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Scotland has no shortage of things to see, and most regions have their own unique attractions. But among the best is the wild terrain of the Highlands. Why not try to get all the way to the top of Scotland (and the U.K., too, for that matter) and see some of the wide-open spaces? For this seven-day itinerary, you can take the train from anywhere up to Inverness and rent a car there.
From Inverness, head north across the Black Isle, through Tain, and across the Dornoch Firth. Make a brief stop to see the cathedral in Dornoch, and then head up through Lairg to the northern shore.
At Tongue, you may want to stop to see the Highland cattle that roam the beaches here, and then go west to Durness, a settlement that John Lennon visited as a child (which is why a small monument stands in his memory). One natural curiosity is Smoo Cave, although what's really spectacular is the craggy shoreline, which leads to remote Cape Wrath. For some excellent crafts, visit Balnakeil — an artists' colony that's a throwback to the 1960s if there ever was one.
From Durness, head south along more beautiful, unspoiled shoreline toward Scourie. But before you get there, you really must detour out to Blairmore, park the car, and hike into the most unspoiled beach in Great Britain, Sandwood Bay. You can also hike to Cape Wrath from Sandwood, if you're ambitious.
To appreciate just how wild, beautiful, and unpopulated the Western Highlands region of Scotland truly is, detour at Kylesku to the peninsula with the stone monument known as the Old Man of Stoer or simply carry on to the active fishing port of Ullapool. It's hardly a big town, but it seems like the height of civilization after you've spent time further north.
Inverewe Garden is the next highlight, although your drive south provides ample opportunities to stop and sightsee, like at Gruinard Bay, where you may just see some sea otters splashing in the surf.
The road south twists and turns past Gairloch, Loch Torridon, and the road to Applecross (where the inn serves famously delicious meals) before arriving in perhaps the most picturesque village in the Highlands: Plockton. Kick back, relax, and toast your Highland excursion on your final night of this tour.
Finally, drive to Loch Duich and see Eilean Donan, the most photographed castle in the Highlands. Then hit the road through Invermoriston to Loch Ness, where you can take a brief cruise and see if Nessie raises her knurled head, before you return to Inverness.
Touring the Western Highlands and Islands
If you don't want to cover the hundreds of miles necessary to get to places such as Durness, Sandwood Bay, and Inverewe Garden, then the itinerary in this section is the one for you. It's less strenuous but still brings you into the Highlands and includes a taste of the islands, too.
From Glasgow, where you should rent a car for this tour after you've seen the city, head northwest along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, stop for refreshment at the Drovers Inn, carry on to Crianlarich, and enter the Highlands via the gorgeously desolate Rannoch Moor and verdant Glen Coe.
The region south of Fort William is a great place to spend the night. You can choose from inexpensive B&Bs as well as posher lodges, such as Ballachulish House. In Fort William, satisfy your shopping urges, and then get on the "Road to the Isles," which takes you to the Glenfinnan Monument at the tip of Loch Shiel.
Get off the beaten track and explore a bit of Moidart and Ardnamurchan, which has the most westerly peninsula in the British mainland. Take time to see Castle Tioram before backtracking to Lochailort and resuming the trek north to Arisaig.
From Arisaig, with its pleasant little harbor, you can take a cruise to one of the small islands, Eigg. The trip often includes some whale sightings. Just past Arisaig, golfers may want to try the tricky (if short) Traigh course, before everyone enjoys the lovely Sands of Morar.
Next on this tour is Mallaig and the ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, which is the largest island of the Hebrides. Just north of the ferry terminal is the Clan Donald visitor center. You have time to visit the center and drive up to Portree, Skye's main port, before heading back to the mainland via the bridge at the Kyle of Lochalsh.
From Skye, head back to the mainland, where area highlights include the attractions of lovely Plockton on Loch Carron and Eilean Donan castle. Take the scenic drive to Invergarry, where you may want to spend the night at the Glengarry Castle Hotel.
On your final day, head back to Fort William, where you may have time to explore the Ben Nevis region before retracing your steps through Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor. But this time around, stop at the touristy shops in Tyndrum for some souvenirs before hitting the shores of Loch Lomond and the busy highway back to Glasgow.
Beware of the midge
 | The western extremities of Scotland are certainly glorious, but for many, the region is home to the nastiest beast in the nation. The midge (pronounced midgy) is a tiny flying insect that leaves a terrifically itchy bite. If you can't resist the call of the west, arm yourself with some effective bug spray. |
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