Tips For Exploring & Camping in Scotland

Days Out in the Highlands for Free

by Scottish TourerApril 25, 2025

•    Inverness botanic gardens is a lovely place to escape from the hustle and bustle of normal city life in Inverness. There are some beautiful formal gardens, ponds with wildlife, wild meadows, rockeries and a cactus house! The gardens are run as a charity and depends on donations and plant sales to continue its important work. There is a lovely project here called GROW which stands for Garden, Recycle, Organic and Wildlife, this has been in place for over 20 years now and it is where a piece of previous waste ground has literally been transformed into a haven for all things living. There is a fabulous café here which serves some delicious homemade cakes and soups. The wildflower garden is our favourite bringing to life with colour and ensuring we help to maintain the bee population in Scotland. 
 
•    Lochaber geopark is a park but not how you know it. A Geopark is an area that has geological heritage and there is a strategy to promote this for the benefit for the local community. Lochaber is famous for its outstanding scenery and its areas of importance such as the eroded volcano on Rum in the west to the Parallel Rods of Glen Roy in the east. It was recognised in April 2007. There is an abundance of things to learn here. Please visit Fascinating Facts - Lochaber Geopark for fun facts. 
•    Culloden battlefield has now been restored as close as possible to the day that it was marched on two sides on that fateful day in history. The battle itself only lasted an hour but shaped our history forever on 16th April 1746. There are animations, accounts from characters from the battle and a rooftop viewing platform. 
 
•    Old man of Storr is possibly the most famous walk of the Isle of Skye and as a result it can often be quite busy. However, if you’re lucky to land on a good day you will have a wonderful day out. It is not a flat walk, and a lot of the paths and terrain can be rough and unsteady underfoot. The walk itself is around 4km so not too far in total, the views are incredible and the fresh air is worth every step. 

•    The Clava cairns are located to the East of Inverness and are believed to be a circular tomb chamber from the Bronze age. There are around 50 Cairns around Inverness if you are on the hunt to find as many as you can this is the area to be in. At Clava there are 3 Cairns which are close together; there are some stones which almost appear to be rays coming out of the platform. They form a wonderful insight into the Bronze age and the type of architecture that was formed at this time. For those outlander fans they will be aware there was a scene set here if you are following the film locations. 
 
•    Smoo cave is perhaps less known, however it is really worth a visit. Located near Durness Village in the North West Highlands of Scotland this natural sea cave is spectacular. There are guided geological tours here if you wish to learn more however these do cost. Looking yourself however is free. There is a magnificent cascade that falls 25 metres within the cave itself.  It’s a secret place of Scotland that is worth a trip to visit. 
 
•    John o’ Groats is full of free things to do including many coastal walks such as a lovely walk at Duncansby Head where you can walk out from the lighthouse to see the coastline, sea stacks and spot some sea birds.  And then why not stop in at the Gallery. Here you can enjoy browsing through local artists work which are all handmade in Scotland. Take home a true bit of Scottish art with you. 
 
•    West highland museum was founded back in 1922 by the people of Lochaber, here you can walk through the different areas including, military, Jacobite, Victorian era and highland life itself. The museum tells the regions history and its travels through the eras. 
•    The Glenfinnan viaduct has become increasingly popular over recent years. There is of course the chance to get on board the Jacobite train however if you’re after a free day out just watching the train pass over the viaduct is a sight to behold. Located on the West Highland Line the viaduct was built between 1897 and 1901. There is an old tale about the viaduct involving a horse that has reportedly fallen into one of the piers during its construction in 1898. In 1987 Professor Paxton used a fisheye camera to make boreholes in the 2 largest of pillars to which he found no horse remains. However in 1997 he then investigated Loch nan Uamh Viaduct and here he found the remains of a horse and cart in the central pylon! 
 
•    Dolphin spotting at Chanonry point between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle.  The dolphin population is more evident here due to the tidal activity present. If you are lucky enough to spot dolphins you will likely be extremely close to them and you really gain a first hand sighting. Be sure to pack some snacks as you may wait a wee while. 
There is so much to see and do in Scotland for free! This just being a small snippet of what can be seen and done. Some of the activities mentioned above can be added onto which doesn’t keep them free but there is certainly enough to be doing to keep young and older entertained along the way. Be sure to keep us updated on where you visit so we can pass this onto future customers.