ESCAPE TO THE HIGHLANDS
Steeped in history and famed for their breathtaking landscapes, the magnificent Scottish Highlands and Islands offer visitors the ultimate wilderness break
WILD AND WONDERFUL
As one of the least populated places in Europe, the Scottish Highlands, including the Cairngorms pictured here, and Islands are the ideal location for those who want a break from the fast-paced, ‘always-on’ culture of smartphones, social media and 24/7 news channels. Studies have shown that taking time to turn off tech has a therapeutic effect, helping to calm, de-stress and reset body and mind, and these benefits are magnified when that time is spent outdoors instead. Unlike much of the UK, wild camping is legal in Scotland, allowing you to pitch your tent virtually anywhere, and with the rugged, remote north of Scotland playing host to more than 20 of the country’s protected National Scenic Areas, there’s plenty of beautiful space in which to get lost… and maybe find yourself, too.
YOU TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
When The Proclaimers sang about walking 500 miles, they probably weren’t thinking of the North Coast 500, but for lovers of landscapes, heritage and adventure, this 516-mile scenic route that snakes around the northern coast of Scotland is a must-do. If you fancy the full thing, then you’re probably best opting for four (or two) wheels, but sections of the route are also great for walkers and hikers. There are many tailored itineraries you can follow to customise your trip, from castles to kayaking, whisky tasting to wildlife watching. Highlights include the beautifully restored Castle of Mey near Thurso, the views over Wester Ross and the Isles of Skye and Rum from Bealach na Bà, and Smoo Cave in Sutherland, a limestone sea cave with a magnificent waterfall.
SCOTLAND (FOR) THE BRAVE
With so much space and challenging terrain, the Highlands and Islands are an adventure-seeker’s paradise. Take your bike off-road to explore the fabulous Cairngorms National Park or ride the Hebridean Way that starts on Vatersay, finishing 185 miles later on Lewis (with a few short ferry hops in between, of course).
For lovers of watersports, there’s sailing, sea kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, white water rafting and loch canoeing. If water isn’t your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of other activities guaranteed to get your heart pumping, such as bungee jumping, zorbing (rolling downhill in an orb), Munro bagging (climbing Scotland’s 282 peaks above 3,000 feet), mountain climbing, sand yachting and canyoning.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
While the human population may be lower in the Highlands and Islands than on Scotland’s mainland, the same can’t be said of wildlife. From coast to mountain, loch to glen, this region is teeming with animals and birds. ‘Camera stalking’ (as opposed to the more traditional, hunting type of stalking) is a fabulous way to get up close and personal with Mother Nature’s creatures.
As well as finding your own Monarch of the Glen, you could be lucky enough to snap orcas and dolphins frolicking off the coast, pine martens and red squirrels in forested areas, otters, sea eagles, puffins or even one of the most elusive (and endangered) native species, the Scottish wildcat.
ISLAND LIFE
Orkney, Shetland, Hebrides… about the only thing these islands have in common is that they’re, well, islands. Each has its own distinct scenery, history and personality, so it’s well worth taking some time to fully explore them. However there are about 800 to choose from so
here are a few pointers to help you decide where to start...
Shetland, the northernmost island group, offers visitors Bronze-Age history, untamed landscapes and, of course, Shetland ponies. As the islands are positioned between Scotland and Norway, there are also heavy Scandinavian influences in the form of Viking settlements and Up Helly Aa, the annual winter fire festival held in late January.
Orkney, slightly closer to the mainland, is home to a burgeoning arts industry, with craftspeople skilled in everything from painting to metalwork to weaving. Scuba fans in particular should head here as it’s home to Scapa Flow, famed for world-class wreck diving, with its seven sunken German warships. Plus it’s a fabulous place to catch the Northern Lights from summer through autumn.
The Hebrides are made up of more than 40 islands, and the
Inner Hebrides, as their name suggests, lie closest to the Scottish mainland. Skye, one of the most visited of these, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, varied wildlife and rich history, including Bonnie Prince Charlie’s dramatic escape ‘over the sea to Skye’ in 1746. Dunvegan Castle, ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, should be on everyone’s bucket list.
You can find more details of activities, attractions and pastimes at visitscotland.com