The natural beauty of Scotland is resplendent with rolling hills, snow-covered peaks, green valleys, and sparkling lochs. As such, it makes the perfect destination for those who are looking to explore a country that has plenty to see in terms of its wonderful landscapes. If you’re thinking of visiting Scotland sometime soon, perhaps during one of its many festivals that take place throughout the year; this blog post will serve as the perfect itinerary for the best places to visit. For those who have never been to Scotland before, you might think it’s just one big dense forest due to all the trees in Highland Games and being home to lots of Trees. But in fact, there are some beautiful scenic spots and hidden gems all over this wonderful country - and we’ve found some of the very best ones! Here is our list of where you should go if you want to see some fantastic sights on your next trip to Scotland.
The Isle of Skye
With its dramatic landscapes, it’s no wonder that the Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations. This island is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the famous Cuillins, which are some of the oldest rock formations in the world. It’s said that these were formed around 400 million years ago when dinosaurs were still roaming the planet! In addition to its geological history, the Isle of Skye is also home to a rich cultural history, with many ancient sites to explore. Take a trip to the picturesque town of Portree, with its colourful waterfront and beautiful views over the water. Or visit the iconic Neist Point Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1890. Just make sure you go during the right season: the spectacular Northern Lights can be seen here between October and March.
The Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull makes for a fantastic destination for those seeking a remote, authentic Scottish experience. Located in the Inner Hebrides, this island is best known for being home to the stunning freshwater Loch na Davadh ionnsach. This translates as "Loch of the Wild Boar", and is an excellent place to spot wildlife, including otters, seals, and various species of birds. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy traditional Scottish pastimes, such as walking, cycling, and fishing. There are also several excellent golf courses on the island, which make for a great day out for golfers of all abilities.
The Cuillin Hills
The Cuillin Hills are easily one of the most iconic natural features of the Isle of Skye. These dramatic and rocky mountains are a spectacular sight, and they make for the perfect place to go hiking. There are many routes up the Cuillin Hills, and each offers a very different experience. For example, the path up Sgurr na ́ Coire is regarded as one of the most challenging climbs in Scotland. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also try wild camping near the base of the mountain.
Orkney
The Orkney Islands are known for their stunning beaches and impressive wildlife and make for a great destination for those who enjoy exploring Britain’s natural environment. There are many places to visit on Orkney, and some of the most popular include the famous Neolithic monuments of Skara Brae and Maes Howe, and the RSPB reserve at Sanday, home to thousands of seabirds and an important breeding ground for sand eels.
Stirling, the National Park and more
Scotland’s central region is full of beautiful landscapes, including the stunning Highland National Park, which is perfect for hiking and nature-watching. Stirling, the country’s central city and former capital, is also worth a visit, with its impressive castle and a 16th-century palace. For those who enjoy architecture, it’s also worth taking a trip to Glasgow, one of the largest cities in Scotland, which is renowned for its striking modern architecture.
St. Andrews and the Fife Coast
The famous coastal town of St. Andrews is a great place to visit during the summer when its many festivals are taking place. This picturesque coastal town is known for its stunning beach, which is one of the most famous in Scotland. It’s also famous for its golf links: St. Andrews is the home of golf, and it’s where the game was first invented. Nearby, you can also visit the ancient university town of
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Situated in the southern part of the country, Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most famous lochs (lakes), and its vast expanse is a sight to behold. There are also many excellent places to visit nearby, such as the Trossachs, a stunning area of natural beauty. The Trossachs make for a great day trip from Glasgow, which is just a short drive away. If you have a little more time, you can spend a couple of days exploring the area, visiting the nearby towns of Callendar and Aberfoyle.
Cairngorms National Park
Scotland’s natural landscapes are spectacular all year round, but they are at their most beautiful in the winter months when many of the country's famous landscapes are covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. The Cairngorms National Park is found in the country’s eastern region and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including red deer, red squirrels, and the elusive pine marten. There are also many excellent outdoor activities in the Cairngorms National Park, including skiing, snowboarding, climbing, and hiking.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is arguably the most famous city in Scotland, and it’s well worth spending a few days exploring this amazing place. There are many excellent museums to visit in Edinburgh, including the National Museum of Scotland, where you can learn more about the country’s rich cultural history. If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s also worth attending one of the many festivals that take place in the city, such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, which are two of the largest arts festivals in the world.
Conclusion
There are many wonderful places to visit in Scotland, so it can be hard to narrow down which ones are the best for you. When choosing where to go, it’s best to consider what you want from your trip, and what kinds of activities you want to do while you’re there. For example, if you’re a nature lover, then Orkney and the Trossachs are perfect destinations. If you’re more of a culture vulture, then St. Andrews and Edinburgh are the places for you. No matter what kind of traveller you are, there is something for everyone in Scotland!