Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Highlands Historical Sites
Step1
Visit Urquhart Castle, a place steeped in Highland history. Situated above Loch Ness, Urquart Castle played a major role in the politics of Scotland for over 400 years. In 1977 "Nessie," the Loch Ness monster was spotted from the castle tower.
Step2
Check out Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most photographed tower house. Inside, visitors can look at the meticulously recreated scenes from days past.
Step3
Take a tour of Scotland's oldest, continually inhabited structure, Donvegan Castle. The castle was restored in the 1800s and is home to a wonderful collection of artwork and period furniture. Footpaths from Dunvegan lead to two beautiful waterfalls, nearby.
Step4
Relive a Shakespeare play by visiting the setting of Macbeth, Cawdor Castle. Located a few miles from Inverness and the Moray Firth, Cawdor Castle has extensive gardens and inside is a collection of antique firearms, portraits, and tapestries.
Highland Towns and Villages
Step1
Stay in the picturesque town of Ballater in Aberdeenshire. Many shops in this prosperous tourist enclave sport the royal seal of Elizabeth II and family, who summer nearby at Balmoral Castle.
Step2
Play a round of championship golf at the world's most northern golf course at Dornoch. Visitors to Dornoch can also tour the thirteenth century cathedral or stay at Dornoch Castle, now a hotel.
Step3
Admire the thatched cottages in the lovely village of Fortingall, in Perthshire. While in Fortingall, tourist can also stop by the "oldest living object in Europe," a 3000 year old yew tree.
Step4
Fish the waters around the village of Lochinver, in Sutherland. Surrounded by wild moorland, Lochinver is a favorite spot for fishermen.
