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Top highlights and pit stops...
As Scotland has some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, packing up your car and embarking on a road trip is one of the best ways to explore Scotland’s hidden treasures. To discover a real taste of Highland adventure we recommend a road trip which begin its journey in bustling Inverness and ends in scenic Fort William.
Inverness
Starting in the bustling city of Inverness, you are spoilt for choice with the range of activities on offer. We suggest taking a boat trip with Dolphin Spirit around the Moray Firth to spot the pods of Bottlenose Dolphins leaping through the waves. Dubbed one of the best places in Europe to see dolphins in the wild, a boat trip provides an abundance of wildlife-watching opportunities and the route is also surrounded by places of historical and modern interest. Next stop is Inverness Cathedral. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or not, a visit here is a must. Dating back to the 1800s, this incredible building truly is a masterpiece of historical architecture. Step inside to discover the fascinating artefacts which are preserved here and admire the beautiful stained-glass windows which will leave you in awe.
Loch Ness
Just a short drive from Inverness Cathedral you will find the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. One of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland, you must not skip visiting here! Home to the world’s most famous monster, we recommend taking a cruise with Jacobite, where you can learn about folklore whisperings and the loch’s colourful history, while taking in views of pine-clad forests and the incredible scenery. Next up, on the banks of Loch Ness is the magnificent Urquhart Castle, which served as a medieval fortress for 500 years. This is a great place to experience Loch Ness from a vantage point while roaming around these spectacular ruins.
Fort Augustus
Now reaching the half-way point on our journey, it’s the perfect excuse to stop at Fort Augustus for a bite to eat and some light-hearted boat watching. Rain or shine, it’s the perfect place to
sit and watch the array of boats navigate the locks. This picturesque settlement is also home to the Pepperpot Lighthouse which is said to be the smallest lighthouse in the UK! If you’re feeling brave we recommend visiting one of the local eateries and trying some haggis – which is surprisingly delicious despite its bad press! Afterwards, If you’re wanting to stretch your legs and burn of the lunchtime-treats, we recommend a leisurely walk which spans from Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock.
Laggan
Waving good-bye to the charming Fort Augustus, we recommend popping to Laggan next on your list. Noted as one of the only regions where the Gaelic language is very much rife, this village situated in the Cairngorms National Park is surrounded by a stunning mountain landscape. It’s a great spot to see an Osprey swooping through the sky. On the drive down to Fort William, we whole-heartedly recommend a stop off at the Glengarry Castle Hotel, which is nestled on the shores of Loch Oich. Driving down you will notice the herds of highland cows, congregating in the fields and the ruins of Invergarry Castle. This hotel allows guests to experience true Highland hospitality in an imposing setting. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, afternoon tea in one of the drawing rooms is a lovely experience. For the adrenaline junkies or for those who fancy a slice of adventure, why not try your hand at white water rafting or gorge walking. Active High’s is a good place to stop as you drive towards the destination of Fort William.
Fort William
What better way to round up the trip than taking on the challenge of Ben Nevis – the UK’s largest Munro, which is located in the Highland town of Fort William. When you reach the summit, your efforts will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and Lochaber. Standing on top of the mountain is an experience like no other and a massive achievement many are keen to tick off their bucket lists. On the last day of your trip we recommend hopping aboard The Jacobite steam train. This 84-mile round trip, follows a round trip from Fort William to Mallaig, and takes passengers past a list a list of impressive scenery. Harry Potter fans will recognise the steam engine and carriages which were used in the films and some of the famous scenery the train passes through.