Throughout the summer months, when I meet people travelling around the Scottish Highlands during the busy tourist season, I always get asked if there's any recommendations I'd make to those visiting this stunning part of the world.
I'm sure I could write a hundred blogposts about my tips for visiting the Scottish Highlands and Islands (maybe I will) but here's a first to start off with.
Be Prepared for Any and All Weather
One constant about living in the Scottish Highlands is being prepared for any and all weather. Even throughout this summer, I've been opting for wearing my leather boots, rather than shorts and sandals.
If you're planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands, the number recommendation I'd make for packing is bring layers. Bring tshirts and jumpers to layer up, as well as shorts and trousers. Make sure you bring a waterproof and windproof jacket.
Be Prepared for Journeys to take Longer than Google says
Another constant about living in the Scottish Highlands, especially during the summer months, is how long it takes to get places. Due to the volume of traffic on the road and the narrow single track roads, journey times can take a lot longer than originally suggested on Google. If you are planning on being somewhere for a specific time, I'd recommend leaving in plenty of time to allow for traffic and stopping at the side of the road to enjoy the view for a wee while
If you Want to Enjoy Dinner Out, Make sure you Book in Advance
One of my favourite discoveries I've had living in the Scottish Highlands is just how incredible the food and drink offerings are in this region of Scotland. That being said, many of the restuarants and cafes in the Highlands and Islands are often family owned small businesses in small premises. If there is a specific restuarant or cuisine you are desperate to try, I'd highly recommend booking that in advance of your trip.
Be Flexible with your Plans
One way to avoid disappointment on your next trip to the Scottish Highlands is holding plans loosely and being flexible with how you spend your days. The weather might interrupt your plans to go on a boat trip. An overcast day or low cloud might stop you being able to climb that Munro. An unexpected cafe closure might mean you don't get to visit that spot you've wanted to try.
Whenever I travel somewhere new in the Scottish Highlands, I like to make a rough plan of some of the places and sights I want to visit in that area. Hopefully we'll then get to visit these spots. However, if something ends up changing, I have some back up options to be able to explore instead of my original plan.
Be Prepared to (potentially) be Disappointed by the Big Tourist Attractions, and be Surprised by the Hidden Gems
You may have noticed that, in all the blogposts I've shared over the last 3 years about the Isle of Skye, I've never shared a blogpost about the Fairy Pools. To be honest with you, although I do think it's a pretty spot on the island, I wouldn't bother visiting the Fairy Pools over other spots on the island.
Throughout the Highlands and Islands, there are loads of spots that are considered "must visit spots" by travel bloggers and influencers, which are often very busy and overcrowded. Meanwhile, there are thousands of spots, often very nearby these tourist hotspots, that are sometimes more beautiful.
On this blog, I like to share a real range of these places, so that you'll hopefully have a rounded and varied trip. If you are heading to the Scottish Highlands, ask locals about some their favourite spots. You might end up visiting somewhere incredible.
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