Things to see and do Highlands

Dating from the 13th century, this cathedral was seriously damaged in 1570 and was finally restored in 1835 at the instigation of the Countess of Sutherland. Nowadays, the most striking features are the numerous gargoyles and the square tower, which can be climbed during the summer. Legend has it that the gargoyles were evil spirits that were driven out of the cathedral by the ringing of the bells and turned into stones. The stained glass windows on the north side of the choir are also very interesting: they represent music, peace and literacy.

It is without doubt the most famous and mediatised of the Scottish castles. Absolutely everything makes an image of Épinal des Highlands: its location on an island, its small bridge, the loch and the mountains that surround it, its robustness both simple and noble, its medieval facade evocative of a rich history ... Its first walls were erected in the 13th century and it was then on the border of the Norse kingdom of the islands, giving it an important defensive position. It then became one of the strongholds of the MacKenzie clan and did not really have to suffer the wars of independence. However, the same cannot be said of the Jacobite uprisings, which put him to a severe test. In 1719, it was even occupied by the Spanish, who were then on the side of the insurgents against England. 46 soldiers were stationed there with 343 barrels of powder, waiting for reinforcements. London decided to take the lead and send three frigates to bomb it heavily. The English finally succeeded in capturing the fortress and used the powder to destroy it. On the basis of its ruins and original plans, Eilean Donan was rebuilt identically two centuries later, in 1932.

Since then, he has become a tourist and even movie star, with numerous appearances on the big screen, notably in the movie Highlander, where he is presented as the MacLeod headquarters (which was never actually the case), as well as in the James Bond movie Le Monde ne suffit pas, as the Scottish HQ of MI6.

It's Scotland's postcard par excellence: Urquhart Castle enjoys an absolutely breathtaking location on the banks of Loch Ness, scanning the horizon and the apparitions of Nessie. Its ruins that can be seen today date from the 13th to the 16th century. Abandoned in the 17th century, it was partly destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Jacobites. Now only the romantic shadow of past greatness remains, but the panorama from the top of Grant Tower is grandiose. The Visitor Centre completes the tour.

Created in 1862 by Osgood Mackenzie, this garden is a festival of colors on 20 hectares which will delight the amateurs of the kind. It is in itself a feat, because it was born on desert land, where nothing (or so little) was supposed to grow. It is a garden both surprising by its location and of an almost unequalled richness... Passion obliges! One can admire rhododendrons from the Himalayas, eucalyptus from Tasmania and a vast collection of plants from New Zealand, Chile and South Africa. These rare varieties from all over the world thrive in a microclimate provided by the Gulf Stream. In addition, you can see Scotland's iconic wildlife: red squirrels, deer, otters, seals and golden eagles. With a bit of luck, the sea eagle will also be there! This subtropical garden is not to be missed.

Inverawe House: 5 minutes walk from the Visitor Centre, this house is a museum space that will plunge you into the middle of the ^20th century, with objects to touch and experiments to conduct. Very interactive, it has won awards for its original and playful approach.

Sawyer Gallery: The site hosts artists in residence, it is also a place of contemporary art and therefore exhibitions, with new items every year, and also meetings with the creators.

To eat: Inverawe Garden also has a restaurant and a café(Bothy café). Everything is fresh and local, imported "from field to fork": a good excuse to stay a little longer in this corner of paradise!

Dunrobin Castle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and its style is particularly rare and refined. Some even see it as the country's most accomplished nobleman's residence. It was the seat of the Earls of Sutherland and the Sutherland clan, and traces its origins to the Middle Ages, but suffered much deterioration, notably at the hands of the Jacobites in the 18th century, so that the building we see today was largely shaped between 1835 and 1850. Charles Barry was the architect and was not at his trial run, since the prodigy already had the Parliament of Westminster on his CV. He set about making it into a palace worthy of the name and it is now the largest castle in the Northern Highlands, with some 189 rooms. Its appearance is reminiscent of the work of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the gardens of the estate are based on the French model and were inspired by Versailles. The interiors were badly damaged in a fire in 1915 and it was Robert Lorimier who took it upon himself to bring them back to life, which he did with undeniable good taste. A museum part exhibits safari trophies brought back by the family on their travels, but also archaeological relics from the Pictish period.

Its gardens, of all beauty, are to be discovered, all the more so as they offer the most beautiful view of the castle. From April to September, you can enjoy bird of prey shows in these same gardens. This is included in the entrance ticket. They take place at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm.

King George II started the construction of this gigantic fort to quell any future uprising. The buildings of its garrisons, its artillery and its weapons plunge into an extraordinary martial atmosphere, on this splendid citadel inspired by Vauban. Still occupied by the army to this day, the 1km long rampart surrounding the fortifications, the historic barracks, one of the only two dog military cemeteries in the country, and the Highlanders Museum, one of the oldest regiments in Scotland, are all worth a visit.

Historic residence of the Baron of Cawdor, this castle is particularly known to the general public thanks to the character of Cawdor's thane, present in Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. The events in the story, however, predate the construction of the building, which dates back to the end of the 14th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 16th century and was subsequently renovated and enlarged. The tour reveals its rich interiors, filled with precious decorative elements and beautiful paintings. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful.

Glen Coe: the object of all reveries and the showcase of Scotland to the world, the Glen Coe Valley has not finished marvelling. Of volcanic origin, its biscornuous mountains make it a magnificent region, often considered, rightly, as the most beautiful glen of the country. It stretches for 16 km and is entirely covered by the A82. To the east, it is preceded by the immense Moor Rannoch and its endless moorland expanses. To the west, it flows into Loch Leven, in the small village of Glencoe. It is a sanctuary adored by nature, hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Much of the area is owned by the National Trust and it is recommended that you drop by the visitor centre or visit their website (www.nts.org.uk) for route ideas, or even guided walks organised by localrangers. The West Highland Way passes through here and climbs the famous Devil's Staircase, one of the most eagerly awaited moments for hikers for its great beauty, but also its challenge. Further west, the Three Sisters are among the most photographed peaks in the country: Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh. Stop at the parking lots for breathtaking views. However, it hasn't always been time to party in the glen, far from it. The year 1692 is forever remembered as the darkest day in its history. At the end of the Glorious Revolution, the MacDonalds of Glencoe, who were devout Jacobites, were slow to swear the new oath to King William, but they did so anyway. Some time later, while they were billeted with men of the Campbell clan under Scottish hospitality, they received royal orders to execute their hosts. On the morning of February 13 and after several days at their table, they slaughtered 38 of the MacDonalds and left 40 women and children to freeze to death after burning down their homes. This dark event became a major fact of Scottish history and clan culture.

Glen Etive: South of Glen Coe, the huge Glen Etive is less well known than its neighbour, but this tends to change since its appearance in the final scenes of James Bond: Skyfall. It can be reached before the eastern entrance to Glen Coe from the A82. Almost 20 km long, it offers the best of Lochaber: magnificent mountains, waterfalls, forests, beautiful wildlife, a few hiking trails, before ending on the banks of the romantic Loch Etive, which flows to the outskirts of Oban.

It is up there, in this Scottish Wild West, that you find the soul of the Highlands. You won't necessarily have time to do the whole itinerary, but choose at least one section to capture the infinite grandeur of this small country. You are free to shorten them, cross them or modify them. Some are much longer than others and will probably require to be cut in two days. In any case, a good map will be the key to your success.

From Kyle of Lochalsh to Loch Torridon: the first stop is Plockton, an idyllic little village where pretty houses are lined up facing a bewitching and wooded bay. It announces the beginning of Loch Carron, which the road follows until the village of Lochcarron, a long open street on the banks, where beautiful photos can be taken. The road then climbs on the heights, to reach Ardarroch and plunge into the heart of the Appelcross peninsula, as beautiful as wild. At Tornapress, you can cut off towards Shieldaig and cross sublime and deserted stretches of wide open spaces, surrounded by peaks, or continue towards Applecross via the Bealach na Ba pass. The scenery will be all the more magnificent as you climb. Don't hesitate to turn around and look back as you gain altitude over Loch Kishorn in the foreground and Loch Carron in the background. You will then enter an absolutely fairy-tale-like place with the threat of a canyon, while the road winds its way to a breathtaking view of the Cuillin of Skye. It then descends to the coast, along high moorland covered plateaus. The rest of the route to Torridon follows the charming coastline, which has only the island of Raasay and the Trotternish Peninsula as neighbors.

Loch Torridon to Gairloch: Loch Torridon (split between Loch Torridon and Upper Loch Torridon) is definitely one of the most beautiful and amazing in the country. But the powerful Glen Torridon which follows reminds us that we are in the Highlands, with its imposing walls of black mountains, as beautiful as dramatic. The road forks at Kinlochewe to follow the admirable Loch Maree, which is full of charm and strangely shaped landforms. The area is a nature reserve and you will find the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre just before the loch (www.nnr.scot), then a parking lot on its shores with self-service documentation on possible walks in the area. The path then continues quietly to Gairloch.

From Gairloch to Lochinver : the section towards Poolewe is quite typical of the west coast but it is on the heights of Loch Ewe that the show is perfectly dazzling. The panorama on this small sea and Ewe Island is unforgettable, especially at sunset. The Guinard Bay to follow is also very romantic and the Little Loch Broom has impressive waterfalls at the Ardessie Waterfalls. The road then leaves the coastline and announces a return to the heart of the Hilghlands, once again entering deep glens . Before turning onto the A835 for Loch Broom and Ullapool, you may want to stop at the Falls of Measach. You then have two options for getting to Lochinver: the coast and the land. The coastal route turns at Drumrunie and follows two lochs, passing close to Stac Pollaidh (613 meters), a curious mountain with a Wild West feel. It then zigzags to its destination between water and rock. The path across the land remains on the main road, the A835/37. It is just as sumptuous and has the advantage of gaining more altitude, between the plains and the northern behemoths, such as Suilven (731 m), Quinag (808 m) and Cul Mor (849 m), in the distant shadow of the colossal Ben More Assynt (998 m). Just before turning onto Loch Assynt, it crosses the very photogenic ruins of Ardvreck Castle. If you are short of time, you don't have to make the detour to Lochinver and you can go north without passing by the coast.

From Lochinver to Durness: you can either retrace your steps to catch up with the A894 or follow the coastline along the B869. If you choose the latter, you can eventually pass by the Point of Stoer and hike to its impressive stack, the Old Man of Stoer. You will catch up with the main road shortly before Unapool and Eas a' Chual Aluinn, the highest waterfall in Britain (200 m) is not far from here, but requires a long and tough 10 km round trip walk from Loch na Gainmich. You will then walk along the beautiful waterfront dotted with lochans (small lochs), via the small bay of Scourie and Laxford Bridge. The final stretch between Rhioconich and Durness is delightful with its vast meadows bordered by mountains to the east. In this area, if you have some time, don't miss the enchanting Sandwood Bay, which is often on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. You'll need to take the B801 west to Blairmore, where a small parking lot and toilets mark the start of the path. It's a 13 kilometers walk there and back, to reach a breathtakingly beautiful beach, whose white sands are encircled by cliffs and watched over by a majestic stack to the south (www.johnmuirtrust.org).

The Glen Nevis Information Centre is a very useful stop to find out about possible walks in the area - several routes of all levels - including the climb up the Ben. It is strongly recommended that you stop by to check the weather conditions before any ascent, especially outside the summer months, and to get all the information you need for a safe hike. There is on-site parking and a coffee shop.

This landscape is, for many, one of the most beautiful in Scotland. When you arrive near the lighthouse, you will have to follow the grassy tracks trodden by other visitors to get to the Duncansby stacks, these impressive and majestic rocky peaks. As you cross the meadow, which you'll share with the sheep, and walk along the cliffs, you'll see seagulls and many oystercatchers in their never-ending ballet. You can't miss the stacks (rocks), which will stand in front of you. Plan to be well covered: the wind is blowing very strong here!

It is difficult not to succumb to the charm of this so familiar distillery. Its discovery during a guided tour invites you to discover the secrets of the making of this world-famous whisky. The stills are certainly what impresses the most, by their size as well as by their beauty. The visit, even the simplest, ends with a commented tasting in the reserved area. The immediate surroundings of the site, with the breathtaking view of the Dornoch Firth, a protected area for bird watching, are also an undeniable asset of the visit.

Loch Ness has no secrets for this museum, which surfs largely on the wave left behind by the monster, whose fabulous universe it recounts. The visit is very interactive, with films, soundtracks, sets and effects, and tries to adopt a rational and scientific tone. A total of seven plays retrace Nessie's marvellous epic, between hoaxes, mysteries, rumours and certainties. A French version is possible. Preferred with teenagers and adults.

The office offers information on travel, accommodation, local services and emergency services. It also offers a selection of books, maps, gifts and souvenirs.

All year round, the famous Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises organize trips on the loch between 1h and 6h30, from several departure points. The varied possibilities make the offer very complete and popular. Indeed, it is possible to walk along the Caledonian canal and the loch, with views of Urquhart Castle, to discover the superb Aldourie Castle (luxury establishment), the Bona lighthouse... Several cruises include entrance fees to paying sites. The boat is well equipped, with toilets on board and the possibility to buy food and drinks.

In a traditional 18th century thatched cottage, on the main road in the centre of the village, the past of the region and its inhabitants is told. Costumes, toys, domestic utensils and objects of all kinds - including a replica of the Ballachullish goddess, a wooden sculpture dated 600 BC. -A replica of the Ballachullish goddess, a wooden sculpture dating from 600 BC, reveals the small story, while retrospectives on the Glencoe Massacre or the Jacobite movement tell the big one. There is also an annual temporary exhibition and events scheduled throughout the year.

Tioram Castle is located on the rocky island of Eilean Tioram, where the waters of Loch Moidart and the Shiel River meet. It was seduced at a strategic point, rivers and seas being once the preferred routes of circulation. Among other things, vestiges of Viking presence were found there. In ruins, it cannot be visited even at low tide. However, you can walk around the island and around the building. However, be very careful (risk of rock falls) and watch the tide schedules.

April 16, 1746 marked the end of the last Jacobite revolution and hopes for the Stuart dynasty to regain the throne of Scotland. After threatening to take London, Bonnie Prince Charlie's troops retreat to the Highlands where they are pursued by the Duke of Cumberland's men. The two armies meet on the plain of Culloden, and the Scots are outnumbered to win. Their defeat is total after one hour and Charles is forced to flee. It's a must if you're passionate about Scottish history.

Museum area: It tells the story of the battle from both points of view, with period objects in support. It thus retraces everything one might want to know about this major event in national history, with reconstitution films and a great deal of information on the ins and outs of the battle. Ultra modern, it offers a 360-degree immersion theatre of combat.

Open Access: The battlefield is visible (but not accessible) in open access, as is the Leanach Cottage, which has been open for visitation since it reopened to visitors in 2019. This traditional thatched cottage built in the 18th century was still inhabited in 1912. It has been restored and has become a free temporary exhibition space.

Shop: Outlander fans, you'll find in the free shopping area what you need to add to your goodies collection

On one of the most beautiful railroads in the country, this superb locomotive train takes you back to the Victorian era, but also through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, between Fort William and Mallaig. In season, there are two daily departures from Fort William, in the morning and afternoon, and two returns from Mallaig, in the afternoon and evening. For Harry Potter fans, this is the Hogwarts Express you see in the films. Contemporary Scotrail trains also take the same route several times a day.