Top 20 things to do in Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye

Scotland has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. Tall mountains, impressive cliffs and historic castles make Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye an unforgettable place to travel. Here are the top 20 things to do in Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

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1. Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye is well deserving at the top of my list of the top 20 things to do in Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Make sure you visit on a clear day so you can marvel at the impressive rock formations and enjoy the view far below. 

2. Urquhart Castle  

On the shores of Loch Ness, the ruins of Urquhart Castle are a classic example Scottish history. The castle dates back to the 13rh century and played an important part in the wars for Scottish independence. 

3. Coral Beach 

You may not instantly think of white sand beaches when you think of Scotland. But the Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye is beautiful, especially if you can visit on a sunny day. 

4. Eilean Donan Castle 

Near the bridge to the Isle of Skye, the isolated Eilean Donan Castle is such an iconic image of Scotland. Set across a bridge on a loch, the views are just spectacular.

5. Loch Ness 

The most famous of all Scottish lochs, Loch Ness is a must-visit destination. Enjoy a walk around the lake and see if you can spot the legendary Loch Ness monster within the deep waters. 

6. Fairy Pools

Another place that’s well deserving of being in the top 20 things to do in Scotland’s Highlands and Isle of Skye is the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. These beautiful waterfalls are set against the backdrop of the impressive Cuillin mountains. Enjoy walking up the series of waterfalls, and if you’re brave enough you can swim in the cold water. 

7. Ben Nevis 

The tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis stands at 1345m. It’s right next to the busy town of Fort William, so you can get a good view from the town on a clear day. There is a footpath to the top, but only attempt the walk if you’re an experienced hiker and have a good map and compass. If you’d rather not climb, there are some other beautiful walks in the area which give you great views.

8. Nevis Range gondola  

If you don’t fancy climbing to the top of Ben Nevis, you can take the gondola up a nearby mountain instead. The Nevis Range gondolas take you up to 650m in 15 minutes, and it’s a lovely ride. Enjoy the views and walking trails at the top.

9. Quiraing 

Back on the Isle of Skye, the Quiraing is an amazing viewpoint high in the mountains. Take a walk from the car park to admire the views. 

10. Glenfinnan Viaduct

This bridge was made famous by the Harry Potter films. It was used in several films in the scenes where the Hogwarts Express train goes across the bridge. For the best view, visit when the steam train from Fort William will be crossing. You can check the train times here. 

11. Birdwatching in Glencoe

Glencoe is a beautiful place to walk today, but has a dark history, being the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. You can take a walk through the woodlands, giving great views of the river and surrounding mountains. Keep looking out for birds in the woodlands, and if you’re lucky you might see birds like a nuthatch, woodpecker or young blue tit. 

12. Seals around Oronsay Island

One of my favourite walks on the Isle of Skye crosses over to Oronsay Island on the North West coast of Skye. The bridge across to the island is only accessible at low tide, so check the tide times before you walk over. The walk gives lovely views of the coastal scenery and seabirds. And keep an eye out for seals as well! 

13. Invergarry Castle 

The ruins of Invergarry Castle make a great photo opportunity in the Scottish Highlands. You can’t walk around the castle itself, but it’s still worth stopping for the view. 

14. Neist Point 

The most westerly point on the Isle of Skye is the beautiful Neist Point. The lighthouse at the end makes a great photo. You can walk down to the lighthouse, and also walk along the cliffs for a view down to the lighthouse. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as well – in the summer you might be lucky enough to spot a minke whale. 

15. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

The car park is just a short walk to the viewpoint for Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. These impressive cliffs, with water tumbling off after heavy rain, are a truly impressive sight. 

16. Fairy Glen 

Another beautiful place to visit that should be in everyone’s top 20 things to do in Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye is the Fairy Glen on Skye. It’s a truly mythical place, where you can really imagine fairies living in the conical green hills. 

17. Dunvegan Castle 

Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye has some beautiful gardens as well as an impressive castle. Dating back to the 13th century, it is the seat of the Chief of the Clan MacLeod. Take time to explore the gardens the picturesque setting of the castle. 

18. Road to the Islands 

One of the joys of visiting Scotland is the driving. Miles of roads pass through beautiful scenery. In late spring/early summer, many of the roads are lined with colourful purple rhododendrons and yellow gorse bushes. The famous ‘Road to the Islands’ goes from Fort William to Malliag, but almost all the roads in Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye are beautiful. Enjoy the driving as well as each destination. 

19. Portree 

The main town on the Isle of Skye is Portree. The coloured houses that line the harbour make this a great town to explore. Check out the many shops and cafes, and enjoy some famous seaside fish and chips.

20. Stirling Castle 

Although it’s on the edge of the Scottish Highlands, Stirling castle still deserves the final place in the top 20 things to do in Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye. It’s a huge castle area, so you can easily spend half a day here. It sits on top of a hill and originally date back to the 12th century and the Scottish wars of independence. You can book tickets in advance here.

Enjoy visiting the top 20 things to do in Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye! For some great ideas for walks in these areas, check out this Isle of Skye walking guide (affiliate) or this guide to walks in the Scottish Highlands (affiliate). If you’re looking for more detailed itineraries, check out my guides to a week on the Isle of Skye and five days exploring Fort William. Or continue exploring the rest of the UK with my top 10 things to do in the UK.