Highlands hotels accommodation, attractions
and travel information
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MAIN TOWNS IN Highlands - Achnasheen Ardgay Aultbea Aviemore
Ballachulish Beauly Bonar Bridge Brora Cromarty Dingwall Drumnadrochit
Fortrose Fort William Gairloch Glencoe Glenfinnan Golspie Grantown
Invergordon Inverness John O'Groats Kingussie Kinlochbervie Kinlochleven
Kyle of Lochalsh Lairg Loch Ness Newtonmore Strathcarron Strathpeffer
Thurso Tomatin Tongue Ullapool Wick. |
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Achnasheen. Achnasheen is situated where the road splits for
Gairloch and Poolewe or Lochcarron and the Kyle of Lochalsh,
on the A832. Achnasheen is about 40 miles west of Inverness and
38 miles northeast of Kyle of Lochalsh. Book : West Highland Way: Map/Guide |
More information and
accommodation : Achnasheen.
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Ardgay. Ardgay and its neighbour Bonar Bridge, which lies
across the River Shin, are two very picturesque little places,
connected by that bridge, on the coastal route to the north or
the inland route towards Lairg and the northwest. Ardgay is located
on the A949, about 12 miles west of Tain and 11 miles west of
Dornoch. Lairg is about 10 miles to the north. Ardgay is about
35 miles from Inverness. Book
: The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands (Rough Guide
Travel Guides) |
More information and
accommodation : Ardgay.
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Aultbea. A small crofting settlement in Wester Ross, Aultbea
lies on the east shore of Loch Ewe, 8 miles north of Poolewe,
looking out towards the Isle of Ewe. Aultbea is located on the
A832, about 12 miles north of Gairloch and 30 miles drive west
of Ullapool. Aultbea: |
More information and
accommodation : Aultbea.
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Aviemore. Aviemore is Scotland's premier highland resort,
set within some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery and renowned
as a top ski resort. Its central location makes it an ideal base
for touring the Highlands, the 4000ft summit plateau of the Cairngorm
is often snow-capped, providing stunning mountain scenery. Aviemore
is located on the A9, about 12 miles northeast of Kingussie and
15 miles southwest of Grantown on Spey. It is about 30 miles
from Inverness. Aviemore: |
More information and
accommodation : Aviemore.
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Ballachulish. Ballachulish was once a ferry point and is now a
pretty little village. It is located on the A82, about 30 miles
north of Oban. North and South Ballachulish grew around the slipways
from which the ferry crossed Loch Leven from as early as 1730.
A vehicle ferry started to cross the narrows in 1912, but the
service finally disappeared in 1975 when the bridge opened. Ballachulish: |
More information and
accommodation : Ballachulish.
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Beauly. Beauly lies on the north bank of the River Beauly
close to the point at which it enters the Beauly Firth. It is
located on the A862, about 15 miles west of Inverness and 9 miles
north of Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness. The settlement grew up around
Beauly Priory, which was established here in 1230. For many centuries
a ferry from the priory, and later the town, provided a key link
for anyone travelling north or west from Inverness. Beauly: |
More information and
accommodation : Beauly.
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Bonar Bridge. Bonar Bridge and its neighbour Ardgay, which lies
across the River Shin, are two very picturesque little places,
connected by that bridge, on the coastal route to the north or
the inland route towards Lairg and the northwest. Bonar Bridge
is located on the A949, about 12 miles west of Tain and 11 miles
west of Dornoch. Lairg is about 10 miles to the north. Bonar
Bridge is about 35 miles from Inverness. Bonar Bridge was called
just "Bonar" until the completion of the first bridge
across the Kyle of Sutherland in November 1812. For the next
170 years Bonar bridge was a waystation on the main route north
from Inverness to Caithness.
Bonar Bridge: |
More information and
accommodation : Bonar
Bridge.
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Brora. Brora is an interesting mix of coastal resort and
industrial town. It is located on the A9 coast road with Golspie
5 miles to th southwest and Helmsdale about 11 miles to the northeast.
Brora is about 55 miles from Inverness. It is perhaps best known
for the quality of its fishing, for its whisky and more recently,
for its ice cream. As a harbour, Brora's history dates back five
hundred years or more.
Brora: |
More information and
accommodation : Brora.
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Cromarty. Cromarty, on the tip of the Black Isle at the mouth
of the Cromarty Firth, is the Highlands' best preserved historic
town. It is located on the A832, with Fortrose about 7 miles
to the south. Inverness lies about 18 miles further south. Cromarty
has a wealth of attractions: sandy beaches, unusual architecture,
Bottlenose Dolphins, a multi-award winning museum, beautiful
countryside, wildlife and bird reserves of international importance. Cromarty: |
More information and
accommodation : Cromarty.
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Dingwall. Dingwall is a bustling market town and lies in an
important position at the head of the Beauly Firth. It is located
on the A862, about 15 miles northwest of Inverness and about
8 miles north of Beauly. Centrally placed in the High Street
is Dingwall's most striking building, the tolbooth, housing the
Dingwall Museum. Dingwall: |
More information and
accommodation : Dingwall.
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Drumnadrochit. Drumnadrochit lies at the head of Urquhart Bay on
Loch Ness and is the centre of the Loch Ness Monster industry
in Scotland. It is located on the A82, on the western edge of
the Loch, with Inverness 15 miles northeast and Beauly about
9 miles to the north. Overlooking the main junction in the centre
of Drumnadrochit is the Original Loch Ness Monster Centre, which
also offers monster-spotting cruises on Loch Ness. Drumnadrochit: |
More information and
accommodation : Drumnadrochit.
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Fortrose. Fortrose lies between Avoch and Rosemarkie on the
A832 on the southern coast of the Black Isle, overlooking the
Moray Firth. It lies about 7 miles south of Cromarty and 12 miles
north of Inverness. Many of the buildings are of an ornate Victorian
style. Every year, a mediaeval fair, St. Boniface's Fair where
all participants wear mediaeval costume, is held in this square
with the Cathedral as a centrepiece. Fortrose: |
More information and
accommodation : Fortrose.
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Fort William. Fort William, the largest town in the west Highlands
of Scotland, has a stunning position on Loch Linnhe with the
snow-streaked bulk of Ben Nevis behind it. Fort William lies
on the A82, about 10 miles north of Ballachulish and 14 miles
east of Glenfinnan. It has a splendid West Highland Museum and
a Jacobite Steam Train who's journey takes in some of the region's
most spectacular scenery. Out of the town, Glen Nevis is among
the Highland's most impressive glens where Highland cattle graze
the valley floor and a sparkling river gushes through glades
of trees. Fort William: |
More information and
accommodation : Fort William.
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Gairloch. Gairloch is a small village located on the scenic
north-west coast of Scotland in Wester Ross. It lies on the A832,
an hour and a half's drive from Inverness. The nearest railway
station to Gairloch is at Achnasheen, served by regular trains
to Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh. Gairloch: |
More information and
accommodation : Gairloch.
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Glencoe. Glencoe is a glen in the Highlands of Scotland,
situated in the north of Argyllshire. It is often considered
one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland,
and is a part of the designated National Scenic Area of Ben Nevis
and Glen Coe. Glencoe: |
More information and
accommodation : Glencoe.
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Glenfinnan. Glenfinnan lies on the A830, about 7 miles east
of Lochailort on the west coast and 14 miles west of Fort William
on Loch Linnhe. The world-renowned story of Bonnie Prince Charlie's
fight for the British throne gathered momentum at Glenfinnan
where he raised the Jacobite standard and rallied his clansmen
for battle. Glenfinnan: |
More information and
accommodation : Glenfinnan.
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Golspie. Golspie lies on the A9 on the east coast of Sutherland
with Brora about 5 miles to the northeast and Dornoch about 8
miles to the south. Golspie is about 51 miles north of Inverness.
The village boasts attractive beaches and is surrounded by beautiful
countryside. Golspie has its own railway station and the journey
along the coast and through the valleys and glens is one of the
most scenic in Scotland.
Golspie: |
More information and
accommodation : Golspie.
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Grantown. Grantown on Spey is situated in the heart of the
Scottish Highlands on the A95. It is about 12 miles northeast
of the resort of Aviemore and 20 miles southwest of Aberlour.
The area offers fishing on the River Spey, walking, golfing,
sailing, horse riding and skiing. Salmon Fishing on the river
Spey is a popular pastime. Take a trip to the top of Cairngorms
on the Funicular railway.
Grantown: |
More information and
accommodation : Grantown.
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Invergordon. Invergordon is a deepwater port near the entrance
of Cromarty Firth, lying just off the A9. It is about 12 miles
northeast of Dingwall and 25 miles from Inverrness. Invergordon
port is visited by many large cruise liners each year, as the
deep water port allows disembarkation for coach tours in the
northern Highlands. Invergordon: |
More information and
accommodation : Invergordon.
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Inverness. Inverness, Capital of the Highlands, is an excellent
touring centre with good road, rail and air connections. With
its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings,
Inverness is a pretty place. It lies on the main A9 with Loch
Ness and the Caledonian Canal to the southwest, and Beauly Firth
and Moray Firth to the north and west. Inverness: |
More information and
accommodation : Inverness.
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John O' Groats. John O' Groats is the northernmost point of the
mainland, over 876 miles from Lands End, the southernmost part
of England. It lies is on the A99, about 14 miles north of Wick
and about 16 miles east of Thurso. John o' Groats is named after
a Dutchman, Jan de Groot. In 1496 King James IV granted De Groot
the ferry franchise between the harbour here and Orkney. The
now well established John o' Groats ferry carries foot passengers
across the short distance to Orkney between May and September. John O'Groats: |
More information and
accommodation : John O'Groats.
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Kingussie. Kingussie lies on the Allt Mhor in the upper valley
of the River Spey. Kingussie is located on the A9, about 3 miles
east of Newtonmore and 12 miles southwest of Aviemore. The Cairngorm
mountains rise to the east and the Monadhliath mountains rise
to the west. Kingussie: |
More information and
accommodation : Kingussie.
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Kinlochbervie. Kinlochbervie is located in north-west Sutherland,
on the B801, off the A838 route through the northern Highlands.
Durness on the north coast is about 20 miles along the A838.
Kinlochbervie has wonderful views of mountains and lochs, white
sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. Kinlochbervie harbour sees trawlers
unloading monkfish, haddock, cod, lobsters, prawns and crabs
most days at the pier, and markets are usually held two or three
times a week. Kinlochbervie: |
More information and
accommodation : Kinlochbervie.
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Kinlochleven. Kinlochleven lies at the eastern end of the beautiful
sea loch, Loch Leven, 7 miles east of Glencoe and 10 miles east
of Ballachulish. Kinlochleven is located on the B863, the West
Highland Way passes through the town and it is surrounded by
imposing mountains including Ben Nevis at 1344 metres. Kinlochleven: |
More information and
accommodation : Kinlochleven.
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Kyle of Lochalsh. Kyle of Lochalsh is located on the A87, at the bridge
to the Isle of Skye. Until 1995 there was a ferry service operating
between Kyle and Kyleakin, but since then most visitors to Skye
have used the new road bridge. There is a rail link to Inverness
from Kyle of Lochalsh.
Kyle of Lochalsh: |
More information and
accommodation : Kyle of
Lochalsh.
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Lairg. Lairg is a small, picturesque, rural village situated
in central Sutherland, north of Inverness. It sits at the centre
of the road network, and on the railway line from Inverness to
Thurso. Lairg lies on the A839, at the southern end of Loch Shin,
with Bonar Bridge about 10 miles to the south and Golspie about
15 miles to the east on the coast. Rare Highland wildlife can
be found including otters, pine martins, wild cats, many varieties
of deer, assorted waterfowl, red and black throated divers, birds
of prey and unusual species of plant life. Lairg: |
More information and
accommodation : Lairg.
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Loch Ness. Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in
Britain, holding more than all the lakes and reservoirs in England
and Wales put together. 380 million years ago the earth’s
crust fractured and moved which resulted in the formation of
the Great Glen of which Loch Ness is part. It is 39km long with
an average depth of 132m. It is possible to drive right around
Loch Ness. Loch Ness: |
More information and
accommodation : Loch Ness.
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Newtonmore. Newtonmore is in the heart of the Highlands lying
on the A86. It is about 3 miles southwest of Kingussie and 14
miles southwest of Aviemore. Newtonmore was a central location
for the television series 'Monarch of the Glen'. Newtonmore is
an ideal touring base with the Monadhliath (pronounced "Monalia")
mountains to the north and the Cairngorms to the east. Newtonmore: |
More information and
accommodation : Newtonmore.
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Strathcarron. Strathcarron lies on the A890, about 16 miles north
of Kyle of Lochalsh and overlooking Loch Carron. Strathcarron
Railway Station offers a service on the Kyle of Lochalsh - Inverness
route. Strathcarron: |
More information and
accommodation : Strathcarron.
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Strathpeffer. Strathpeffer developed as a spa town during the
19th Century when its waters became known for their healing powers.
It lies on the A834, about 4 miles west of Dingwall, 8 miles
north of Beauly and about 18 miles from Inveness. Strathpeffer: |
More information and
accommodation : Strathpeffer.
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Thurso. Thurso is mainland Scotland's most northerly town,
and has the country's most northerly railway station. It is located
on the north coast of Caithness, its seaward views dominated
by the distant cliffs of Dunnet Head to the north east, and those
of the island of Hoy to the north. It lies on the A9, about 16
miles west of John o'Groats and 18 miles northeast of Wick. Thurso
has long been a gateway to Orkney, with the well established
ferry routes to Orkney, the car ferry to Stromness, leaving from
the harbour at Scrabster.
Thurso: |
More information and
accommodation : Thurso.
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Tomatin. Tomatin is in Strath Dearn on the north bank of
the River Findhorn. It lies just off the A9, about 14 miles southeast
of Inverness. Tomatin is located in an exposed position at over
1000 feet, dominated by the Monadhliath mountains. Tomatin: |
More information and
accommodation : Tomatin.
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Tongue. On the east side of the Kyle of Tongue is the village
of Tongue, dominated by the ruined Caisteal Bharraigh (Castle
Varrich) and by Ben Loyal to its south. Tongue lies on the A838,
about 40 miles west of Thurso. Tongue is an attractive village
with some imposing stone buildings. Tongue: |
More information and
accommodation : Tongue.
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Ullapool. Ullapool is the largest settlement in Wester Ross,
situated on Loch Broom on the A835. It is about 55 miles from
Inverness. Ullapool was purpose built as a herring station to
a Thomas Telford design in 1788. It is an excellent base from
which to explore the Northwest Highlands. Ullapool: |
More information and
accommodation : Ullapool.
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Wick.
Wick lies on the east coast of northern Scotland, 15 miles south
of Duncansby Head and John o'Groats. It lies on the A99, about
20 miles southeast of Thurso. The name Wick comes from the Norse
for "Bay" and it was the Vikings who first used the
mouth of the River Wick where it flows into Wick Bay as a harbour
for their longships and trading vessels. Wick: |
More information and
accommodation : Wick.
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Highlands
Attractions |
