Happy New Year!
I can't quite believe we are now in 2025! After a busy few months, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things with my blog again.
To kick off the New Year, I wanted to share some of my favourite places to explore during winter in the Scottish Highlands. This winter marks my 5th winter living in the Scottish Highlands (I know, I can't quite believe it either!) so I feel like I have enough experience to be able to share some of my favourite places to explore during this time of year.
Despite the short days and the (sometimes) crazy weather, this time of year is one of my favourite times to get out and explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Whether that's heading into the city, or spending the day in nature, it's such a beautiful time to head out and explore all that the Scottish Highlands has to offer.
Below I've shared some of my favourite spots I return to every year to explore during the winter months. It's a varied list, so hopefully there's something for everyone. I've also linked in some other blogposts I've shared over recent years to inspire your next adventure during winter in the Scottish Highlands.
Isle of Skye
You must have know this one was coming! I love spending time exploring the Isle of Skye during all times of year, but especially during the winter. There's something about this time of year that feels really magical on the island. For locals like us, it's also the perfect time to get out and explore and try new places, particularly becuase this time of year is much quieter and less crowded on the island.
One of my favourite things to do during the winter months on the Isle of Skye is get out for a walk somewhere on the island and then head somewhere for a delicious meal. It's a great way to get out and explore more and more spots in this part of the world, as well as having a chance to support local businesses.
I've linked below a bunch of wintery Isle of Skye blogposts from over recent years, including some from my favourite wintery walks and some of my favourite restuarants I've visited during the winter months:
Glencoe
I have such vivid memories of one of my first times exploring Glencoe on a trip back down to Glasgow after visiting my now husband in the early days of our relationship. It was February and I was still getting used to driving solo in my little Fiat 500. I remember driving through Glencoe and being absolutely blown over by how beautiful and bleak it was. It discovered afterwards that that date in February was the anniversary of the Glencoe Massacre, so maybe that added to those feelings of bleakness.
There's something so magical about Glencoe and for me, winter is one of the best times to drive through Glencoe. Although you do have to be aware of potenial hazards during the winter months, seeing the beauty of this part of the Highlands at this time of year is wonderful. We currently have plans fto spend a bit more time in Glencoe over the next few months, so keep your eyes peeled for some more Glencoe content over the next few months.
Wester Ross
One area of the Scottish Highlands that I loved exploring last year during winter was Wester Ross. Last winter, when we worked slightly different hours from our usual 9-5, we were really craving spending our time off outdoors and in nature.
Last March, we discovered Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve and had a lovely wintery walk there. It was such a lovely spot to get stuck back into nature and wander along the paths for a few hours.
Over the winter months this year, I really hope we get the chance to go for some more winter walks in this part of the West Highlands.
Isle of Arran
Every winter, my family and I spend a few days on the Isle of Arran. Growing up, we always spent a week during the summer holidays exploring the Isle of Arran. I never thought I'd say this but I actually think winter is my favourite time of year to be on the Isle of Arran.
I shared a blogpost sharing how we spent three days on the Isle of Arran over winter last year, which you can find here.
Inverness
The capital of the Scottish Highlands, I really believe Inverness is such a perfect place to explore during the winter months in the Scottish Highlands. Because of where Inverness is located, it always seem to be a cold, crisp to enjoy a winter's day (rather than the usual wet and dark days we have on the West Coast).
Last February, we managed to stay at Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness for a couple of nights and it was such a lovely wee getaway to the big city in the Highlands. It also gave us a chance to explore all the fantastic coffee shops, resturants and shops that Inverness has. It's such a fantastic place to enjoy a winter's day.
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