Scottish Highlands Castles
Famed for their lush greenery, sweeping views, and pristine landscape, the Scottish Highlands certainly live up to their billing. A plethora of picturesque views saturate the landscape, making the area one of the most beautiful places on earth. Numerous mountain ranges dominate the region, giving way to ethereal lochs and a harsh but beautiful coastline. One could spend weeks traversing and enjoying everything the Highlands have to offer.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is the ideal place to immerse oneself in the Scottish Highlands. Less than a decade old, the 1,700 square miles of breathtaking landscape that comprise Cairngorms make it the largest national park in the British Isles, with plans for expansion still in the works. The park is perfect for hiking, biking, canoeing, and countless other outdoor activities. Also, check the local calendar, as Cairngorms is home to hundreds of festive countryside events and celebrations of Scottish culture.
The Isle of Skye
After you’ve had your fill of Cairngorms, head northwest to The Isle of Skye. Rated one of the best islands in the world by National Geographic Magazine, Skye is home to iconic striking peaks and arrestingly sheer seaside cliffs. Portree, the largest city on the island, makes an ideal hub for exploration. Be sure to visit Portree’s quaint harbor and take a hike through Trotternish Ridge to get an eyeful of the Scottish landscape. Finally, visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic castles in Scotland, featured in such films as The World Is Not Enough and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
The West Highland Line
From Portree, make your way southeast to the coastal town of Armadale, and take the ferry across to Mallaig. After roaming around this bustling fishing village, hop on the famed Hogwarts Express steam train to Fort William, otherwise known as The West Highland Line, one of the most scenic in the world. This line crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct, a sight made famous by its frequent appearance in the Harry Potter franchise.
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OMG was this trip worth it's weight in gold. Pete, our driver, was fun and knowledgeable. The tour itself couldn't have been better - even though it was a cold rainy day - we all seemed to have a great time.
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Perfect day, perfect tour. Length was just to that point where you've "had enough for today"...our driver/guide Shames was great. Very funny, very knowledgeable and kept us all very interested. Even went out of his was during lunch break to find a place for my wife and I to go horseback riding the following day. The stop in Inverayray for lunch was probably a bit longer than it needed to be as it is a tiny little town with not very many options of places to eat. But all in all a fantastic tour and highly RECCOMEND
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3 Days in Edinburgh: Suggested Itineraries Written by Viator
Scottish Highlands Castles Written by Viator
Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Written by Viator
