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Golf Breaks in the Scottish Highlands

Why book a golf break in the Scottish Highlands & Inverness

• Play classic links like Royal Dornoch & Nairn
• Dramatic coastlines, landscapes & historical landmarks
• Ideal destination for group golf tours

There can be few more dramatic settings for a golf tour than the Scottish Highlands, where tranquillity, calm and amazing natural beauty are the unique backdrop. The varied landscape translates into a diverse collection of golfing possibilities, ranging from old-fashioned links to idyllic mountain gems.

When going to the highlands you need to plan ahead, with so many great courses in a 100 hundred mile radius, you could get lost up there for a week and never play a great course twice.

Golf courses to play while on a golf break in the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands punches well above its weight when it comes to quality golf. The jewel in the crown has to be Royal Dornoch, the walk from the 2nd to the 3rd tee alone will give you chills. Further North is Brora, a tricky links perched on the North East Coast.

Castle Stuart Links at Cabot Highlands is another must play, the most unique clubhouse you will have the pleasure of enjoying along with a golf course with spectacular views over the river Moray. Boat of Garten truly is a hidden gem that feels like it has been there forever, cut out of the Scottish landscape with gentle undulations and more character than you would believe, you will need every club in your bag to get round it.

Our guide to playing the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands.

Where to base yourself for a Scottish Highlands golf break

Inverness
The Highland capital offers the widest choice of restaurants, hotels and evening entertainment. It's central for Cabot Highlands and Nairn courses.

Dornoch
This small town puts Royal Dornoch on your doorstep, with traditional accommodation and a walkable high street. It's the natural base for golfers prioritising Dornoch, Tain and Brora.

Nairn
The seaside town combines championship links with a relaxed atmosphere. It works well for combining Nairn Golf Club with Cabot Highlands and courses along the Moray coast.

Aviemore and the Cairngorms
For heathland golf and outdoor activities beyond the course, Aviemore provides access to Spey Valley, Boat of Garten & Grantown.

Things to do in the Scottish Highlands off the course

Scottish Highlands nightlife

Nightlife

Head to Inverness for a lively night, with a great range of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from

  • The Eagle Hotel, Dornoch (Pub)
  • Dornoch Castle Hotel (Cocktail and Whisky Bar)
  • The Ironworks, Inverness (Late Night Live Music Venue)
  • The Room, Inverness (Nightclub)
  • Bar One, Inverness (Wine and Cocktail Bar)
  • Hootananny, Inverness (Pub and Live Music Venue)

Restaurants

The Scottish Highlands has great access to great quality locally-sourced ingredients, with many high quality options across the region

  • Rocpool, Inverness (Family owned, independent restaurant)
  • River House, Inverness (Seafood)
  • The Kitchen Restaurant (Modern style brasserie)
  • Little Italy, Inverness (Italian)
  • Rajah, Inverness (Indian)
Dunrobin Castle

Activities

With some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, The Scottish Highlands' rich history and culture will provide endless hours of actvities away from the course

  • Dornoch Beach (Beach)
  • Inverness Museum & Art Gallery (Art Gallery)
  • Loch Ness (Famous Loch)
  • Highland Wildlife Park (Nature Reserve)
  • Dunrobin Castle (Historic Site)
  • Glenmorangie Distillery Co, Tain (Distillery & Whiskey Tour)

Best time of the year to play golf in the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands golf season runs longer than many visitors expect, though conditions vary throughout the year.

May to September April & October Winter months
Longest daylight hours and warmest conditions. Courses are in peak condition, and popular venues like Royal Dornoch benefit from advance booking. Shoulder season offers good value and quieter courses. Weather becomes more changeable, so pack layers. Many courses remain open, though shorter days and potential frost limit options.
One unique feature of summer golf in the Highlands is the extended twilight. In June, you can tee off at 8pm and still finish in daylight.

How to get to the Scottish Highlands

Inverness Airport

Flying into Inverness Airport

Inverness Airport serves as the main gateway, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Bristol and other UK cities. Car hire is available at the terminal, and Castle Stuart sits just 10 minutes from arrivals.

Driving in Scotland

Driving from Edinburgh & Glasgow

The A9 north from Edinburgh or Perth provides a scenic route into the Highlands, passing through Pitlochry and Aviemore before reaching Inverness. The drive allows flexibility to stop at courses along the way.

Caledonian Sleeper

Rail & Sleeper Train

The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London to Inverness, arriving in time for a morning tee time. Daytime trains from Edinburgh and Glasgow offer scenic journeys through the Cairngorms.

Frequently asked questions about golf breaks in the Scottish Highlands

Can visitors play Royal Dornoch?

Yes, Royal Dornoch welcomes visitors throughout the week. Advance booking is recommended during peak summer months.

Do I need a handicap certificate to play courses in the Scottish Highlands?

Most Highland courses welcome golfers of all abilities without requiring handicap proof. A few championship layouts may request a certificate.

Can I combine a Scottish Highlands trip with St Andrews and Fife?

Yes, many golfers add the Highlands to a wider Scotland golf tour. The drive from St Andrews to Inverness can include stops at courses like Carnoustie or Montrose en route.

Are golf clubs available to hire in the Scottish Highlands?

Most courses offer club hire and many hotels can arrange rental sets.

Is the Scottish Highlands suitable for beginner golfers?

Absolutely. While championship courses like Royal Dornoch test all abilities, many Highland courses suit beginners and offer forward tees and relaxed atmospheres.

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