guided tour around the key areas of the battleground. Either way, you will stop at the memorial cairn for the Jacobite soldiers.
Walking through the battleground, you can see where the ground is being returned to 1746. It was a very boggy and inhospitable place.
Dotted around the grounds are markers of the different Clans that fought here.
This is a genuine emotional place to be, and although the grounds are free to walk around, you do have to pay for parking. There is also a cafe and gift shop here for you to refresh and find a book on your clan history. This is an excellent place for all the family.
Hours
Visitor Centre
29 Mar- 5 May and 30 Sep 3 Nov
Daily 9 am – 5 pm
6 May – 20 Sep
Daily 9 am – 6 pm
4 Nov – 28 Feb 2025
Daily 9 am – 4 pm
Closed 25, 26 Dec and 1, 2 Jan
Battlefield
Daily.
Prices
Visitor Centre & Guided Battlefield Tour
- Adult £16.00
- Concession £14.50
- Child £11.50
- Family £42.00
- One Adult Family £35.00
Visitor Centre
- Adult £12.00
- Concession £10.50
- Child £7.50
- Family £32.00
- One Adult Family £25.00
- Young Scot £1.00
Battlefield
Free.
Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit
When you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is at the top of everyone’s list, and for an excellent reason; it sums up the Highlands in legend, remoteness and history.
It has just come out in the media that Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand, has extensively researched the Loch Ness monster. They have discovered that it is most likely a giant eel (something I might add, I have been saying for years). So come to Loch Ness, do a cruise, and you might see the “monster”.
Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
Before you do your cruise, you might want to explore the village of Drumnadrochit. Another must-see is the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.
Entering the exhibition, you are taken on a journey through 500 million years of history. This is presented as a hi-tech multi-media presentation through seven themed areas before you arrive at the museum. Here, you get more information, especially on modern-day Nessie sightings, fact and fiction.
This is a must-do before you head out on your cruise.
Hours
Open daily from 10 am – 5 pm. Tours run every 10 minutes throughout the day.
Prices
Book online here and save.
Loch Ness Cruise
The Loch Ness cruise I did was Deepscan Cruises, whose ticket office is next door to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.
Cruises are run between Easter and October. They depart hourly, but booking as soon as you get there is best. There is no online booking service, and as there is limited seating at 12 people per cruise, it’s best to get in quickly.
You are picked up outside the cafe and taken down to the boat to start your adventure.
As you probably can tell, I didn’t see Nessie. I’ve been twice out on the Loch, so a third time, lucky next time.
You travel first, up the Loch along the southern shore. When you go past Urquhart Castle, you turn back to get better views of the Castle.
You learn about the area’s history and how deep the Loch is (deeper than the English Channel at 240 metres and the North Sea).
I didn’t do Urquhart Castle this time, but you should if you like walking through castle ruins. You have views over the Loch, and maybe you’ll get a sighting of Nessie.
Cruise Times
Deepscan Cruises run hourly (except at 13.00) from April until October.
April to June and Sep to Oct
Daily 10 am – 5 pm
July and August
Daily 9.30 am – 5 pm
Nov to March
Daily 10 am – 3 pm
Prices
Book online here and save.
Eileen Donan Castle
Eileen Donan Castle is on the western side of the Scottish Highlands, heading towards the Isle of Skye. This 13th-century property is a good place to stop if you’re going towards the Isle of Skye. You could also take a drive and visit just the Castle.
Driving to the Castle, you see more dramatic Scottish Highlands countryside. Keep an eye out for any deer that may be near the side of the road too.
Eileen Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most photographed and easily recognisable castles.
At the Castle, there is a big enough car park to take everyone, and it is free. This is one of the rare properties in Scotland where you can’t take photographs inside.
The Castle fell into ruin after it played a part in the Jacobite Rising. Spanish soldiers were there with barrels of gunpowder that the English quickly sent Ships to stop them and the gunpowder being used. Eventually, the Spanish were overrun, which was the beginning and end of the Rising at Culloden.
The Castle wasn’t restored until the 20th Century, and visitors have been coming ever since to marvel at its restoration to survival plans.
You have your usual gift shop and cafe and a visitor centre where you can purchase tickets and get information on the local area.
Hours
- 1 Feb – 23 Mar 2024 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (Last Admission 3.00 pm)
- 24 Mar – 25 May 2024 10.00 am – 6.00 pm (Last Admission 5.00 pm)
- 26 May – 30 Jun 2024 9.30 am – 6.00 pm (Last Admission 5.00 pm)
- 1 Jul – 31 Aug 2024 9.00 am – 6.00 pm (Last Admission 5.00 pm)
- 1 – 30th September 2024 9.30 am – 6.00 pm (Last Admission 5.00 pm)
- 1 – 26th October 2024 10.00 am – 6.00 pm (Last Admission 5.00 pm)
- 27 Oct – 22 Dec 2024 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (Last Admission 3.00 pm)
Prices
- Adults £12.00
- Concessions (60+) £11.00
- Family (2 Adults + 3 Children Age 5-15) £35.00
- Children over 5 £6.50
- Under 5s Free
Glenfinnan Scottish Highlands
The Jacobite Steam Train
Are there any Harry Potter fans out there? The Jacobite Steam train is one of the must-sees for you or anyone who loves trains and Harry Potter. The train from Fort William to Mallaig passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct twice daily. I haven’t been to the afternoon session, but the morning is very busy.
A word of warning if you are coming by car, get here early. I’ve read that if you arrive an hour before the train passes over, you’ll be fine. Wrong!!
The first time I arrived, I was driving from Inverness to Glasgow in one day and thought we’d stop to see the train as it was at this time, we’d be passing. Huge mistake. The car park at Glenfinnan Visitor Centre is full, probably an hour and a half before the train passes over. Even an hour before, you’ll be lucky to find a park. There is street parking a bit further up on a no-through road that was also full when I was there an hour before. I parked on an off-the-road layby about half a mile back down the road.
Another warning is if you are parking where I did, if there has been a lot of rain, it will be muddy and slippery. A car went off the road and into a ditch when I returned and had to be pulled out. There are probably only about 20 parks here, so be early.
Once you are here, there is still plenty to keep you occupied until the train comes along.
Glenfinnan Visitor Centre
As well as the gift shop, cafe and toilets, the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre has an exhibition on the history of the Jacobite rebellion. With models and a comprehensive timeline, if you didn’t know the history by now, you certainly would by the time you left.
Visitor Centre and Monument View Café
A takeaway offering from the café will be available.
- 23 Mar–27 Oct Daily 9.30 am–5 pm
- 28 Oct–30 Dec Daily 10 am –4 pm
- 24 Dec–26 Dec closed
The Cafe is open 10 am-4 pm daily except 24 – 26 Dec when it’s closed.
Grounds
1 Jan–31 Dec, open daily
Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument
Across the road, you have the Glenfinnan monument in front of Lake Shiel.
In 1644, Bonnie Prince Charlie embarked on his journey across the Scottish Highlands, to secure the crown back in his father’s hands from this spot. Coming ashore here, he rallied the Highlanders to fight with him.
You can climb to the top of the Monument for a fee and see amazing views of Loch Shiel.
Now, this tranquil spot only has hordes of tourists visiting.
This Loch was also used in the Harry Potter films at Hogwarts. It also featured as the lake in the Triwizard Cup.
I got the best view of the Loch from the track up behind the visitor centre to view the train going over the Viaduct.
Hours
Monument
2 Jan–31 Dec Daily 11 am – 11.30 am and 14.00–14.30
Closed 24, 25, 26, 31 Dec & 1 Jan.
Grounds
1 Jan–31 Dec, open daily
Prices
Monument
Tickets to climb the Monument are available from the visitor centre or online.
Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Adult £5.50
- Concession £4
- Child £4
- Family £13
- One Adult Family £8
- Young Scot £1
- National Trust for Scotland Free
Car Park
Cars £5
Spots To See the Jacobite Train
There are a few spots to see the train pass over the Viaduct. When you hear the train whistle be ready at your location to see it seconds later.
The track behind the Visitor Centre is the one I chose this time. This track leads you up the hill behind the centre. It’s a bit rocky but not too bad, although going back down, it’s very crowded with about 50 people going down at once.
This spot also has excellent views over Loch Shiel.
You can also stay on the ground and look up onto the Viaduct. This one I might try one day, just to get the feel of the train passing over the top of me.
The other spot is on the hillside, looking down the Viaduct. From here, you’ll have the train coming straight at you until it turns to follow the hill around. I definitely want to find this one next time.
For adventurous walkers, you may find other spots to take your photos. Once again, if you’re there early enough, you should have plenty of time to explore, or you could stop at one place in the morning and explore another location in the afternoon when the train returns.
You can search Google Images, Instagram or other social media sites for photos to see which angle you prefer.
Travelling on the Steam Train Through the Scottish Highlands
The Jacobite Steam Train takes you exploring the Scottish Highlands between Fort William and Mallaig and operates twice daily morning and afternoon. It runs from mid-April to the end of September.
If you want to travel on the train, BOOK EARLY. I don’t know how early, but if you know when you want to go, I’d book it then as it fills up fast. You can check out the availability on their website here.
I was given a tip from a friend who made the trip and said she wouldn’t bother travelling first class again. You get a better view from the back and with the train always booked out, you would share a table with people you don’t know unless there is a group of you. That would be alright if you wanted a social trip.
Seating is allocated, so that’s another reason to get in early. You might be lucky and get a window seat. Check out the FAQ section here to see if it answers any questions you might have.
Train Times
Morning Service:
Running from Thursday 28th March to Friday 25th October 2024 (seven days per week)
This is a return trip, we do not offer one-way tickets
| Sunday to Friday Service | ||
|---|---|---|
| Morning Service | Afternoon Service | |
| Dep. Fort William | 10:15 | 12:50 |
| Arr. Mallaig | 12:26 | 15:06 |
| Dep. Mallaig | 14:10 | 17.00 |
| Arr. Fort William | 16:03 | 18:52 |
Afternoon Service:
Running from Monday 6th May to Friday 27th September 2024 (seven days per week)
This is a return trip, we do not offer one-way tickets
| Saturday Service | ||
|---|---|---|
| Morning Service | Afternoon Service | |
| Dep. Fort William | 10:15 | 12.50 |
| Arr. Mallaig | 12:26 | 15.06 |
| Dep. Mallaig | 14:10 | 17.00 |
| Arr. Fort William | 16:03 | 18.52 |
Timings for the same Saturday afternoon services might be slightly later than the Sunday to Friday service and will be confirmed at least two weeks before the trip depart date.
Prices
The guard may have a limited number of seats available each day on a first-come, first-served -‘ Cash Only’ basis. However, as these operate on a first-come, first-served basis, they cannot be guaranteed. Available seats can be purchased from the guard at your chosen station.
| First Class | Standard | |
| Adult Day Return | £98 | £65 |
| Child Day Return (16 or under) | £64 | £36 |
| Private Table For 2 Return | £210 | N/A |
| Compartments | £398 |
Prices above are per passenger, except for the Private Table For 2, which is the price for two passengers and the Compartment, which seats up to six passengers.
Ben Nevis Fort William
If your exploring includes walking up mountains, then you don’t get any bigger in the Scottish Highlands, let alone Scotland, than Ben Nevis.
When in Fort William, I always stay in the YHA, which is right across the road and river from the start of the Ben Nevis track.
I have never done this walk, but maybe one day, I’ll think I am fit enough to take it on. You can’t see the summit from down here.
You can get more information on the walk and what is needed here or visit the Visitor Centre just down the road. An excellent website for a comprehensive outline of all the walks on Ben Nevis can be found here.
The A82 and Glencoe Scottish Highlands
This is one of my favourite drives in the world, through the Scottish Highlands and Glencoe. Not only is it insanely scenic, but there are numerous laybys and parks to stop at about every kilometre or so.
Walks can be undertaken from these car parks into the Glens. You can find the information you are after here about the walks and history of Glencoe.
I didn’t do any walks but did stop and get out at all opportunities. This is such a magical and majestic area that it does have to be seen to be believed, and I would love to come back and explore this part of the Highlands.
Where I Stayed in the Scottish Highlands
While in the Scottish Highlands, I based myself in two locations, Fort William and Inverness.
Ben Nevis YHA Fort William
I love staying here and have done it twice. It is so warm and inviting when the outside can be a bit bleak but best of all it is central to a lot of the attractions on the western side of the Scottish Highlands.
Why Stay?
- Fantastic location at the foot of Ben Nevis with panoramic mountain views
- Perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts
- Friendly team with expert local knowledge
- Licensed café bar, serving hot drinks, local beers and wine
- Wee breakfast and Heat it and Eat it evening meals are available
- Free wifi
- Drying room
- Secure bike storage
- Free Parking
- Central Heating
- Private en-suite rooms
- Comfortable shared dorms with secure under-bed storage, USB power sockets and bedside lighting for every bed
- Disabled and dog-friendly
What To Do From This Hostel
- Fort William
- Glenfinnan
- The Jacobite Train
- Loch Shiel
- Scottish Highland Walks from the A82
- Glencoe
- Eileen Donan Castle
If this sounds like the type of place that you would like to stay, you can click on Booking.com to arrange your stay.
Premier Inn Inverness West Hotel
I stayed in the Premier Inn Inverness West Hotel when basing myself on the eastern side of Scotland’s attractions. With the onsite Beefeater Grill Restaurant you don’t have to think about where to eat, just enjoy your day taking in the sights of the Scottish Highlands.
Why Stay?
- Central location on the main road to Loch Ness
- Free Parking
- Free wifi
- Beefeater Grill Restaurant and Bar
- Air-conditioned rooms
- 24-hour check-in and front desk
- Comfortable rooms
What To Do From This Hotel
- Inverness
- Culloden
- Highland Wildlife Zoo
- Loch Ness Cruise
- Drumnadrochit
- Urquhart Castle
- Eileen Donan Castle
If this sounds like the type of place that you would like to stay, you can click on Tripadvisor to arrange your stay.
Conclusion
I hope that you are inspired to now take a road trip in the Scottish Highlands and love it as much as I do. There is so much more to explore in the Scottish Highlands than I have been able to do. The Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides are high on my list next time, as is walking the trails in Glencoe. With so much to do, you’ll never be wondering what to do next when exploring the Scottish Highlands.
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Memories, memories – it’s a good while since I’ve been to Scotland so this is a reminder to get back there.
Formidable !!!
Since i began To read novels from Peter May in Highland i want To go there. And your post remained me.💖💖💖
Thanks, LoLo. I hope you enjoy it when you come.
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Thanks for your comments, Pulpit, I appreciate it.
So many gorgeous memories of the last 2 summers spent in Scotland. It is such a beautiful part of the world & you have captured it perfectly. Made me want to go back!
Thanks, Sue, I couldn’t agree more. Every time I see it I want to go back.
What an awesome round up! I was at the zoo a few years ago but decided not to go in. Can’t remember why. Maybe the price lol. So thanks for giving me a wee tour. 🤣 Love Scotland!
How is it that I lived all these years and went back and forth to Northumberland at one point, yet never learned that there are polar bears in Scotland?!
I know, Teja, that is what drew me to the Highland Zoo.
Great post and I know I need to get back to Scotland and see more. I especially want to spend more time in the Highlands and also visit the Isle of Sky. Hopefully in the next year. Your photos are great!
Thanks, Laureen. I would love to get back up there and explore more.