The Scottish Highlands. Glorious scenery, outdoor pursuits, exhilarating weather

This large and varied upland area covers the northern half of mainland Scotland and embraces the islands of Skye, the Hebrides, the Orkneys and the Shetlands. It has beautiful scenery swept over by clouds, rain and sunshine; snow-capped mountains in winter. Outdoor pursuits include climbing (Ben Nevis, near Fort William, is Britain’s highest mountain), fishing, shooting. There is Scottish dancing and ceilidhs in tourist centres; whisky distilleries galore. Seek the Loch Ness monster at Inverness. Walk or ski in the Cairngorms. Remember the massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells in the calm beauty of today’s Glencoe, and the slaughter at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Visit Cawdor Castle of Macbeth fame, and Brodie Castle, in a large park near Forres.

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Featured hotels in Highland

Glenfinnan House - Fort William, GLENFINNAN, Highland

In 'well-kept' gardens on the shores of Loch Shiel, this handsome Victorian mansion is a 'lovely traditional hotel', say Guide inspectors in 2011. 'We were well looked after in a modest but friendly

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The Cross at Kingussie - Scotland, KINGUSSIE, Highland

In wooded grounds by the River Gynack, this handsome converted tweed mill is home to a restaurant-with-rooms run by 'hands-on' owners David and Katie Young. It is liked by readers for the warmth of

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