Even if you’re from Scotland, there’s something about the Highlands that projects Romantic images in your head. No matter how many steps the area takes into the modern world, it still retains its heritage, as though a burly man playing the bagpipes could emerge atop a misty moor at any second.
And the reality seldom fails to disappoint. A trek through the Highlands can provide you with scenes of unparalleled beauty, unspoiled spaces that seem to have broken free from a fairy tale.
There’s a wealth of things to do amidst the bracken and forestland. We’ve concocted this list to show you a few of the finest activities in the area—take a look.
A loch to love
Loch Ness has been the preserve of tourism in Scotland for hundreds of years. But where pilgrims used to visit the spot for religious worship, now they fly thousands of miles to see if they can spot the infamous Loch Ness Monster.
View of Loch Ness from Urquhart castle
And the industry is enjoying bags of success. Loch Ness Cruises are available to holidaymakers, and they’re attended by huge numbers of people every week.
Decide to try one of these cruises and you’ll enjoy views every bit as rich as the loch itself. Dense forests and lush country manors stare back at you from the coastline as you float atop the placid loch.
Surrounding the loch are restaurants, hotels and B&Bs. Our personal favourite is The Loch Ness Inn, which provides a traditional Scottish breakfast and extra comfortable rooms.
Spot a reindeer
Reindeers don’t only live in Lapland. Drive to the Cairngorms and you’ll be able to spot various herds of reindeer ambling around in the countryside, all thanks to the Reindeer Centre. Britain’s only free-roaming reindeer herd. The centre offers tours of the herds and facts about their conservation.
The Reindeer Centre
The herd population numbers around 150 and their habitat is large enough to see these friendly creatures roam as though they were in the wild. Whether you’re bringing kids or visiting on your own, this is a sight that’ll make you say WOW!
Nevis sights
Ben Nevis, the UK’s largest mountain, is one of the most popular areas to visit if you want a spot of exercise and an astonishing view. However, it’s not only great for mountain climbing.
Panoramic view from the Ben Nevis Mountain Track
The mountain is also perfect for winter sports activities, including snowboarding and skiing. And if you can’t be bothered trekking up Nevis on foot, the Mountain Gondola is available to take you to the summit in no time. It’s a view that could melt even the most jaded of hearts, so give it a go.
Photo Credits
View of Loch Ness from Urquhart castle Wikimedia Public Domain
The Reindeer Centre – Cairngorm Reindeer
Panoramic view from the Ben Nevis Mountain Track – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Guest Author Bio
Kevin Fullerton
Kevin Fullerton is a travel fanatic with a thirst for the finer things in life. He is an English & Film graduate who lives on a diet of films, music, writing, books; and boring people with chatter about films, music, writing and books.
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