Travel to the Highlands of Scotland and experience incredible views of Loch Ness. Go whale watching on the Firth of Moray and visit Speyside scotch whisky distilleries.
Inverness, Scotland
The mystery of the Loch Ness monster, vastness of Scotland’s Highlands, and charm of Inverness, Scotland’s 3rd largest town, is the perfect trifecta when visiting Scotland on holidays. As you begin your travels to Scotland from Edinburgh, you'll notice that the drive along the A9 motorway up to the Scottish Highlands is an easy dual carriage road. It takes about 3 hours to drive at a comfortable speed of 60 miles per hour. Along the way you're sure to see Highland Cows!
Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
Can you see Nessie?
As your travels to Inverness bring you to the pretty silhouette of the Inverness Cathedral spires spanning over the River Ness, you’ll enjoy walking around this delightful town, located at the mouth of the Firth of Moray and boast 360 degree views of the Highlands. Urquhart Castle is a must see while you are visiting Loch Ness. There are boat tours on Loch Ness, half day and full day boat tours which you can choose from. For a Loch, the tides can be quiet choppy, particularly if there is wind. The views of the surrounding highland mountains are stunning. You’ll feel like you’re in another place and time. It’s awe inspiring to see how magnificent nature is.
If you have not seen Highlander, the 1986 cult classic movie starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery is perfect preparation for a visit to the Scottish Highlands.
Stay in Local Family owned B&B
Enjoy home cooked meals and rural life in the Highlands
Stay in a local B&B where you truly feel part of the Scottish way of life. Apart from Loch Ness and its most infamous monster inhabitant, 5 miles from downtown Inverness is the location where the Battle of Culloden took place on 16 April, 1746. This battle halted the Jacobite forces of the House of Stuart and reaffirmed the House of Hanover as the proper heir to the throne of Great Britain. Learn the history of why this pitched battle took place and how it impacted the course of history in Scotland and the United Kingdom. It’s fascinating to spend several hours exploring Culloden.
Pitlochry, Scotland
Set your sights on stopping in the wee town of Pitlochry (as the locals say) on the way from Edinburgh to Inverness. This wee town has the well known Blair Atholl Scotch Whiskey Distillery and is idyllically set on the River Tummel. Pitlochry has a high street full of gastronomic cafes with local cheeses and fresh fruits. Browse the stores for local Scottish cashmere sweaters at great prices and admire the views of the fly fisherman casting in the local rivers. There are plenty of places to park your car and admire the views of the River Tummel meandering along the town of Pitlochry.
