Highlands Advice
Highlands Travel Advice
Hello everyone! My family and I are heading to Scotland in early July for an adventure. We’ll kick off our journey in Glasgow and wrap things up in Edinburgh, renting a car to explore the Highlands for five nights along the way. I’ll have my two kids, aged 11 and 13, with me, and they’re especially excited about riding the Jacobite Steam Train.
We’re planning to spend two nights in Glencoe and three nights in Inverness, but I’m a bit torn about adding the Isle of Skye to our itinerary since it feels like a detour. Instead, I’m looking for a great town to visit that won’t require too much driving.
Any recommendations for activities or sights in Glencoe or Inverness? I prefer to keep it simple with just the two stops. I appreciate your insights! Thanks!
That sounds like a fantastic trip!
Staying in Glen Coe for 2 nights is a great choice. The scenery there is breathtaking, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities. You could consider taking a scenic hike suitable for kids, like the Lost Valley walk, which is relatively short and offers stunning views.
For your time in Inverness, this city is a good base with plenty to do. Since you don’t want to stretch your trip with a third stop, consider a day trip from Inverness to Loch Ness. You could take a boat tour, visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, or explore Urquhart Castle on the shore of the loch. The kids might enjoy the idea of searching for Nessie!
If you’re looking for something a bit different, Dornoch or Nairn might be worth a visit. Both are charming towns with beaches, historical attractions, and beautiful landscapes, and they’re not too far from Inverness.
Another option would be Fort Augustus, located at the southern end of Loch Ness. It’s a lovely village with the Caledonian Canal running through it, and you can watch the boats navigate the locks—a fun sight for the kids!
As for the Jacobite Steam Train, be sure to book your tickets in advance since it can get quite busy, especially in July. Enjoy your trip, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions!