A Weekend in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands offer some of the UK's most dramatic landscapes, with towering mountains, serene lochs, and ancient castles set against stunning natural backdrops. While you could spend weeks exploring this magnificent region, it's possible to experience its highlights in just 48 hours with careful planning. Here's our curated itinerary for the perfect Highland weekend escape.

Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips

The Scottish Highlands cover a vast area, so it's important to be strategic about your itinerary. For this weekend guide, we'll focus on the central and western Highlands, which offer a perfect blend of iconic landscapes and cultural experiences.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September offers milder weather and longer daylight hours, perfect for sightseeing. For fewer crowds, consider May or September.
• Transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Highlands at your own pace and reaching remote locations.
• Accommodation: Book in advance, especially during summer months. We recommend basing yourself in Inverness for night one and Fort William for night two.
• Weather Preparedness: Even in summer, Highland weather can change rapidly. Pack layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy walking shoes.

Day 1: Inverness to Loch Ness

Morning: Explore Inverness

Begin your Highland adventure in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Start with breakfast at one of the city's charming cafés, then take a morning stroll along the River Ness to Inverness Castle for panoramic city views.

Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to gain insight into Highland history and culture. The exhibits showcase everything from Pictish stones to contemporary Highland art, providing context for your journey ahead.

Midday: Journey to Loch Ness

Drive south along the A82 to reach the world-famous Loch Ness (approximately 30 minutes from Inverness). Stop at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit to learn about the lake's fascinating natural history and the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

For lunch, enjoy traditional Scottish fare at the Loch Ness Inn, known for its locally sourced ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.

Afternoon: Urquhart Castle and Loch Cruises

Spend your afternoon exploring the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, which offers spectacular views over Loch Ness. The 1,000-year-old fortress has played a significant role in Scottish history and provides excellent photo opportunities.

For a different perspective of the loch, take a one-hour cruise from the Clansman Harbour. These boat trips offer detailed commentary about the loch's history and ecology, plus the chance to scan the waters for any mysterious movements!

Evening: Highland Hospitality

Return to Inverness for the evening. Dine at the River House Restaurant, which specializes in Scottish seafood and offers lovely views over the River Ness. After dinner, experience traditional Highland culture by visiting Hootananny, a lively pub featuring authentic Scottish folk music most evenings.

Day 2: Glen Coe and Fort William

Morning: Scenic Drive to Glen Coe

After an early breakfast, head southwest from Inverness toward Glen Coe (approximately 2 hours via the A82). This route takes you through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery, including along the shores of Loch Ness and past Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.

Make a stop at the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Ben Nevis on a clear day.

Midday: Glen Coe

Arrive at Glen Coe, one of Scotland's most famous and atmospheric glens. The dramatic valley, flanked by towering mountains, has a haunting beauty enhanced by its tragic history—the site of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692.

Visit the Glen Coe Visitor Centre to learn about the glen's geological formation and historical significance. Then take one of the short walking trails to experience the landscape up close. The easy Signal Rock walk (1 hour round trip) takes you to the historic spot where the signal was allegedly given to begin the massacre.

Enjoy lunch at the Clachaig Inn, a historic establishment nestled in the heart of the glen offering hearty Scottish fare and an impressive selection of whiskies.

Afternoon: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Continue west to Glenfinnan (about 45 minutes from Glen Coe). This picturesque spot is famous for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which carries the railway to Mallaig and was featured in the Harry Potter films as part of the route taken by the Hogwarts Express.

Visit the Glenfinnan Monument, which commemorates the Jacobite Rising of 1745, and climb to the viewpoint for a stunning vista of Loch Shiel. If you time your visit right (check schedules in advance), you might see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct—a truly magical sight.

Evening: Fort William

Drive to Fort William (about 30 minutes from Glenfinnan) to spend your second night. Check into your accommodation and then explore this bustling Highland town, situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe at the foot of Ben Nevis.

For dinner, visit The Crannog, a seafood restaurant housed in a distinctive red building on the town's pier, offering fresh Scottish seafood and lovely loch views.

End your day with a nightcap at The Grog & Gruel, a traditional alehouse with a friendly atmosphere and extensive selection of Scottish ales and whiskies.

Extending Your Stay: Optional Add-Ons

If you can squeeze in extra time either before or after your weekend, consider these worthwhile additions:

• Isle of Skye: Add at least two days to explore this magical island with its fairy pools, dramatic Cuillin mountains, and picturesque fishing villages.
• Cairngorms National Park: Add a day to experience Scotland's largest national park, perfect for wildlife watching and outdoor activities.
• Whisky Trail: Add a day to visit some of Speyside's famous distilleries and learn about Scotland's national drink.

Practical Tips for Highland Travel

• Midges: These tiny biting insects can be a nuisance in summer. Pack insect repellent if traveling between June and September.
• Single-Track Roads: Many Highland roads are single-track with passing places. Familiarize yourself with the etiquette: pull into passing places on your left to let oncoming vehicles pass, or pull in on either side to allow faster vehicles behind to overtake.
• Mobile Coverage: Be prepared for limited or no mobile phone reception in remote areas. Download offline maps before your journey.
• Fuel: Petrol stations can be scarce in remote areas. Keep your tank topped up whenever possible.