The Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore
Nestled in the picturesque village of Newtonmore, within the stunning Cairngorm National Park, the Highlander Hotel offers a warm Highland welcome. Each of the 83 en-suite rooms is thoughtfully designed for comfort, featuring walk-in showers, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Guests can relax in the hotel's bar and lounge, enjoying a selection of drinks in a cosy atmosphere. With its convenient location, the Highlander Hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty and attractions of the Scottish Highlands.
🛳️ Loch Ness Cruise
Step onboard at Dochgarroch and glide from the Caledonian Canal out onto the famous dark waters of Loch Ness, with beautiful Highland scenery unfolding as you go. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to take it all in, with views along the Great Glen and iconic sights like Bona Lighthouse and Aldourie Castle adding those “this is Scotland” moments.
On board, the commentary brings the loch’s stories and legends to life, and there’s even sonar in use as you keep an eye out for anything lurking below. It’s the kind of experience that feels special without trying too hard - fresh air, big views, and plenty of photo opportunities from start to finish.
🏔️ Highland Folk Museum
The Highland Folk Museum is one of the most interesting ways to experience Highland life, bringing history to life through real buildings, everyday objects, and immersive displays. You can wander through a recreated township with thatched cottages and traditional workshops, then explore later settings that show how people lived and worked across different eras, all set against a beautiful Highland backdrop that makes it feel even more authentic.
🌊 John O’Groats
The journey up to John O’Groats is a day of big Highland scenery that just keeps changing as you go. Leaving Speyside behind, the route threads north through wide open glens and mountain views, then on towards the firths around Inverness, where the landscape opens out into water, rolling hills, and long coastal horizons. As you push further into the far north, you get those classic stretches of dramatic shoreline and rugged cliffs, with sweeping sea views that feel a world away from everyday life.
John O’Groats itself is a memorable spot, famous for its signpost, the wild coastal setting, and clear views out towards Orkney on a bright day. It’s a brilliant place for photos and a refreshing walk by the sea, and if you fancy a little extra scenery nearby, the coastline around Duncansby Head is known for its striking cliffs and sea stacks that really show off the raw beauty of the north coast.
🏞️ Perth & Pitlochry
Perth is a lovely, laid-back city on the River Tay, known for its elegant streets, riverside walks and a classic Scottish feel without the bustle. A stroll around the centre takes you past attractive stone buildings, smart shops and inviting cafés, and the riverside is a real highlight, especially around the Tay Street area and the bridge views. If you fancy a cultural stop, Perth Museum and the famous Stone of Destiny story add an extra layer to the visit.
Pitlochry is pure Highland charm, with pretty streets, independent shops and a cosy atmosphere that makes it a favourite. The scenery is the main event here - you’ve got the River Tummel nearby, the peaceful walks around Loch Faskally, and the chance to take in views at Queen’s View, one of the most photographed lookouts in Scotland. It’s an easy place to enjoy a wander, pick up local treats, and finish the day with that fresh-air feeling.
