The Scottish Highlands is a sparsely populated area of Scotland that is renowned for its wild landscapes that include heather-clad mountains, countless sparkling lochs, waterfalls and the beautiful coastline. While those views will leave you breathless, you'll find more to do here than take postcard photos. From searching for the legendary Loch Ness monster to exploring ancient castles, it's easy to create an itinerary that will ensure an unforgettable escape.
Explore Cairngorms National Park 
Credit: bigstock.com Cairngorms National Park
Explore Cairngorms National Park (Hotels nearby)
The Cairngorms National Park is the UK's largest national park, a pristine mountain wilderness that is home to five of Scotland's six highest peaks and four out of ten of Britain's highest peaks. It also boasts some of the most spectacular lakes and rivers, native forests and heathlands, as well as being abundant with wildlife. Just some of the creatures you might spot include reindeer, wild cat, marten, golden eagle, deer and badger. You'll also find miles and miles of scenic trails to explore, including a walk around Loch Muick and a trek to the top of Ben Macdui almost 4300 feet for an incredible bird's eye view of the landscape.
Hike to Old Storr 
Credit: Bigstock.com Old Mann Storr
Hike to the Old Man of Storr (Hotels nearby)
The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye is a rocky ridge, a maze of craggy spires and pinnacles created by a huge ancient landslide. The 'Old Man' is the tallest and most distinctive of those spires and can be seen for miles around. One of the most photographed places in the whole country, the summit can be reached quite easily with a walk on a well-maintained path. One of the most popular hikes on the island, your reward is breathtaking views of Rona and Raasay along the road and the rock formations around the sanctuary, including the nearly 165-foot Old Man.
See the Loch Ness Monster 
Credit: bigstock.com Loch Ness, Scotland
See the Loch Ness Monster (Hotels nearby)
You can't visit The Highlands and not at least get a glimpse of the infamous Loch Ness Monster, but that's not the only reason you should visit. You can explore the 754-foot deep lake on a trip to Loch Ness from Inverness, hike along the coast and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle. While only the ruins of the medieval fortress remain, it is a great place to take photos or simply admire the lake. At the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, you can learn about the legends of the country's most mysterious sea creature.
Glencoe Valley 
Credit: Bigstock.com The Three Sisters and the Glencoe Mountains, Scottish Highlands
Glencoe Valley (Hotels nearby)
Considered the most scenic mountain valley and the most famous Glen in Scotland, the forbidding mountains, waterfalls and shimmering lakes create a landscape so serene it looks like it's been Photoshopped. Flanked by the expanse of Loch Leven and overshadowed by the pinnacles of the Three Sisters mountain range and the cone-shaped Pap of Glencoe, a hike through the valley is one of the most rewarding treks one can make. Hikers and climbers are drawn from all corners of the globe to tackle its many mountaineering routes, including eight Munros, while wildlife enthusiasts catch a glimpse of red deer, golden eagles and martens.
Ride the Jacobite Steam Train Credit: bigstock.com Jacobite Steam Train
Ride the Jacobite Steam Train (Hotels nearby)
Take a trip back in time by travelling on a team train from the foot of Ben Nevis to Fort William, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct with 21 arches that was depicted in the Harry Potter films overlooking Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The train passes the silver sands of Morar, which were used in the 'Highlander' and 'Local Hero' films, and eventually arrives in the fishing port of Mallaig, with a stop at the picturesque village of Glenfinnan, where a large monument commemorates Bonnie Prince Charlie's Rebellion against a backdrop of incomparable scenic beauty.
Swim with Seals in the Sound of Mull 
Credit: dizzley Scotland
Swim with Seals in the Sound of Mull (Hotels nearby)
You've probably heard of swimming with dolphins and may have even tried it, but have you ever swum with seals? At the Sound of Mull you can take a 'seal safari' with Gift Experience Scotland that includes swimming with these adorable creatures in the clear waters of a sheltered bay. The large colony includes harbour, grey and common seals, and there are almost always a dozen seals waiting to greet passengers on the boat. You can also see a variety of other marine life such as colourful anemones and nudibranchs.
Climb Ben Nevis 
Credit: bigstock.com Ben Nevis Summit
Climb Ben Nevis (Hotels nearby)
The highest peak in the British Isles, Ben Nevis is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, more than 400 metres above nearby Fort William. Climbing to its summit, you will be enchanted by views stretching over 100 miles from the Grampian Mountains towards Glencoe and the Atlantic coast. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Northern Ireland. Take the main road if you're not up to a big challenge. The Pony Track starts about 1.5 miles east of Fort Williams at Achintee and takes walkers up the western flank, maintaining a steady gradient and not too steep for much of the way.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park 
Credit: Bigstock.com Loch Lomond, central Scotland
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (Hotels nearby)
An area of outstanding natural beauty, once traversed by legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, visitors have been drawn to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park by tales and poems inspired by local legends and romantic scenery for decades. Loch Lomond lies at the centre. 'The Queen of the Scottish lochs', according to the writer Walter Scott, is the largest loch in Britain with its waters full of trout, salmon and whitefish making it a popular fishing destination. It is also a favourite for boating, water skiing, swimming and picnicking. One of the best ways to experience it is to take a boat trip or hike on its shores.
Dog sledding with the Cairngorm Sledging Centre 
Credit: facebook.com Scottish dog sledding
Dog sledding with the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre (Hotels nearby)
If you've always wanted to try dog sledding, it's something you can do all year round in Scotland. While winter is the most authentic experience, when there is no snow on the ground, wheeled sleds are used. The team of competitive sled dogs will pull you and a musher around the trails of the Cairngorm Forest. The Cairngorm Sleddog Centre is the only sled dog centre that works every day and only one in five in the whole of Europe. You will meet the team, have a great time with the dogs and see spectacular mountain views and exploit the wilderness.