The Highlands: 4-day itinerary

A view looking down Glencoe in summer on a sunny day. The mountains are green, and white clouds streak across the sky.

From one of Scotland’s most famous battlefields to its most iconic glen, there’s so much to discover in the Highlands. We’ve made it easy for you to plan your trip with a 4-day itinerary, so you don’t miss anything!

Day 1

Begin with a visit to the historic and fun-filled Brodie Castle before heading west to the powerfully moving and inspirational Culloden battlefield. Then finish the day off at the fascinating Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum.

A view of the west wing of Brodie Castle from along an avenue of beech trees. The pink tower towards the front of the castle is clearly visible. It is a sunny day with a clear blue sky.

A view of the Playful Garden at Brodie Castle, showing visitors playing on various installations. Children run around a miniature Brodie Castle on the right. In the foreground, children play on giant spinning bobbins.

A reenactment photo of a group of Jacobite soldiers, charging across a foggy moor. They hold targes and swords.

A large, illuminated 3D map of the battle of Culloden is displayed on a low table in a visitor centre. Lots of people stand round the outside, looking at it.

Period furniture is displayed in the sitting room of Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage & Museum. There are several wooden chairs, a spinning wheel and a large table, all on a flagstone floor.

Day 2

Carry on through the Highlands with a stop at the magnificent mile-long canyon of Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve before heading to one of the UK’s most spectacular and picturesque botanical gardens, Inverewe.

A pedestrian suspension bridge, with a man in a white t-shirt walking across it, arches over a gorge. Beyond it, the mountainous landscape is covered by a variety of trees.

A colour photograph of Inverewe House, seen from the lawn. A gravel path runs along the edge of the lawn with a group of people walking on it. Several other groups of people either sit on the grass or on the wooden benches in front of the house.

Day 3

Day 3 in the Highlands is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Start in the ancient wilderness of Torridon, rich in wildlife and dramatic mountains, then head south to the traditional crofting land of Balmacara Estate & Woodland Walks.

Looking across to the mountains of Torridon on a sunny, summer day. Cloud swirls around the mountain base, just above the loch.

Highland cows graze on some short grass in front of a white croft house, with a hill behind.

Day 4

Your final day in the Highlands takes in two of the most breathtaking and iconic landscapes in Scotland - start at Glenfinnan Monument, framed by scenery found in films such as Harry Potter, and finish at Glencoe National Nature Reserve, the backdrop for films including Braveheart and Skyfall.