"Highlands and Islands of Scotland" Highland by scotlandscotour

Highland Travel Guide: 1,737 reviews and 3,895 photos

Isle of Skye

The Island is dominated by the severe and rugged Cuillin Mountains, but to the north of the island is the Trotternish Peninsular, with stunning views over the waters and charming cottages scattered over the grass.

Here is the "village" of Staffin, on the East Coast of Trotternish.

Wester Ross - Torridon Nature Reserve

Wester Ross Sunset March

At the end of a perfect March day, in the remote beauty of Wester Ross (NW Highlands) we were rewarded with this tranquil light.
It doesn't come out in the picture, but I tried.
The weather was mild, after a week of Snow, and we had the place to ourselves!
To find this area on a map, its south of the settlement of Ullapool, north of Kyle of Lochalsh.
Best to avoid in summer, due to tourists and midgies.

West Coast of Scotland in Winter

Scottish coastline - March 2004

Ohh, come and enjoy this, off-season, all to yourself.
This area is generally only accessed by road, and if you have a bike - you're in heaven!!!
I'll try to get tips on getting to the area and where to stay etc.

If its a choice between here or Inverness / Loch Ness - do please come here.

This picture is just north of Gairloch.

Important places to not miss:
Glencoe and Rannoch Moor
Orkney Islands
Torridon & Applecross
Ullapool & NW Coast
Cairngorms National Park
Highland Perthshire
Trossachs National Park
Isle of Arran
Isle of Skye & Glenelg
Argyle
Glen Affric

See Map of Scotland

After reading my Highland Tips, I recommend reading Scotland Travel Tips

Pros and Cons

Pros:fresh air, wild open space and rich history - explore!
Cons:Tourist traps in summer season, and weather changeable
In a nutshell:More than the sum of its parts - its magic!

Last visit to Highland: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Jul 26, 2004
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Reviews (9)

Barbeque Pack with Fresh Produce - Easy - Highland

Fresh and Delicious Food, Every Time! Restaurants (1)

Eat in a relaxed and sociable way, no rush, no booking, no annoying neighbour smoking, no extortionate costs for poorly... more travel advice

Spring 2004, Sma' Glen, Perthshire, Scotland - Highland

Where are the Highlands? Favorites (1)

The "Highlands" you are looking for are defined by landscape and a geography derived from the Earth's geology underneath... more travel advice

Winding Single Track Road in Highlands - Highland

Road Dangers - Highlands of Scotland Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Beware! It can be exhausting driving these narrow roads for hundreds of kilometers / miles. 1) Remember in Britain you... more travel advice

My Ford Fiesta in a Passing Place, Scotland - Highland

Narrow "Single Track" Roads with Passing... Transportation (1)

Still much of the Highland road system is on these narrow, single track roads. At frequent intervals are signposted... more travel advice

Comments (24)

mtncorg Jun 6, 2007 at 12:48 PM Report Abuse

Glen Coe, Arran, Cuillin for the mountains, Mull and Jura for the family and Islay for the you know what for me. Thanks for your tips on the West.
nickandchris Jun 12, 2006 at 2:59 AM Report Abuse

Some very helpful tips. Are off to Mull in Aug. so must get the motorhome fully midge-proofed!!!
uglyscot May 3, 2006 at 11:37 PM Report Abuse

Most useful tips about driving in the Highlands. Having driven from Tongue down to LAirg, I know. My father and daughter were sh......! Quiet, no cars, me getting over confident ,speeding round the bends, then a tractor-. Thank God for passing places....
iandsmith Feb 3, 2006 at 12:48 PM Report Abuse

Interesting looking at it now in hindsight.
chiara76 Nov 19, 2005 at 3:36 PM Report Abuse

Very, very nice page. I really like it! One day I have to visit this wonderful place!
Yaqui Nov 14, 2005 at 10:40 AM Report Abuse

Such lovely country to explore. You are so lucky! Oh, the Stone Circle site looks so interesting. Thanks for sharing!!
olja1234 Jul 13, 2005 at 2:11 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for so likable written tips and stunning photos of Highland. I hope I'll visit Scotland one day.
GypsyLightChaser May 7, 2005 at 9:15 PM Report Abuse

Very Nice. I want to go to Scotland and find my Ancestors the photos are nice. Wish I was there right now.
Bwana_Brown Feb 22, 2005 at 3:03 AM Report Abuse

A really excellent page Malcolm! This is the type of area that I would love to explore, and I enjoy a good driving challenge too! I thought your BBQ tip is a fantastic idea and thanks for the hostel info as well. Beautiful pics.
hekate Jan 19, 2005 at 7:59 AM Report Abuse

Hey Malcolm, another great page. The stone circle loocs cool. And your tips are soooo detailed. I love to read them. It makes me feel like I am almost there :)))