Why Honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands
Space is the Highlands' great gift. After a few days in London or Edinburgh, the empty glens feel like a deep breath. You can drive for half an hour without passing another car, stop by a loch and hear nothing but water.
The region also offers memorable places to stay. Inverlochy Castle near Fort William is a Victorian castle hotel with views toward Ben Nevis. The Fife Arms in Braemar mixes Highland tradition with an extraordinary art collection. These are special-occasion hotels in the best sense.
Finally, history is everywhere you look. You can visit the Culloden battlefield, where the Jacobite rising ended in 1746, explore ruined castles above lochs and ride a steam train over a viaduct made famous by film. The combination of landscape and legend gives every drive a story to go with the view.
When to Go
May to September is the main season. May and June bring long days, with light lasting until nearly midnight in June and fewer midges than later summer. July is warm by Highland standards but busy on popular routes. August brings Highland Games and heather on the hills but also the most visitors and midges.
September is a favorite for many couples. Roads quiet down, the hills turn russet and the stags start to roar in the glens later in the month. The Braemar Gathering, a famous Highland Games, takes place in early September.
October to April is quieter and darker. Some hotels and attractions close. Mountain roads can be affected by snow. On the plus side, winter offers crisp days, snowy peaks and a chance of seeing the northern lights in the far north on clear, dark nights.
Whatever the season, pack waterproofs and layers. Weather changes quickly, especially in the west.
Where to Stay
In the west, Fort William is a practical base for Glencoe, Ben Nevis and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Inverlochy Castle Hotel, just outside town, is the grand choice, with formal dining and Highland views. In Glencoe itself, Glencoe House offers suites with mountain views in a quieter setting.
In Inverness, Rocpool Reserve is a stylish boutique hotel close to the river and restaurants. It makes a good base for Loch Ness, Culloden and the start of the North Coast 500.
In the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is home to The Fife Arms, known for its art and Highland character. Aviemore has more casual options and easy access to forest walks and the mountains.
Farther northwest, The Torridon sits beside a sea loch surrounded by mountains, with a whisky bar and a kitchen garden.
Book early for summer, especially for small hotels and anything on the North Coast 500, where rooms are limited.
Romantic Things to Do
Drive through Glencoe, one of Scotland's most dramatic valleys, where steep mountains rise straight from the road. Stop at the viewpoints, take a short walk to the Lost Valley or simply watch the mist move over the peaks.
Ride the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct with views of Loch Shiel. Book well in advance for summer departures.
Visit Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness and take a boat trip on the loch. Explore Culloden battlefield and the nearby Clava Cairns, prehistoric burial cairns surrounded by standing stones.
Drive part or all of the North Coast 500, a 516-mile loop from Inverness around the far north. Highlights include the Applecross Pass, the white sands near Durness and the cliffs at Duncansby Head.
On the way to Skye, stop at Eilean Donan Castle, perched on an island where three lochs meet.
Getting There and Around
Inverness Airport has domestic flights from London and other UK cities, plus some European connections. Most American couples fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow and drive north, which takes three to four hours to Inverness or about two and a half hours from Glasgow to Glencoe.
The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London Euston to Inverness, Aviemore and Fort William. It is a romantic way to start the trip, waking up to mountains.
A car is essential for exploring the Highlands properly. Many roads are single-track with passing places. Pull in to let faster vehicles pass and never park in passing places. Watch for deer and sheep, especially at dusk.
Distances can be deceptive. Allow more time than navigation apps suggest. Plan fuel stops in remote areas. If you would rather not drive, small-group tours from Inverness or Edinburgh offer a taste of the region.
Food and Drink
Highland cooking is built on local produce: venison, salmon, langoustines, lamb and wild mushrooms. Country hotels and restaurants with rooms often serve excellent tasting menus, while village pubs offer hearty soups, fish pies and haggis.
Whisky is part of the experience. The Speyside region, on the northeastern edge of the Cairngorms, has more distilleries than any other part of Scotland. Book tours ahead and agree on a designated driver, or join a guided tasting tour.
Try cranachan for dessert, a mix of whipped cream, raspberries, toasted oats, honey and whisky. For breakfast, many hotels serve a full Scottish breakfast with black pudding, tattie scones and oatcakes.
On long drives, pack a picnic of smoked salmon, cheese and oatcakes from a farm shop. Some of the best meals in the Highlands are eaten on a rock beside a loch.
Honeymoon Tips
Plan at least four nights. Avoid moving every day. Two-night stays give you time to enjoy each place without constant packing.
Book accommodation, restaurants and the Jacobite steam train early, especially for summer.
Pack midge repellent from June to August. A breeze keeps them away, but still evenings by water can be uncomfortable.
Drive cautiously on single-track roads. Use passing places courteously. Do not stop in them for photos.
Combine the Highlands with Skye, Edinburgh or both for a varied honeymoon. A loop from Edinburgh through Glencoe to Skye and back via Inverness and the Cairngorms makes an excellent week to ten days.
Finally, keep a flexible schedule. Weather can change quickly, so be ready to swap a hike for a distillery visit or a long lunch on a rainy day.
