Fall in Love with the Scottish Highlands
There is no denying it, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world – and it’s not just us patriotic locals who think that. Rough Guide voted Scotland one of the most beautiful destinations in 2018.
Being lucky enough to live, work and breathe in the Highlands of Scotland, we can confidently tell you that it is absolutely beautiful. So we have put together a small list of our most loved and romantic spots for you to visit, not just for Valentine’s Day, but for any moment, special occasion or simply a day out.
The destinations below are all within a short walk or drive from the Loch Ness Cottage Collection.
Loch Ness, Dores Beach & Aldourie Woods
Now, of course, Loch Ness is at the top of our list. On our doorsteps at the Loch Ness Cottage Collection, you can view the wonders of Loch Ness with the wonderful @LochnessbyJacobite. Offering daily cruises through the deepest waters of Loch Ness. View the once mighty stronghold Urquhart Castle by boat or disembark and explore by foot. The whole set-up is stunning, romantic, and breathtaking a must-see when visiting the highlands.
You can also have an unspoilt view of Loch Ness from the beautiful Dores Beach, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from Dochgarroch.
Here, you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful Aldourie woods. Where you will stumble upon twisty woods carpeted with Scottish bluebells in spring, secret viewpoints and access to Loch Ness. Aldourie woods are like walking through the pages of a fairy tale and are a must-visit when in the area!
Meall Fuar – Mhonaidh
If you want to view Loch Ness from the highest natural point, then this is the walk for you! Meall Fuar – Mhonaidh (a bit of a mouthful!) is the tallest hill on Loch Ness. The more advanced hill walker would be classed as a Graham and take around 3 – 5 hours to complete. If you’ve been to Loch Ness already the chances are you have already spotted this hill towering above the glen!
Approx a 40-minute drive from the Loch Ness Cottage Collection.
Falls of Foyers
A short but spectacular walk, that takes in the must-see sights of South Loch Ness. The Falls of Foyers is set in a dramatic gorge. The waterfall is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Highlands, however, experiencing it first-hand cannot be compared to a photo!
Approximately a 45-minute drive from The Loch Ness cottage Collection.
Ord Hill
Ord hill offers stunning views over the Kessock Bridge and Inverness City Centre. With a large car park, the walk is suitable for walkers of all varieties, prams and bikes.
Ord Hill is approximately a 20-minute drive from The Loch Ness Cottage Collection.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie
Fortrose and Rosemarkie are home to one of the most beautiful beaches and the highly sought-after dolphin spotting area – Chanonry Point.
You can walk the length of the beach to the point and back, looking out to Ardesier, Fort George, Cromarty and beyond the Moray Firth.
Rosemarkie is also home to the fairy Glen, a beautiful woodland walk.
Approximately 30 minutes from the Loch Ness Cottage Collection.
The Black Isle is a gorgeous drive, there are multiple walks, viewpoints and
Rogie Falls
Rogie Falls has a series of lovely walks on the Black Water which you can follow to see the waterfall that is famous for salmon viewing.
This beautiful spot is situated off the main road to Ullapool just over a mile northwest of the village of Contin. It offers several good forest walks. There are plenty of waymarked walks and seating at a viewpoint overlooking the falls.
Rogie Falls is approximately a 1-hour drive from the Loch Ness Cottage Collection.
Divach Falls
Divach Falls is on the North side of Loch Ness, in a small village called Drumnadrochit.
The walk can be combined with a walk to Craigmonie – a viewpoint with gorgeous views over the mighty Loch Ness.
There are options to take the car part of this walk – which is great if you have young children.
Drumnadrochit is approx. a 20-minute drive from the Loch Ness Cottage Collection. The village itself is full of local cafes and shops – it makes for a wonderful day out.
There is a beautiful parking spot on the A82 called the “wellington bomber layby” which is a great spot for taking photos. This layby can be busy during the summer months as it is a popular spot, however, worth stopping at if the opportunity arises.
Urquhart Bay – Woodland Trust walk
This beautiful walk takes you down to the banks of Loch Ness.
Urquhart Bay is one of the best examples of surviving woodland in Europe, home to alder ash bird, cherry and white willow trees. The footpath forms a rough figure of eight through the centre of the woods.
There is public access and parking nearby. It can become quite boggy during the winter and generally wetter months, so come prepared for the terrain.
Urquhart Bay is a short 15-minute drive from the Loch Ness Cottage Collection.
Glencoe
Glencoe is Scotland’s most famous and romantic Glen.
The awe-inspiring scenery is worthy of a postcard. Glencoe is known for its rugged landscape and is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places in the Highlands.
Glencoe also has a claim to fame with the Harry Potter Films having been filmed here in the early 2000s.