The saying goes we often don’t appreciate what’s in our own backyards. The same often holds true for travel, where most will often trapes off to some distant shore to laze about on a white beach in Bali. Yet, sometimes the very best travel experiences are just on our doorstep or only a few hours away. For those who live in the UK, one such place is the Scottish Highlands. A destination pleasantly reached through a first-class train journey, made complete with a three-course meal with a side dish of the scenery of Northern England.

The Scottish Highlands is sewn together with many social and cultural legacies, such as the 18th century Jacobite rebellions or the Loch Ness Monster. Yet, the Highland’s natural landscape is also something to behold. Travelers need not go far before they cast their eyes upon jagged mountain peaks and majestic lakes, making this destination a place for all to visit at least once in their lives.

While the Highlands may seem small, it can be challenging to know where to begin one’s journey. The land is covered far and wide with castles, hiking trails, and famous landmarks such as Fort William. Beau Monde Traveler has created a starting point where a traveler can navigate their experience into the Highland culture.

The Culture of the Scottish Highlands

Brora Distillery

The spirit that arguably Scotland is most known for is its whisky. There are whisky distilleries all over the Scottish Highlands; however, one that has recently reopened is Brora. The company’s large iron gates have remained shut since 1983, and the distillery’s memories have only been kept alive through tales from Brora’s community, passed down through many generations. Yet, Brora Distillery reopened its gates in 2021 after three years of restoration. The property seemed to be suspended in time and was known by locals as the ghost distillery.

However, Brora Distillery is no longer used to house ghosts and is available for tours. One tour a guest can opt for is The Eras of Brora. A guest is directed on a journey to the past, present, and future dates of Brora Distillery in a captivating day-long experience. The day includes a three-course lunch of contemporary Scottish cuisine using local highland ingredients and a tasting of Brora Triptych whiskey.

Loch Ness

One cannot visit the Scottish Highlands without traveling to Loch Ness. The serene lake is embedded both within the Scottish Highland’s natural landscape and in travellers’ minds when they think of the Highlands. Yet, the beautiful loch located south of Inverness is shrouded in mystery. Tales of a giant monster living deep within the lake depths have circulated worldwide since the first photograph emerged in 1933. With over a thousand eye-witness accounts and unexplained evidence, scientists continue to be mystified by the existence of the so-called monster Nessie. Visitors flock to Loch Ness, hoping to catch a glance of the purported monster that lives within the lake’s expanse. While this tale may or may not be true, guests can find out for themselves on a cruise around the lake from Inverness, Fort Augustus, and Drumnadrochit.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle dates back to the 13th century and is arguably one of the most photographed spots in the Scottish Highlands. The castle was built as a defense against the invading Vikings and was used during the Jacobite rebellions. The fortress was first thought to be inhabited around the sixth century. Since then, the property has been rebuilt four times in line with the feudal history of war and rebellion in the Highlands. Today, Eilean Dona stands regal amongst a surrounding clear blue lake, with only a bridge that connects the property to the mainland. Guests can explore the inside of the citadel and view fascinating local artifacts, such as furniture from Chippendale and Sheraton, cannonballs fired during the bombardment of 1719, and duelling pistols and dirks.

Where to Stay

Fife Arms

Built in the 19th century, the Fife Arms Hotel is a landmark in the village of Braemar. The hotel wonderfully combines old and new interior styles, with accents of Victorian décor such as an aged pianoforte, William Morris-style wallpaper, and 19th century artwork on the walls. This is then juxtaposed with the hotel’s modern interior spaces, such as the bar, painted in dark blue with a wooden table-top bar and barstools. And, of course, cabinets full of botanic gins, rums, and Scottish whiskeys.

One of the many rooms guests can choose from is the Royal Suites. The rooms are styled in a décor of olive green and dark wooden furnishings. Each suite is inspired by Braemar’s most noble guests with antiques and artworks that once belonged to historical figures. In addition, the rooms feature views over the surrounding natural landscapes, and include a freestanding copper bath, an elegant four-poster bed, and a separate sitting room.

Royal Marine Hotel

Located along the iconic North Coast 500 in Brora, the Royal Marine Hotel is the perfect stop-over for travelers on their tour of the Scottish Highlands. Situated on the east coast of Sutherland, the hotel overlooks tranquil lochs and is near iconic Highland sites such as Dunrobin Castle and John O’Groats. A guest can rest easy for the night in the Junior Suite, which sports views of the garden and beautiful Brora beach. The spacious suite is styled in country house chic with hints of the natural landscape and history of the Highlands, such as the tartan blanket draped across each hand-crafted bed.

Where to Dine

The Three Chimneys

Next to the shores of Loch Dunvegan and within the Duirinish peninsula of Skye lies the Three Chimneys Restaurant. Their ethos is to serve the freshest and most captivating ingredients to their guest through honed skills and techniques of ancient Nordic and haute Scottish cuisine. The Three Chimneys Head Chef, Scott Davies uses the natural abundance that the Isle of Skye has to offer to create his menus. By using the Isle as a source of inspiration, Davies creates a unique culinary narrative around each of his menus. A guest can indulge in a seven-course Chef’s Choice tasting menu, with an optional wine flight. One delicious main course not to be missed is the  steamed cod in a seaweed butter sauce, or the Vatten Farm lamb served with celeriac, miso, and black garlic.

The Peat Inn

The Peat Inn is another excellent stopover for those who are exploring the region of Fife. The restaurant consists of three elegant dining rooms, creating an intimate setting through a modern interior style with cobalt blue and beige cream chairs accentuated by soft orange tealights on each table. The Head Chef, Geoffrey Smeddle, and his kitchen team have received numerous awards, such as a Michelin star and a ranking of twenty-two in the Top 50 UK Restaurants. A diner can opt between a six-course tasting menu, or the restaurant’s a la carte dinner menu. Menu highlights include the mouth-watering honey and pepper-glazed pork loin served with black pudding, pistachio puree, and carrots topped with a Madeira wine sauce. Then to follow, a rich dark chocolate croquant with mango and almond cremeux and passionfruit sorbet.

While arguably a small region on a map of the UK, the Scottish Highlands makes up for its size with luxury cultural experiences, haute hotels, and five-star restaurants. For those in the UK, one doesn’t need to book a flight and get on an airplane to look for somewhere new. Exciting travel destinations can be found where we least expect them, especially if it’s right in one’s own backyard. The Highlands of Scotland is a place stilled in time by its own natural beauty and can be appreciated whatever season a traveler decides to visit.