The Scottish Highlands: More Than Just the Loch Ness Monster

After a jaunt to Edinburgh with our two children, my husband and I fell in love with Scotland. It felt so different than our home in North Yorkshire, but was still so close. I knew that we had to go back, and started planning our trip to the Scottish Highlands. I imagined that there wasn't much to see in the area other than Loch Ness. However, as I began to research the Highlands and the area surrounding the loch, I was surprised to read about all of the beautiful castles, historic sites, gardens, and towns and villages that could quickly fill up our calendar. If you're heading to the Highlands, there's more to see than just the mythical monster.

Nairn

This beautiful seaside fishing town is located on Moray Firth, where you can look out from a walk along the beach and boardwalk across the water. The coastline makes it an idyllic place to go on holiday, or just to walk around on a beautiful day. The town center is located nearby with local shops and bakeries to sample. In addition, Nairn is located just 16 miles from Inverness and the nearby loch. Those traveling between the two cities can stop and visit Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle, both popular tourist attractions.

Inverness

This capitol of the Highlands is a bustling city complete with pubs, upscale restaurants and shops, and even a mall, a rarity in the UK! However, even for all the city-like features visitors can still stroll along the River Ness and take in the city from a distance. View Inverness Castle, today home to the Sheriff's Court and look down on the rest of the city and the river from above. Visitors should also consider visiting the Clava Cairns, just outside of Inverness off of a minor road. These ancient burial grounds have been around since the Bronze Age, and make for some interesting exploring (and they're free, too!).

Loch Ness

Of course, no trip to the Highlands would be complete without a stop to see Loch Ness. Though you might not see the Loch Ness Monster, visitors are able to stop in and enjoy The Loch Ness Experience. In addition, many people fail to realize that Loch Ness is a wealth of natural beauty. From viewing the loch while eating at The Clansman, exploring Urquhart Castle, or taking a hike through many of the local trails, visitors are drawn to the Loch Ness area time and time again to appreciate its beauty and history.

Though Loch Ness might have the reputation in the US as a cheesy tourist trap, the area is rich in natural beauty and history. Visitors can experience all that the Highlands have to offer by escaping to this beautiful vacation spot.