Getting around: The best way to explore the Highlands is by car or private motor coach on tour. Many of the sights and attractions are spread out over the country’s vast terrain and require a drive. Phrases to know: “Hiya” is a common greeting.
What is the best way to see the Highlands of Scotland?
For the Highlands, realistically, your best bets are either renting a car, hiking, travelling by train, joining an organised tour or making your way around the area by public transport. In my opinion, these are by far the best way to see the Scottish Highlands – so I’ve discussed them each in detail below.
How do you get around the Highlands in Scotland?
The best way to get around the Scottish Highlands is by car. Many of the region’s top attractions and desirable destinations are spread far apart from one another and could take a long time to reach via public transportation.
How many days do you need to see Scottish Highlands?
With one week, you can roam much of the highlands, and 10 days would allow you to explore both the Lowlands and Highlands in depth. And two weeks would give time to explore the Isle of Skye or one or two of the other whisky-scented islands.
What is the most beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands?
10 Awesomely Beautiful Places to See in the Scottish Highlands
- Ben Nevis.
- Glen Coe. Glen Coe is Scotland’s most famous, and most romantic glen.
- Cairngorms.
- Loch Ness.
- Isle of Skye.
- Loch Sunart.
- The Trossachs.
- Ullapool.
What is the most scenic route in Scotland?
Best Scenic Drives in Scotland
- Argyll Coastal Route. 129 miles / 208 km.
- Borders Historic Route. 89 miles / 143 km.
- Deeside Tourist Route. 108 miles / 174 km.
- Fife Coastal Route. 77 miles / 124 km.
- Forth Valley Tourist Route. 43 miles / 69 km.
- Highland Tourist Route. 116 miles / 187 km.
- North Coast 500. 500 miles / 805 km.
What is the best time of year to visit the Scottish Highlands?
Most people visit the Scottish Highlands between May and September which is when we have the best weather and also the most daylight. Avoiding the peak months of July and August is a wise move if you can manage it, although given the nature of the Highlands there is plenty of wide open spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Can you visit the Scottish Highlands without a car?
It’s surprisingly easy – and cheap – to get around Scotland without a car thanks to the rail network operated by ScotRail and the inter-city bus services run by Citylink and Megabus.
Is it easy to drive in Scottish Highlands?
But remember, Scottish roads can be narrow and winding. They are also very scenic, making it difficult to drive fast or without photo stops. As soon as you have a campervan in front of you, you might be stuck for a while if there are no suitable places to overtake or they can’t let you pass.
Is it hard to drive in the Scottish Highlands?
We find that on two land roads in the Highlands, it is difficult to drive more than 40-50mph due to slow drivers and tailbacks, and sometimes will be forced to drive as slowly as 20-30mph.
What month is best for Scotland?
The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43°F to 59°F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms.
What city is closest to the Scottish Highlands?
Inverness. Inverness is the main city of the Scottish Highlands and the most well-connected in terms of transportation. Not only do main highways A9 and A82 run through Inverness, but plenty of trains and buses as well.
Can you see the Northern Lights from the Scottish Highlands?
The Highland regions of Sutherland and Caithness are prime areas for spotting the northern lights in Scotland.
Are the Scottish Highlands worth visiting?
Slow down and take the time to explore the many hidden gems of the scottish Highlands. Between city, countryside and coast, the Highlands offers an abundance of things to see and do, from mythical castles and Highland music, to dramatic mountains, thrilling adventures and rare wildlife.
Where is the most magical place in Scotland?
Isle of Skye
If ever a unicorn would prance, it would be on this mist-shrouded, mountainous island. Skye is undoubtedly one of the most magical places to visit in Scotland.
What is the prettiest village in Scotland?
The prettiest villages in Scotland
- Anstruther, Kingdom of Fife.
- Tobermory, Isle of Mull.
- Cullen, Moray.
- Lochcarron, Highlands.
- Crovie, Aberdeenshire.
- Dean Village, Edinburgh.
- Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway.
- Balmaha, Loch Lomond.
What is the best way to travel around Scotland?
Flying between Scotland’s main and regional airports is often the quickest way to get around, particularly to the islands.
- Scenic driving routes. Follow one of Scotland’s 12 National Tourist Routes for a scenic alternative.
- Ferry. Scotland’s ferry services connect up our beautiful islands with the mainland.
- Cycling.
What is the best town to stay in Scotland?
10 of the best places to stay in Scotland
- Edinburgh – best for short breaks.
- Loch Lomond – best for couples.
- Ullapool – best for explorers.
- Aberdeen – best for night owls.
- Dornoch – best for golfers.
- Inverness – best for history buffs.
- Cowal Peninsula – best for wildlife watching.
- Rannoch Moor – best for walkers.
How long does it take to drive around the whole of Scotland?
Our advice is to allow at least 5 days to drive the full route round-trip, although more days will obviously allow you to see more.
What month is the rainiest in Scotland?
There is, however, a lot of rain—nearly 5 inches a month during the heaviest rainfall months of November to January. In summer there is plenty of daylight to enjoy the outdoors. On the longest day, in June, the sun rises around 4 a.m. and doesn’t set until after 10 p.m., giving over 17 hours of daylight.
How do I plan a tour of Scotland?
For Scotland I suggest you see at least one castle, do at least one easy or intermediate hike, spend a day on the road/on the train/on the bus to see the landscape, take one ferry, spend one day in the city, go to the pub and see some live music, and visit a whisky (or gin) distillery.