If you ask different people about the prettiest village in the Scottish Highlands, you will get a variety of answers. The region is full of stunning villages, but Plockton stands out as a top contender. The town has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from the typical scenery in the Highlands.
Plockton
Known widely as the Jewel of the Highlands, Plockton is a seaside village in the heart of the Highlands. The pretty little village is a great place to wander around with playful activities, along with friends and loved ones.
As you arrive in the village, you can actually see cabbage palms growing on the seafront. The village has preserved its historical legacy, giving it a vintage look. You can see a beautiful curve of cottages around the water.
Sightseeing
You can take a memorable boat trip with Calum’s Sea Trips from the harbour. The exciting part about it is that you get to see live seals, and the trip is free of cost if you don't. The village’s stunning beauty has made it a location for filming, like the famous BBC series Hamish Macbeth.
Food
The village is best known for its rich highland culture and is home to traditional music. You can experience live music in local pubs. For food, their Plockton prawn is the highlight, served fresh from the bay.
Journey
Plockton is about a 4-hour drive from Glasgow. For a railway route, you can take the Kyle line from Inverness. It’s one of the most scenic journeys in the world.
Applecross
Further west, you’ll find the beauty of Applecross. If you want to enjoy a quiet retreat, this is the place. Most travellers go through the famous scenic single-track mountain pass, Bealach na Ba, to get there.
Things to See
If you are visiting Applecross for the first time, there is a row of houses on Shore Street that you surely do not want to miss. The visuals of water to the Culling Mountains are something worth capturing memories in pictures, and together with loved ones. This spot is perfect for enjoying the coastal charm and greenery at the same time. Also, most visitors recommend seeing Applecross Heritage Centre, which is the 7th Century Monastery and tells a lot of stories about St. Maelrubha.
Food & Accommodation
Located on the shore street, Applecross Inn is a great place to stay and enjoy their venison and local squat lobsters. For a more luxurious experience, you can opt for Eagle Rock luxury eco-lodge for the substantial views.
Routes
The drive roughly takes about 5 hours from Glasgow. To experience the best scenic views of the UK, you can follow the popular A82 road to Fort William.
Shieldaig
Another strong contender here is the Shieldaig. The village was founded in 1810 and is known for its melodious peaks of the Torridon Hills and bright white houses sitting against the dark. The place has a very minimalistic look with its ancient Scots Pines, which is great for photography.
Places to Visit
Shieldaig Island is a must-visit. Also known as the prime spot for watching seagulls, the island is covered in ancient Scots pines planted for drying fishing nets.
Food
The village is known for its fresh local seafood and smoked salmon. Look for the famous delicacies like their rare breed lamb and Highland cattle. For local favourites like coffees and home baked items, Nany’s is a great place to go. There are a variety of other places to visit and have a cosy meal.
Travel
If you are travelling from Inverness via A832, it's a 1.5-hour drive. From Edinburgh, you should definitely take the A9 route, which has the most beautiful views. Not to mention, the island’s bus system is synced with ferries, making it accessible without a car.
Dunfermline
The place, being the former capital of Scotland in the heart of Fife, offers a grand historical experience. It offers a historic charm with its heritage culture and cobbled streets to wander.
Places to Go
The king of the Scots, Robert the Bruce’s final resting place is in Dunfermline Abbey, making it a major landmark. To enjoy the culture, you can visit the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. They are a beautiful blend of local history with the latest architecture.
Pittencrieff Park, known as The Glen, is not to be missed. The place marks elegant glasshouses, residential peacocks and beautiful views of the Abbey.
Route
The place is only 30-40 mins away from Edinburgh on the other side of the iconic Queensferry Crossing. Dunfermline can be used as a base to explore Culross and Falkland.
Local Trivia: Culross and Falkland have also been filming locations for the famous Outlander movie.
Crovie, Aberdeenshire
This is among the most unique villages in the UK. The village resides between the North Sea and a towering cliff face that has beautiful cottages lined up. One of the aspects that you will notice here is that there are no roads and only footpaths, making it an easy to walk region. The residents pick their groceries on wheelbarrows.
Things to Experience
The houses are built so close to the sea that they get sprayed by seawater when the tides are a little high. This can be scary, but exciting at the same time. Go for the viewpoint on the cliffs above before going through the steep steps to the seashore for the best experience.
Food & Accommodation
The village doesn’t have any dine-out options, so you have to go to a neighbouring town, Gardenstown, or you can stay in Pennan, known for the film Local Hero.
Travel
Just to the North of Aberdeen, the place is hardly an hour away. The coastal roads are likely to be windy and steep.
Arran
Often known as miniature, Arran features lush green hills. Brodick is especially an energetic getaway.
Things to Do
Brodick Castle and Country Park is attributed to beautiful woodland trails and gardens. Goatfell is ideal for those who chase hiking adventures. Being the highest peak, it offers stunning views across to Ireland on clear days.
Local Flavours
For foodies, Brodick is the ultimate go-to place. You can visit the Arran cheese shop if you are a cheese lover, and Arran Sensory to get stuff like lotions and soaps as a souvenir.
Transport & Routes
The travel time from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour is around 1 hour. Then you can take a 55 min CalMac ferry crossing.
Best Time To Go
Timing is also important if you want to enjoy these places to the fullest. While summer brings longer days, it also brings along the midges; the tiny insects can bite and irritate you if you are trying to take pictures.
May, September and October are the best months to visit. From the fresh, bright colours to the crisp air with golden hues, the Scottish villages are a treat to the eyes.
Travel to One of the Scottish Highlands Villages
Driving in the villages, especially when you are not familiar with the local roads, can be difficult. Hiring a minibus can be a smarter move here. Your group can stay along and enjoy the mesmerising journey, without worrying about refuelling, catching up with others, or finding a parking spot in a small village.
In case you have a bigger group with you, always opt for our comfortable private coach. Added benefit? You get an experienced driver saving you from tiring driving and divided attention.
Final Words
Beauty being the subject here, Plockton is a mix of historic places, calm waters, and rich highland culture. The rugged beauty of Applecross and the striking scenery of Sheildaig are examples of how beauty can take various forms.
Choosing your destination is still your choice, though. No matter what you choose, the Highland coastline offers preserved natural beauty at its best that nobody can match.
