Explore the wilder side of Highland life
From the Cuillin range of mountains on Skye to Torridon and the Cairngorms National Park, the Highlands boast some truly unspoilt wilderness.
marvel at the oldest rocks and the soaring vertical cliffs in the North West Highlands Geopark, admire the dramatic scenery with some recordbreaking natural wonders, scale Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, or explore Britain’s highest waterfall, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn – more than three times higher than Niagara Falls.
At the deepest freshwater body of water in Britain, Loch morar, near mallaig, look out for morag the monster – a mysterious creature that is said to inhabit the waters.
Explore the 90 miles of the Snow roads driving route in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park to discover wild landscapes and uncover the tales and hidden treasures of the area.
Take a gentle coastal walk along Sanna Bay in Ardnamurchan, head to the Hidden Valley in Glen Coe for some peace and quiet, or enjoy fantastic views on a walk up Craig Phadraig in Inverness to the remains of a Pictish fort. Immerse yourself in the scenery by pulling on your boots to tackle some of the famous Highland long-distance routes, including the classic West Highland Way or the stunning Affric-Kintail Way. Uncover stunning views along Speyside Way in the Cairngorms National Park or explore the new Loch Ness 360 trail – and you might even spot Nessie. For those who love the sea, why not try sea kayaking alongside seals and seabirds off the Ardnamurchan peninsula? or sail to the Small Isles of rum, Eigg and muck, famous for their spectacular scenery and unique wildlife.
Daredevils can try climbing in Wester ross, river tubing or cliff jumping in Lochaber, which is the outdoor Capital of the UK, or catch the waves in Thurso, Scotland’s surfing capital.
Scotland is also a paradise for mountain bikers, pictured. From Laggan Wolftrax and the Nevis range to the Kyle of Sutherland, the Black Isle and the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye, there are plenty of trails to explore.
If you are a wildlife lover, you are in for a treat. A quarter of Britain’s most rare and endangered species can be found in one place – the Cairngorms National Park.
Enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of Britain’s largest bird of prey in the North Highlands, the sea eagle. They have an incredible 8ft wingspan.
Take a cruise from Inverness into the moray Firth to spot the resident bottlenose dolphins.
Across the Highlands, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, deer, wild cats, puffins, seals, otters and even killer whales.
Explore more at visitscotland. com/highlands.