Best Places To Stay In Scotland Highlands

So, you're thinking about a trip to the Scottish Highlands. Brilliant choice! You're picturing dramatic landscapes, maybe a wee dram of whisky, and definitely some very fluffy sheep. But where, oh where, should you rest your weary head after a day of gazing wistfully at misty mountains? Forget the stuffy guidebooks for a moment. I've got some... let's call them unpopular opinions on where to stay.

First off, let's talk about the obvious. Everyone says, "Go to Inverness!" And yes, it's a city. It has shops. It has actual traffic lights. It's fine. If you like your Highland adventures to have a side of Pret A Manger, then sure, Inverness is your jam. But for me? It's a bit like going to Paris and only eating pizza. You're missing the point, mate.

My heart, and I suspect yours too, lies with the truly wild places. Picture this: you wake up, pull back the curtains, and the only other living thing in sight is a stag giving you the side-eye from across a glen. That, my friends, is the dream. And to get that, you need to venture a little further afield.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But where exactly?" Well, let's start with a bit of a gem: Plockton. Yes, it's on the west coast, and yes, it's ridiculously pretty. It's got palm trees! In Scotland! Mind. Blown. It feels like a Mediterranean village that got lost on its way to Greece and ended up in the middle of Scotland. The seafood is incredible, the views are postcard-perfect, and you can hire a little boat and pretend you're a pirate. Or just enjoy a very leisurely paddle. Whatever floats your boat, literally.

Then there's the allure of a proper, remote cottage. Not one of those fancy-pants ones with too much chrome and not enough character. I'm talking about a stone cottage, probably with a slightly wonky door and a fireplace that demands your attention. Places like those dotted around Applecross. The drive there alone is worth the trip. Be warned, it's not for the faint-hearted, especially the Bealach na Bà pass. But the reward? Utter, blissful isolation. You can spend your days hiking, watching seals, and your evenings reading by the fire, utterly cut off from the noise of the modern world. Just make sure you bring enough biscuits. And perhaps a satellite phone, just in case the sheep get organised.

Let's not forget the islands. Ah, the islands! Everyone raves about Skye, and it is stunning. But it can also be a bit like Disneyland on a busy day. For a more, shall we say, authentic experience, try Harris and Lewis. This is where you'll find beaches that rival the Caribbean, but with a much more bracing wind. The pace of life is slower, the people are wonderfully welcoming, and the tweed is, as you'd expect, top-notch. Imagine walking on a deserted beach, the sand as white as snow, the sea a million shades of blue, and the only sound is the cry of the gulls. It’s pure magic. And the chances of bumping into a tour bus are, thankfully, slim.

What about somewhere with a bit more... history? If you're a fan of dramatic ruins and tales of clan warfare, then look for accommodation near Eilean Donan Castle. Now, staying in the castle might be a tad pricey, and let's be honest, probably a bit draughty. But there are charming little B&Bs and self-catering places in the surrounding villages. You can spend your days exploring ancient fortresses and your evenings dreaming of knights and ladies. Just try not to scare the locals with your impromptu sword fighting demonstrations in the village pub.

And if you’re feeling truly adventurous, and I mean really adventurous, consider a stay on one of the smaller, less-travelled islands. Think places like Colonsay or Tiree. These are islands where the Wi-Fi might be dodgy, but the stargazing is out of this world. You'll find a community spirit that's hard to beat, and a sense of peace that seeps into your bones. You might even learn to knit your own jumper. Or at least appreciate those who can.

My unpopular opinion? Skip the big tourist traps unless you absolutely have to. Embrace the journey. Embrace the slightly-too-narrow roads. Embrace the sheep that refuse to move out of the way. Because it’s in those quiet corners, those hidden glens, and those windswept islands that the true heart of the Highlands beats. So pack your waterproofs, your sense of adventure, and a good book. The Highlands are waiting, and they’re far more interesting than a city hotel.

Remember: The best Highland accommodation isn't always the most obvious. Sometimes, it's the place you stumble upon by happy accident, the one that feels like it's been waiting just for you.

So, go on. Get lost. Find your own perfect Highland haven. Just promise me you'll send a postcard. Or at least a really good photo of a Highland coo. I'm easy.