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If you have Scotland in mind as your next travel destination, then you’re in for an incredible experience in the most northern part of the four areas that make up the United Kingdom. Scotland is known for its rugged landscapes, magical mountains, and Gothic castles making it truly a land of extremes. To make your planning much easier, we have streamlined a list of the top 10 must-visit places that deserve a spot in your itinerary. Let’s explore the best of Scotland with:
1. Edinburgh: It’s located in the southeast and it’s Scotland’s most interesting city offering a unique Scottish culture with vibrant pubs and intriguing historic sites. It has a lot of diverse visuals, so always try to mix nature with cities or famous spots with offbeat destinations. One thing guaranteed here is that you won’t get bored.
2. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park: Located approximately 60 miles or 96 kilometers west of Edinburgh, this oldest national park in Scotland is one of the most popular places to visit. Its proximity to urban areas and a wide variety of activities make it a great place to visit. In Trossachs National Park, from taking a boat tour or hiking one of the many trails, there’s a lot to do here. The West Highland Trail is a popular long-distance hike that crosses the entire park in about 1.5 hours with spectacular panoramic views. If this seems to be a lot, there are other beautiful but shorter treks as well such as Ben A’an in the Trossachs and Conic Hill on the east bank of Loch Lomond. You can also spot Highland cows on the hike making the trek extra rewarding for you. Ensure to explore small regions to save money and find gems of your own.
3. Glencoe Valley: It’s located in the Scottish Highlands in Western Scotland and is known for its impressive mountain scenery, beautiful waterfalls, and trails that climb steep peaks such as the Pap of Glencoe. You need to reach Ballachulish, a village at the entrance to the valley, an ideal spot to grab breakfast before setting off to explore the valley. The road through the valley takes you through the heart of an ancient volcano and the drive is spectacular as the roads run parallel to the River Coe, and you can pull over at various spots to take in the stunning views. If you have more time, head to the end of Glencoe for more dramatic views and take a walk near Loch Leven from where you can see the mountainous ridges and the expansive loch, making it perfect for photography. After taking in the views, consider a hike to Coire Gabhail(the Lost Valley), a beautiful secluded spot that leads you to the surrounding mountains and dramatic cliffs.
4. Glen Nevis: It takes you through one of Scotland’s most beautiful and dramatic valleys, located just outside the town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Start your day by arriving in Fort William- the largest town in the Highlands which serves as a gateway to Glen Nevis. You can take in the dramatic scenery via the public road or other shorter trails such as Steall Falls-one of the three highest waterfalls in Scotland that takes 2 hours to complete a 2.1-mile trail serving as a backdrop to many Harry Potter series. If you have more time, take a leisurely roadside walk in Lower Glen Nevis which offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, particularly Ben Nevis. You can stop at various points along the road for photos and take in the tranquility of the glen. This is also an opportunity for you to see wildlife like deer, eagles, and other Scottish Highland species.
5. Glenfinnan Viaduct: Just a stone’s throw away from Glen Nevis and Fort William, this place is a must-visit in Scotland. This 21-arch viaduct is set among some of Scotland’s finest scenery overlooking Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument. There’s a well-maintained path from the visitor center to the viewpoint, which takes about 10-15 minutes to walk offering a spectacular view of the viaduct spanning across the valley with the stunning mountains in the background. One usual way to explore the area is on foot and another way is by embarking on the Jacobite steam train that crosses the viaduct twice a day, usually in the late morning and mid-afternoon. If you’re visiting during the summer months and the weather is clear, consider taking a peaceful moment to enjoy the sunset over Loch Shiel where the changing colors of the sky and mountains make for an incredible view.
6. Inverness: A tour of Inverness is a fantastic way to explore the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands known as the “Capital of the Highlands”. Begin your tour at Inverness Castle, a 19th-century red sandstone structure overlooking the River Ness, though the castle is not open to the public, you can explore its grounds and views of the city. Consider exploring the Victorian Market, an indoor shopping area in the heart of Inverness. Leave some space for souvenirs in your luggage as you can shop till you drop here. Much similar to Edinburgh, it also has a fantastic pub scene with great live music in the evening. You can also explore the other highlights of the place such as Inverness Cathedral, Leaky’s Bookshop, or a walk to Ness Island.
7. Loch Ness: Only a short drive from Inverness, Loch Ness is one of the most famous places in all of Scotland. Your first spot should be Urquhart Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and sits on the shores of the lock, with breathtaking views of the water and surrounding hills. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster from the castle grounds. After this take a boat tour of Loch Ness to experience the loch from the water which is the best way to truly appreciate the vastness of the Highland landscape. If you have more time, consider spending an extra day exploring the surrounding area such as The Great Glen Way and Glen Affric which offers additional hiking and outdoor activities.
8. Eilean Donan Castle: It’s one of the most photogenic castles in the world for a good reason making it a highlight of any trip to Scottish Highland. The castle is about a 1.5-hour drive from Inverness offering views of the lochs, and mountains. As you approach the castle, the first glimpse of it from the causeway is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s perfectly situated on a small island with a charming curved bridge connecting it to the mainland straight out of a fairytale. You can also consider visiting the Dornie village with a few quaint shops, local cafes, and charming views of the castle from there. It’s a loving place to relax for a while before continuing your journey.
9. Isle of Skye(Old Man of Storr): It’s the second largest island in Scotland and has the most picturesque view to encounter on your trip. It’s an iconic site on the island and attracts many hikers and tourists alike. The main activity at the Old Man of Storr is the hike that takes up to 2 hours with panoramic views of Loch Fada and the Sound of Raasay below, as well as the distant Trotternish Ridge. The Old Man is a 50-meter-tall pinnacle of rock that towers above the surrounding landscape. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue a bit further up to get even closer to the Old Man Rock itself. Start the tour as early as you can to avoid crowds and get a parking slot. At the top, you get the views of the curious rock formations of Storr that stick out at odd angles.
10. Quiraing: It’s located on the north end of the Isle of Sky and boasts some of the best natural views in all of Scotland. From the parking lot, you can take in great views of the peaks, but if you want a more intimate feel of the area, we recommend going on a hike to see the formation up close and get better views. The main highlight of the area is a circular loop that takes around 2 to 3 hours. The jagged landscape was caused by a landslide that exposed a strange rock formation underneath a large cliff. As you walk, ever-changing scenery will keep you engaged with each twist of the path offering new and stunning vistas. Make sure to bring your camera as it’s every photographer’s dream to end the day here.
CONCLUSION
It’s all done so relax and chill, with these 10 must-visit spots, as your itinerary is officially stacked. Whether you’re here for the history, views, or just the vibes, Scotland won’t disappoint you. So book that ticket, grab your crew(or go solo), and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about forever!
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