These Scottish Highlands Landscapes Are So Beautiful They Almost Don’t Look Real

Are you planning your trip to the Scottish Highlands and trying to figure out the prettiest places to visit in this mystical, rugged part of the UK?

Scotland is well-known for its most famous highlights, like Glencoe or Loch Ness.

But there are so many other beautiful places to visit in the Scottish Highlands that are way too often overlooked by tourists!

I visit the Highlands regularly, as a solo female traveller, so this list is based on (a ton!) of research over the years and the places I’ll never get tired of going back to.

If you want the most magical experience in the Highlands, ticking off highlights and underrated hidden gems, these are the 15 places I’d prioritise for your trip!

15 Beautiful Places in The Scottish Highlands

1. The Fairy Pools of Skye

When I first visited the Highlands, there was one place I was desperate to tick off my long-time Scotland bucket list: the famous Fairy Pools of Skye.

The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear blue pools running down from the Cuillin mountains, with little waterfalls the whole way.

It looks, well, magical!

But, I’ve got to be honest, before I visited, I was very worried they’d be overhyped.

However, when I finally visited Skye on this guided day tour from Inverness, I fell in love with the wild beauty and surreal scenery straight out of the car park!

And the view gets more and more beautiful as you get closer to the majestic Cuillin mountains, with the striking aqua pools and waterfalls lining your way.

It is every photographer’s dream, and you’ll want to stop loads!

The walk itself is pretty straightforward, starting at the main Glen Brittle car park (paid). And I recommend giving yourself at least 2 hours to complete it.

The route is mostly flat, apart from a steep hill at the end to get back to the car park. But it does get muddy after rain (which is often in Scotland!), so wear sturdy shoes.

I also loved that this beautiful walk is so easy to get to (with or without a car). So it’s perfect if you’re travelling solo and don’t want anything too intense!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re able, don’t just rush to the first pool and leave. Keep walking along the trail, as the closer you get to the mountains, the quieter it gets!

🚌 Want to visit the best of the Scottish Highlands but don’t want to drive yourself? Check out my ultimate 5-day Highlands itinerary WITHOUT a car!

2. Glencoe

Glencoe is one of those places where you’ll pull over every five minutes because the spectacular views just don’t stop.

It gives you that dramatic, moody scenery you picture when you think of the Highlands – and I even think it looks more beautiful when there’s a bit of cloud or mist around!

(Which is handy, because Scotland is known for its unpredictable weather!)

Glencoe is easily one of the best places in the Scottish Highlands if you’re doing a road trip.

And it’s also surprisingly solo-friendly because everything is right off the main road (the A82), so there’s no complicated navigation or detours to consider.

The key stops you don’t want to miss are:

• Stob Dearg Car Park
• The Three Sisters Viewpoint
• Glencoe Viewpoint
• Loch Achtriochtan
• Glencoe Lochan

And they can either be visited as photo stops or as starting points for longer Glencoe hikes.

I personally love walking around Glencoe Lochan when I visit, as the trail is flat but the views are just breathtaking!

And if you don’t want to drive? Don’t worry!

You can also visit Glencoe on this amazing guided tour from Edinburgh, which also visits nearby Fort William and Glenfinnan Viaduct (from Harry Potter!)

Katie’s Top Tip: Glencoe is VERY popular, so the earlier in the day you start your road trip, the better. I recommend staying nearby in Fort William and splitting Glencoe up into mornings, as by the afternoons, a lot of the laybys are full.

3. Fort William

I’ll be honest, Fort William itself isn’t the prettiest stop on this list.

But the reason I’ve included it (and why you shouldn’t skip it) is what’s around it.

This is your gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, and one of the most iconic landscapes you’ll see in the Scottish Highlands!

For the best view, head to Corpach, just outside town, where you’ll get that classic photo opportunity of Ben Nevis behind the old boat wreck and railway line.

But also, a little outside Fort William, you’ll find “Ben Nevis Viewpoint,” just off the A82, which has one of my favourite views of this majestic mountain range!

And of course, if you want to hike Ben Nevis, Fort William is by far the best base for this.

Katie’s Top Tip: As well as offering iconic views of Ben Nevis, Fort William is also the most practical base for exploring the West Highlands. You’ve got supermarkets, petrol, restaurants and plenty of accommodation options here!

4. Loch Ness

Loch Ness is probably the most famous stop on this list (and yes, it’s touristy), but it’s still absolutely worth visiting at least once.

After all, can you even say you’ve been to the Highlands without visiting Loch Ness?!

The mistake I see most tourists make is just pulling over into one of the laybys, taking a photo, and saying they’ve done Scotland’s most famous loch.

But Loch Ness is HUGE (it’s actually one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the UK), and you can’t truly appreciate it until you’ve hopped on a boat and got out on the water!

Boat tours run regularly from Inverness and are very easy to join as a solo traveller.

From the water, you’ll see the surrounding hills, a spectacular view of the famous Urquhart Castle, and a much better sense of just how vast and deep the loch is.

Plus, it’s a perfect way to hunt for the loch’s most famous, mythical sea monster: Nessie!

If you have a car, I recommend driving to Dochgarroch Lock (just outside Inverness) and joining this incredible 2-hour boat trip along the river and loch to pass by Urquhart Castle.

This is what I did, and it was the highlight of my trip to Inverness!

But if you don’t have a car, I can also recommend this bus tour from Inverness, which includes a boat trip on the loch and a bonus visit to Urquhart Castle!

Katie’s Top Tip: Definitely book your boat tour in advance for this one (especially during summer). It’s one of the most popular attractions in Scotland, so it books out quickly!

5. Eilean Donan Castle

If you’ve ever seen a photo of a Scottish castle, there’s a high chance it was Eilean Donan!

Sitting on a small island where three lochs meet, with a stone bridge leading up to it, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Scotland to visit.

And yes, it really does look as magical in real life as it does in the photos!

It’s also an incredibly easy stop, especially if you’re heading to or from the Isle of Skye on a Scotland road trip, because you don’t need loads of time here.

You can explore inside the castle if you want to (although there is an entry fee).

But I personally just walked along the peaceful banks of the loch, for the most spectacular views and photo opportunities, and far fewer tourists around!

And again, I think Eilean Donan Castle looks even more mystical under rolling mist or cloud. So it’s a win if you have a “poor,” typically Scottish weather day!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. I visited Eilean Donan on the same day trip to the Fairy Pools and Skye from Inverness, and had plenty of free time here for a truly magical visit!

🏰 Want to visit more of the best castles in Scotland on your trip? Check out my full list of the best castles in the Highlands!

6. Balmoral Castle

Balmoral is my favourite place in the Scottish Highlands!

This beautiful, fairytale castle is actually a private Royal Residence, and was the favourite getaway of the late Queen of England, Elizabeth II.

But, despite its incredible royal connections, Balmoral Castle still feels like somewhat of an undiscovered gem.

The castle is set right in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park.

And, while you can’t access everything inside (only the ballroom), the grounds, gardens and surrounding walks are more than worth the visit!

I personally recommend you walk the “Green Trail” around the wider estate, which takes you up a short hill for the most spectacular view overlooking Balmoral and the Cairngorms.

When I visited in August, I was so shocked that I didn’t see a single other person walking this trail, despite how breathtaking it is!

As well as the walking trails, there are also formal gardens to explore, access to the River Dee (which is the perfect spot to sit) and, of course, the most famous residents…

Nope, not the Royals. Highland Cows!

Balmoral is home to arguably the most famous and beautiful breed of cow. And you may even be lucky enough to get an iconic photo with the cows in front of the castle!

Katie’s Top Tip: Check opening dates before you go, as Balmoral, being a Royal Residence, isn’t open year-round.

7. Inveraray

Inveraray is another underrated gem, most well-known for its namesake castle. But I actually fell in love with the sleepy, small town instead!

(Although Inveraray Castle is still beautiful and well worth a visit too!)

Located on the edge of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is all charm with whitewashed buildings, a quaint harbour and a tiny church – it looks like somewhere out of a storybook.

For my favourite view in Inveraray, walk along the tiny beach that runs along the A83.

Nope, it’s not the most attractive beach in the world (and it’s definitely not a good spot for relaxed sunbathing!)

BUT, once you reach the end, turn back, and you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful view overlooking the loch, church and whitewashed town!

The town may be tiny, but combined with the castle, it’s the perfect half-day stop!

Katie’s Top Tip: Inverary is a perfect stop to break up the drive when travelling between Loch Lomond and the west coast. In my own Highlands road trip itinerary, I recommend stopping here for half a day on the way to Luss.

8. Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is often one of the first stops people make on a Highlands itinerary, and while it’s very popular, it’s still absolutely breathtaking and well worth a visit.

It’s part of the stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and, fun fact, is actually the largest loch in Great Britain by surface area!

But, like Loch Ness, how you experience Loch Lomond really matters.

You can just stop off at a viewpoint for some photos (like popular Firkin Point, for example). Or even visit one of the popular towns of Balmaha or Balloch.

But by far the best way to see Loch Lomond is from the water!

I joined this amazing boat trip from the small, pretty village of Luss.

Along the way, we got the most beautiful views of the islands and famous “Narrows,” the surrounding mountains, and a real glimpse at how vast and peaceful the loch is!

Plus, I also found it fascinating to see the change in scenery from side to side – look one way and you see the Lowlands, look the other and you see the mountains of the Highlands!

Katie’s Top Tip: I highly recommend joining the last circular cruise of the day. The boat trip also acts as a ferry, so this sailing is busy on the way out but empties by the return trip!

9. Sligachan, Isle of Skye

I’d never heard of Sligachan before I joined this day tour from Inverness to the beautiful Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.

But now it’s on my radar, I have been recommending this beautiful stop to everyone!

It’s technically “just a photo stop,” but the old stone bridge, tumbling river, and Cuillin mountains in the distance all look almost too beautiful to be real.

It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Scottish Highlands!

There’s a car park right by the bridge, and you only need around 10–20 minutes here unless you want to explore further with a walk along the river.

It’s an easy stop, whether you’re driving the Highlands or visiting on a guided tour, so definitely don’t skip it when you’re on the Isle of Skye!

Katie’s Top Tip: Walk slightly past the main bridge area and follow the river for a few minutes. Most people don’t, so you’ll get much quieter views!

10. Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

I know. I know. It’s “just a viewpoint.”

(And a busy one too!)

But I fell in love with the Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint so much more than I ever expected to, for somewhere so over-hyped online.

Sitting just off the A83 in Glen Croe, this viewpoint looks out over a dramatic valley that spreads out at your feet, surrounded by rugged, sloping hills.

And then I also love walking just a little way to the other side of the car park, and crossing the road (carefully) for a beautiful, totally underrated view over Loch Restill.

Seriously, where the main viewpoint over the valley was crowded, there was not a single person over the other side at all when I visited! I had it to myself!

So it’s well worth the quick detour from the main viewpoint area.

Katie’s Top Tip: There are also benches to sit and enjoy the views. And often a food truck too, if you fancy food with a view!

11. Killin

Killin was another detour destination on my trip that I didn’t expect to love!

It’s a village in Perthshire, and is most well-known for the beautiful Falls of Dochart, running right through the centre of the village.

The most beautiful spot to photograph the falls is from the old stone bridge that runs over the River Dochart.

It has a stunning view, as the water cascades over huge boulders and around small islands!

Plus, the flat rocks on the left of the bridge are the perfect spot to sit for a while.

There is parking right by the falls, but when I visited, it was already full, so I recommend heading for the village centre car park (just a short walk away).

Katie’s Top Tip: Go early in the morning or later in the evening if you can. It’s much quieter, and it makes the whole experience even more magical!

12. Inverness

Inverness is often seen as just a convenient base for exploring the rest of the Highlands (especially if you don’t have a car). And yes, that is true.

But I also think that Inverness deserves a day of your Scotland itinerary in its own right!

In the city centre, the highlights you must visit are:

• Inverness Castle
• The view of Inverness Castle from the opposite bank of the River Ness
• Inverness Cathedral

But the highlight for me is actually a lesser-known, local favourite: Ness Islands.

And this series of small, tree-covered islands in the River Ness is the whole reason Inverness has made my list of the most beautiful places to visit in the Scottish Highlands!

It’s very peaceful and perfect for a gentle walk, especially if you’ve been on the road a lot.

I recommend doing a full, circular walk from Inverness city to Ness Islands.

Just walk straight along one side of the River Ness until you reach the cluster of islands.

Then, when you’ve finished exploring, walk back along the other side for the perfect circuit!

The full walk takes around 40 minutes, but you’ll want longer for stops.

Katie’s Top Tip: Plan at least one full day in Inverness so you can visit the Ness Islands! It’s the perfect break from driving through remote landscapes!

13. Portree, Isle of Skye

Portree is the main town on the Isle of Skye, and while it’s small, it’s definitely worth a visit.

The colourful harbour is the main attraction in Portree, with a row of houses painted in different, rainbow shades that would cheer up even the gloomiest Scottish weather!

And then I also really loved exploring the quaint high street, which is full of restaurants, little shops to browse and independent cafés.

I personally visited Portree on this day tour from Inverness to the Fairy Pools of Skye, and had plenty of time for a relaxed walk around the harbour and to grab lunch!

Katie’s Top Tip: Portree is also the best base for exploring the rest of the Isle of Skye if you’re road-tripping, as it has all of the amenities you could need.

14. Inchree Forest

Inchree Forest is the true hidden gem of this list, and I seriously don’t know why it doesn’t get talked about more.

(But that’s also what makes it so beautiful and well worth visiting!)

Inchree is located just outside Glencoe and offers a completely different kind of experience and vibe to the busy viewpoints and trails nearby.

At Inchree, you’ll find quiet forest trails, multiple waterfalls (including the incredibly powerful Inchree Falls), and stunning views across Loch Linnhe.

It’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Scotland and yet still feels like a secret!

I recommend parking at the Inchree Falls Car Park (which is now paid), and then joining the marked red “Waterfall Trail.”

The walk itself is well-marked and follows a beautiful route up to a viewpoint overlooking Loch Linnhe and then back down to see the incredible Inchree Falls thundering past.

The full walk took me about an hour, but I also spent longer stopping at all of the different viewpoints along the way!

Katie’s Top Tip: On the information board, the waterfall trail is listed as strenuous. And yes, it is a bit steep in parts and rocky (so you need good shoes). But I personally didn’t find it that tough. I would say it’s suitable for most levels of fitness, but not if you have mobility issues.

15. Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle is a beautiful castle in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) that often gets overlooked in favour of the more famous Eilean Donan or Urquhart Castles.

But Cawdor is absolutely worth a visit in its own right, too!

I especially loved that it is smaller and much quieter than the more popular castles, which honestly makes it a much nicer, more relaxed experience.

The castle itself dates back to the 14th century and is most famously linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth (although, of course, the link is fictional).

But my favourite part of Cawdor Castle is the gardens and surrounding woodland!

I especially loved the Walled Garden, with beautiful flowers and planting to admire, against a backdrop of the castle towering above.

And the woodland is also the perfect spot for a quiet walk – although take a photo of the map before you go, as I did get a bit lost!

Katie’s Top Tip: Pair this with your stay in Inverness! It’s close enough for an easy half-day trip, and combining the two makes your itinerary feel less rushed.

Scottish Highlands FAQ

Planning Your Scottish Highlands Trip

The Scottish Highlands can feel super overwhelming to plan at first – after all, there are so many “must-sees” and so many different driving routes to choose from.

I know when I planned my first ever Scotland trip, I felt SO much pressure to get it right and tick off every beautiful spot so I wasn’t missing out.

But honestly? You don’t need a perfect itinerary to have an incredible trip!

Even seeing a few of these most beautiful places to visit in the Scottish Highlands will give you that classic Highlands experience you’re dreaming of.

(It’s basically impossible to come here and not find space, quiet, and dramatic, rugged scenery that takes your breath away!)

But what I love most about the Highlands is the little unexpected stops and viewpoints you’ll stumble across as you travel.

If you don’t rush and leave room in your plans for spontaneity, you’ll have the most incredible trip!

Planning a trip to Scotland? You might want to check out these posts next:

• A Perfect 5-Day Scottish Highlands Itinerary Without A Car
• 8 Beautiful Castles To Visit in the Scottish Highlands

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