In traditional Scottish geography, the Highlands refers to that part of Scotland north-west of the Highland Boundary Fault, which crosses mainland Scotland in a near-straight line from Helensburgh to Stonehaven.

The Scottish Highlands region covers more than 11,000 square miles in length. There are numerous cities, towns, regions, and islands within it, making it overwhelming to decide where to start exploring or where to stay. The farther north you travel, the more remote and wild the Highlands become.

The characteristics of the Scottish Highlands range from rugged mountains to fortress castles, from hearty meals of haggis to tartan-dressed clansmen. But nothing defines the highlands more than whisky (spelt without the ‘e’ in Scotland).

Average elevation: 206 m Average elevation: 176 m Average elevation: 907 m • Scottish Highlands, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom • The entire region was covered by ice sheets during the Pleistocene ice ages, save perhaps for a few nunataks.