Best time of year to visit the Scottish Highlands*

Spring 

Spring, though still chilly, bursts forth in the Highlands in a merry riot of wildflowers, swathes of dancing daffodils and boundless carpets of purple heather, though there may still be snow up in the highest reaches. It’s a busy time for wildlife too: lambs gambol in fields, the iconic osprey returns from Africa, puffins and other seabirds gather on coastal cliffs. And the good news is that the crowds (nor the midges) are yet to arrive, making spring a particularly dreamy time to visit. May happens to be World Whisky Month, and what better time to sample a taste of the water of life on a tour of one of many Highland distilleries. We love Dalwhinnie Distillery in the Cairngorms National Park. Perched up a mountain, it’s the highest distillery in Scotland. Spring is also a good time for hill and mountain walking, loch cruises and whale spotting off the coast.

Best spring activities: bird and whale watching, whisky tours, walking and hiking, and photography.

Summer

The school holidays signal the beginning of Scotland’s busiest tourism period and you can expect camper vans to be out in force, wending their way slowly up and down and around hairpin bends. The days are long and light, perfect for hikes, rambles and conquering that Munro. If you strike lucky with the weather, the beaches are some of the best to be found. We love Sandwood Bay in Kinlochbervie, its broad tract of pink sand makes it one of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the UK, while on the stunning Ardnamurchan Peninsula, you’ll find Sanna Bay with its huge sand dunes a summer riot of colour. Edinburgh isn’t the only place with a summer festival; if you’re up near Inverness, head to the much-loved Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on the gorgeous Belladrum Estate in Beauly. This weekend music festival has a family-friendly vibe, an eclectic line-up, and a theme to help with your costume planning. This year it’s cartoons! Out on the NC500? Stop off at The Seafood Shack in Ullapool. There is one thing to watch out for in the summer, pesky midges, check out our mini guide below.

Best summer activities: beaches, swimming, walking and hiking, seafood and music festivals. 

Autumn 

As the crowds begin to disperse, Scotland’s hues change from green to golden, interspersed with fiery flashes of orange, yellow and red. And as the nights draw in you’ll witness dazzling sunsets and dark skies ablaze with stars, and if you’re lucky, the wonder of the Northern Lights. Keen photographers will have much to keep them happy on an autumn trip to the Highlands. This can also be a good time of year to bag a Munro with quieter routes, stunning colours and perhaps a dusting of snow on the peaks, If gentler walks are more your thing then follow the ancient Caledonian pine forest trails in the Cairngorms National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for pine martens and wild cats. Cyclists will love the thrilling Abriachan Forest trails near Inverness and cold water swimmers should aim for Plockton Coral Beach in Lochalsh. This is seal breeding season and a great opportunity to spot pups lolling about on the coast at Caithness. 

Best autumn activities: mountain biking, cold water swimming, forest walking, dark sky stargazing.

Winter 

The Highlands are a winter wonderland: snowy mountains, frozen lochs, glittering moors and evergreen forests unite to make you feel like you’re wandering through a fairytale. Step outside on a bright, clear, frosty morning to glimpse red deer roaming over the hills of Glen Affric near Inverness, and eagles soaring over the lochs of Assynt. Stroll through vast, majestic wilderness before returning to a blazing fire and a hearty meal. The region’s packed with imposing castles, discover mysterious Castle Tioram or the atmospheric Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness’ shore. Outdoors lovers will be in their element: take to the icy waters by canoe on the ancient Caledonian Canal on the Great Glen Canoe Trail or hit the slopes at the Glencoe Mountain Resort. Daily snow reports mean you can make the most of the fresh powder on the Meall A’Bhuiridh massif, and with eight lifts and 20 runs, plus lessons on the dry ski slope, who needs the Alps?!

Best winter activities: skiing and snowboarding, canoeing, walking, wildlife watching and castle hunting.

Midges 

Highland midges do not survive the first frost but tend to be prevalent from late spring to late summer. Unless there’s a good breeze blowing and you strike lucky and get warm, dry weather during your visit, there’s not much you can do to avoid these pesky creatures. But there are a few things you can do to minimise their bites. Wear light clothing, and keep covered up – trousers and long sleeve tops are best. Insect repellents tend to ward them off and there’s a number of essential oils that do the same job and are kinder to the planet. Try lemon eucalyptus, lavender or tea tree oil. 

 

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