Rural and isolated holiday cottages in Highlands of Scotland

Holiday activities and places to visit in Highlands of Scotland

Highland Loch Voile The Highlands of Scotland are the perfect location for an isolated holiday cottage - this is a remote and very beautiful part of the UK. The stunning landscape is idyllic with lochs, glens, rivers, moorland and mountains. The countryside is unspoilt and varied: the mountains of the Cairngorms and the Cuillins, on Skye; stunning empty beaches of Ardnamurchan; wild expanses of moorland in Caithness; ancient pine forests in Strathspey.

There is wonderful mountain climbing and hill-walking, as well as great golf courses, and world-class salmon and trout fishing. The diverse habitat provides home to deer, dolphins, whales, golden eagles, ospreys, sea eagles, and plenty of rare birds and plants - the Highlands of Scotland is a bird-watchers paradise.

Many visitors come here to trace their family roots back to the clans of Scotland - often forced to leave Scotland during the Clearances. There are many local sources in the highlands (including clan museums) which will assist with your genealogy search. Highland Games occur all over Scotland in the summer, and if you are staying in a Highland holiday cottage then check if there are any happening during your holiday. Also try to catch a traditional ceilidh and hear traditional Scottish music.

Self-catering cottages to rent in the Scottish Highlands

Loch If you want to be totally remote in an isolated cottage then try to rent a Highland bothy - they will provide a completely different experience of a self-catering holiday as they don't have electricity and often are some distance from a road. The Scottish highlands has a wealth of self catering cottages, houses, lodges and castles to rent - we only feature luxury holiday cottages on our site but there is plenty of other accommodation in the area, including luxury hotels and bed and breakfasts.

From Oban you can reach many of the Scottish Islands - where a unique and unforgettable holiday experience can be found, with some of the clearest sea water, sandy beaches and rugged coastlines. The area is famous for the car touring route The north coast 500. Often you will have the beaches to yourself and the more remote you are staying the less likely you are to see anyone!

Dingwall, Ross-shire, Highlands

Ferries run from Oban to many of the Islands. Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands of Scotland and is the centre of many outdoor activities. The Highlands are beautiful in every season, and a secluded holiday cottage here will give you the opportunity to explore this fantastic, remote part of Scotland.

FAQ about visiting the Highlands of Scotland which vacation activities to do and where to go?

Aren't the Highlands just the mountain region of Scotland?

Not at all. The Highlands refers to Scotland that is north-west of what is known as the Highland Boundary Fault. This crosses the Scottish mainland in an almost straight line from Helensburgh to Stonehaven and the is the most north western part of mainland Great Britain.

How remote remote is the Highlands and which towns will I find there?

Aside from the city of Inverness and one of the most famous locations in the UK, John o' Groats (as the most northern point on mainland Great Britain), there are many famous names such as Wick, Durness, Skye, Aviemore, Nairn, Fort William, Gairloch, Ullapool, Dingwall and Invergordon.

What is there to see in the Highlands?

Well, aside from wonderful scenery and certainly plenty of mountains, the most famous of them all, Ben Nevis is located in the south of the region. And northwest of there you’ll find the equally famous Loch Ness (deepest seawater loch in the world) where you can indulge in a bit of monster hunting! Castle visiting, historic buildings, whisky tasting, Gin distilleries are aside from the multiple outdoor activities and sporting opportunities. Add in John o’ Groats, the ski resort of Aviemore, the wonderful Moray Firth and the Isle of Skye, and you'll soon find you'll run out of days! And the 'Jacobite' Fort William to Mallaig 84-mile round-trip rail journey is said to be the greatest railway journey in the world.

So, will I find it easy to book a holiday cottage?

With the usual rules of booking early to ensure you reserve the best holiday cottage suitable to your needs (or take your chance for a last minute deal), you'll find a great selection of remote and isolated cottages but also less rural holiday homes throughout this expansive region. Whether you want a cottage near the mountains or one near the sea - and there is plenty of coastline and Island holiday homes – it's very much down to individual choice.

Is it easy to get to the Highlands of Scotland?

It's certainly no more difficult than any other region in the UK to get to, but do bear in mind relative distances. While it may be a very long drive by car from the southeast or southwest of the UK, there Is a very good 'A' road network, many roads of which afford spectacular coastal or lochside views, not to forget fabulous mountains. The Highland region is also served by trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness and it is easy to rent a car.

Is it likely that I will see the Loch Ness monster?

Come and see - many people have recorded sightings from the shores of Loch Ness - you might be present at the right moment. You can visit on a day trip or rent a cottage close by.

Scottish castles

Castles in Scotland Highland castles Lothian Castles