Bowl-shaped mountains, separated by lochs of dark blue water and endless, treeless moors, dot the landscape. Intrigued yet?
There is nothing more picturesque than the Scottish Highlands. Bowl-shaped mountains, separated by lochs of dark blue water and endless, treeless moors, dot the landscape. The area is famous for its geology and its rural settlements. What used to be a impoverished landscape is now a tourism mecca for hiking, nature and culture lovers alike. That is what brought me to the Highlands. I wanted to experience this landscape for myself.
Inverness is a perfect jumping off point for exploration of the Highlands. Today’s journey is a loop venturing past the lochs that divide the Highlands and into Cairngorms National Park.
Google Maps The route I took in the Central Highlands of Scotland.
I spent most of the day driving around to see the landscape, rather than stopping at historic sites. Therefore, photos are the best way to tell this story:
I started out the day by driving along the famous Loch Ness. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any monsters.
A82 goes right along the loch with convenient scenic turn-offs.
A late September shower rolls across Loch Ness.
A glimpse of Urquhart Castle along the banks of Loch Ness.
Along A82 is Loch Ness’ famous 13th century Urquhart Castle. I bypassed the castle this time, but it is a sight to be seen. Many of the Highland tours out of Edinburgh stop here.
I found Nessie! (At a car park. A total tourist trap but it’s great.)
The ruins of Invergarry Castle along the shores of Loch Oich.
A quiet harbor on Loch Oich right after a light shower.
Loch Oich is a narrow loch nestled between two steep hills.
Low laying clouds move in over Loch Lochy. (Yes, it is actually named that.)
Route A82 continues along Loch Lochy, giving spectacular views of the Central Highlands.
Towards the southern end of Loch Lochy on a clear enough day you may spot Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Great Britain. Ben Nevis is so big, it is hard to see the enormity of it in Fort William, the nearest town.
The Commando Monument is dedicated to British Commando Forces that served in World War II. It offers amazing views of the countryside.
Sheep, cottages, mountains and rain. The only way to make this view more Scottish is to add a guy in a kilt playing the bagpipes.
Now entering the area just south of Cairngorms National Park. So adorable.
Cairngorms National Park is famous for its moors, an endless and treeless landscape full of scrub brush. Not quite high enough yet in elevation, but already breath taking.
As I started to climb to the plateau of the park, this lovely little valley appeared, complete with farm fields, sheep and a little steam train.
Up in the moors of Cairngorms. This park is best explored on foot. The highway only touches a small sliver of this landscape. It was still worth the drive however short it was. Just look how blue that water is! Unbelievable.
The drive was worth it.
It took all day to drive what should have taken 3.5 hours. It was not sunny and it rained, but I think that adds to the charm of the Highlands. The clouds sit on top of the mountains and move into the valleys. Rain shower dot the countryside, adding vibrant colors even in September. There is so much to see in this area and I only brushed the surface.
