What is the best way to see the Highlands in Scotland?

Scottish Highlands Day Tour One of the best ways to see the Highlands is through a guided tour. The preferred tour company for seeing the Highlands with ease is Rabbie's. For a tour out of Inverness, I did the Isle of Skye + Eileen Donan Castle Day tour.



The "best" way to experience the Scottish Highlands depends on your preference for independence versus relaxation. For ultimate flexibility, renting a car and driving the North Coast 500 (NC500) is widely considered the premier option. This 516-mile scenic route starts and ends in Inverness, taking you through rugged coastlines, ancient castles, and misty glens at your own pace. However, for those who prefer not to drive on narrow "single-track" roads, the West Highland Line train from Glasgow to Mallaig is world-renowned; it crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and is often cited as the most beautiful rail journey in the world. Another highly recommended method is joining a "small-group" luxury van tour (like those by Rabbie's), which provides a driver-guide who shares local folklore and history while accessing hidden spots that large tour buses cannot reach. Regardless of the method, staying in local "B&Bs" in villages like Glencoe or Portree allows for an immersive experience in the Highland culture and landscape.

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Driving in the Scottish Highlands & Islands however is an altogether more challenging experience. Narrow, winding, single-track roads are much of what you'll be driving on once you're in Scotland's remote places. Hairpin bends, blind summits, blinder corners, potholes, and hidden dips are common.

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The best way to get around the Scottish Highlands is by car. Many of the region's top attractions and desirable destinations are spread far apart from one another and could take a long time to reach via public transportation.

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Nothing is perfect, but the stunning scenery that makes up the Scottish Highlands comes pretty close. The more than 11,000-square-mile region north of Glasgow, Scotland, is a living exhibit of Mother Nature's greatest magic, featuring a diverse array of geographical offerings that leave travelers with unbridled awe.

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The Scottish Highlands are definitely worth a visit! There is so much to explore and discover – from the stunning scenery and wildlife, to friendly locals and unique culture. With a range of accommodation options and activities, it truly is an unforgettable experience.

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Stirling is Scotland's most historic city and offers so much. As a location, it provides a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and gives easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the rest of the lovely lowlands, making it the best and most efficient base for exploring Scotland.

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Travel in & Around Scotland Public transport provides trains and bus services to Scottish towns and cities as well as many villages and ferry ports. Access to very remote areas and islands is straightforward by car, ferry and aeroplane.

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Traveling by train is one of the best ways to see Scotland and travel between different regions.

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