Scottish Highlands ()
The Scottish Highlands are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the U.K. The vast, rugged wildland stretches over a large portion of western and northern Scotland. Filled with mountains, valleys and folklore (including the legendary Loch Ness monster), it should definitely be on your must-visit list. Most visitors give themselves between four and seven days to explore the Highlands. Can it be done in 48 hours? Absolutely.
While many begin their trek through the Scottish Highlands in Inverness, in order to get the full experience, start in Glasgow. From this vibrant, somewhat eccentric and industrious city, head an hour north to Loch Lomond. Nestled in one of Scotland’s national parks, this picturesque lake is surrounded by old-world village and is at the foot of the majestic mountain, Ben Lomond. From there, make your way to Fort William (approximately an hour and 45 minutes northwest). This gateway city boasts access to Ben Nevis (the U.K.’s highest peak) and also has a long history of famed Scotch whisky production.
In Fort William, there are few different options to take. For those wanting a more relaxing journey, hop on an old Jacobite steam train and head west to the port village of Mallaig for the day. You’ll pass over an old aqueduct featured in the “Harry Potter” movies and relish the scenery while enjoying afternoon tea. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, head north to Inverness. Along the way, stop at the famed Loch Ness to see if you can spot the mythical beast. To explore more of Mother Nature’s striking beauty in the Highlands, make your way to Aviemore in the Cairngorms. This rustic Scottish village offers hiking trails to more secluded lochs. Once you’ve gazed at the postcard perfection of the Cairngorms, it’s time to head back to where you started in Glasgow.
The best part about this circular itinerary is that you don’t need to rent a car. This trip can be done completely via train—which helps in remembering which side of the road to drive on. However, to see all the things, you may want to consider your own mode of transportation. The Scottish Highlands are definitely worth exploring for more than 48 hours; however, it’s amazing what you can see in that short amount of time.
