For the most people the Highlands stand synonymous for Scotland. Tall mountains, deep lochs and remote glens give the Highlands its beauty. Once they were the battleground of the clans but since the 18th century the Highlands are almost deserted because of the clearances. The crofters had to leave to make way for cattle farmers. Thousands of years ago Scotland was covered with a huge forest called the Caledonian Forest. During the last centuries the majority of the trees has been cut and because the fields were used to let sheep graze, the forests never recovered. Only a few parts are left, for example at Loch Maree.
Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and a good startingpoint for trips. Famous tourist attractions are Eilean Donan castle, Fort George, Culloden, Loch Ness, Urquhart castle and Aviemore. Close to Fort William rises the Ben Nevis, with 1344 meters the highest mountain of Scotland and Great Britain.
The weather in the Highlands can vary from moment to moment and the combination of sharp showers, bright sunny spells, low clouds and mist gives the Highlands a mystical touch. But beware for early mornings and evenings without wind, then it is midgee time.
Loch Ness from Fort Augustus, from one of the few stopping places at the A82
Glen Shiel. One of the finest Glen's in Scotland
Loch Duich from Eilean Donan. For me this was the most beautiful part of Eilean Donan. Too many tourists and buses but the view over the Loch is magnificant.
Urguhart Castle at Loch Ness. A must in my opinion.
Fort George is located next to the Moray Firth. On the other side is Chanonry point and in the Moray Firth dolphin's can be spotted easily.
Slioch seen from the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
Chanonry Point seen from Fort George. With some luck and the right tides you can almost touch the dolphins at Chanonry Point.
Loch Lomond from Luss.
On our way back this year we had terrible weather and when passing the Cairngorms over the A9 near Kingussie the sun broke through and gave us a wonderful view of the mountains.
Ben Nevis. What else is there to say.
Hidden in the center of Beauly behind some huge trees you can find Beauly Priory.
Sunset over the Beauly Firth.
Ben Wyvis covered in snow which was fallen beginning of May. The contrast between the trees and the snow is bizar!
Loch Shiel from Glenfinnan. A very nice inside of the church as well where the Glenfinnan Spring Festival was in progress.
Islands like this you see a lot in various loch's, always with trees on because there are no sheep. This one next to the Road to the Isles.
Loch Carron seen from Stromeferry at the viewpoint where the sngletrack road starts (A890)
Loch Carron seen from the same viewpoint looking north
Further Information:
