A Holiday In The Highlands of Scotland.
Helen Young
Choosing self catering accommodation for your holidays in the Highlands of Scotland is a great way to ensure you have the freedom and flexibility to see the wide range of attractions which can be found in the area. It is recommended that you hire a car for the duration of your holiday as the public transport system is fairly limited, particularly in the more rural areas.
From the bustling capital city of the Highlands, Inverness, to the mesmerising wilderness of John O Groats, the Scottish Highlands are rich in culture, with rugged landscapes and fascinating flora and fauna. It would be impossible to see everything in one vacation, so selected some of the best places to visit to give you a taste of real Scotland.
Inverness is an excellent place to set up your base camp. Many different types of self catering accommodation are available in the area from basic, backpacker type hostels, to luxury farmhouses with all mod-cons. Keen shoppers will be pleased to know that there are several shopping centres in the city, with many UK top brands to choose from as well as an abundance of restaurants, from the ever present McDonalds to more refined eateries where local specialities and fresh ingredients are the focus. While visiting the city, be sure not to miss out on a visit to the tiny pub known as “The Market Bar”. Always popular with locals, with regular live music, the bar was one of The Proclaimers favourite hang-outs before they got famous.
Of course, no visit to the Highlands would be complete without an attempt to spot the world famous Loch Ness Monster. Take a drive along the banks of the loch to the picturesque village of Drumnadrochit which is 22km south of Inverness and home to several exhibitions dedicated to “Nessie”, just in case you don’t have any luck in spotting her yourself.
Include a visit to The National Trust-owned Urquhart Castle during your visit to Drumnadrochit. The medieval ruins are located on a headland, with majestic views over the legendary loch and its surrounding mountains.
Those who want to learn more about Scotland’s turbulent history will enjoy a visit to the Timespan Museum, a Four Star Scottish Tourist Board rated attraction. Located in the sparsely populated Sutherland, the fascinating museum with its recreated croft, smithy, byre and shop, will appeal to all ages. The museum also features a Gallery of art from local artists and craftspeople, a perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a unique souvenir.
Scottish Highlands are home to one of the few surviving areas of ancient Caledonian Pine Forests. Visitors who would like to get closer to nature and wander in these wild woods should be sure not to miss out on a trip to Glen Affric, near Cannich. The mixed woodlands contain fine examples of Birch and Pine Trees which provide a natural habitat for indigenous species including deer, red squirrels, foxes and Scottish wildcats as well as abundant bird life. If walking is a little too sedate for your tastes, there are many other outdoor activities that you could try during your break : how about white water rafting on the River Findhorn, snow-boarding on the Cairngorm Mountains or sea-kayaking from Skye.
The Highlands are a great place for a family holiday, simply because there is so much to do. Treat the little ones to a trip to a zoo with a difference- the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie. The park is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered mountain species from around the world, and the animals live in natural open habitats. The unique park is home to wolf, lynx, tiger and even polar bear.
While the kids may be satisfied with animals, adults may prefer a trip to one of the Highland’s famous whisky distilleries. Visit “the Glen of Tranquillity” at the Glenmorangie Distillery where visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the facility, learn how the so-called water of life is made at the modern Visitors Centre and of course, sample the whisky.
However you choose to spend your vacation, it is almost guaranteed, that like many visitors before you, you’ll fall in love with the mysterious and beautiful Scottish Highlands. With so much to see and do, it is likely you’ll find yourself planning to visit again and again.
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Filed under Holidays