Nice Places to go in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is full of incredible places to explore from peaceful lochs and ancient forests to dramatic viewpoints, coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and charming villages. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a scenic drive, or a full adventure holiday, the Highlands offers countless beautiful spots that showcase the region’s landscapes, wildlife, and history. Our Nice Places to Go in the Highlands guide highlights a curated selection of must see locations across the region, including quiet nature reserves, iconic viewpoints, hidden walks, coastal lookouts, and local favourites that visitors often miss. Each place includes clear information, photos, and helpful details so you can easily plan your visit. Explore scenic areas near lochs, mountains, beaches, forests, and walking routes – perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, photography, picnics, and relaxed days out. With real local insight and regularly updated recommendations, Highlands Outdoor Hub helps you discover the most beautiful places to go in the Highlands, whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time.

Below you will see our personal recommended Scottish spots, viewpoints, nature reserves, Munros, summits, fishing spots, places to wild camp, hiking trails, dog walking areas, forests, landmarks and much more around the Scottish Highlands. We know the list is a little empty, but it will be updated with time and more categories will be added. We plan to have a large index of places to go and if you wish to seek any advice on the best places to go in the Highlands we will be more than happy to help. We will also have a range of gear rental items to help you explore these places, from tents, to stoves,  to hiking poles to kayaks. 

CRACKIN’ PLACES TO SEE

Glen Affric

Route Style: Forest and lochside trails through ancient Caledonian pinewoods

Difficulty: Easy to moderate; well‑maintained paths with optional longer loops

Highlights: Stunning lochs, quiet woodland, classic “most beautiful glen in Scotland” scenery

Plodda Falls

Coming Soon

Route Style: Short woodland walk through towering Douglas firs to a dramatic viewing platform

Difficulty: Easy; well‑marked paths suitable for most visitors

Highlights: One of Scotland’s tallest waterfalls, lush forest atmosphere, impressive drop from the high platform

Corrieshalloch Gorge

Route Style: Short, easy paths leading to a suspension bridge and viewing platforms over the gorge

Difficulty: Easy; suitable for most visitors

Highlights: Deep slot‑canyon scenery, dramatic waterfall drop, quick stop with huge visual impact

Ruthven Nature Reserve

A peaceful RSPB reserve on the River Nairn floodplain, just outside Inverness. Ruthven is known for its open wetlands, meadows, and wide skies, making it one of the best quiet wildlife‑watching spots close to the city. The terrain is flat and easy, ideal for short walks and relaxed nature visits.

Allt Na Criche

Allt na Criche is a short, scenic woodland trail on the shores of Loch Ness, just south of Fort Augustus. It’s known for being a quick, easy walk with a surprisingly good viewpoint over the loch.

Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve

Scotland’s first National Nature Reserve with iconic Torridon scenery

Mountain ridge with 2 Munro summits

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