Highlands of Scotland

8/9/2019 Highlands of Scotland

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Highlands of Scotland


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1. Fort William & Lochaber

At the southern end of the Great Glen, this area'smain town is Fort William, a major and well-resourcedtouring and route centre for the West Highlands. Thearea also takes in the Highland landscapes etween!och !innhe, the major sea-loch at the south of theGreat Glen, and the western seaoard itself. Theseinclude the lands ofArdnamurchan, Ardgour, "or#ernand "oidart - rugged landscapes notale for their softand mild Atlantic climate, and - in places - their lushgrowth of moss$, fern-rich woodlands.

The A%& (the ')oad to the *sles'+ cuts through thearea on its wa$ west to the ferr$-port of "allaig, alsoreached from Fort William $ rail - a route sometimes descried as one of the world's most scenictrain journe$s. From "allaig (and Arisaig+, there are ferr$ connections to the mall *sles - classichideawa$ destinations. Around Fort William itself, notale features include the southern end of thealedonian anal, with its cruising and acti#it$ options also /en 0e#is, /ritain's highest mountain.There are outdoor acti#ities in plent$ here, including walking and climing, c$cling and mountain

iking, riding and trekking, golf, angling and a range of water-sports

The !ochaer area simpl$ includes some of cotland's finest mountain scener$ - easil$ seen, fore1ample, from the road through Glencoe, not onl$ a scene of Highland grandeur ut also thesetting for the infamous "assacre of Glencoe, a tragic e#ent in cotland's clan stor$.

Fort William & Glen Nevis

Fort William is the principal town in the West Highlands. *t takesits name from a fort founded here in 234 and named afterWilliam, 5rince of 6range.As a us$ centre it offers a wide range of shops and ser#ices,including major supermarkets and usinesses selling outdoorand acti#it$ wear, ooks, tartans, tweeds, woollens and crafts,mostl$ along its pleasant and pedestrianised main street. *tslocation as a meeting-place for West Highland routes also meansit has a range of pus, places to eat and cottish entertainment.The West Highland "useum in the town's main s7uare takes upthe theme of /onnie 5rince harlie and the 8acoites, with man$relics from those times.

6n the edge of town, to the north, The /en 0e#is 9istiller$ and :isitor entre marks the entranceto Glen 0e#is. 6nl$ minutes down the glen is the Glen 0e#is :isitor entre (*onad 0iheis+, a

countr$side and local heritage interpretation centre (useful for weather reports and ad#ice if#isitors are planning a /en 0e#is e1pedition+. Glen 0e#is itself, with the flanks of /en 0e#is rising

on one side also offers super Highland scener$ and a choice of walking routes.

6nl$ a minute or two further out, on the A%& ;The )oad to the *sles;, the aledonian anal drops

down to !och !innhe at a spectacular series of locks, ;0eptune's taircase;, where there is alwa$ssome canal acti#it$ to enjo$. 0ear$, Treasures of the


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Glen Spean and the Great Glen

The Great Glen was created by the sideways sliding ofthe earth's crst along a falt line in ancientgeological times!

!ater glacial action had further dramatic impact on the

scener$. Toda$, this coast-to-coast straight #alle$ allowseas$ passage for road and canal communications. . This is also one of the themes of the lan ameron "useum atAchnacarr$ astle near the south west end of the loch.

A more recent theme also e1plored at Achnacarr$ is the use of the area as a training ground forommandos during World War **. The well-known and #er$ mo#ing ommando "emorial stands

near pean /ridge, while the museum at Achnacarr$, their training H, is also the starting point forthe ommando 9ark "ile Trail. (The 9ark "ile itself is a #er$ old name for a stretch of the /%>

etween !och !och$ and !och Arkaig to the west, referring to the dense trees which once grewthere.+ This trail points out some of the main training places for these forces. (The hia-Aig Falls,

one of the locations in the mo#ie ;)o )o$;, are also at the far end of this stretch of road.+

Further north and west, the Glengarr$ :isitor entre e1hiits local histor$ as well as the area'sconnection with Glengarr$, anada.

"rdnamrchan

The peninsula of Ardnamurchan (from GaelicB thepromontor$ of the great seas+ leads out to the mostwesterl$ location in /ritain, Ardnamurchan 5oint.

The dri#e there re#eals plent$ of scenic grandeur ofloch and rugged wooded hill-slope and goes $ wa$ ofa single-track (single-lane+ along the north shore of!och unart. *t finall$ reaches Ardnamurchan 5oint

itself after crossing an area of crag and moorland. Theedrock of toda$'s landscapes are what geologists callring-d$kes - ring-shaped odies of rock, se#eral milesacross. These relics of ancient #olcanic acti#it$ areconspicuous features of western Ardnamurchan.(Geolog$ is inescapale here, with the #illage oftrontian gi#ing its name to the element trontium.+

Though the area is wholl$ rural and without largecommunities, the main centres are trontian, alenand Acharacle, with a good range of accommodation and some small local shops. 0orth ofAcharacle, astle Tioram, ruinous 2@th-centur$ former seat of the "acdonalds of lan )anald, cane seen on a tin$ islet linked to the mainland $ a sand$ each.

!andscape and wildlife are interpreted at the Ardnamurchan 0atural Histor$ entre, while theArdnamurchan 5oint !ighthouse has e1hiitions and hands-on displa$s on lighthouse life. The third


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#isitor centre in the area, the Ariundle entre, takes a craft theme, as well as interpreting localhistor$, and is a reminder that the area in general has a good range of facilities for #isitors.

As well as the most westerl$ section, Ardnamurchan, this area also takes in "or#ern, south of !ochunart - a wild area of unfre7uented corners, with e1cellent wildlife watching opportunities. The#illage of !ochaline also has a short ferr$ connection with the *sland of "ull. 0earer to Fort Williamlies Ardgour - again, a wild and unspoilt area which attracts walkers and climers to its cragg$ hillsand empt$ reaches.

*n summar$, this is an area ideal for an encounter with unspoilt cotland - wildlife watchingopportunities in plent$ - for e1ample, otters, seals, red deer - amid grand scener$ and a supercoastline, as well as historic associations with /onnie 5rince harlie. Angling, oat trips and craftshops add to the range of options.

The #oad to the $sles

The original )oad to the *sles referred to tracks furthernorth than the present A%&, ut was also road(s+ fromthe isles - meaning the old cattle dro#ing roads fromk$e to the main markets in central cotland.

This romantic title is now applied to the Fort William to"allaig road - its @> miles (?=km+ one of cotland'smost scenic routes. *t runs mostl$ on a singlecarriagewa$ (two-lane highwa$+ with onl$ a short singletrack (single lane+ section.

The journe$ to "allaig can also e made $ rail and, insummer, ehind a steam locomoti#e - the 8acoiteteam Train. Whate#er transport method is used, on thewa$ the Glenfinnan "onument is the introduction to the/onnie 5rince harlie associations for which the area isknown. The 0ational Trust for cotland :isitor entre at Glenfinnan tells the stor$ of the 5rince'srash ad#enture here. As well as the "onument, the Glenfinnan :iaduct is also a landmark in thestor$ of concrete construction and has more recentl$ een associated with scenes from Harr$5otter films. There is also a Glenfinnan )ailwa$ "useum.

/e$ond the attracti#e #illage of Arisaig - with its !and ea and *slands entre telling the stor$ ofthe local area - #iews open out across the seaoard $ the famous White ands of "orar (asfeatured in the mo#ie !ocal Hero+. A short wa$ from the road is !och "orar, the deepest loch in/ritain. "allaig itself is the ferr$port for Armadale (k$e+ and has its own Heritage entre and(opposite+ the "allaig "arine World featuring local sealife.

"allaig also is one gatewa$ to the remote Cno$dart peninsula, for the ultimate in escapes to thisrugged and roadless part of cotland (main settlement - *n#erie+. The mall *sles can also ereached from "allaig (and Arisaig+. )um is a national nature reser#e and anna is in the care ofthe 0ational Trust for cotland, and like


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Glencoe & Loch Leven

$n terms of its scenery% Glencoe is a 'mstsee' in few other parts of Scotland can so

mch montain grander be seen in closep for so little effort!

Though the #iews from the road are spectacular, Glencoe draws walkers and climers on to its

ridges and corries with its super choice of rugged terrain. The mountain called /uchaille


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2. Sye & Lochalsh

(f all the variety of Highland landforms% the montain profiles of Sye create the

strongest sense of awe% and they have drawn visitors to the island since the days of Sir

Walter Scott and )*W Trner!

k$e is joined to the mainland $ the k$e /ridge at C$le of !ochalsh and it also has two mainlandferr$ connections from "allaig and Glenelg, the latter summer onl$. These offer fle1iilit$ forjourne$ planning. Howe#er, k$e has no monopol$ on spectacular mountain scener$. !ochalshonthe mainland is also rugged hill countr$, with Cintail and /almacara in the care of the 0ational Trustfor cotland.

The #illage of 5lockton is famed for its mild climate and sheltered location. 6n the shores of !och9uich, also in !ochalsh, is


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As well as for rela1ed road touring, this is good walking countr$ with, for e1ample, miles of theTrotternish )idge to e1plore. 6utdoor lo#ers also head for the island of )aasa$, easil$ reached $ferr$ from conser. ea ka$aking, rock-climing and a good choice of wa$marked walks are someof the attractions of this unspoilt and peaceful place.

,nvegan and the -illin

The most narrowcrested% airiest% moodiestmontains in all of .ritain many climberswold pt the -illin at the top of their list!

These most atmospheric of cotland's high placesdominate the sk$line of west k$e. ome rate thewalks and clims as suitale for onl$ the moste1perienced, ut no#ice walkers and the less fitshould not despair - there are places where afla#our of the magic can e enjo$ed.

The road to Glen /rittle is one angle, gi#ingmotorists a fine #iew from the north, while from the

road-end at Glenrittle itself, a path leads up fromsea le#el to the ase of the high slopes. ligachan is

another popular ase for uillin e1cursionists. Achoice of guiding operators and guided walks are

a#ailale for the area, for all le#els of climing e1perience.

9un#egan astle is the most famous fortress for miles around. Though altered and e1tended o#er

the centuries - with the oldest part dating from the 2@th centur$ - the castle is still in the hands ofthe "acleods of "acleod, descendants of the original uilders. )elics on displa$ include the Fair$

Flag, the sacred clan anner, said to ha#e miraculous powers of ringing #ictor$ to the lan"acleod in attle.

6ther places of interest in the area north-west of the uillin include the Talisker 9istiller$, (the onl$

one on k$e+ with an e1hiition on the histor$ of distilling in the area. The Giant Angus "acAskill"useum near 9un#egan tells the stor$ of the tallest recorded cotsman. Also $ 9un#egan, theolost roft "useum is a lackhouse-t$pe traditional dwelling with 24th-centur$ furniture and

implements, while Glendale To$ "useum pro#ides an interesting look at to$s from :ictorian timesup to the present.

The sea-loch coastline north of 9un#egan has little co#es and white eaches to disco#er. Thesefascinating eaches, notal$ around laigan, are made from pieces of tin$ pinkish Heridean coral.

This area in general also has man$ historic footnotes - tales of clan massacres at the ruinedTrumpan hurch, and local legends of the lan "acleod and their dealings with the ;wee folk; atthe Fair$ /ridge. /ut, ine#ital$, it is the uillin which will draw the e$e.

.roadford% Sleat & Sothern Sye

The Sye .ridge and both the ferry lins bringvisitors into this /first impression/ of Sye!While all of Sye is a visal delight% the Sleatpeninsla is sometimes described as thegarden of Sye% with its woodland andpastre adding a softer aspect to the island!

Towards the southern end of leat, Armadaleastle and the "useum of the *sles tells the stor$of the powerful lan 9onald. There is also anattracti#e garden and nature trails here.

/oth leat and trathaird are easil$ reached from/roadford. This communit$, a well-resourced#illage with a range of craft outlets and shops, is


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strung out along the shore and looks o#erto the Applecross peninsula. /roadford canalso e easil$ reached from C$lerhea withan added attraction on this route eing the6tter Ha#en near C$lerhea where a carparkand short walk lead to a Forestr$ommission otter #iewing hide. (6tters arethri#ing in man$ parts of k$e and

!ochalsh - and the sea-lochs and shelteredwaters are also e1cellent for spottingwhales and dolphins.+

The road to


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The rugged and unspoilt coastline are good places to see otters (especiall$ around 5lockton+, whilethe elusi#e pine marten can e found in the woodlands. ruises and oat hire are a#ailale fromC$le of !ochalsh and 5lockton. 6#erall, this is a #isuall$ spectacular and wild area, ideal for lo#ersof the outdoors.


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3. $nverness% Loch Ness & Nairn

$nverness% 'the city in the Highlands' is a modern city that is the Highland's mainsettlement and the hb of a transport networ leading to and from all parts of theHighlands and the rest of the 20!

Through ser#ing the needs of an e1tensi#e and rural

hinterland as well as #isitors *n#ernessis a ustlingplace with an e1cellent shopping choice, includingthe most northerl$ locations of man$ 'High treet'retail chains.

!ocated at the top of the Great Glen a great #ariet$of different kinds of landscape lie within eas$ reach.!och 0essis onl$ a few minutes dri#e. To the southand west lie the ig hills in the heart of theHighlands, notal$ around Glen Affric. West of*n#erness and with the little town of /eaul$at itsnorthern gatewa$, the long glen of trathglassleadsinto these heartlands.


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The cit$ en#ironment is #er$ attracti#e, with *n#erness a /ritain in /loom award winner. Among itsparks and gardens, the tropical gardens under glass in the /ught Floral Hall are notale. 0ear$are the attracti#e walks $ the 0ess islands on the ri#er.

"inutes from *n#erness, the 0ational Trust for cotland's #isitor centre at ulloden #i#idl$ tells thestor$ of the defeat of the 8acoite forces led $ /onnie 5rince harlie and the go#ernment troops(including man$ cottish soldiers+ under the 9uke of umerland in 2?@3. The impressi#e la#aairns date from around &/ and make another interesting e1cursion from *n#erness.

*n#erness is trul$ ;the cit$ in the Highlands; - a well-resourced small cit$ and an ideal touringcentre with plent$ to see and do all around $ wa$ of sport and leisure acti#ities.

Loch Ness

+erhaps one of the most famos names in Scottishtorism% the fame of Loch Ness and its monster is

nown all over the world!

The reporting of something unusual and une1plained in

!och 0ess took its modern form and egan to interest the

media in the 24&s. *t has een a tourist attraction e#ersince. !och 0ess is cotland's largest !och in terms of its#olume, and it is more than 3ft (2%m+ deep for much

of its =& miles (&?km+ length. The sightings o#er the$ears are at the core of the !och 0ess entre


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The ruined /eaul$ 5rior$, just north of The 7uare, was originall$ founded $ :alliscaulian monksaround 2=& and prospered ultimatel$ under the patronage of the local land-owning Frasers untilthe )eformation. After that, like man$ other monastic seats in cotland, it fell into deca$, its stonere-used in #arious uildings. *t is associated with "ar$ ueen of cots, who sta$ed at The 5rior$here in 2>3@. The ueen was charmed with the attractions of the place, ordering outfits in tartanfor her entire court.

/eaul$ is also the northern gatewa$ to the #er$ attracti#e wooded 'ri#erscapes' of trathglass. Thisstrath (GaelicB road #alle$+ in turn offers a choice of magnificent hill scener$ to disco#er in theglens which ranch off it. These include trathfarrar, accessed #ia tru$ /ridge on the A%&2. Theroad continues to follow the course of the ri#er to the peaceful little #illage of annich, set amid $etmore fine hills. From here, #isitors ha#e a choice of glens to e1plore, including annich and Affric,oth of which lead into higher mountains with an air of remoteness aout them. Another option isto disco#er the little #illage of Tomich and make a trip to the spectacular 5lodda Falls.

Glen Affric has a reputation for eing the most eautiful glen in cotland and is a 0ational 0ature)eser#e. *t also has the 9og Falls and at the road end, a choice of high le#el da$-long routes fore1perienced hillwalkers, including arn + also the #illage of Auldearn,where the )o$alist forces routed a o#enanting arm$ in 23@>, during cotland's religious wars. Ane1planator$ panel $ the 2?th-centur$ /oath doocot sets the scene. 6#erall, the 0airn area offerske$ historical sites in cotland's stor$, plus a gentle landscape with e1cellent eaches and a goodrange of things to do.


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4. "viemore & the -airngorms

With its montains% pineclad slopes andwide river valley setting% "viemore and the-airngorms area is yet another verydistinctive Highland setting!

The high plateau of the airngorms is a ackdrop toe#er$ #iew, and e#er-changing throughout theda$ as sun and shadow mo#e across these highhills. These high places lie at the core of theairngorms 0ational 5arkwhich, at &% s7 km, isthe largest in /ritain and was estalished in =&.

At a lower le#el, the area is also a stronghold ofthe ancient aledonian pinewoods - thedescendants of the natural forests of old. As wellas high mountain tundra and rock$ passes,moorlands and forest, there are also e1tensi#e

marshlands and lochs, whose est-known #isitor in summer is the ospre$ - and one that is 7uiteeas$ to spot, particularl$ around the /oat of Garten area.

This is an area which has a huge range of acti#ities for #isitors right through the $ear. A chain ofattracti#e little towns and #illages along the ri#er #alle$, from Grantown-on-pe$upstream to9alwhinnie, make good ases to disco#er the huge choice of walking at all le#els, the winter skiingat airngorm, watersports and golf, plus the e7uall$ wide range of #isitor attractions, which e#enincludes the world's highest distiller$, and a steam railwa$ with, argual$, the est #iews of an$preser#ed railwa$ in /ritain.

-airngorms National +ar

The -airngorms National +ar officially opened on the 4st September 9::; and is the20's largest at ;

tretching from Grantown-on-pe$ in the north to the heads of the Angus Glens in the south andfrom /allater in the east to 9alwhinnie and !aggan in the west the park co#ers roughl$ 2 ofcotland. *t is home to a 7uarter of cotland's nati#e woodland and is a refuge for a host of rareplants and creatures, including => of the DC's threatened species. The 0ational 5ark takes insome of the most spectacular landscapes in /ritain, from the wild tundra of the high mountain topsto the wind-rocked seclusion of the ancient pinewoods. Heather moor, #i#id with summer colour,and grand glens, haunt of red deer and golden eagle, are just some of the other haitats within thepark.

8ust as important, there are friendl$ little towns and #illages, each with their own sense of

communit$, so that #isitors can disco#er not onl$ spectacular wildlife, ut also a rich culturalheritage and a whole range of places to #isit and things to do.

!andscape and people, conser#ation and de#elopment - all are important for the airngorms0ational 5ark. /$ wa$ of safeguarding the area for the future, the 5ark's aims areB

To conser#e and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

To promote sustainale use of the natural resources of the area.

To promote understanding and enjo$ment of the special 7ualities of the area.

To promote sustainale economic and social de#elopment of the area's communities.
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-arrbridge% .oat of Garten to Nethy .ridge

" little way north of the main granite massif of the -airngorms and hence offeringsperb views soth this area forming the northern fringe of the 0ational 5arkrns oteastwards of the "? along the #iver Spey!

At arrridge, the !andmark Forest heritage 5ark offers plent$ for families. Though its waterslides

are its most conspicuous feature, there are plent$ of other things to see and do (whate#er theweather+, from a treetop trail to the "icroworld e1hiition, with much of the &-acre woodland parkdesigned to allow energetic children to let off steam.

6ne of trathspe$'s most famous annual#isitors is the ospre$. A conser#ation successstor$, ospre$s are 7uite common along theri#er #alle$, ut the most famous pair nestnear the )o$al ociet$ for the 5rotection of/ird's 6spre$ entre $ !och Garten, whereclose-circuit t# and telescopes ensure all theirdomestic and nesting arrangements are underclose #iew. The )5/ also care for much of thepinewoods around Aerneth$, whereirdwatchers can enjo$ the local ird$specialities including crested tit, crossill andthe elusi#e capercaillie.

/oat of Garten in particular has its own special

atmosphere, pictures7uel$ time-warped $ therailwa$ station when a steam train from

A#iemore arri#es. (The terminus at /roomhillwas Glenogle tation in the '"onarch of the

Glen' t# series.+ Howe#er, /oat of Garten is also noted for its golf course, attracti#el$ set outamong the irchwoods, and originall$ designed $ the famous 8ames /raid. (0ine-hole smaller

courses also at arrridge and 0eth$ridge.+

The !och Garten and the Aerneth$ area offering a super range of walking in the woods, while the

pe$side Wa$ takes in 0eth$ /ridge and /oat of Garten. 0ational $cle )oute 0o ? (*n#erness-Glasgow+ also passes through /oat of Garten, with good off-road sections.

*n summar$, this is a rural area north of the ig hills. Tucked into the well-wooded and rollingterrain are peaceful little communities catering for #isitors who are walkers, golfers, c$clists,

anglers or irdwatchers (and steam train enthusiastsE+. At the same time, there is a good range ofother famil$ attractions within eas$ reach all along trathspe$.

,lnain .ridge to Grantown on Spey

The realignment of the main "?7 on its way

northeastwards to the whisy contry ofthe #iver Spey bypasses both ,lnain .ridgeand GrantownonSpey% bt it is well worththe detor to discover this area'sattractions!

9ulnain /ridge sits at the junction of two routesoff the main A4 to *n#erness. 0ear$, at k$e ofurr, is one of the more unusual of cotland's#isitor attractions. The pe$side Heather entresells more than & #arieties of heather and hasa uni7ue displa$ in the range of uses, past andpresent, for heather, from rope-making tomedicines.

Grantown-on-pe$ is one of the larger places onpe$side, a handsome granite-uilt town, laid out
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with a wide main street and central s7uare as a ;planned town; $ ir 8ames Grant, the locallandowner, around 2?33. 5lanned or impro#ement towns in cotland are usuall$ recognised $their s$mmetr$ and regular grid of streets and Grantown is no e1ception. The town is a shoppingcentre for a rural communit$ as well as a resort. The stor$ of Grantown is told in the Grantown"useum and Heritage Trust.

The town is set among the pe$side pines, with the woodlands to the south-east of the town laidout with wa$marked trails and e1cellent sheltered walks. (!ook for red s7uirrels - eas$ to seehere+. Also south-east of the town is the pictures7ue old ridge (uilt 2?>@+ uilt as part of themilitar$ road from 9eeside to Fort George on the "ora$ Firth coast. To the north are the highl$atmospheric open moors around 9a#a - especiall$ eautiful in August when the heather looms.The 2&th-centur$ ruined fortress of !ochindor astle sits on an island on the loch of the samename.

This part of pe$side is 7uiet and rural countr$side on the edge of the hills, ut with a good choiceof things to do, including golf, angling (stocked fisher$ near$+, walking - the pe$side Wa$ passesthrough the area - also c$cling, plus all the other amenities and attractions of pe$side close athand from a 9ulnain /ridge or Grantown ase. imilarl$, the castle and whisk$ countr$ of "ora$and Grampian to the north is also eas$ to reach from here.

,alwhinnie to 0incraigThe traveller by road =the "?> or rail en1oysmontain and moor for mch of the 1orney

north% with the high -airngorm viewsbeginning to open ot as soon as yo enter the

0ational 5arkat ,alwhinnie =distillery>! .yNewtonmore% road and rail 1oin with the #iver

Spey flowing from the west ot of the*onadliath =Gaelic@ the grey

moorsAmontains>!

0ewtonmore has a choice of museums gi#ing an

introduction to Highland culture - the Highland Folk"useum and also the lan "ac5herson "useum,

cotland's oldest clan collection.

6nl$ a few minutes further downstream, near

Cingussie (Highland Folk "useum here as well+, are)uth#en /arracks, #isile from the main A4, their

ruinous state the result of eing attacked $ the forces of /onnie 5rince harlie in 2?@3. The$o#erlook the )i#er pe$ which meanders gentl$ in this upper part of trathspe$ (where 'strath' is

Gaelic for road #alle$+. This part of the ri#er forms the *nsh "arshes, a )o$al ociet$ for the5rotection of /irds reser#e noted for wildfowl (and ospre$s+. The ri#er-marshes in turn gi#e wa$ to

!och *nsh, a noted area for water sports, with the communit$ of Cincraig e$ond.

There is a wealth of things to do in this area etween the mountains. The popular t# series'"onarch of the Glen' was filmed in se#eral locations all around - to the west, for e1ample, !agganwas Glenogle #illage. The museums at 0ewtonmore and Cingussie with their reconstructed

uildings gi#e a #i#id insight into Highland life of old. 0ati#e wildlife (including former inhaitantssuch as wol#es+ can e seen at the Highland Wildlife 5ark at Cincraig. There are #er$ entertaining

working sheepdog displa$s near Cincraig.

The area offers a good range of acti#ities. *n addition to the watersports centre on !och *nsh,0ewtonmore and Cingussie oth offer fine golf and also pon$trekking. Walkers also ha#e a hugechoice, from the high-le#el routes on reag "eagaidh (a national nature reser#e+ west of !aggan,(itself a good waking ase+. There is a Wildcat Trail round 0ewtonmore, plus an interpretation trailaround !och *nsh - though with miles of mountains and forests, this is all e1cellent walking countr$.

*n summar$, this area makes a good ase for disco#ering all that pe$side has to offer. The wildlifepark , working sheepdogs and watersports in particular roaden the appeal for families.
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"viemore & -airngorm

"viemore was once a little village and 1nction on the old Highland #ailway! $t was firsteBpanded in the 4?C:s to service the si developments on -airngorm!

ince then it has ecome an all-$ear centre and the main mountain gatewa$, a role confirmed $the opening of airngorm "ountain )ailwa$, which takes #isitors to within 2==m of the summit of

airngorm.

The airngorms are the ;most natural; wild land that still sur#i#es in the DC. The$ ha#e eenrecognised as a


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5. *oray

The region of "ora$, in the 0orth


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Forres% Findhorn & .rghead

Forres, with its man$ eautiful parks, is a consistent performer in the annual /ritain in /loom.9isco#er uenos tone, a pictish relic, clim lun$ Hill to see the famous landmark 0elsons Towerand #isit the Falconer "useum. To the north lies the 7uaint #illage of /rodie.

A must-see is /rodie astle uilt in 2>?3, #isitors can e1plore inside the castle and its hidden

treasures. 0orth of Forres is Findhorn, a tran7uil coastal #illage, with miles of wonderful whitesand$ eaches, popular for watersports, ird-watching or just a peaceful sunset stroll.


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Fochaers is a ke$ stopping off point on thefamed walking route the pe$side Wa$and is also close to the eaches andWildlife entre at pe$ /a$. As well as thepe$side Wa$, walkers will enjo$ theoastal Trail which includes the spectacular/ow Fiddle )ock, the arch shaped rockformation at 5ortknockie and e1plore the

7uaint coastal #illages en-route.

outh of ullen is Ceith, a peaceful town,home to trathisla which founded in 2?%3,is the oldest working Whisk$ distiller$ inthe cottish Highlands.


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6. Northern Highlands

Noone who travels here can fail to be strc by a sense of being somewhere different!The sheer atmosphere of these northlands maes a big impression!

Iet the 0orthern Highlands also offer splendid #ariet$, all the wa$ from the remote wildness of theaustere rock-hewn landscapes of the far

north westnow cotland's first Geoparkand Wester )oss, to the 7uintessentiall$cottish architecture of the old urgh ofromart$ at the tip of the /lack *sleorthe ancient archaeological sites ofaithness.

Getting around is eas$, with roadsradiating out from the natural routecentre of *n#erness (ne#er too far awa$+as well as ;rim; roads taking in the estof the spectacular northern seaoard. Asa further onus, some of the est of thenorthern landscapes, for e1ample mid Jeast utherlandand the Flow ountr$ ofaithness, can e seen $ train.

The 0orthern Highlands offer ane1cellent choice of things to do.0aturall$, these sulime landscapes aremade for walkers and climers. Thereare lochs - all ut uncountale numersin the north-west - to satisf$ anglers who lo#e solitude. There is a good choice of oat trips andcruises for close encounters with sea-ca#es, sea-stacks, seals and dolphins - and e#en to a specialgarden accessile onl$ $ sea. Golf, c$cling, riding and watersports are all to e found here as well.

Dltimatel$, howe#er, it is the wilderness e1perience of the far north and its all ut empt$ grandeurwhich will lea#e the strongest impression.
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Wester #oss

"nother highly characteristic part of the Highlands% Wester #oss is noted for itsspectaclar montains% notably in GlenTorridon% which is a glen easily en1oyed bycar or on a bie!

0orth of Dllapool, the oigach peaks are likewisedramatic, notal$ the famousl$ pinnacled profile oftac 5ollaidh - though, again, these landscapes cane easil$ #iewed $ car tourers from, sa$, Cnockanrag on the main road north of Dllapool. The/ealach na /a (the pass of the cattle+ on theApplecross peninsula is one of the #er$ highestmotorale roads in the DC and also offers grand#iews from the summit. The orrieshalloch Gorgeis also easil$ accessile. lose to the main Dllapoolroad, this mile-long (2.3km+, 2ft (32m+ ri#ercar#ed channel is one of the est e1amples of ao1 can$on in the DC. There is a #iewing platform.

As well as easil$ #iewed landscapes, Wester )ossalso has some of the most remote and wild (androadless+ land in all of the DC, notal$ north and west of !och "aree

Aside from the impact of the landscape, there is also plent$ to see. There are gardens at Attadale

near !ochcarron, while *n#erewe, north of Gairloch, has een a place of pilgrimage for generationsof gardeners who come to wonder at the range of tender species which thri#e in the mild climate.

The human stor$ of the area is told in museums such as the mith$ Heritage entre in !ochcarron,the Gairloch Heritage "useum and the Dllapool "useum and :isitor entre

Things to do in the area include (o#iousl$+ walking and climing, with the Torridon ountr$sideentre (0T+ or cottish 0atural Heritage's /einn


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tourist information centre carpark. The /lack *sle is a red kite stronghold - see them on close-circuit t# also at 0orth Cessock and there is plent$ of firth shoreline for irdwatchers to scan forwaders and wildfowl.

romart$ ourthouse "useum, housed in an original court uilding of 2??&, portra$s the life of anold cots urgh (of which romart$ is a fine e1ample+. Hugh "iller's ottage, recalling the life ofthe locall$-orn geologist and church-man, is also here. Tain through Time also e1plores the #er$different stor$ of this little town, formerl$ an important place of pilgrimage. 6ther places of interestinclude the Highland "useum of hildhood at trathpeffer and the Groam House "useum at)osemarkie which takes a 5ictish theme, as does the Tarat 9isco#er$ entre, at 5ortmahomack,ased on the findings of an internationall$ important archaeological dig. The /lack *sle Wildlife andountr$ 5ark has a good selection of animals (some of which can e hand fed $ children+ Thereare distilleries to #isit at "uir of 6rd and Tain.

Golf, riding and angling are all easil$ found and there are leisure centres Kswimming pools at man$of the towns including *n#ergordon, 9ingwall and Alness. *n short, the /lack *sle, "id )oss and


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some seldom #isited. 6#erall, no matter $our interest, from uil#en to /en Hope, it is the mountainlandscapes which will make the iggest impression.

*id & Dast Stherland

Dast Stherland divides simply into two different inds of landscape coast and glen andis defined to the soth by the long bite of the ,ornoch Firth and the 0yle of Stherland!

=There is a fine view over the 0yle and into the area from the "

The Firth is ridged for road traffic just south of9ornoch. This little town with its attracti#e hone$-coloured stonework, is noted for its restoredcathedral, originall$ founded in the 2&th centur$.The stor$ of the town is told in Histor$links"useum - from :iking )aids to "adonna'sweddingE *t is also strongl$ associated with golf(and is sometimes e#en called ;the t Andrews ofthe north;+

To the north, !och Fleet is a national naturereser#e, while the ne1t little town, going north, is

Golspie, where the 6rcadian tone ompan$ hasan e1hiition of local rocks and minerals while a

mile north is 9unroin astle with its eautifulgardens. Ao#e Golspie the monument on /en

/hraggie, is one of man$ sites associated with theHighland learances. (6thers include the /adea

learance :illage, north of Helmsdale, a walking trail round a deserted settlement and also roickhurch near Ardga$ where e#icted Highlanders scratched messages on the glass of the local kirk's

window.+ 6ther coastal communities include /rora, with its Heritage entre and l$nelish 9istiller$and Helmsdale with its Timespan Heritage entre. From Helmsdale, there is also a chance to go

gold panning inland in the trath of Cildonan, scene of a gold rush after it was disco#ered there in2%3%.

6ther inland attractions include the Falls of hin :isitor entre (including a short walk to seesalmon leaping in season+ also the Ferr$croft ountr$side entre in !airg, where there is plent$ of

ad#ice on local walks from the countr$side ranger ser#ice. Also starting from the centre is the 6rdArchaeolog$ Trail, o#er the 6rd Hill, seeing /ronLe Age house-sites, 0eolithic cairns, a urnt mound

and medie#al culti#ation.

*n general, the area is especiall$ good for anglers, while golf along the coastal fringe includes

super courses at 9ornoch, /rora, Golspie and Helmsdale. 5lent$ of choice for walkers and wildlifewatchers as well.

-aithness & North -oast Stherland

The first impression here is of a senseof space and openness! This is bigcontry% with wide sies and dramaticseascapes% and rolling moors mergingwestwards into rgged peas% notablyin the spectaclar syline of .en Loyalby Tonge!

Along the coast are a numer of heritagecentres which tell the stor$ of thesenorthlands, of the local clans and of the:iking influence. 9uneath Heritage entreportra$s earl$ settlers, crofting, fishing andthe life of writer 0eil Gunn. !aidha$ roft"useum rings the farming past to life,while, further north, clan histor$ isportra$ed in the lan Gunn "useum $


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!atheron. A #ariet$ of earl$ archaeological sites particularl$ etween !atheron and Wick includee1cellent e1amples such as the Gre$ airns of amster, while north of Wick, the 0orthlands :ikingentre re#eals the candina#ian influences.

Wick and Thurso are the two main centres of the area, oth with a good selection of High treetshops. There's also Wick Heritage "useum, telling the stor$ of this 24th-centur$ herring ;oomtown;. (Iou can find out aout this coast's former in#ol#ement in fishing also at the Waterlines:isitor entre in !$ster, which also looks at the local seaird colonies.+

For e1amples of two contrasting lifest$les, $ou can also #isit the astle of "e$, aithness home ofthe late ueen "other, or, alternati#el$, "ar$-Ann's ottage, showing how successi#e generationsof a crofting famil$ li#ed and worked.

The coast etween Wick and Thurso is spectacular and includes, near 8ohn o Groats, the9uncans$ tacks, as well as 9unnet Head, the most northerl$ point on the /ritish mainland.(There are good #iews of 6rkne$ all along the north coast here.+ There are more e1cellentstretches of coastline in the west of the area, notal$ around trath$ 5oint.

*nland the dominating feature is the Flow ountr$, with its miles of interlaced pools and lochs,home to a uni7ue communit$ of plants and animals.

Highlands of Scotland

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