The Hermitage (National Trust for Scotland)
Old Military Rd, Dunkeld PH8 0JR, UK
4.8★ (3,895 reviews)
Open in MapsThe Scottish Highlands unfold like a landscape painted in slow motion: serrated mountains plunging into mirror-black lochs, windswept moorland carpeted in purple heather, and sea cliffs that drop into a cold, shimmering Atlantic.
The Scottish Highlands unfold like a landscape painted in slow motion: serrated mountains plunging into mirror-black lochs, windswept moorland carpeted in purple heather, and sea cliffs that drop into a cold, shimmering Atlantic.
Explore hotels in Scottish HighlandsWeather
Clear sky
Feels like 4°C
Local time: Thu 7:47 AM
Best window
Apr–Jun • Sep–Oct
Shoulder
Mar • Nov
Watch for
Jul–Aug (crowds/price spikes)
Spring (Mar–May): Milder, lengthening days, wildflowers and lambing. Shoulder season—fewer crowds, good for hiking and wildlife watching; some services start up for summer. Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and longest days, ideal for hiking, boat trips and island-hopping. Peak season—busy and pricier; watch for midges in calm humid weather. Many Highland Games and music festivals. Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp air, vivid foliage and rutting deer. Quieter and atmospheric—great for photography, whisky distillery visits and wildlife; cooler and some remote routes begin to close. Winter (Dec–Feb): Short, cold days with snow on higher ground and occasional northern lights. Low season—cheaper accommodation but reduced services and more challenging driving; perfect for quiet, dramatic landscapes.
7-day forecast
Thu
13° / 5°
Overcast
Fri
14° / 6°
Overcast
Sat
10° / 5°
Overcast
Sun
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Sign in now10° / 5°
Drizzle
Mon
5° / 2°
Drizzle
Tue
10° / 4°
Rain
Wed
6° / 4°
Drizzle
See Scottish Highlands on the map and explore nearby landmarks.
Handpicked stays for your perfect getaway
Discover destinations across Scottish Highlands
- Isle of Skye — A wildly scenic island of jagged peaks, sea cliffs and waterfalls; hike the Old Man of Storr, visit the Fairy Pools, and enjoy dramatic coastal views. - Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle — Famous for the legend of Nessie, Loch Ness offers boat trips and scenic shores while the ruins of Urquhart Castle provide panoramic views and history. - Glen Coe — A striking glacial valley known for its rugged mountains, dramatic scenery and hiking routes, and remembered for the 1692 massacre that shapes its atmosphere. - Ben Nevis & Fort William — Scotland’s highest mountain, popular with hikers in summer and climbers in winter, with Fort William serving as the outdoor-activity hub and gateway. - Cairngorms National Park — Britain’s largest national park, offering mountains, ancient forests, wildlife (red deer, golden eagles), hiking, skiing and family-friendly outdoor activities. - Eilean Donan Castle — An iconic, photogenic castle set on a small island where three lochs meet; a must-see for photography and Scottish history. - North Coast 500 (NC500) — A 500-mile scenic driving route around the north coast featuring coastal cliffs, beaches, castles and remote Highlands landscapes. - Speyside whisky trail — Visit dozens of distilleries in the Speyside region for tours and tastings, sampling some of Scotland’s finest single malts and learning about whisky production.
Must-see places and experiences
Old Military Rd, Dunkeld PH8 0JR, UK
4.8★ (3,895 reviews)
Open in MapsBalloch, Alexandria G83 8QX, UK
4.8★ (13,762 reviews)
Open in MapsBraemore, Garve IV23 2PJ, UK
4.7★ (2,824 reviews)
Open in Maps