The Highlands Regions Guide - attractions

Loch Ness
Loch Ness is situated in the Great Glen that links Inverness on the East coast to Fort William in the West. The most famous lake is 24 miles (39km) long, half a mile (1km) wide and 700ft (213m) deep and is home to the legendary monster which many claim to have glimpsed from the shore. There are fine walks around the mountains and glens that surround the loch and many head for the scenic ruins of Urquhart Castle or the Nessie exhibition at Drumnadrochit. The four lochs that make up the Great Glen are linked by the Caledonian Canal, which was built in the early 1800s to enable ships to pass from the North Sea to the Atlantic without having to navigate Scotland's harsh North coast. The most traditional and comfortable way to travel along the glen is by boat, and a flotilla of canoes, yachts and cruising boats are available for hire in Inverness and Fort William. The more energetic may opt to walk or cycle along the 70-mile (113km) Great Glen Way. The walk will take four to seven days.
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Website: lochnessguide.com
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West Highland Railway
The West Highland Railway runs around 100 miles (161km) from Glasgow to Fort William, and then along the West coast through the remnants of the Caledonian forest, Loch Lomond, Glencoe and some of Britain's most spectacular mountain scenery and finest walking country. Passengers can get off at Highland stations and set off on wonderful walks direct from the platform. For a hiker this railway is an absolute gift and for any visitor wanting to explore the Highlands in comfort, a ride on the West Highland Railway is a must. There are three passenger trains running in each direction every day. Walkers should make sure they book accommodation well in advance and remember to bring rainwear and anti-midge cream.
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Northern Highlands
Beyond Inverness and the Great Glen, Scotland stretches away in a spectacular fusion of wooded glens, sweeping moors, rugged coasts, towering mountains and welcoming villages. The Northern Highlands includes both the rich farmland of the Black Isle and the precipitous sea cliffs of Cape Wrath; the traditional crofting communities of North West Sutherland and the busy towns of Easter Ross; the historic fishing villages of Caithness and the wooded straths of Mid Ross; and the popular beaches of East Sutherland and the majestic, beautiful mountains of Wester Ross. Due to its remoteness this huge area is largely overlooked by tourists despite having one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
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