The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are the wild and romantic heart of Scotland, a vast, thinly peopled landscape of heather moors, mist-wreathed glens, dark lochs and rugged mountains, or bens. From the brooding drama of Glencoe and the peak of Ben Nevis, the highest in Britain, to the long, deep waters of Loch Ness with its enduring monster legend, it is a land of haunting, elemental beauty.

What you actually see

• Glencoe - the brooding, dramatic glen of mountains and history.
• Loch Ness - the deep, legend-haunted loch and Urquhart Castle.
• Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in Britain, above Fort William.
• The scenic railways - the West Highland Line and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn for the best weather, open roads and long days; late summer brings the heather into purple bloom. The weather is wild and wet year-round, and summer brings biting midges, so come prepared.

Honest expectations

The weather is famously wet and changeable, and summer brings clouds of biting midges, so pack accordingly. Distances are long and the single-track roads slow, so a car and several days are needed. Loch Ness itself is scenic but the monster hunt is pure tourism, so manage expectations.

Nearby

The Isle of Skye and the west coast are within reach; Inverness is the northern gateway.