The Only Map You Need Of The Scottish Highlands

Loch Ness is arguably Scotland's most famous landmark, a huge body of water which slashes through the Scottish Highlands, and which, according to legend, is home to a huge aquatic monster, affectionately known as Nessie. Almost a century after the first grainy photos emerged of what was said to be the monster, it continues to capture the attention of pseudoscience enthusiasts, with the annual Quest Festival bringing would-be monster hunters from around the world to the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Of course, the Highlands isn't just about its most famous amphibious resident. Even on the shore of the loch itself, there is a huge amount to see and do, with the ruined Urquhart Castle on the east of the loch and the Aldourie Castle and gardens to the north, both stunning attractions. And just beyond the loch's northernmost tip, the city of Inverness is blessed with beautiful churches, a Victorian market, and yet another fabulous castle.

But the Highlands, which come recommended by European travel expert Rick Steves as a way of exploring the real Scotland off the beaten track, are positively sprawling, and staying in the center means missing out on its diverse landscapes and destinations. Here is what you can't afford to miss on a tour of the Scottish Highlands.

The north Scottish Highlands offer some of the most remote spots in the British Isles, and some of its most dramatic scenery. The evocatively named Cape Wrath is Scotland's most northwesterly point and is characterized by its rugged cliffs and gorgeous sea views. There is only one road to access it, and it is surrounded by moorland, with nearby Kearvaig Bay known for its white-sand beaches and imposing sea stacks.

The most northwestern village on the mainland is Durness, an important stop on the North Highland Way, which is a famous hiking route. The nearby North West Highlands Geopark is definitely worth visiting, with UNESCO-recognized hiking routes allowing you to explore mountains, caves, and beaches while encountering a wide array of wildlife.

The coastal village of Tongue may be sleepy, but it is a great place to stay for some peace and quiet and to access nearby Ben Loyal (the "Queen of Scottish mountains") and Castle Varrich, which you can reach from the village within an hour's hike. For surfing, go to Thurso, considered a world-class surfing spot by surfers who can handle the cold. It is just to the north of town where you can catch the ferry to the Orkney Isles if you are planning to take your tour of Scotland to even more remote regions.

The South Highlands contains some of Scotland's most popular destinations from which to explore the great outdoors. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park – a highly underrated spot which is far less crowded than Loch Ness — is a great camping spot, where you can also enjoy pursuits including angling, boating, and mountaineering. It is also home to several picturesque towns and villages, as well as hiking routes that will take you past beautiful geological features, including many waterfalls.

Great views of the southern Highlands lochs can be found on the Arrochar Alps, which features steep rocky mountains and hiking routes of varying difficulty. For different terrain, head to Rannoch Moor, a handsome wilderness characterized by lochs, bogs, and rivers. Callander is one of the most frequented small towns in the area, with Bracklinn Falls and the River Keltie making it a big draw for tourists. It has several accommodation options and is a great place to stop to visit a tea shop or to buy souvenirs.

To the southeast of Inverness you will encounter one of the Scottish Highlands most famous places: Cairngorms National Park, which spans 1,748 square miles and makes up roughly 6% of the whole of Scotland. Though thousands of people have their homes in the park, around half of it is still wild and contains around a quarter of the rare and endangered flora and fauna species found in the U.K.

For fans of the British royal family, the East Highlands contains some must-see locations, including Balmoral Castle, where the royals take vacations, and the village of Ballater, which contains the train station where the royal members would typically arrive throughout the 20th century, as well as plenty of cute stores and local business typically housed in fine examples of Victorian architecture.

Meanwhile, the historic town of Elgin is noted for its cathedral ruins and the Elgin Museum, which dates back to 1836 and is considered one of the oldest museums in the entire U.K. The Speyside region is famous for its whisky distilleries. It contains over 50 in total and is the place to go if you want to sample some drams of Scotland's most famous export.

In the west of the Scottish Highlands you will find Ben Nevis, the British Isles' highest mountain. For most hikers looking to tackle its peak, the day begins in Fort William, which at the foot of the mountain makes an ideal base, with a wide range of accommodation options on hand, as well as other attractions including the West Highland Museum, boasting an extensive collection telling the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the Jacobite Steam Train, which still operates daily between April and October.

The coastal vacation town of Oban is considered the seafood capital of Scotland, and its maritime heritage also makes it a hub from which to explore nearby islands by boat. The western Highlands coastal towns of Mallaig and Arisaig are also well worth a visit.

The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland via the isle of Eilean Bàn by the Skye Bridge. It's known for its fantastic attractions, including the Fairy Glen, the Quiraing landform, and the Old Man of Storr mountain, which is beloved for its evocative hiking routes and incredible views. Glencoe in the Lochaber Geopark is a must-visit for those interested in the Highland Games and the traditional game of shinty, while Torridon, Fisherfield, and Gairloch offer desolate, craggy landscapes ideal for hiking and photography. Looking for more Scottish travel ideas? Here are 14 of the best activities you can't skip on a trip to Scotland.