From hunting Nessie to attending the Highland Games, there’s lots of things to see and do across the Highlands, offering unique experiences for visitor. Here are our top recommendations
Bag a Munro
A Munro is a Scottish mountain taller than 3,000 feet or 914.4 metres, but there are plenty of less-strenuous low-level walks that are just as rewarding.
Become a laird
Stay in a castle (or other historic building now a holiday cottage). www.landmarktrust.org.uk; www.nts.org.uk
Braemar gathering
These famous Highland Games are attended by the royal family and take place every September, attracting thousands of spectators who watch Scottish pipe bands, Highland dancing, tossing the caber and more. www.braemargathering.org
Hugh Miller Museum (National Trust)
Hugh Miller was an eminent 18th-century geologist, writer and folklorist; the modest cottage in which he was born is in the charming fishing village of Cromarty. Tel: 0844 493 2158; www.nts.org.uk
Inverewe Gardens (National Trust)
Stunning, colourful 50-acre gardens in the north-west Highlands that flourish with exotic plants and flowers thanks to the warm Gulf Stream climate. Tel: 0844 493 2225; www.nts.org.uk
Loch Ness
Look out for the infamous monster on a guided cruise – choose from a one hour to a one day tour with options to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Tel: (01463) 233999; www.jacobite.co.uk
Ride the Hogwarts Express
Take the Jacobite steam train for the 84-mile round trip from Fort William to Mallaig and travel across the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct and pass stunning mountains and sea lochs. Tel: 0845 128 4681; www.westcoastrailways.co.uk
Whisky
Learn about the centuries-old tradition of whisky production and discover the meaning of the ‘angel’s share’ on a tour at one of the 42 Scottish distilleries open to the public. www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
Read our complete guide to the Scottish Highlands
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