At first glance, the Scottish scenery looks harsh: scary castles perched on hills and cliffs, and empty moors… But once you’re here for a while, you’ll see that Scotland has its own special beauty. It has stunning mountains, rocky coastlines, and blue lakes and rivers that are perfect for fishing.
The strange peaks, deep valleys, and large lochs are surrounded by old castles, Neolithic ruins, and Viking tracks. All of them offer a lot of different kinds of adventures, some that you can do on foot and some that you can do pushing the gas pedal.
Top 8 Destinations to visit in Scotland
1. Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands are a wild group of islands with dramatic scenery that sits between the North Atlantic and the North Sea. There are about 100 islands, and most of them don’t have people living on them. That leaves us with a classic, rough Scottish scenery to discover.
It makes sense that not every island is the same. Some, like Yell, Unst, and the South Mainland, have beautiful beaches with white sand. Others are very wild, with steep hills that make it seem like neither men nor women are welcome here.
But it didn’t seem to bother the Vikings. There are beautiful archaeological sites on the Shetland Islands that take you back to the Neolithic age and the Middle Ages. A lot of this history can be found in Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland Islands. It’s the kind of seaside town that quickly wins your heart.
2. Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland’s biggest national park. It has all the best parts of the Highlands. Yes, since it’s a national park, you can expect the woods to be clean and untouched. That’s what it is. But the Highlands wouldn’t be the Highlands without some past and the marks left by old clans.
Lochs and rivers bring life to the park and make the thick, old-growth forests that surround them better. From the valley rise some of Scotland’s tallest mountains, like Ben Bacdui and Braeriach. There are miles of trails all over the park, making it easy and fun to explore.
You won’t have to walk all the time, though. In fact, the 145 km road that winds through forests shaped by glaciers, across valleys, and over hills is one of the best things to do here. The highest public road in Scotland is this one.
3. Aberdeen
As you walk through Aberdeen’s old streets, you can see right away that the city is made of rock. This city’s grand public buildings, which are often dark and gothic, are a sad memory of its time as the world’s granite capital. You can see this best at Music Hall and Marischal College. The second one is a beautiful Gothic Renaissance building with tall spires.
Some of Scotland’s best restaurants emit smells that you can smell from these streets. Aberdeen is a great place to find real Scottish food. It has both rich farmlands and a seashore, so the Angus beef and seafood are both delicious.
After you’ve eaten, check out the Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery, two of the city’s busy museums. But don’t leave until you’ve seen Balmoral Castle, which used to be where the British Royal Family hung out.
4. Fort William
Fort William is in the middle of the Scottish Highlands and has access to the area that most towns could only dream of. Fort William is a great place to start for outdoor activities because of its location. Something that active tourists might be interested in.
Fort Williams is always a fun place to come home to because it has green, windswept fields and random ridgelines. Along the cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes are cute cafes. In the middle are the cozy pubs, old hotels, and restaurants in the town. Its position on Loch Linnhe also makes boat rides in the late afternoon possible.
As soon as you wake up, you’ll be ready for a morning of thrills. Ben Nevis is the big one, of course. This is the middle peak of the Three Peaks. It is the largest peak in the UK. People come from all over the world to take on this task, and travelers who are reasonably fit can reach the top.
5. Inverness
Inverness is the heart of the Scottish Highlands and a great place to start your trip. Though you’ll spend a lot of time outside of the city, you should still spend a few days nearby.
A Scottish city isn’t complete without some past, and this one has a lot of it. The Old Town is a great place to spend a day. A great many of the houses are from the 1700s. You will be amazed by the Old High Church, the Inverness Cathedral, and the busy Victorian Market. The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to learn more about the past.
There are many great art galleries and theaters in the nearby Eden Court. There will also be plenty of distilleries, such as Glenfiddich’s home in Speyside. After the alcohol, eat some local food to balance it out. There is a great place in Inverness to try the traditional Scottish fry-up.
6. Glasgow
With a name that means “dear green place” in English, Glasgow has a lot of public parks and grounds. They are spread out across the city and connect you to other great things about it, like the amazing music scene and love of museums.
In some of the best parks, you can see Glasgow in a lively way or even get a close look at some highland animals. Like Pollok Country Park is now. An interesting city lies in the middle. It has a touch of working-class ethic and subculture along with a sad past.
As a UNESCO City of Music, there are always live events for tourists to enjoy. Because people in the city love art and creativity, there are many galleries and museums to choose from. The Riverside Museum and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery are two of the best places to visit.
There can also be a lively eating scene added to the mix. Scottish food from the past is mixed with new recipes to make food that fits Glasgow’s style.
7. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye, like Glencoe Valley, is made up of some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Rough, moss-covered hills rise from old valleys that are fed by icy waterfalls that crash down. Early in the morning, mists rise to show a new day. At night, the stars shine brightly.
When you’re on the Isle of Skye, you don’t need to look for any of this. As you go through traditional fishing towns, it’s all around you. Where you can see Highland cows and look for ancient places.
The second-biggest island in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. It has a long and interesting past that includes clan wars and rebellions that changed the course of national history. Small towns are spread out along the coast like breadcrumbs, and the windswept beaches are great for children. Finish by getting a great view of the Old Man of Storr, which is one of the most interesting rock shapes in the world.
8. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, changes with the seasons. When the daffodils bloom in the spring, they turn the fields and parks a bright yellow color. In the summer, the city is bathed in blue skies, and the low-lying sun makes the old sandstone buildings shine. In the winter, fog hangs over the Royal Mile, and the candlelight inside cozy bars gives people a welcome break.
Edinburgh is a wonderful spot to visit. One that has kept its unique vibe even though things have changed. The cobblestone streets in the city break up into small lanes called winds. By following these, you can go back to the 1700s and even the Middle Ages.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Grassmarket Square, and the magnificent Edinburgh Castle are some of the best places to see in the capital. Some of the best views in Edinburgh can be seen from the castle.
During the summer, there are a lot of events and festivals to choose from, like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
