Choose from 41 Fun Things to Do in The Scottish Highlands
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 41 listings.
St Magnus Cathedral
Towering over the narrow streets of Kirkwall in all its red sandstone glory, St Magnus Cathedral is a testament to the Vikings’ ability to create real beauty amid all that pillaging and plundering.
Commissioned by viking Earl Rögnvald in 1137 to honor his saintly uncle, Magnus Erlendsson, it took over 300 years for St Magnus Cathedral to become the beauty we see today, all Romanesque flourishes and heavy Norman influences.
The only medieval cathedral in Scotland, look out for the hidden dungeon known as Marwick’s Hole, where hundreds of people were imprisoned over the years before being hanged for witchcraft. Today, though, the northern cathedral is much more benign. Come for a Sunday service to listen to the organ being played beautifully, and try to visit the upper tower for 360-degree views of Kirkwall and the sea beyond.
Practical Info
On Broad Street in Kirkwall, entrance to the cathedral is free and its doors are open from morning until 6 p.m. from April to September and until 5 p.m. for the rest of the year.
Address: Broad Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland
Hours: April-September until 6 p.m.
October - March: until 5 p.m.
From $ 78
River Ness
Sure, the River Ness might not be as famous as the nearby Loch with its monster, but that doesn't mean it's not worth wandering. In fact, the vast majority of Inverness' top attractions are situated along its shores, including Inverness Castle, Whin Park, Eden Court Theater and St. Andrews Cathedral. And of course, it culminates in Loch Ness. River Ness also houses the Ness Islands, which are extremely popular nature retreats for Inverness locals.
Though famous, the River Ness is no Nile. It stretches only about 12 miles (20 km) from where it begins at Loch Ness to where it empties into Beauly Firth. Little known fact: it's actually in the river, not the giant loch, that the first ever sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was reported.
Practical Info
River Ness is best experienced from Whin Park and the Ness Islands. Of course, it is also a nice cycle along the 12 miles (20 km) from Loch Ness to Beauly Firth if you have the time.
Address: River Ness, Inverness, The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
From $ 13
Urquhart Castle
Set on the shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle attracts many visitors that come here in hopes of glimpsing Nessie, the loch’s fabled aquatic monster. The ruined medieval fortress, which was destroyed in 1762 to prevent it from becoming a Jacobite stronghold, now houses a visitor center that exhibits objects found amid the ruins.
The Basics
Almost all organized tours that come to Loch Ness, whether from Inverness, Invergordon, Glasgow, or even Edinburgh, include at least a glimpse of Urquhart Castle. Many tours combine a visit to the crumbling gray-stone castle with a sightseeing cruise on Loch Ness or the Caledonian Canal, while other tours make stops at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns.
Explore the castle ruins independently, wander around the battlements, admire the splendor of the Great Hall, scan the lake’s surface for the Loch Ness monster, and examine medieval artifacts on show at the castle’s visitor center. Historic Scotland Explorer Pass holders visit for free.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its rich history of battles, Urquhart Castle is an absolute must for history enthusiasts.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear, as much of the ruins are exposed to the elements.
- Most of the castle is accessible via paved paths, with the exception of the guardhouse, the battlements, and the first floor and basement of Grant Tower.
How to Get There
Urquhart Castle is situated on the west bank of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit. From Inverness, drive south along the A82 for around 30 minutes. Buses (including the 19, 917, and 919) connect Inverness bus station to Urquhart Castle.
When to Get There
The castle is busiest in summer, when lines often form at the staircase at Grant Tower and the parking lot occasionally fills. Arrive just after opening, or an hour or two before closing, to experience the ruins at their quietest. During the winter months, the castle ruins are peaceful, and moody weather adds to the atmosphere.
The History of Urquhart Castle
Urquhart has a long and tumultuous history, with a castle having stood here since at least the 13th century. The fortress was seized, reclaimed, damaged, and restored many times between then and the 17th century. In 1762, the gatehouse was blown up to prevent Jacobites from moving in and establishing a base here. Nowadays, the Historic Environment Scotland manages the evocative ruins.
Address: Drumnadrochit, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Eden Court Theatre
A modern gem of a theater, Eden Court houses a range of performing arts performances involving music, theater, opera, ballet and dance as well as film. To accommodate all these large scale performances as well as studios for art classes, a new building to house them all was built in 1976 right next to the River Ness. With its sharp angles and metal and glass encasing, the theater now sports a somewhat retro futuristic look. This provides a sharp contrast to the Gothic mansion right next door, the official residence of the Bishops of Moray. But the small palace from an entirely different century has been successfully incorporated into the modern Eden Court Theatre and now houses the dressing rooms, offices and a small cinema.
After extensive renovations and refurbishments, the Eden Court Theatre is now the largest combined arts center in Scotland and has two big auditoriums. The bigger one, Empire Theatre, can seat over 800 people and the other, One Touch, follows suit with about 270 spaces. The two new cinemas, apart from regular showings, also host the annual Inverness Film Festival, where visitors can enjoy niche films and Scottish premieres.
Practical Info
Eden Court Theatre is located on Bishop's Road right next to the River Ness in the center of the city. You can reserve tickets to a performance in person or by phone up to one week in advance. The box office just outside the front doors is open Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m. It closes 15 minutes after the last event of the day begins.
Address: Bishops Rd, Inverness, The Scottish Highlands IV3 5SA, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Rogie Falls
Ever wanted to see wild Atlantic salmon at their most spectacular, leaping up a waterfall? On the road from Inverness to Ullapool, just head to Rogie Falls in the Scottish Highlands for its parade of leaping salmon through August and September. To catch the salmon at their best, try to come in the early morning or evening when they're at their most active.
A great spot to visit throughout the year, in spring you'll be treated to a woodland carpet of Scottish bluebells and brilliant birdsong as you take the footpath to Rogie Falls.
From the carpark, there are several well-marked trails you can follow. The "red path" is a short walkway to the waterfall. Once you get to the cascade, keep a lookout for otters playing on the far right bank. The "green path" is a little longer and will take you on a forest walk to "View Rock," where between two big rocks you'll get your picture-perfect views of the Scottish Highlands and its forest, hills and loch. This trail is about a two-hour round trip from Rogie Falls car park.
Practical Info
Rogie Falls is just off the main road to Ullapool from Inverness, a little over a mile northwest of the village of Contin.
Address: Contin, Scotland
From $ 474
Drum Castle
The origins of Drum Castle, one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, can be traced back to the 14th century. Home to the Irvine family for more than six centuries, the estate"”now owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS)"”features a medieval grand hall, a Jacobean mansion house, a Victorian-era library, and an ancient oak forest.
The Basics
Visitors to Drum Castle can explore the castle interior during a guided tour. Guided tours include a visit to the medieval High Hall, the chance to view the original charter granted by Robert the Bruce, and the opportunity to climb to the top of 700-year-old Drum Tower. Afterward, wander through the walled gardens, including the wonderfully scented Garden of Historic Roses.
For those who don't want to tour the castle, it's possible to pay for admission to the walled gardens only. And for visitors who want to check off other NTS-managed sites, consider a National Trust for Scotland Discover Ticket, which provides access to 90 different Scottish attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Drum Castle is a must for history buffs and nature lovers.
- A cafe and shop are located at the castle.
- Get child-friendly quizzes from reception to keep little ones entertained.
- Pick up a map of the estate at the notice board in the parking lot to help you navigate.
- Only the ground floor of the castle is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Drum Castle is situated near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Aberdeen. Stagecoach North Scotland bus services 201, 202, and 203 depart from Aberdeen and stop at Drum Castle Road End, about 20"“30 minutes from the castle on foot.
When to Get There
The castle is open daily from June through August, and Thursday"“Monday during April, May, September, and October. Between November and March, visit on weekends, as the castle is closed midweek. The castle also closes during the Christmas and New Year's period. The grounds are open year-round, though the Garden of Historic Roses is open only April"“October. Perhaps the best time to visit is in June or July, when the roses are in full bloom.
Exploring the Castle's Ancient Oak Forest
Adjacent to the castle is an ancient oak forest, where centuries-old trees grow. Visitors who want to get active can choose among several trails. Follow the 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) Woodland Walk or the 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) Drumhill Trail and see if you can spot local wildlife, including roe deer, red kites, and badgers, along the way.
Address: Drumoak, Banchory, Aberdeen & Grampian, United Kingdom AB31 5EY, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Standing proud against the fearsome storms that ravage the north coast of Lewis is the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. Designed by Scottish lighthouse engineer David Stevenson in the 1860s, the watchtower wasn't automated until 1998, making it one of the last in the British Isles to lose its lighthouse keeper.
While you can no longer go inside, there are information plaques outside, and it's interesting just to see the lighthouse in all its exposed red-brick glory instead of the usual white.
A birdwatcher's paradise, look out for buzzards, gulls and the occasional puffin soaring around the cliffs. Also, take a close look at the crags being buffeted by the North Sea, some of the oldest exposed rock in Europe, created up to 300 million years ago back in the Cambrian period. While you're here, follow the coast southwest past the lighthouse. You'll soon see a natural sea cave, known as the Eye of the Butt.
Practical Info
The lighthouse sits a 28-mile drive to the north from Lewis' main town of Stornoway. In summer, buses run about five times a day from town to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.
Address: Stornoway, Lewis, Scotland
From $ 474
Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage and Museum
Hugh Miller was a well-known geologist and writer who lived from 1802 to 1856 in northern Scotland. The thatched fisherman's cottage he was born in was built in the late 1600s by his great grandfather. The cottage and the Georgian house on the property both stand as a museum honoring Hugh Miller's life. The cottage is furnished and shows what it might have looked like when he lived there. The house contains an exhibition and video about his life and work. There is also a reading room which gives visitors the chance to browse through Miller's works. Artwork, tapestries, and sculptures are also on display.
Behind the cottage and museum is the Yard Garden of Wonders, which is a peaceful garden with native Scottish plants, fossils and other artifacts. It was designed to reflect Miller's love of nature. There is also a traditional cobbled courtyard that was a 19th-century work space.
Practical Info
Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage and Museum is located in the town of Cromarty 22 miles northeast of Inverness.
Address: Church Street, Cromarty, Highland, United Kingdom IV11 8XA, Scotland
Hours: Daily 12pm-5pm
Admission: Adult £6.50
From $ 14
Inverness Cathedral (Cathedral Church of St. Andrew)
With its imposing pink sandstone turrets presiding over the River Ness, Inverness Cathedral is one of the most striking of the city's many churches. The 19th-century Gothic-style structure is conspicuously spire-free. Though architect Alexander Ross put them in his original design, they had to be scrapped due to lack of funds.
The Basics
Because of its prominent riverside position, Inverness Cathedral is hard to miss. Most visitors glimpse it only from outside, but it is possible to venture inside the cathedral and soak up the serenity of the hushed interior. Walking and coach sightseeing tours of the so-called Highland capital pass by Inverness Cathedral, as well as other local landmarks such as Inverness Castle. The cathedral also features as a stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours of Inverness.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is a must-see for architecture fans.
- Part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the cathedral is still an active site of worship, so be respectful of parishioners as you explore.
- Listen for the cathedral's bells; they are regularly rung to announce services.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Inverness Cathedral is located on the west bank of the River Ness, about a 15-minute walk from Inverness rail and bus stations, which offer connections to other parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow. Local buses stop at nearby King Street, a 3-minute walk away from the cathedral.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily and is rarely crowded outside of service times. If you want to hear the cathedral choir sing, attend the 11am Sunday service, or the Sunday choral evensong, which takes place at 5:30pm once a month.
Highlights of the Cathedral
As you explore the cathedral, look out for several noteworthy design details and artworks. Among the most eye-catching adornments are the carved stone capitals at the entrance, which are decorated with images of foliage, flowers, and birds. Inside, you'll see the five 19th-century Russian icons that depict biblical characters such as Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and various saints. These icons were gifts given to British Anglican Bishop Robert Eden, the Bishop of Moray, Ross, and Caithness, by Tsar Alexander II.
Address: 15 Ardross Street, Inverness, The Scottish Highlands IV3 5NS, Scotland
From $ 13
Callanish Standing Stones
Overlooking Loch Roag and the hills of Great Bernera, the Callanish Standing Stones comprise 13 large stones set around a Celtic cross"“shaped monolith, with some 40 smaller stones radiating out from the center. Built between 3,800 and 5,000 years ago, this stone circle was erected at around the same time as the pyramids of Egypt.
The Basics
If you come to this Neolithic site independently, head to the Calanais Visitor Centre to find out more about the prehistoric monument. Alternatively, visit the enigmatic site in the company of a guide who can shed light on its history and the many theories regarding its function and purpose, as well as share folk tales associated with the stones.
The Callanish Stones feature on multi-day tours of the Outer Hebrides departing from Edinburgh or Inverness. Shorter tours, lasting up to three days, tend to focus on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, while longer tours often make stops at the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides and parts of the Scottish Highlands too.
Things to Know Before You Go
- One of Scotland's most evocative prehistoric sites, Callanish is a must for history lovers.
- Wrap up warm as Lewis is frequently subject to strong winds.
- A cafe is located at the nearby visitor center.
- The visitor center is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. With uneven grassy surfaces, the site itself may be difficult to access for wheelchair users, but the stones can be seen from the roadside.
How to Get There
Callanish Standing Stones are about 17 miles (27 kilometers) west of Stornoway. To get here from Stornoway, follow the A859 and A858 roads; the journey takes about 30 minutes. Public transit is not available, so travelers without a car are best going as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
While you can see the stones at any time of the year, the visitor center is open only from April to September (daily), and from October to March (Wednesday through Saturday). Because of its off-the-beaten-path location, the site is never overrun with tourists. For some excellent photo opportunities, go at dawn or dusk.
Archaeological Sites in the Outer Hebrides
The island of Lewis and Harris is littered with remnants of long-gone civilizations. Just a few miles from the Callanish Stones is Dun Carloway, a well-preserved Iron Age broch (a circular stone construction). Farther south, on the island of South Uist, is Cladh Hallan"”a settlement believed to date back to around 2,200 BC"”where you can see the outline of ancient roundhouses.
Address: Callanish Stone Circle, Callanish, Isle of Lewis, UK HS2 9DY, Scotland
From $ 474
Haddo House
Haddo House is an impressive stately home in Scotland that was built in the 1730s. The estate was owned by the Gordon family for centuries, and they lived there even before the current house was built. It was designed by William Adam for William Gordon, the 2nd Earl of Aberdeen, and it was refurbished in the 1880s. The house is a blend of Georgian architecture and late Victorian interiors. Throughout the house, visitors can admire antique furniture, portraits, ceramics, and other memorabilia from the Gordon family. Hundreds of years of history can be found inside the walls of this home.
The grounds of Haddo House include a formal terrace garden with geometric rosebuds and a fountain, trees and an herbaceous border, and peaceful hills. The surrounding area of Haddo Country Park, which can be reached by an avenue that is lined with lime trees, has lakes, monuments, woodland walks, and a deer park.
Practical Info
Haddo House is located 20 miles north of Aberdeen.
Address: Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeen & Grampian, United Kingdom AB41 7EQ, Scotland
Hours: Gardens & Grounds 9am-Sunset Daily, Tour Times Vary
Admission: Adults £10.50
From $ 14
Isle of Lewis
The most northerly of Scotland's dramatic Western Isles, the Isle of Lewis is known for its ancient remains, coastal crofts, and beautiful beaches. On a sunny day, dune-backed beaches like Bostadh and Traigh Chuil are perfect. Spot red deer in Lewis's conservation areas, and off the coast "” dolphins, porpoises, and even whales. The center of the island gives way to a peaty plateau loved by rare birds birds, and in the hills of Uig look out for golden eagles and peregrine falcons.
Stornoway's colorful harbor is also a good place to spot seals. Easily the largest town on the island, over three quarters of the Western Isles population lives here. Wind through its Victorian streets to Stornoway's lively pubs, where you can listen out for Gaelic "” the local tongue "” and get to know the great island tradition of storytelling firsthand.
Having once belonged to the Norse Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, you'll notice Presbyterian traditions running through the veins of island life throughout the Hebrides. On Sundays on Lewis, life quietens down as the Sabbath is observed across the isle.
Lewis has a rich history. Home to the famous Callanish Stones, Arnol Blackhouse is also a popular visit. A preserved traditional thatched croft run by Historic Scotland, just like up until the 1960s when the blackhouse was abandoned by its last tenants, the peaty central hearth is never allowed to go out.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to Lewis from the mainland is by ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. There are buses linking Stornoway to Tarbart, the main village on Harris.
Address: Isle of Lewis, United Kingdom, Scotland
From $ 474
Carloway Broch
No bricks, no mortar, no buttress -- just stone placed on top of stone on an exposed Lewis hilltop nearly 2,000 years ago, Carloway Broch roundhouse has stood tall against the Isle of Lewis's raging Atlantic storms since the Iron Age. Looking out to Loch Roag, this is one of the best preserved brochs in Scotland, and parts of the Dun Carloway still come close to its original height at nine meters tall.
It's not clear why these brochs (Scottish drystone roundhouses) were ever built, but it's thought that they could have been the homes of the high-status local leaders. Even though the building of brochs fell out of fashion in 150 AD, this multi-story roundhouse has continued to be used through the ages.
Dun Carloway was even the scene of one particularly dramatic fight back in the 1500s, when a party of Morrisons stole cattle from the Macaulay clan and hid out in the broch. What did the Macaulays do? Smoke their enemies out with burning heather, of course.
Next to Dun Carloway is the Doune Broch visitor center, where you can learn all about Iron Age life on the Isle of Lewis and get a sense of how life here must have been all those years ago.
Practical Info
About 10 miles northwest of Stornoway on the A858, the visitor center is open from April to September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can visit the Broch itself all year round. Admission to both is free.
Address: Carloway, Scotland
Hours: Year-round
From $ 474
Maeshowe
Maeshowe is a chambered tomb in northern Scotland that is more than 5,000 years old. It is considered to be the finest Neolithic building in northwest Europe due to its design, stonework construction, and use of massive individual stones. At first Maeshowe appears to be just a large grassy mound, but visitors can enter from a single door. A 33 foot long stone passageway leads into a small stone chamber in the center. The chamber is only about 15 feet across. Three side rooms made of single slabs of stone are attached to the main chamber. The entire structure was designed so that light would shine down the passageway at sunset every day from three weeks before to three weeks after the shortest day of the year.
At least 3,000 years after Maeshowe was closed up, Norsemen broke into the chamber. They left behind light-hearted runic graffiti all over the walls. It is the largest collection of runic inscriptions outside Scandinavia and serves as a reminder that Orkney was under Norwegian rule until 1468.
Practical Info
Maeshowe is located in Orkney. Advanced booking is required.
Address: Orkney, Scotland
From $ 441
Floral Hall
Coffee breaks don't come with a more scenic backdrop than Inverness' Floral Hall, one of the city's most unique attractions. Opened by Prince Edward in 1993, the Floral Hall includes a series of ornamental gardens, sub-tropical greenhouses, creative water features and ponds filled with tropical fish, set around a popular cafe. The Cacti House, home to the Highlands' largest collection of succulents, is a highlight of the gardens, housing an award winning collection, and the dramatic seasonal floral arrangements on display are legendary among local gardeners. The centerpiece of the stone walled gardens is the newly opened Memory Garden, home to the Tree of Tranquility, a poignant sculpture created by the SiMBA charity in support of women who have miscarried or lost a baby "“ each leaf is personally engraved by the bereaved.
Whether you choose to stroll the idyllic walkways, sip cappuccinos amidst elegant floral displays or indulge your gardening passions at the adjourning visitor and information center, the gardens are a pocket of tranquility that provide the perfect escape from the city streets.
Whether you choose to stroll the idyllic walkways, sip cappuccinos amidst elegant floral displays or indulge your gardening passions at the adjourning visitor and information center, the gardens are a pocket of tranquility that provide the perfect escape from the city streets.
Address: Bught Ln, Inverness, Inverness-Shire IV3 5SS, Scotland
From $ 13
Pitmedden Garden
The beautifully landscaped Pitmedden Garden in northern Scotland dates back to 1675. The center piece of the property is the Great Garden, a formal walled garden that was originally designed by Sir Alexander Seton, 1st Baronet of Pitmedden. In the 1950s the National Trust of Scotland began recreating the garden using designs from the 17th century. Some of the designs might have been used in the gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh in 1647. One section is a heraldic design based on Sir Alexander's coat of arms. Today Pitmedden Garden has more than 5 miles of box hedging arranged in intricate patterns forming six sections. These different sections of the garden are filled with color during the summer months from approximately 40,000 plants.
Pitmedden Garden sits on a 100 acre estate. Also on the property is the Museum of Farming Life which teaches visitors about historical agriculture. There are also several woodland trails, ponds, an extensive herb garden, a nature hut, and a visitor center.
Practical Info
Pitmedden Garden is located 14 miles north of Aberdeen.
Address: Pitmedden, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, UK AB41 7PD, Scotland
Hours: Grounds Open Daily; Gardens Open Daily from 1 May - 30 Sep: 10am-5:30pm
Admission: Adult £6.50
From $ 14
Tomnahurich
The wooded hilltop of Tomnahurich, or the "˜Hill of the Yews', is one of Inverness' most prominent landmarks, a glacial esker located a mile out of the city center. The summit, a steep 67-meter peak overlooking the Caledonian Canal, is home to a war memorial and the 18th and 19th century cemetery of the same name, with notable burials including Major-General Sir Robert Adams and submariner Rear Admiral Sir Anthony Capel Miers "“ both holders of the Victorian Cross medal.
Despite its poignant memorials, Tomnahurich remains most famous for its folklore legends. If you believe the myths, the hill is the seat of the Fairy Queen and a local fairytale tells the tall tale of the two traveling fiddlers who were tricked into playing for the fairies and disappeared for a hundred years. Another legend dictates that the 13th-century seer Thomas the Rymer was buried beneath the summit with his army of men and horses, ready to be resurrected in Scotland's hour of need. Far fetched though the legends may be, there's no doubting the enchanted Tomnahurich holds a special place in the hearts of locals and climbing to its peak is one of the city's most popular walks, affording pleasant views over the surrounding countryside.
Despite its poignant memorials, Tomnahurich remains most famous for its folklore legends. If you believe the myths, the hill is the seat of the Fairy Queen and a local fairytale tells the tall tale of the two traveling fiddlers who were tricked into playing for the fairies and disappeared for a hundred years. Another legend dictates that the 13th-century seer Thomas the Rymer was buried beneath the summit with his army of men and horses, ready to be resurrected in Scotland's hour of need. Far fetched though the legends may be, there's no doubting the enchanted Tomnahurich holds a special place in the hearts of locals and climbing to its peak is one of the city's most popular walks, affording pleasant views over the surrounding countryside.
Address: Scotland
From $ 13
Old High Church
Looking down on the city from St Michael's Mount on the banks of the River Ness, the historic Old High Church is the oldest church in Inverness and famed as the seat of the first congregation in Inverness, with roots dating back to Celtic times. Legend has it that St Columba of Iona, the Irish monk who introduced Christianity to Inverness, once preached from the hilltop on the very spot where the church stands today.
Despite its Celtic roots, the present church building mostly dates back to the 18th century, although parts of the Bell tower from the 14th century remain, and is notable for its restored Willis Organ and Iona marble chancel. Along with its long history of worship, the church was also used as a prison and execution ground after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Regular Sunday services are held in the Church year round.
Despite its Celtic roots, the present church building mostly dates back to the 18th century, although parts of the Bell tower from the 14th century remain, and is notable for its restored Willis Organ and Iona marble chancel. Along with its long history of worship, the church was also used as a prison and execution ground after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Regular Sunday services are held in the Church year round.
Address: Old High Church, Church Street, Inverness, Inverness-shire IV1 1EY, Scotland
From $ 13
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Considering Corrieshalloch Gorge is such a beautiful spot, full of Caledonian pines and rare Atlantic lichen, it might come as a surprise that its name is actually Gaelic for "Ugly Hollow." Created at the end of the last Ice Age, the gorge is one of Britain's most impressive box canyons. Carved by glacial meltwaters that burst through the Scottish Highlands over 12,000 years ago, today you can walk the trails along the top of the mossy gorge and get great views down the 60-meter deep crevice, where the Droma river flows in a chain of waterfalls until it makes its most impressive roar of all, in a 46-meter plunge from the Falls of Measach.
If you just want to check out the waterfall and head back, follow the trail to the small suspension bridge 300 meters from the car park. From here, you'll get great views of the rushing waters and surrounding woods.
Practical Info
Fifteen miles from Ullapool, take the A835 from the seaside town, and turn off onto the A832. After less than a minute's drive, you'll see Corrieshalloch Gorge car park.
Address: Ullapool, Scotland
From $ 474
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a bit of a hidden treasure, located only about a mile (2 km) outside of Inverness along the shore of Beauly Firth. As the only nature reserve in the highlands, it is the perfect area to observe the diverse wildlife of this sparsely populated region and enjoy a day outdoors. There is a visitor center, once used as a ferry ticket office, where you can delve into small exhibitions and also pick up maps or hire a guide for a walk around the area. Animal spotters will also find a logbook detailing the latest wildlife sightings and can then set out to spot the highlands' biodiversity themselves.
Looking over the Beauly Firth shoreline, you can watch steel blue barn swallows catching insects, buzzards sitting tall atop tree branches, pheasants with bright gold and brown plumage, shy curlews probing the waters for crabs with their extremely long curved beaks and the big grey herons stalking their prey. If you're lucky, you can even see bottlenose dolphins coming up for air, common seals and the more active European otters. They all live in and around tidal pools and both salt and freshwater marshes, some of which are partially connected to the sea.
Practical Info
It's possible to walk to the reserve via Kessock Road toward South Kessock or to save time by catching bus 14. There is also a small parking area at the entrance. The site is open all year-round, while the visitor center is open only on weekends from April to September.
Address: 4 Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BL, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 13