Recently updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 01:24 pm
When many people think of the Scottish Highlands, it’s the landscape that first comes to mind, with its endless expanse of mountains, lochs and sky. But then there are the region’s other defining characteristics, from the hearty food and warm people, to the Highlands’ unique history and cultural heritage. All of this can be experienced on a journey between this rugged region’s most intriguing and spectacular sites, which all play a part in making exploring the Scottish Highlands so rewarding.
Inverness is widely considered the capital of the Highlands, combining a cosmopolitan feel with historic architecture and close proximity to Loch Ness. And there aren’t many sites quite as intriguing as Loch Ness. This tranquil body of water is of course the setting for legendary tales of the famous Loch Ness monster – tales of which have arisen since the 1930s, which with the loch’s depths of up to 700-feet, remain a mystery to this day. Boat trips from Inverness set out to show visitors a little of this vast waterway.
However, it’s not just the Highlands’ legends that inspire visitors to explore this wild landscape; it’s also the more modern epics, such as remarkably popular historic drama Outlander, which was set in this rugged yet romantic land. Following the path of this television series, visitors can set foot in the ‘Glen of the Weeping’ at Glencoe, a glen of volcanic origins that reveals its myths, legends and history through its ancient landmarks and museums.
The open air Highland Folk Museum takes people further on their Outlander-inspired journey, as the very place where an episode of the series was filmed. Here, visitors have the rare opportunity to see how people in the Highlands lived as far back as the 1700s, with over 30 historic buildings that have been preserved and furnished to reflect the period they’re from. This is all set in the landscape of Cairngorms National Park, which some say is the heart of the Highlands.
By travelling west from here, the road then leads to the port of Mallaig, from where The Isle of Skye is just a short ferry ride away. This is where people come for the unadulterated Scottish scenery they’d imagined before setting out on their journey. A drive along the Sleat Peninsula affords spectacular views of the dramatic landscape, which has been left untouched to preserve its natural beauty.
Of course, there are few travel experiences more rewarding than connecting with the local people and gaining an understanding of their culture and customs. It’s by travelling south from the Isle of Skye that visitors can reach Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where they’re treated to a truly authentic local experience.
The 300-acre historic Ledard Farm lies on the shores of Loch Ard, within the Trossachs. Guests who visit this remote farm are met by Fergus and Gregor of the Wood family, who both play the bagpipes for visitors as they arrive. Within the farm’s 17th century McGregors Barn, guests dine on Highland lamb washed down with local whisky, while listening to stories of feuding clans, Rob Roy and life on the farm in the present day. And following dinner there’s the inevitable outburst of Ceilidh music to enjoy. Combining Highland fare, music, and historical and cultural identity with the landscape of the national park, an evening spent here certainly sums up the Scottish Highlands experience.
Explore the Scottish Highlands with Trafalgar on the Best of Scotland, Scotland’s Highlands, Islands and Cities, Highland Trail Inspired by Outlander, and Castles and Kilts.
Image credits: Cover photo of Cairngorms National Park © iStock / Sara Winter. A Highland Cow © iStock / Rixipix. Loch Ness © iStock / elementals. Glencoe Pass © iStock / abzee. Isle of Skye © iStock / Sara Winter. Loch Ard © iStock / munro1.