Highland Accommodation Guide
Highland is the largest county in Scotland and also the largest local government area in the United Kingdom. The Highland area covers the northern Scottish mainland and parts of the inner-Hebrides. It incorporates all of the historic counties of Caithness, Nairnshire and Sutherland and parts of the counties of Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty and Argyll and Moray.
In this guide, we will exhibit some of Scotland’s best accommodation choices and also explore some of the regions finest attractions. From spectacular mountains and dramatic glens (valleys) to fast flowing rivers and expansive lochs (lakes), Scotland’s raw wilderness is like no other.
With some of the world’s finest walking, cycling and driving routes, it is no surprise that the Highland region is one of the most visited areas in the whole of the United Kingdom. Every year the wider Highlands area attracts nearly 3 million overnight visitors and nearly 10 million day trippers!
Interestingly though, despite its name, the Highland area does not cover the all the Scottish Highlands! Several other Scottish councils share responsibility for managing parts of the wider highlands. These include Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and Bute, Moray, North Ayrshire, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and West Dunbartonshire.
Few people visiting this glorious part of Scotland will dwell on these boundary limits for too long however. Tourists visiting the Highland area come here for the region’s spectacular scenery and to meet the wonderful Scottish people, who always offer a warm and heartfelt welcome.
Being such a vast area (nearly 1,000 square miles), the sheer volume of visitor attractions in the Highland area are too numerous to mention here. From Britain’s most northerly point (John O’Groats) to Glencoe in the South, the list of attractions is almost endless.
The Highland area includes the ski resorts of Nevis Range, Glencoe and Aviemore. In the summer months, you can take the ski lifts to the top of the mountains to access some of the UK’s finest walking trails. At lower levels, there are literally hundreds of small lochs to visit including the majestic Loch Ness and Lock Assynt.
Play golf at some of the finest coastal courses in the world or explore abandoned castles or other famous madmade structures like the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Drop in to one of Scotland’s thriving ports such as Mallaig or enjoy Scotland’s take on a family seaside resort in Ullapool. The chouce is yours!
Key Facts Of Highland / Tourist Information
- County Town: Inverness
- Land Area: 25,657 km2 (9,906 square miles)
- Population: 235,540 (2019)
- Population Density: 9.2/km2 (24/square mile)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 17 °C)
- Days Of Rain: Dry for 115 days a year
Highland’s Best Attractions
Ben Nevis: The mighty Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in both Scotland and the whole of the United Kingdom. Standing at 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) above sea level the mountain can be climbed in one day and it estimated that more than 100,000 ascents are made every year. Visitors can also visit the Nevis Range mountain attraction and take the cable car to a height of 650 metres. The views of the summit of Ben Nevis from there are spectacular.
Glencoe: For many, the latter stages of the A82 road from Glasgow to Glencoe represents the finest driving route anywhere in the British Isles and it’s easy to see why. Glencoe was recently voted as Scotland’s most romantic glen (steep sided valley). You can also ski on Glencoe mountain in the winter months and take the chair lift up to 2,200 feet above sea level in the summer months to access some of the finest walking trails in Scotland.
Loch Ness: Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch (or lake) in the Scottish Highlands which is approximately 23 miles (37 km) long and 1.7 miles (2.7 km) at its widest point. Loch Ness’s most famous resident is the so called Loch Ness monster which is said to live at the bottom of the loch. At its deepest point the loch is 788 feet deep (240 meters). In terms of volume Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined!
Ullapool: Ullapool was founded as a fishing port on the east shore of Loch Broom. With its small beach and pleasant holiday accommodation, Ullapool is the perfect spot for a typical Scottish family beach holiday. This is a great place to explore the stunning coast of Scotland and also close to the ferries that sail to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides.
Best Accommodation Highland
Rowan House, Bonar Bridge (Cairngorms): Set within 7 acres of natural woodland, Rowan House is one of the nicest self-catering holiday homes in all of Scotland. Sleeping 10 people across 5 bedrooms, this idyllic lodge is the perfect base for exploring the Cairngorm National Park. With parking for 10 cars, you can invite all your friends or family to join you as you explore one of Scotland’s famous treasures!
Beeches, Forres (Cairngorms): Looking more like a wooden clad lodge from New England, this amazing holiday home is located in the centre of the Scottish Highlands close to the pretty town of Forres. Sleeping 8 people across 4 bedrooms, Beeches has one bedroom located downstairs – perfect for someone who needs disabled access. Logie Steading Visitor Centre and the Ace Adventure Centre are located close by as is Cawdor Castle. Dogs are also very welcome!
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the Highland area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
