The Scottish Highlands: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love

Considering a visit to the Scottish Highlands? Check out my 5 reasons you'll fall in love with the most romantic part of Scotland, from Stirling to Inverness!

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Interested in exploring The Scottish Highlands?

No trip to bewitching Scotland is truly complete without a visit to unparalleled The Scottish Highlands. Yet, sadly many visitors to Scotland aren't "able" to fit a trip "up the Highlands" into their itinerary, after exploring sprawling Glasgow and medieval Edinburgh.

I'll lay out my top reasons to love the Scottish Highlands - and why you should be sure to make the extra effort to make your way up, during your time in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle

Worried about car rental? Don't be! Check out Exploring Inverness, Culloden, and Loch Ness without a car

The Scottish Highlands: Escape the Crowds

Though you can expect Edinburgh's Royal Mile to be jam packed with tourists, no matter the season, a trip to The Scottish Highlands offers a nice respite from the crowds. Due to the relative difficulty of seeing parts of The Highlands, and how spread out many of the attractions are up here, you won't find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with other adventure seekers. Even "tourist hot spots," like Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, pictured below, is nothing compared to the crowds you'll experience at Edinburgh Castle.

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands: History

The Scottish Highlands have a romantic, idealistic, and tragic history, stretching back centuries. From the wars for Scottish independence in the 13th century, to Jacobite uprisings in the 18th century, leading to massive destruction of the Highland people and culture, spending time in the Highlands brings these historic experiences to life. From Stirling Bridge to Culloden Moor, where thousands of Highlanders lost their lives in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie, there's many a historic tour to be had, and many a heart-wrenching quote to inspire you before, during, and after your time in The Highlands.

Explore the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Stirling, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands: Whiskey

There's no better Scotch than the delicious whiskey made here in the Scottish Highlands. From Oban and Ben Nevis to Glenmorganie, even after your trip, sampling these single malts will immediately transport you back to The Highlands. Consider including a distillery tour during your trip!

What to Wear in Scotland

The Scottish Highlands: Physical Beauty

There's no denying that The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Europe. With rugged mountains and fathoms deep lochs, the extremes of The Highlands are constantly on display. Of all my travel, our train trip from Edinburgh to Inverness was my favorite of all time. I swear I spent the whole trip smacking my husband on the arm to turn his attention to yet another stunning vista.

Avoid common tourist mistakes in Scotland

The Scottish Highlands:
The Royal Family can't get enough

The Queen's residence at Balmoral Castle, Scotland

We've all heard of The Queen's stunning summer residence at Balmoral Castle, but do you know the history of this royal retreat? After spending time in The Highlands, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Balmoral in 1852, and constructed an *entirely new* castle on the property, fit for the Royals. Depending on the time of year, Balmoral's incredible grounds and Ballroom are available for tours. I'm told you can take a Range Rover tour of the grounds, though I've never had the pleasure!

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope I've convinced you to include The Scottish Highlands on your next visit to Scotland! And don't forget to read Outlander before you go!

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