Northwest Highlands

The Northwest Highlands are a large, sparsely populated region in the northwestern part of mainland Scotland, characterised by rugged mountains, deep glens and intricate coastline. The area is geologically notable for very old rock units, thrust faults and landscapes shaped by Quaternary glaciation.

Key attractions are the region’s mountain ranges, sea lochs and remote coastal scenery; outdoor activities include hillwalking, climbing and wildlife watching in largely undeveloped landscapes. The area is also important to geologists for the exposure of ancient rocks such as Lewisian gneiss and the dramatic Moine Thrust.

The Highlands were shaped over hundreds of millions of years by tectonic events including the Caledonian orogeny and later sculpted by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Human settlement has been sparse and dispersed, with land use historically centred on crofting, sheep grazing and coastal fishing.

Geographically the Northwest Highlands lie north and west of the Great Glen in northern Scotland, covering parts of the Highland council area and including coastal peninsulas, islands and inland valleys.

• Ancient geology: Some of the bedrock in the region is Lewisian gneiss, among the oldest rocks in Europe and exceeding one billion years in age.

What to See #

• North West Highlands Geopark: A UNESCO-designated geopark that presents the region's complex geology, including ancient basement rocks, thrust faults and glacial landforms across an area of much of the Scottish northwest.
• Torridon Hills: An area of steep, blocky mountains and steep sea lochs where Torridonian sandstone and other ancient rock formations produce notable peaks and crags popular with hillwalkers and climbers.