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Scotland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Partially conquered by the Romans, Scotland is a land with a turbulent past. It was invaded countless times by the English during the Middle Ages before the Treaty of Union in 1707 united the continent (an unpopular move at the time). Since then, it’s been a part of the United Kingdom (though there is a growing movement for independence).

While Scotland may be a small country (only 5.4 million people call it home), it’s had a huge impact on the direction of the world. Economist Adam Smith, inventor of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell, novelist Robert Louis Stevenson (he wrote Treasure Island ), philosopher David Hume, ecologist John Muir — the list of famous Scots goes on.

I love visiting Scotland. The people, the jovial spirit, the landscape, the booze — Scotland never disappoints (ok, maybe a little with the food). It’s an incredible destination for road trips so make sure you get out of the cities and into the highlands with their rich jagged landscapes. And be sure to head west to the islands of Islay, Jura, and Mull.

This travel guide to Scotland can help you plan where to go, what to see, how to save money, and everything in between!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Scotland

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Top 5 things to see and do in scotland.

1. Explore the Scottish Highlands

Visit the highlands of Scotland for moody mountains, rugged terrain, glaciers, lochs, and kilt-clad Scotsmen. While the land may be harsh and unforgiving, you haven’t really seen Scotland until you’ve been here. Don’t miss Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, and the Isle of Skye.

2. Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a glorious city filled with medieval cobblestone streets, lots of green space, free museums, a huge castle, and maybe even some ghosts. There’s a lot to do here so be sure to spend a few days. It’s an amazing place.

3. Celebrate Hogmanay

Hogmanay is one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, attracting over 100,000 people for the two-day festival. The modern iteration has musical acts, a torchlight procession, multiple fireworks displays, and a large street party.

4. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay . It’s been made there since the 16th–century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in big distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and is famous around the world.

5. Visit Inverness

Besides the historic buildings in the Old Town, there is a great selection of places to eat and drink, Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and a Victorian Market. Plus, it is close to Loch Ness (it’s less than a 30-minute drive away), a bunch of distilleries, and a few golf courses.

Other Things to See and Do in Scotland

1. try to find nessie.

Loch Ness is one of the most famous lochs (lakes) in Scotland. It’s the alleged home to Nessie, aka the Loch Ness Monster, a creature said to live in the loch. The first “sightings” date back to the 1870s, though there is no definitive proof that any such creature exists. Nonetheless, the myth perseveres, making Loch Ness a popular destination to visit. While here, you can take a cruise, hike in the nearby hills, and enjoy some of the smaller nearby towns and villages like Dores or the nearby ruins of Urquhart Castle. The best way to get here is to travel to Inverness, from which Loch Ness is close enough to take a day trip to (it’s just a 25-minute drive from Inverness to Lochend, the top of Loch Ness).

2. Wander around Glasgow

Glasgow is a busy and bustling city, home to a youthful population (there is a university here) and a picturesque downtown. With plenty of parks, historical monuments, and museums, there is plenty to do here if you’re on a budget. It’s also a vegan and vegetarian hotspot too! Don’t miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, relaxing in Glasgow Green, seeing the cathedral, and day-tripping to the nearby Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

3. See the cathedrals

The cathedrals in Scotland are marvelous with their unique Gothic architecture and imposing heights. A few of the top cathedrals to visit are Dunfermline Abbey and Palace in Fife, St. Magnus Cathedral in the Orkney Islands, St Giles in Edinburgh, and Melrose Abbey in the Borders. Also, don’t miss the Glasgow Cathedral, which was built in 1136 and is the oldest building in Glasgow. Admission is free though donations are encouraged.

4. Puzzle over Rosslyn Chapel

This historic chapel near Edinburgh is ripe with intricate artwork and symbolism that has spawned many conspiracy theories (not to mention books). (Like why is there corn on the wall if corn wasn’t discovered until centuries later?). it was featured heavily in The Da Vinci Code and is located just an hour outside Edinburgh. Admission costs 9.5 GBP.

5. Play golf

The Scottish invented golf in the 15th century. If you’re not lucky enough to play a round at St. Andrews (the most famous course in the country) there are plenty of other immaculate and challenging courses to keep any golf player happy. Try to play during the low season (between November and March) if you want the lowest prices (St. Andrews, for example, costs 220 GBP to play in high season, versus 98 GBP in low season). Castle Stuart (Inverness), Royal Dornoch (Dornoch) , and Muirfield (Gullane) are some other great courses worth playing.

6. See the Cuillin

This dramatic mountain range dominates the Isle of Skye. There are two main ridges (the red and the black), which can be visited as a day trip or a longer two-day hike. Much of the mountain range, which stretches 14 kilometers (8.6 miles), can be hiked, though some peaks require more technical climbing skills. There are campgrounds and a hostel nearby in Glenbrittle as well. Some of the most popular trails are Rubh’ an Dùnain (3-5 hours, easy), Coire Lagan (2 hours, moderate), and Sgùrr Alasdair (6-8 hours, hard).

7. Visit Ruins of Melrose Abbey

Robert I (also known as Robert the Bruce) was the King of Scotland from 1306 until his death in 1329. Legend has it that his heart is buried in the ruins of Melrose Abbey. The abbey, founded in the 12th century and located in Melrose, was repeatedly destroyed by the English in the 14th century. You can still see marks on the surviving walls from cannonballs during the English Civil War. The abbey ruins (which is only a ruin of its former self, composed of several standing walls and arches) are decorated with intricate artwork carved into the remaining stone walls. Admission is 6 GBP.

8. Explore Dundee

Dundee is a lively student city along the coast with a lot of interesting museums. It’s a UNESCO City of Design and is the sunniest spot in the country too. Don’t miss a visit to Discovery Point to learn about the famous Antarctic expedition that launched from here in 1902 on the RSS Discovery (which you can board at the visitor center). Also, be sure to take in the great street art, the Vaults (a series of underground tunnels that date back to the 1750s), and The McManus Art Gallery as well.

9. Visit the Mystical Smoo Cave

The sleepy town of Durness, located 193 kilometers (120 miles) north of Inverness, is the access point for Smoo Cave , a coastline cave complex that can be explored independently or on a tour. Evidence from charcoal samples shows that it may have been inhabited over 4,000 years ago. The cave is free to enter but guided tours, which take you deeper into the cave, are 10 GBP. You get to see a lot more on the tour than you would if you just visit independently. Tours last around 20 minutes.

10. Head to the Isle of Arran

Located 2.5 hours west of Glasgow, this isle is a popular tourist destination for its charming scenery of jagged hills and rugged coasts, walking trails, and historic villages. Visit Brodick Castle, go for a hike, keep a lookout for seals and golden eagles, and enjoy the remote scenery. Don’t miss the Machrie Moor Stone Circles (which are sort of like Stonehenge) — they date back almost 5,000 years!

11. Explore the Cairngorms

Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, spanning 4,528 square kilometers (1,748 square miles). Located two hours from Edinburgh by car, it makes for a great getaway for anyone looking to get out and see the highlands. The park is dotted with beautiful B&Bs in historic stone buildings and there are several campgrounds available for anyone traveling in a camper van or with a tent. Wild camping is also permitted, providing you do so responsibly. The park offers lots of hiking trails too. Don’t miss Ryvoan Pass (easy), Dalraddy to Ruthven (moderate), and Ben Macdui (difficult). If you visit in the winter, you can also go skiing on Cairn Gorm Mountain. If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the reindeer that call the park home (it’s the only herd in the British Isles). Admission to the park is free.

12. Attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. It usually lasts three weeks and takes over the entire city of Edinburgh. There are tens of thousands of performances including plays, musicals, live music, puppet shows, and much more! There are literally thousands of different shows held and hundreds of venues around the city. It’s a massive festival and brings in upwards of 3 million visitors. It’s a zany, inspiring, and entertaining festival and one that shouldn’t be missed. Just make sure you book your tickets and accommodation in advance as things fill up fast.

13. Tour the Isle of Skye

This popular island off the northwestern tip of the country is a scenic place to take a road trip. The island offers sweeping views over the rugged coastline, hiking trails, castles, waterfalls, and quaint villages and B&Bs. While most people just visit for a day, I suggest spending a few days driving around and getting off the beaten path. You can visit by bus if you don’t have a car, however, having your own vehicle will give you much more freedom. Don’t miss Dunvegan Castle, the Old Man of Storr rock formation, and brother’s point.

  For more information on cities in Scotland, check out these guides:

• Edinburgh Travel Guide
• Glasgow Travel Guide

Scotland Travel Costs

Accommodation – Most 6-8-bed dorms in Scotland cost 18-22 GBP per night, though prices rise a few pounds in the summer and drop a few in the winter (you can find hostels for as little as 12 GBP in the off-season). Free Wi-Fi and lockers are standard, and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Private rooms in a hostel cost around 40-65 GBP per night.

Budget hotels cost around 55-75 GBP per night with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Some include free breakfast.

Airbnb is widely available in Scotland and is especially useful in the smaller towns and villages where there are fewer traditional hotels and hostels. A private room generally costs 25-30 GBP per night while entire homes/apartments start at 55 GBP per night, though most options are 70 GBP and above.

If you want to camp, expect to pay around 17 GBP per night for a basic plot (a small flat space for a tent without electricity). Most campgrounds close for the winter so availability is limited come late October/early November. If you’re in a car or campervan, you can use the app “park4night” to find paid overnight parking, free overnight parking, and campgrounds.

Food – Scottish food is hearty, heavy, and filling. Seafood is abundant, and popular traditional dishes include blood pudding, minced beef, fish and chips, smoked herring, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), and of course haggis (a dish composed of minced sheep’s organs and spices inside a sheep’s stomach casing). Porridge is a common breakfast choice, though a larger breakfast of sausage, eggs, beans, and bread is not uncommon either. Sticky toffee pudding is a favorite dessert, and of course, you can’t visit Scotland without sampling some scotch.

Expect to pay around 10-12 GBP for a basic meal (like a Scottish breakfast). For pub food like a burger or fish and chips, prices are usually between 12-20 GBP for a meal. For a full three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, prices begin around 27 GBP.

A pint of beer is around 4 GBP while a glass of wine is around 5.50 GBP. A latte or cappuccino is around 2.70 GBP.

If you’re looking for fast food (think McDonald’s), expect a combo meal to cost around 6 GBP. A classic fish and chips from a no-frills takeaway spot is around 6 GBP, while Chinese takeaway is around 8-10 GBP. Street food (like from a food truck) costs around 6-8 GBP. Eat near the universities for the cheapest food options.

A week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. This covers basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. The cheapest supermarkets to look out for are Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Tesco.

Backpacking Scotland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Scotland for around 55 GBP per day. On this budget, you’re staying in a dorm room or camping, cooking all of your meals, using local transportation, sticking to mostly free activities (like hiking, museums, or free walking tours), and limiting your drinking.

On a mid-range budget of about 105 GBP, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out at cheap local restaurants for a few meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting castles or doing a whisky tasting.

On a “luxury” budget of 210 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, take the train between cities or rent a car, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Scotland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Scotland is expensive, there are lots of ways to lower your costs. Here are some tips to help you save money in Scotland:

• Get the Edinburgh City Pass – If you’re planning to explore Edinburgh, get the City Pass. For 45 GBP, you get access to 22 attractions as well as free transportation to and from the airport. There is also a two-day pass for 55 GBP and a three-day pass for 65 GBP.
• Eat in a pub – The best food is often in the pubs at a fraction of the price compared to a proper restaurant. Also, pubs generally give you a true taste of Scottish culture. Scotland is pub-land – they’re everywhere.
• Eat during lunch – Many cafes, bakeries, and chains offer lunch deals for as little as 3-5 GBP.
• Visit the free museums – The public museums in Scotland are free so take advantage! Free museums include The National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
• Use buses – If you need to go anywhere, buses are by far the cheapest way to reach the widest range of places on a regular schedule. You can even find tickets for just 1 GBP from Megabus if you book far enough in advance.
• Avoid eating and shopping in the city centers – Both Glasgow and Edinburgh get significantly more expensive the closer you get to the city center. There are plenty of good restaurants and quirky shops outside of the center, so go for those. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
• Use apps to get food deals – On the app Too Good to Go, participating eateries sell severely discounted meals/groceries/baked goods at the end of the day. You just sign up, see what is being offered near you, and pick up your cheap food at the end of the day. It has good coverage all across Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh. For discounts on takeout try the app Secret Takeaways which supports local restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow by cutting out the delivery app middleman (and their high fees).
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Scotland. You’ll not only save some money but get access to a knowledgeable local who can help point you to some of the country’s hidden gems. It may not be fancy, but you’ll get a unique experience and learn far more about the destination than if you stayed in a hotel!
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and people of Scotland then be sure to take a free walking tour. They usually last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. New Europe has a great free tour in Edinburgh and Visit Scotland offers one in Glasgow.
• Cook your own meals – Eating out in the UK isn’t cheap. Save yourself some money and cook a few meals for yourself. It may not be as fancy as eating out, but your wallet will thank you!
• Rent a campervan – If you’re planning to get out of the city, rent a camper van. You can get them for as little as 30 GBP per day. They come with basic self-catering facilities so you can cook your food and have somewhere cheap to stay. There are lots of free places to park around the country. Just use the app park4night to find them.
• Use BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app you can use to travel in between cities. It’s faster than the bus and usually just as cheap. You have to find a ride, which can sometimes be hit or miss, but the profiles are verified and reviewed so it’s quite safe. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with other locals/travelers.
• Use discount websites – Groupon, Wowcher and Living Social have good deals on accommodation, attractions, and dining out.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Scotland

Accommodation in Scotland isn’t cheap, but there are nevertheless lots of great hostels to stay at to help you meet people and save money. Here are my favorite hostels in Scotland:

• Castle Rock (Edinburgh)
• Edinburgh Backpackers (Edinburgh)
• Kick Ass Grassmarket (Edinburgh)
• Glasgow Youth Hostel (Glasgow)
• Euro Hostel Glasgow (Glasgow)
• Broadford backpackers (Isle of Skye)
• Stirling Youth Hostel (Stirling)

How to Get Around Scotland

Public Transportation – Public buses and trams cost around 1.50-2 GBP for one-way ride. For a single-day pass, expect prices to start at 4 GBP per person. In Glasgow, a 7-day public transportation pass costs 17 GBP.

Only Glasgow has a subway system and the tickets for the bus and metro are not interchangeable as they are operated by two different companies (though prices between the two are comparable).

Airport shuttles cost around 6-8 GBP each way.

Flying – Flying around Scotland is both inconvenient and expensive. There are very few direct flights, making it slower to fly than to take the bus. I would avoid flying and just take the bus or train.

Bus – Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around the country as they link most destinations in the country. Scottish Citylink, Stagecoach, Megabus, and National Express are the four main companies that operate here. Tickets can be found for as little as 1 GBP via Megabus, though they’re usually around 10-25 GBP.

Edinburgh to Glasgow, for example, is a one-hour bus ride that costs 8 GBP while the three-hour journey from Glasgow to Inverness costs around 20-30 GBP. The sooner you book your ticket, the lower the price, so always try to book in advance. The coaches here are modern and comfortable with bathrooms and Wi-Fi as well.

Train – Trains connect all the major cities in Scotland (as well as the towns and villages they pass through). When purchased in advance (12 weeks out is the sweet spot), tickets are only a little more expensive than the bus. For example, Inverness to Glasgow takes about as long as the bus and is only 30 GBP while Edinburgh-Glasgow is 30 minutes faster than the bus for just 1-2 GBP more. Just be sure to book early to get the best prices. Last-minute tickets can be expensive!

Car rental – Scotland is a great road trip destination. You can get cars for 20 GBP per day and campers for 30 GBP per day. Just remember that traffic flows on the left. Most vehicles are manual transmissions as well. Renters need to be at least 21 years of age.

Rideshare – Ridesharing apps like Uber are a reliable but expensive way to get around in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. Skip them if you can.

For longer distances, use BlaBlaCar. It’s a ridesharing app that pairs you with drivers who are traveling to other cities. They have profiles and reviews (similar to Airbnb) so it’s quite safe. It’s usually not as cheap as the bus, but it’s faster and more comfortable.

When to Go to Scotland

Summer is the most popular time to visit Scotland. In July and August, there’s warm weather and minimal rain, with temperatures reaching highs of around 20°C (68°F). This is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds in the cities and lots of people out enjoying the national parks. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in August, which is a huge multi-week festival. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you’re visiting during this time.

September is a rather wet month, though in October there’s incredible fall foliage. Overall, October is a great time to visit — especially if you plan on renting a car or camper and heading into the Cairngorms (Scotland’s biggest national park). Seasonal businesses and accommodations start to close in mid-October so be sure to keep that in mind when planning. Expect October temperatures to hover around 12°C (55°F) during the day.

The spring is a great time to visit, with April and May offering minimal rain and no crowds. There’s still snow and cool temperatures in the highlands, but the cities are lively without being crowded.

Winters in Scotland are cold and dark. December is relatively dry, with temperatures dipping below 0°C (32°F). It’s nevertheless a popular time to visit, with many tourists coming to Edinburgh for the huge Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration (one of the biggest New Year’s festivals in the world). Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend.

By February, snow is common so keep that in mind if you plan on renting a vehicle. Unless you’re coming to engage in winter sports, I’d avoid a winter visit unless you don’t mind the grim and grey atmosphere of the country.

How to Stay Safe in Scotland

Scotland is a safe country, even for solo travelers, and even for solo female travelers. Like in all cities, stay vigilant when you’re in crowded tourist areas or on public transportation as that is when pickpockets usually strike. If you keep your valuable secure, however, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Additionally, solo female travelers don’t need to worry in Scotland, however, women should take the standard precautions when traveling alone at night (don’t travel alone intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink, etc.).

Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left here. Most vehicles are manual transmissions and have the gear shift on the left (which is opposite to most other countries). Driving might take some getting used to so drive carefully — especially in cities and when going through roundabouts.

If you are hiking, make sure you have the appropriate equipment and notify your accommodation of your plans just in case as the weather can change quickly in the highlands.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Scotland!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Scotland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Edinburgh Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Scotland and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Edinburgh

The Best Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh

A Complete Visitor’s Guide to Rosslyn Chapel

Searching for the Perfect Dram on Islay

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• ABOUT ADVENTURES AROUND SCOTLAND
• SCOTLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
• SCOTLAND TRAVEL BLOG
• TRAVEL CONSULTATION
• WORK WITH ME
• ABERDEENSHIRE
• DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
• Firth of Clyde
• Inner Hebrides
• Outer Hebrides
• Orkney Islands
• LANARKSHIRE
• LOCH LOMOND
• SCOTLAND ROAD TRIPS
• GET IN TOUCH

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• Destinations

A 2-week road trip itinerary for Scotland 2022

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland in 2022 and are wondering what your Scotland road trip could look like or what you should do with your time there, you’ve arrived at the right blog post. In this blog post, I am going to share a 2-week Scotland  road trip  itinerary with you, jam-packed with all the best adventure on offer in this beautiful country.

I will be taking adventures from my  best things to do in Scotland 2022 blog post and plotting them on a route that will take you on an epic Scotland road trip. It will encompass all of the adventures I’ve been on in Scotland and more: visiting the Isle of Skye, spending time in Loch Lomond National Park  and Cairngorms National Park, spending a day in both  Edinburgh  and Glasgow, and obviously I couldn’t forget the famous NC500 road trip.

Of course, this Scotland road trip itinerary is going to assume you have a car with you. I’m not sure it would be of any use for me to write an itinerary for you whilst staying at your hotel lol. However, if you have booked to stay in one place during your time in Scotland, you may want to use this post to inspire a day trip in Scotland or to add an extension to your existing booking.

If like me, you are planning to drive from England to begin your road trip, you can check out my top tips for your Scotland road trip and my Scotland road trip planning guide.

After all, road trips are the best!

Other blog posts you might find useful…

• 7 best things to do in Scotland 2022
• Sweeney’s Bothy, Isle of Eigg, Scotland
• Unique travel places in Scotland
• Dunrobin Fortress: A Fantasy-Like Fortress in Northern Scotland
• A Moss-Roofed Modernist Cabin Bridges Outdated and New in Scotland
• The best things to do in Romania 2022

Let’s discover a 2-week road trip itinerary for Scotland 2022…

I’m going to begin this Scotland in Glasgow, and end this road trip itinerary in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. However, if you’re flying into Scotland then you’re likely to be flying into Edinburgh, which is only 1 hour from Glasgow, so you can turn this into a loop road trip easily.

This is a 2-week road trip itinerary for Scotland, but there’s no reason why you can’t adapt it to be a 1-week itinerary, or take your time and spend 3 or 4 weeks completing this route! I did this route in 4 weeks so if you’re looking to spend a bit more time and make some more stops, or if you’re looking for the best wild camping spots in Scotland, be sure to check out Scotland Google Map Legend.

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, get supplies and explore

• Driving time: 30 minutes

It’s Day 1 of this Scotland road trip itinerary and I hope you’re raring to go! We’re starting this Scotland road trip in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. Once you’ve got all the supplies ready for your road trip (check out my  UK road trip checklist and my top tips for road trips in Scotland to make sure you don’t miss anything!), explore the city for a while. If you’re looking for things to do in Glasgow before you head out for dinner, I’d recommend visiting Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, Glasgow Women’s Library, Glasgow Botanic Gardens or taking a walking tour around Glasgow.

Day 2: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (Conic Hill & Falls of Falloch)

• Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Honestly, I wish we had more time to spend in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, because it’s absolutely beautiful.  If you’re extending this Scotland road trip itinerary, this is a good place to spend some extra time!  I’ve chosen two of my favourite parts for this Scotland road trip.

In the morning, walk up Conic Hill and take in the views across Loch Lomond. Afterwards, go to Milarrochy Bay for a cold swim and to freshen up – you’ll need it if it’s a sunny day! If you’d rather go for coffee to relax, opposite the car park for Conic Hill there’s a great coffee shop and restaurant to fuel up.

When you’re ready to set off again, it’s time to drive to the Falls of Falloch. As you drive up towards Falls of Falloch, you drive on a road that hugs Loch Lomond. There are so many beautiful spots to pull up and enjoy lunch, or even cook if you’re in a van! (I’ve pinned some spots for you in the Scotland Google Map Legend). As you drive this road you also pass the place where, if you want to, you can jump on a river cruise and enjoy the views from the water.

It won’t be long until you’ll see the signposts for the Falls of Falloch, some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Scotland. Note: While the Falls of Falloch car park is free and only a short walk from the falls, it is small. Don’t forget to take your swimwear with you down to the falls as it’s a really cool place to swim!

Day 3: Glen Etive

• Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes

The Glen Etive road is one of the most beautiful drives in Scotland, and personally one of my top 3 drives. There’s one main road that weaves through the mountains and you can break off at Kingshouse and drive down Glen Etive road down to Glen Etive Loch for some of the most exquisite scenery Scotland has to offer. And listen, even James Bond agrees with me (this area was used as a film set for Skyfall). It’s only a 12-mile drive, but there are lots of places to stop and go walking in the Scottish Highlands, places to stop for lunch, and lots of epic wild camping spots if you have an off the grid set up!

Day 4: Fort William, Ben Nevis & Steall Waterfall

Drive up to Fort William (another place with your big super markets, shops, places to fill your car and stock up). This is where the epic train ride starts from across Glenfinnan Viaduct… don’t worry, we’re heading to the viewpoint tomorrow!

In Fort William you can go to the Ben Nevis visitor centre. Ben Nevis is Scotland’s highest mountain, and one of the 3 National Peaks (the others being Scafell Pike and Snowdon). There are lots of trails here, so whether you want a gentle walk or you want to tick summiting Ben Nevis off your Scotland bucket list during this road trip, now’s the time!  If you want to do this and squeeze in all the other adventures on this itinerary, I’d recommend adding a day here!  If you’re looking for places to stay near Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis campsite is a great one but gets booked up quickly.

If you don’t fancy Ben Nevis, then also in this area are the Steal Waterfalls, which are absolutely epic, and I’d definitely try and visit here if you have time.

Day 5: Glenfinnan Viaduct & Traigh Beach, Arisaig

• Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

It’s Day 5 on our Scotland road trip itinerary and it’s time to drive to Glenfinnan Viaduct car park, to then take a 20-minute walk to the Glenfinnan Viaduct view point to see one of the most iconic views in Scotland. After you’ve taken your photos, drive to Arisaig to soak up the sun on Traigh Beach. With the stunning views over Rum and Eigg and the turquoise blue water, it was very easy to forget that I was in Scotland here. Get your swimsuit on, kick back, and relax!

If you prefer freshwater, Loch Morar is also in the area and another great place to go swimming in Scotland!

Days 6 & 7: Isle of Skye

• Ferry crossing (Mallaig to Skye): 45 minutes
• Driving time: 15 minutes (Traigh-Maillaig), 3-5 hours for exploring Skye across 2 days

Days 6 and 7 of this 2-week itinrary for Scotland are going to be spent off the mainland, on the Isle of Skye.  If you’re extending this Scotland road trip itinerary, this is a good place to spend some extra time!

Catch the ferry to Skye from Mallaigon the mainland. Once you’re there, you have two full days to explore! Make sure you do the Old Man of Storr hike one morning – the views were absolutely awesome. I’d also recommend swimming in the fairy pools, enjoying lunch in Portree, and heading to Neist Point Lighthouse at sunset.

Day 8: Drive to Applecross, mainland Scotland

• Driving time: 1.5-2.5 hours (depending on where you start)

Coming back from the Isle of Skye, drive across the land route for more epic scenery in Scotland. Once you’ve touched down on the mainland, drive up to Bealach na Ba viewpoint, which was one of my favourites in all of Scotland. Be careful on this drive – it’s a twisty, single-track road. This is the part of this Scotland road trip itinerary where we have our NC500 road trip!

You’ll be hungry once you get to Applecross, so head for lunch at the Walled Garden. In the afternoon, take a walk along one of the many trails in the area or go for a swim at Applecross Bay.

Day 9: Torridon Hills

• Driving time: 1 hour

Calling all you active adventurers, this could be your favourite part of this Scotland road trip itinerary. Torridon Hills are part of the NC500 and are famous for the stunning walking trails with dramatic landscapes. Some even say that the views and trails here are better than Ben Nevis, which is more of a tourist spot! Spend a day here hiking and taking in the views.

Days 10-12: NC500 (Torridon to Inverness)

• Driving time: 9-10 hours (spread across 3 days!)

So the NC500 is huge… honestly, you could easily create a 2-week Scotland road trip itinerary just from this route! However, time is of the essence in this itinerary, so we are going to squeeze what we can into 3 days. Luckily we’ve got a head start, as we are starting from Torridon rather than doing the full loop.  If you’re extending this Scotland road trip itinerary, this is a good place to spend some extra time!

Day 13: Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park

• Driving time: 45 minutes

I’ll be honest… Aviemore took me by complete surprise. What I thought was going to be a quick trip and explroe turned out to be one of my favourite places in Scotland.  If you’re extending this Scotland road trip itinerary, this is a good place to spend some extra time!

Aviemore is located in Cairngorms National Park. The whole National Park is stunning but most of the activities are centred around this town. After you’ve arrived, go for a walk around the Rothiemurchus Forest, have lunch at The Barn and then reward yourself with a swim in Loch an Eilein. I’d recommend a loch-side picnic from The Happy Haggis for dinner!

Day 14: Edinburgh

• Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Would you believe it’s been 14 days already?! For the final stop on our Scotland road trip itinerary we are heading to the capital of Scotland. After you’ve driven from Aviemore to Edinburgh, spend some time relaxing in the city centre, exploring Edinburgh, marvelling at Edinburgh Castle and enjoying a nice meal and a cocktail!

If you can extend your stay by a day and stay overnight in Edinburgh, I fully recommend getting up the next morning to hike Arthur’s Seat before you head home.

[Source : weareglobaltraveller blog]

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Driving anywhere and fixing anything in a sweet ’95 land cruiser.

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How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

From fairy-tale castles to charming small towns, the Scottish countryside is every bit as spectacular as you've heard.

Best Times to Go to Scotland

Best things to do in scotland.

• Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Where to Stay in Scotland

With its stately castles , glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).

The raw, poetic beauty of this ancient land — formerly known as Caledonia — is difficult to overstate. If you're hoping to head to the U.K.'s ravishing northern nation, read on for our guide to planning the perfect Scotland vacation.

The bad news is that, like the rest of the U.K., Scotland's weather is far from reliable, even at the height of summer. But as long as you're prepared to accept that and pack a raincoat for the odd shower or two, then you'll be fine from May to September. The smart money is on visiting in June and the first two weeks of July, when Scotland basks in seemingly endless summer evenings (the sun doesn't set until 11 p.m. in some parts of the Highlands) and the British school holidays have not yet begun, so prices remain low.

For winter travelers, Scotland has the U.K.'s best ski resort at Cairngorm Mountain , while the capital, Edinburgh, hosts one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, Hogmanay .

If you like the great outdoors, you'll love Scotland. It's an ideal place for hiking, biking, and generally embracing the wildly beautiful landscape. You can summit magnificent Ben Nevis in a day (the tallest mountain in the U.K., at 4,413 feet), take a ferry out to explore the Hebrides archipelago and its stunning white-sand beaches, tour scores of castles, including the Queen's favorite holiday home, Balmoral (open to the public every April through July), and dive into a quirky food scene encompassing dishes like haggis (an offal and oatmeal combo, which tastes significantly better than it sounds), deep-fried mars bars, and juicy scallops, langoustines, and mussels.

Scotland is also a mecca for both golfers ( St. Andrews Old Course is the headline act) and whisky lovers , with some of the world's best distilleries available to tour, including Johnnie Walker on Edinburgh's lively Princes Street, Glenlivet near pretty Ballindalloch, and the legendary Macallan on a sprawling country estate in nearby Aberlour.

If you enjoy driving, you'll find some of the U.K.'s emptiest, most dramatic roads here, too, (as driven by James Bond in "Skyfall"), including the latest official addition, the North Coast 500 , an action-packed 500-mile route (516 to be exact) featuring mind-boggling coastal scenery, jaw-dropping beaches, rolling hillside, quaint fishing villages, and multiple hidden gems.

And if you prefer your challenges on foot, check out the magnificent West Highland Way , the country's best-loved long-distance walking route. Snaking its way from Milngavie to Fort William, it covers some of Scotland's finest scenery over 96 miles and is normally completed from south to north.

Meanwhile, history buffs will also be agog on any visit to Scotland, thanks to its 3,000-plus castles ( Castle Sween in Argyll is the oldest, dating back to the 1100s), as well as plenty to check out in the winding wynds (narrow lanes) and twisted staircases of Edinburgh's enchanting Old Town. ( Edinburgh Castle , towering over the city, is arguably the grandest in the country, too.)

If you can, make time to visit Perth, the former Scottish capital where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny and infamous Glen Coe, a beautiful valley full of waterfalls and deer, also known for the brutal clan massacre of 1692 (which inspired the Red Wedding in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones ).

Where are the Scottish Highlands — and what is the best way to get there?

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

The clue is in its name: the Highlands are the mountainous upper half of Scotland, covering 10,000 square miles of picturesque scenery. The region's lively capital is Inverness , which sits centrally and is a superb base from which to explore, while other highlights include mysterious, misty Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park , and idyllic Isle of Skye , which has been connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1995.

The easiest way to reach the Highlands is to fly into Inverness Airport from London or elsewhere in the U.K., or rent a car and drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, the way to arrive in style is on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston, a chugging time machine where you can fall asleep to the sounds of black cabs and bustle of the British capital and wake up among the red deer and magical glens of the Highlands. Regularly nominated as one of the world's best train journeys , the scenery gets truly spectacular after Fort William, as the route skirts a dramatic chain of lochs before descending into lush glens and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. For the ultimate Hogwarts experience, steam locomotives work this route during the summer months, so check in advance for these special departures.

The major cities have an abundance of hotels for every budget, headlined by Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square , a boutique property in the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, a pair of beautifully renovated 19th-century townhouses.

Scotland arguably does traditional country house hotels and rustic lodges better than anywhere else in the world, with Fife Arms in Braemar and Gleneagles in Perthshire being particular treats (the latter, nicknamed the "Glorious Playground" boasts three championship golf courses, its own dedicated train station, and the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars).

Scotland is, of course, peppered with castles, and many have been converted into hotels and B&Bs in recent years, with some of the better fortified accommodation options including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, and Stonefield Castle Hotel on Loch Fyne.

Wherever you stay, you'll get a warm welcome — not to mention a hot bowl of Scottish porridge or a plate of bacon, eggs, and haggis to start the day in a spectacularly scenic country.

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• Travel blogs on Scotland

Here you will find all my blogs on Scotland

With its rugged mountains, vast heaths and beautiful cliffs, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The beautiful cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are reminiscent of London but are many times quieter and smaller. Perfect for a weekend getaway. I also find the rich culture and history of the Highlands and Clans very interesting. A visit to Culloden is therefore really a must. Scotland has stolen my heart, so it is not strange that we have visited this beautiful region twice in less than six months.

I wrote quite a few blogs about Scotland. Blogs with practical tips and information, but also diary blogs about our time here. You can find all these blogs on this page. If you have a question, please let me know!

The ultimate itinerary for the highlands of Scotland!

Below you will find the ultimate itinerary for a two-week road trip through the highlands of Scotland. This itinerary is for a round trip by car, but can also be done partly by train.

This two-week itinerary for the highlands of Scotland is as follows: Edinburgh – Cairngorms – Inverness – Fort Rose – Loch Ness- Wester Ross Coastal Route – Isle of Skye – Fort William – Glencoe- Ben Arthur- Glasgow – Edinburgh

All of our blogs on Scotland

We wrote a lot of blogs on Scotland. Scroll down to see them all or read the most popular ones here:

• Scotland budget : How expensive is a road trip through Scotland?
• The ultimate Scotland itinerary for a road trip of 2 weeks!
• All you need to know about road tripping and camping in Scotland !
• Travel guide Isle of Skye

Facts about our trip through Scotland

Period:  December and April Who: Ries en Charlotte Favourite hotels:  click here for the Scotland hotel guide !  

Flight deals: click here  for the most actual flight deals to the United Kingdom! Ferry: click here to book tickets for a ferry to Newcastle from which you can take the bus/train to Edinburgh! How long: 3 days and 2 weeks  

Mega budget tip: book your campervan last minute at Spaceships and get 10% discount on your booking! Click here for more information!

All my blogs on Scotland

Isle of skye travel guide: our experience + tips for isle of skye in scotland, scotland budget: costs and prices of a road trip through scotland., best hotels in scotland: castles, hotels and b&bs in the scottish highlands, a weekend getaway to scotland: glasgow and glencoe, road trip scotland: itinerary for 10 days and two weeks in scotland, diary blogs: dolphins in scotland loch ness and the wester ross, diary: cairngorms national park and a whisky distillery in scotland, all about camping in scotland and a road trip through the scottish highlands, diary blog: sunny edinburgh, start of our road trip through scotland, diary blog: ben nevis, ben arthur and more of scotland.

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Top 10 Scottish travel bloggers showcasing the best of Scotland

If you’re planning to visit Scotland and you want to get the best out of your trip you’ve come to the right place. Scotland is a beautiful destination with friendly people, vibrant cities, historical attractions, picturesque lochs, beautiful islands, diverse wildlife, breath-taking views, and mouth-watering traditional cuisine to experience during your travels.

The Go-Hi team have compiled a list of the top 10 Scottish travel bloggers and influencers that are showcasing the very best that Scotland offers through their eyes to help you plan your perfect vacation. Within this list you’ll find some of Scotland’s most experienced and insightful bloggers, content creators and photographers, and in some cases their adorable four-legged travel companions as well!

Most of these lads and lassies are focused on writing about their travels in and around Scotland, with some choosing to expand their content to include their journeys further afield. They offer expert advice, tips and recommendations on the best things to do, places to eat, and destinations to explore throughout the country.

We’ve included links to their websites and social channels, so be sure to check them all out and use their experiences to your advantage. If you feel inspired, then please give them a follow.

Scotland with the Wee White Dug

Our first influencer Samantha (Sam), is a Lowland Scot from Edinburgh who started out as a hobby photographer after downloading Instagram in 2011. Since then, she has travelled all over Scotland, photographing the country’s spectacular landscape and sharing a more detailed account of her beautiful homeland via her Scottish travel blog ‘ Scotland with the Wee White Dug ’.

Sam’s blog is packed with useful information on places to stay, eat and things to see and do in Scotland. Her travel companions include her husband Alex and their Westie Casper (aka the Wee White Dug), who is the star of the operation. The great outdoors is Sam’s happy place. She adores hiking and has been known to scale a munro or two. She’s happiest when surrounded by lochs and mountains, or wandering on a remote Scottish beach.

Website: https://theweewhitedug.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweewhitedug (50,652 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theweewhitedug (6,613 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theweewhitedug (112,000 followers)

Travels with a Kilt

Neil is a Scotland travel writer, experienced broadcaster and digital marketing consultant based in the Highlands and Glasgow, who loves nothing more than donning his kilt and heading to the hills. Having originally started out writing about international travel in 2012, Neil decided to swap the life in a suitcase a year later to focus on his ever-expanding Scotland travel blog ‘ Travels with a Kilt ’.

Neil spends a lot of time on the road poking about ruins, scaling peaks, studying castles, visiting coastlines, running around after his drone and promoting the very best that Scotland has to offer the world in every way he knows how. He provides Scotland-wide coverage with his writing, photography and videos aiming to find the very best standards for his readers and followers.

Website: https://www.travelswithakilt.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelswithakilt (23,591 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/travelwithakilt (15,805 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelswithakilt (12,761 followers)

The Aye Life

Meet Victoria and Scott, they became Scottish bloggers overnight when they created their travel and lifestyle blog ‘ The Aye Life ’, which is the Scottish equivalent of the good life. They decided to make the leap to a fancy-free life in 2021, selling their house and trading it for a dream life on the road in search of Coorie and Craic.

They describe ‘Coorie’ as a Scottish phrase with various meanings, including ‘cosy’ and ‘snuggling in,’ it also defines the type of Scottish lifestyle that The Aye Life is all about. Wild swims, big bonnie lochs, hearty scran and the ‘cooriest’ of Scottish surroundings. The term ‘Craic’ describes the kind of banter that they have on a daily basis. ‘Craic’ is laughs, great company and all kinds of Scottish fun and frolics. Tighten your braces and pour a heavy dram, cause you’re in for a ride!

Website: https://www.theayelife.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theayelife (22,275 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theayelife (31,033 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAyeLife (7,600 followers)

Adventures around Scotland

Susanne started her Scotland travel blog ‘ Adventures around Scotland ‘ back in 2014 with the aim of inspiring people to visit Scotland and encouraging locals to venture out and explore the wonders and natural beauty of their amazing homeland beyond the typical tourist spots.

Suzanne’s travel blog includes a little bit of everything to help you plan a completely unique and memorable trip to Scotland, from off the beaten track outdoor adventures to quirky accommodation. Join Susanne on her exciting journey as she reveals a very different side of the country she loves to the world.

Website: https://www.adventuresaroundscotland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresaroundscotland (11,063 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScotAdventures (10,175 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdventuresAroundScotland (11,607 followers)

The Chaotic Scot

Kay discovered a life changing passion for promoting Scotland’s beautiful scenery and rich history when she became a tour guide. She launched her Scottish travel blog ‘ The Chaotic Scot ’ in 2013, and five years later made the leap from day job to travelling around Scotland as a full-time travel blogger and itinerary planner.

Kay’s blog focuses on Scottish islands, cute and quirky places to stay, hearty food and how to travel around Scotland without a car. Her mission is to inspire fellow Scots and people from around the world to place Scotland at the top of their travel wish-list, and to experience the very best of what the country has to offer.

She regularly lives up to her ‘chaotic’ name, forgetting things, losing stuff, getting lost, sustaining injuries and, in Kay’s words, generally making an eejit of herself!

Website: https://www.thechaoticscot.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechaoticscot (11,934 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheChaoticScot (7,370 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChaoticScot (39,002 followers)

Love from Scotland

Kate moved from the Peak District 23 years ago to set up a new home in bonnie Scotland. Her travel guide ‘ Love from Scotland ‘ showcases the best places to stay and how to get outside and experience the many delights that Scotland has to offer.

She is joined on her travels by partner Barry and their dog Hugo. You will often find them living on the Fife Coastal Path, bagging a munro, road-tripping to Scotland’s remotest corners, and cosying up in a luxury log cabin together. If you want to truly experience travelling around the real Scotland like a local, Kay’s travel guides will definitely point you in the right direction.

Website: https://www.lovefromscotland.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovefrmscotland (3,030 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/_smidge (3,214 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LovefromScotland (36,258 followers)

Watch Me See

Say hello to travel writer and photographer Kathi, a self-confessed ‘Scotland-lover-in-chief’ who moved to Glasgow in 2013 on a whim and fell madly in love with her new home. She started her travel website ‘ Watch Me See ‘ in 2016 to help visitors and native Scots plan their own epic Scotland adventures.

On her website you will find practical travel advice, detailed destination guides, itinerary suggestions, ideas for outdoor activities, hiking guides, tips for vegan travellers and lots of travel inspiration to fuel your wanderlust for Scotland. Wherever the road takes her, Kathi returns with a backpack full of stories for you to enjoy and helps you turn your dream of travelling to Scotland into reality.

Website: https://watchmesee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchmesee (9,391 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/watchmesee (2,081 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watchmesee (5,800 followers)

Funky Ellas Travel

Nicola is a Scottish travel writer and blogger based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. She started her ‘ Funky Ellas Travel ‘ blog a few years ago, named after her late aunt Ella who inspired her to travel Scotland. Most of the time Nicola is joined on her journeys of discovery by her daughter Taylor and Border Collie Crusoe.

She loves nothing more than to seek out beautiful sunrises, hidden gems, amazing food, fascinating tales, and find things that are different, unusual and a bit funky. Her blog inspires readers to experience all kinds of exciting and wonderful things, like climbing mountains in the Highlands, swimming in lochs, drinking cocktails on a night out in Edinburgh, searching for wildlife in the wilderness up north, and discovering Scotland’s gripping history by visiting the many stunning castles and ancient villages.

Check out Nicola’s blog to experience the funky side of Scotland.

Website: http://www.funkyellastravel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkyellas_scotland (2,247 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/FunkyEllas (3,063 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FunkyEllasTravel (1,407 followers)

Full Stop Next Chapter

Mel took her love affair with Scotland to the next level during an annual trip to Mull in 2015. She and her partner Jamie both decided on the ferry trip home to pack up their stuff and move to Perthshire as soon as possible. Seven months later Perthshire became their new home and Mel’s travel and lifestyle blog ‘ Full Stop Next Chapter ‘ was born.

Mel is a professional photographer and writes with passion for each destination she visits, capturing memories and sharing her adventures. She can often be found exploring glens, waterfalls, castles and coastal paths, visiting each part of these beautiful destinations, along with her new found love of wild swimming and Scottish gin!

Through Mel’s blog you will discover the wildlife, food, hiking, events and experiences that make Scotland one of the most incredible destinations in the world.

Website: https://www.fullstopnextchapter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullstopnextchapter (1,377 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelsNextChapter (1,660 followers) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FullStopNextChapter (724 followers)

My Veggie Travels

Sarah is a travel writer, marketing adviser and blogger based in Edinburgh. She quit her job at 28 to travel around the world, settling in Thailand for two years before heading back home to Scotland. Since then, she has worked as a Freelance SEO specialist/Content Creator and Marketing Officer, whilst taking the opportunity to visit various places around the world she’s always wanted to see.

During her travels, Sarah loves nothing more than to find new budget-friendly destinations and seek out the best vegan-friendly travel spots and cruelty-free tourist attractions. Her travel blog ‘ My Veggie Travels ‘ includes advice, tips and guides on budget and vegan travel worldwide, with plenty of great content about Scotland.

Website: https://myveggietravels.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahscotland (5,780 followers) Twitter: https://twitter.com/myveggietravels (1,160 followers)

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Travels with a Kilt

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2022 – An End and a Beginning

Where have I been? This is hard. In 2020, I was lucky enough to get married. It was a glorious culmination, a high point of a long, sometimes bumpy, road. We were best friends for twelve years and had shared a world of travels, of adventures and memories. Two loving souls, absolutely what the other needed and hoped for in this life. But, my new wife was soon to be diagnosed with cancer. A new road was before us, a desperate and brutal one. Kirsty showed a shocking bravery, unwavering class and endless love. Over last winter, she passed away.

The Isles are Calling

A Long-Awaited Adventure to the Small Isle of Canna There’s the bright white light of a summer’s early morning, mirroring on the water. Dagger shards pierce through faint, watercolour cloud, searing downwards. The rhythmic glide of the gentle sea, stretching for miles, laps seductively, its rolling consistency for miles interrupted only by the odd raised head of curiosity. The seals have stirred for the day too. Bleary-eyed travellers shuffle around deck, no-one yet awake enough to engage in words. But excitement peers over face masks, like kids over a wall of promise. It’s been a long time coming. The Isle

There’s Change in the Air

Living in the Scottish Highlands – Is it for you? Three months have passed since I made the big move north. I’ve had the extremes of snow-sprinkled beaches in February and of flip-flopping my way around an increasingly luscious garden in early summer. There’s been desolate whispers during lockdown, and excitable buzz as tourism reopened. And I’ve relished in equal measure the stony silence of a dram across a mountain view and the internal carnival brought out by Atlantic submersion amid ‘wild splashing’. The early days of living in the Scottish Highlands has been a perfect whirlwind. But, is it

2021: The Year of Scotland Staycations

….and Tourism with a Vengeance I feel I should apologise. What sort of subscription is this that you have to wait months for Scottish fixes during a pandemic? Folk like me should be churning out the inspiration, helping to keep optimism just about breathing in the expectation that better times await, just over the next hill. I have missed chatting about Scotland, and it does feel good to be behind the keyboard again. But the plain concession is I have simply not been on it and a combination of COVID limitations, the uneasy focus on Scotland staycations and significant life

A Quick Hello From Scotland

Right 2020, That’s Enough Out of You Ahhhh……where to begin? ‘Season’s Greetings from Scotland!’ is inappropriately cheery. ‘I hope you’re all well’ appears almost sarcastic. ‘It’ll be better next year’ sounds recklessly optimistic. Aye, turns out summarising this unforgettable year is no easy task. What a time to be alive as we survey the destruction wrought by the wrecking ball of COVID-19 on our health, our economies, our cultures and our very way of life. I’ll take an unavoidable peek (as much as I can bear) at the damage to the tourism industry alongside a more upbeat look at some

An Autumnal Highland Explosion at Loch Ness

A Loch Ness Blog and some Inverness Day Trip Inspiration That sweet spot – so painfully short – when autumn is at its peak and winter’s bony finger is crooked in its foreboding call, is upon me. And so I headed north once more for a rare Loch Ness blog and a final Highland adventure of the year. Dotting around Inverness and its surrounds, there is arguably no finer place to find yourself than here, especially given the stresses thrust upon us this week in the form of sensational elections, pivotal trade deals and the prospect of returning lockdowns. For

Back on the Road in Castle Country

Aberdeenshire Castles and the Historic Giants of the North East With autumn in full flow and a gentle sting in the crisp air, I look once more to the north. The feel of history-influenced rural terrain under my feet is home turf indeed as the long list of Aberdeenshire castles drifts once more into my crosshairs. Castle country, the north east is littered with ruins spanning every chapter of our long story. Are you sitting comfortably?   Corgarff Castle Adrift in a lonely sky, isolated in the chilly heights of the Cairngorms, sits Scotland’s star. Corgarff is the remote, star-shaped

History Hunting in Southern Scotland

In the Footsteps of Giants – on the Hunt for Castles in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian Following my reacquaintance with the road last week in West Lothian, my path promptly continued east and south as I went chasing memories. We all have an interesting relationship with time this year – it’s been both irrelevant and cherished. Irrelevant in that so many days have been largely the same, cherished in that we have placed an enhanced value on those memories and on our future plans, and on the freedoms we’ve recently enjoyed post-lockdown. I’ve personally longed for rural days behind

Outlander Filming Locations Near Edinburgh

A Self-Guided Outlander Scotland Tour In this strangest of tourism seasons, I am finally now very much out of the starting blocks. I suspect some new travel hurdles are soon to be heaved into our path but, for now, those that promote Scotland as a visitor destination – either for the present or the hopefully not-too-distant future – can start to make some tentative steps towards returning to work. And it is with caution that I re-visit a few old favourites, and some of the best historic sites in Central Scotland, that have gathered renewed enthusiasm in recent years thanks

An Update from Scotland as I Prepare to Hit the Road Once More

Scotland is Calling The gentle swish of the wind worrying the leaves, the flight of some beastie underfoot, the rush of hidden water and the creak and groan of the trees that have seen it all. It’s amazing what you notice when your senses have the inclination. Taking a simple walk in nature in these pandemic-dominated times is suddenly a very different kind of experience. I’ve become estranged with the outdoors for the entirety of the year and have had to wait patiently to begin the shy reacquaintance. But with a busy autumnal season of travel ahead, the time has

Coronavirus Update – The Situation in Scotland

A Coronavirus Update as Summer Starts How utterly dismal that instead of showering you with travel inspiration at this beautiful time of year in Scotland, I’m restricted to diverting more energy into second guessing the next steps of COVID-19. Such are the times as I attempt to update travellers on the situation here, the big issues in the industry and give some indications as to when we may be able to experience Scotland again. It’s not all doom and gloom though I promise, I throw a silver lining in at the end that’s hopefully more than a token gesture.  

A Scottish Movie Fix

Scotland Films for Stay at Home Survival I’m probably not alone in presently being on the cusp of insanity. Lockdown rumbles on and the sunny spring weather has sadistically tantalised us through the glass as our exciting plans for 2020 have generally been binned. But with signs that the virus is finally coming under some sort of control, albeit at a horrific cost to those that have lost loved ones and livelihoods, we can see that isolation at home has been necessary. In Scotland, we do seem to be on course for several more weeks of this before a gradual

A Study of the Scots

Scottish Traits and the Personality of the Scots Self-isolation, social distancing, house arrest, lockdown…..choose your poison it all amounts to the same quandary. We’re stuck indoors for the foreseeable. Travel plans cancelled, work ceased or radically altered and social lives decimated. Tough times for us all and quite rightly I’ll not be talking much about travel for some time while we power through. But I felt it important to pause briefly from my on-going and increasingly concerning destruction of the whisky cabinet to jot down some thoughts on something that’s never too far from my mind. The Scots, and our

Coronavirus and its Impact on Travel to Scotland

Well, this was unexpected…. NB//This blog was written and published on March 14th 2020 and is subject to constant change as the crisis develops. This is typically the time of year when I’m engaged in all sorts of cheery, can’t-wait gabs about exciting upcoming adventures in Scotland. Not so in 2020 it seems and the only chat on offer this month concerns coronavirus, the economy-crippling nightmare that has delivered a worldwide panic just as spring finally enters its final approach. How will it affect plans, what impact is it having on Scottish tourism, what’s the outlook in Scotland just now,

If I were you…..

A 14-Day Scotland Itinerary Travel plans and musings tend to go into overdrive at this time of year. It’s really very funny to watch. Suddenly there’s a whole bunch of stuff that shoot up the priority charts when it’s pishing down. Gaps in life need filled, memories are aching for the making and the heart starts to completely overrule the head. I want to see X, I must experience Y, my life is incomplete because I’ve never had Z. Helps make it one of my favourite times of year in a dreamer’s sense. Anticipation is king. Which brings me to

2019 – A Year’s Summary

Another Year Getting Closer to Home With Christmas upon us, it’s reflection time. Another year as a travel writer has seen me direct more resources than ever into this career as its opportunities and challenges have pulled me in further new directions. It’s always the time in the calendar when I analyse the changing nature of my work, and societal and industry norms more widely. New technologies, political ramifications and changing markets occupy my thoughts constantly. When I question the longevity of this line of work and whether I’ve gone mad. And, more pleasantly, when I review all of the

Winter Travel in the Kingdom of Fife

Coastal Winter Breaks in Fife Deep winter is threatening in Scotland as dark skies, high wind and torrential rain have given us a fair battering over recent weeks. The whisky cabinet has taken a pounding, the walking boots less so. But, during the odd break in the cloud, the opportune traveller must pounce and the Kingdom of Fife is one of my favourite winter playgrounds. From the utterly charming East Neuk to the multi-faceted St Andrews here’s a look at some off-season inspiration, excellent self-catering accommodation and food for thought for 2020 travel planning….   St Andrews and Kingsbarns Distillery

An Off-Season Highland Winter Trip to Lochaber

Winter in the Scottish Highlands, But Don’t be Hasty The big coats are on. Its dark by 4pm. The kettle’s working overtime. The mountains are snow-topped. Roads are empty. Sunsets are spectacular. Whether you love or loathe winter, these are the days when all of the above shape routines and influence Scotland travel planning. The Scottish Highlands in winter seem oddly off-limits to many of us, with an all-too-hasty sense of dismissive trepidation taking over. Aside from the obvious need to tinker with practicalities and expectations, I’m not entirely sure why that is. Presumably we’re smart enough to realise that

A West Coast Adventure Through Argyll

The Castles of Argyll and The Road Trip of Champions Fresh-faced and windswept, I return to the mainland at Oban ready for the final chapter of my west coast autumnal adventure. The weather has been kind beyond words but there is that nip in the air now, winter won’t be long away. It’s been a trip packed with island allure, seafood feasts and raw, rugged, spectacular coastal vistas. Argyll, my go-to in the road trip department, concludes things. This is immersion in deep Highlands. Misty glens, looming mountains, clan legends and the ancient castles of Argyll. Always end on a

The Call of the Hebrides….

West Coast of Scotland Island Holidays It has become a familiar spot to find myself in reflection mode. Ferry embarkation point at Uig on the Isle of Skye. This, friends, is the sweet spot. That point of perfect collision on a Scotland west coast holiday. Where the memories of Skye’s drama-filled landscapes are fresh and dominant…..and are now meeting, face-on, the imminent promise of the Outer Hebrides. Very different, very unique and very powerful visualisations are wrestling for the forefront of my mind’s eye. At this point, I always make my way up on deck and find myself a lonely

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Scotland travel blog july 2022, ”wanders in wester ross”.

It’s July and the Scottish School Holidays are in full swing.

Like most Parents, this creates a challenge for us as we have to combine our work for Secret Scotland with keeping Junior from spending all day on YouTube or the XBox.

There once was a time when we just jumped in the car and set off to explore around Scotland without worrying about ways to keep a child entertained. But things are different now, and we have to plan our trips with activities that will keep Junior enthused.

I reckon this gives us an advantage over travel writers such as Rick Steeves, because we write our guides with an understanding of what it's like to travel with kids. I’m assuming Rick doesn’t do his traveling with an impatient kid asking “Are we there yet?”

With this in mind, I planned our return trip to Gairloch so that it had a bit of a theme that would appeal to our 11 year old son. Fortunately (like his Dad), he is very much into planes and anything to do with World War 2.

So here’s the stuff that we got up to.

Rubha nan Sasan Gun Battery

Poolewe, despite its peaceful surroundings in the North West Highlands, once played an important role in the Allied effort to win the Second World War. It was from the sheltered waters of Loch Ewe that the Arctic Convoys departed on their extremely hazardous supply runs to Russia.

An expansive complex of Coastal Defences and Anti Aircraft Guns were installed around the shores of Loch Ewe to protect the ships of the Arctic Convoys as they assembled. You can still see lots of these buildings around the shores, but the best place to go to appreciate the scale of this wartime effort is at Rubha nan Sasan where a memorial has been erected to the memory of the sailors who perished in this campaign.

Appropriately, Rubha nan Sasan translates from Gaelic as “the headland of difficulty”. The soldiers based here in gun batteries exposed to the weather of the Scottish Highlands probably had a few other nicknames for it.

It’s a bleak and windswept spot about a 30-minute drive along a dead-end single-track road that starts in Poolewe. But during WW2 this area would have thronged with servicemen and it is said that the Army personnel outnumbered the locals by a ratio of 3 to 1.

The locals don’t seem to have objected to this influx of soldiers, as they benefited from the infrastructure that came with the military base. For example, the A832 road that links the railway station at Achnasheen to Poolewe, was built during the war so that the Army could get supplies. Prior to that, it was not much more than a cart track.

Fortunately, Loch Ewe never came under any serious attack as it was too far for the Luftwaffe’s bombers and I don’t believe any bombs ever fell here. The gun crews manning the defences probably found it to be quite a boring place to be stationed, but I’m sure they were very glad that they weren’t onboard any of the ships running the gauntlet of dangers on the way to Murmansk.

If you are interested to learn more about the history of the Arctic Convoys that sailed from Loch Ewe, there is an enjoyable little museum in Aultbea with a very reasonable entrance fee (Adults £5 and Children are Free). The best bit of the museum for Junior was the dioramas of model aircraft, but there’s lots of information to digest and many of the convoy veterans have donated personal mementos to help bring the story to life.

The Fairy Lochs Crash Site

Aircraft crash sites are always hauntingly sad places. We’ve visited a few in our travels, such as the Liberator crash site on Beinn Nuis on Arran . But there is something about the atmosphere at the Fairy Lochs crash site that really hits you.

As you climb over the hills to get to the Fairy Lochs (the name is a modern invention there’s no folklore of fairies here), the first thing that you will probably see is the grey metal of a propeller blade rising out of the still waters like King Arthur’s Excalibur.

Then, as you get close to the water’s edge you gradually become aware of more and more pieces of metal scattered around the hillside and below the water.

A simple memorial plaque has been mounted on a rock beside the loch. It tells you the home states and ages of the 15 souls that perished in this accident. Sadly, they were almost all in their early 20’s. But what makes this crash even more tragic is the fact that it happened after the War, and the servicemen were returning home.

I imagine the men onboard would have been relaxed and in high spirits, looking forward to being reunited with family and grateful that they’d survived the conflict. But that happy mood would have quickly changed in their last few moments.

It seems a navigational error caused the B24 Liberator bomber to clip the summit of the nearby Slioch mountain. Fragments of the plane were later found near its summit. The plane then limped on for another 10 miles before crashing into moorland not far from the village of Badachro. There were no survivors.

Coire Mhic Fhearchair Crash Site

The Beinn Eighe Ridge is a special place for me. I first hiked this ridge when I was 17 and the experience is etched in my memory. Not just because of the scenery, but because of the school teacher that was leading us.

He knew all the history of the area and was a great storyteller. He told us about the tragedy of the Lancaster bomber crew whose fate could have been so different if their plane had flown just 15 feet higher.

This accident took place in March 1951 during a training flight for navigators. It was night time and the plane was returning from an exercise that had taken it far out over the North Atlantic. The crew would have been fatigued and small errors may have been made which led them to think they were flying a safe distance from the craggy peaks of Beinn Eighe.

They were just 30 minutes flying time from their home base at RAF Kinloss when the Lancaster flew straight into the top of the mountainside known as the “Triple Buttresses”. If they had been a mere 15 feet higher they probably would have flown on safely and been oblivious to their close shave. Sadly that wasn’t to be.

But you don’t mind the short but sharp ascent past the waterfall as by this stage you know you are nearing the corrie. Your first sight of the “Triple Buttresses” is a “WOW” moment. The awesome scale of the mountains, and the green of the water make this place feel like a land where fairytale monsters might live.

There seemed less aircraft wreckage than I remembered from my previous hikes, but falling scree must have buried lots of fragments over the years. A large piece of undercarriage with a mainly intact rubber tyre stands out prominently near the bottom of the gulleys. And there are lots of pieces of aluminium on the slopes and in the water below the Triple Buttress.

I anticipated that Junior’s interest in the hike would wane once we reached the crash site, but he was dauntless and full of enthusiasm for tackling the almost vertical scramble up the scree chute that leads onto the Beinn Eighe ridge where you can quickly bag 3 Munroes.

If anything, I was more nervous about the climb, and it greatly impressed me how calm and assured my son was about navigating a climb that he’d seen several adults decide to quit.

So we managed to see a plane wreck, bag 2 more Munroes, and then, after a 6-hour hike, reward ourselves with a Pizza on the way back to our B&B.

What more could a Boy want?

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Discover Scotland: Reconnect 2022 in full swing

Travel trade event from 5 – 7 april.

It’s the final day of our virtual travel trade workshop event Discover Scotland: Reconnect 2022.

We hope by the end of this week some 360 buyers from 21 countries and more than 340 Scottish tourism businesses, operators and destination organisations will have connected virtually and done business together during many thousands of business meetings.

We’re delighted to be able to bring everyone together at Discover Scotland: Scotland Reconnect 2022. It exclusively promotes Scotland and enables Scottish businesses to showcase their products and services to buyers from around the globe.

The event will support the tourism industry in its aspirations to internationalise and to attract business and revenues back from international markets in 2022 and beyond.

We’re committed to working with the industry to create a long-lasting sustainable tourism destination which will protect the natural and cultural environment and benefit visitors and residents alike. Discover Scotland 2022 will support this aspiration by showcasing responsible tourism products to key international buyers.

This three-day event, which is running from 5 – 7 April, provides an ideal platform to explore new business opportunities and for suppliers and buyers to meet via a combination of pre-scheduled appointments, ad-hoc meetings in the connection’s hub, presentations, and round table discussions. More than 6,000 meetings are scheduled to take place.

Feedback so far is that there's a lot of positivity amongst exhibitors and buyers, looking ahead to 2023 and 2024!

Hear from our Director of Marketing Vicki Miller

Regional destination updates.

There are 14 regional destinations showcasing their amazing and varied offerings. Covering the breadth of the country from the Orkney Islands to the South of Scotland, buyers will hear directly from industry professionals based in the local areas.

This is the buyer’s opportunity to learn more about these destinations, discover new partnerships and find out more about the distinctive bookable products available in each corner of our country.

Hear from our Director of Industry and Destination Development, Rob Dickson

Rebuilding international tourism demand.

Discover Scotland 2022 is part of our activity to rebuild international tourism demand and support the country’s ambitions to be a leading destination for responsible tourism.

In early March, we launched phase two of our £8.5 million global marketing campaign – Scotland is Calling. We're running the campaign in key markets such as the US, France, Germany, and the UK and it includes partnerships with global brands like National Geographic, Expedia, and Facebook.

Take a look at our Scotland is Calling industry guide to see how you can get involved.

Related links

Scotland is calling | industry guide, travel trade, responsible visitor industry guide.