We have included links which may contain an affiliate link and if you decide to purchase or book any accommodation through these links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you from the sale and all links are noted with an asterisk (*). Part of this article is sponsored by Crieff Family of Hotels.
“There are few places in my life that I’ve found more ruggedly beautiful than the Highlands of Scotland. The place is magical - it’s so far north, so remote, that sometimes it feels like you’ve left this world and gone to another.”
Scotland is a place close to our hearts, we find ourselves returning time and time again with new discoveries each time. It’s a place to re-connect to nature, adventure and guaranteed to make you feel alive. Home to over 30,000 freshwater lochs and possibly one of the few places you will likely experience all four seasons in one day. This guide to Scotland will be grouped into different regions across the country and will include things to see and do, places to stay and more detailed guides will be linked throughout to help you plan the perfect Scotland adventure.
The Highlands
Located in the most northern region of mainland Scotland, the Highlands cover a third of the country and the region is surrounded by a wild rugged coastline. This iconic part of Scotland is covered in glass mirror lochs, majestic munros (mountains), white sandy beaches, meandering rivers, wild glens, charming ruins and exceptional beauty. The scenic roads hug around the munros and the wild landscape of the Highlands is one the most remote regions in Scotland with 8 people living per square kilometre. The sheer beauty of the Highlands has contributed to the success of many films and TV shows including Outlander and Harry Potter.
North Coast 500 (NC500)
Known as perhaps one of Scotland’s most iconic road trips, head north along the NC500 which starts in Inverness and loops 500 miles around the north coast of Scotland. Along this route you will pass castles, waterfalls, pristine beaches and epic scenery. Highlights include, Achmelvich beach, the mighty Suilven in Wester Ross and the impressive winding mountainous road of Bealach na Bà on the Applecross peninsula. The NC500 route can get busy during the summer months and we would recommend that you don’t limit yourself to the route itself and explore the roads off the main route and. Give yourself at least 1-2 weeks minimum to explore the route and all that it has to offer.
Glencoe
The valley of Glencoe is a result of a volcanic eruption over 400 million years ago and the wild, rugged glen was carved by glaciers. An outdoor adventure hub for mountaineers and climbers, the scenic valley of Glencoe is bordered by mountains such as the iconic Buachaille Etive Mòr and the three sisters of Glencoe (Bidean Nam Bian). A well kept secret is the impressive snow sports centre at Glencoe Mountain Resort which is open during the winter months and into early spring.
Glen Etive
Take the single track road off the A82 and follow the River Etive into the magnificent Glen Etive and drive all the way until you reach the mouth of Loch Etive where it runs into the ocean. Glen Etive is considered to be quintessential Scottish landscape, a peaceful oasis for spotting red deer, crystal clear waterfalls and soaring golden eagles. The picture perfect glen was featured in James Bond’s Skyfall, which inspired us to book one of our first trips to Scotland in a Landrover and we were not disappointed.
Ullapool
Ullapool is a coastal fishing town, known for its seafood and one of the gateways to the Outer Hebrides including the Isle of Harris and Lewis. Explore some of the oldest geology in the world at UNESCO Biosphere of Wester Ross and search for eagles, red deer and otters.
Glenfinnan
An impressive curved viaduct famous for it’s appearance in the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Today, the Jacobite steam train runs along the track from Fort William to Mallaig. Take your time to admire the view of Loch Shiel at the Glenfinnan monument.
Fort William
A central location for many outdoor activities and known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ with year round outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, fishing, ski-ing and more. Tackle the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis at 1344 metres high and reward yourself to a tasty meal at one of the many restaurants in Fort William.
Places to stay in the Highlands
Ballachulish Hotel
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in the Highlands, stay in one of the recently refurbished rooms at Ballachulish Hotel. A selection of rooms have views overlooking Loch Linnhe and you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins. We stayed in the signature room which was perfectly positioned to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset. The hotel is in a central location to the Highlands and close to many nearby attractions such as Glencoe, Glen Etive and also to the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut in Harry Potter.
Kingshouse Hotel
For more than 250 years, travellers, mountaineers and climbers have taken refuge at the remote Kingshouse Hotel and cosied up to a warm fire after a day of adventure. Today, it offers luxury accommodation with spectacular views across to Buachaille Etive Mòr alongside more simple rooms in the Bunkhouse for hikers walking the West Highland Way. The Kingshouse Hotel is located within reach of Glencoe Mountain Resort, Glencoe Valley and Glen Etive. There is a bar and restaurant serving delicious food and drink with incredible views of the valley and the Way Inn is open during the late spring and summer months serving warm, hearty food.
Cairngorms National Park
As the UK’s largest National Park, the Cairngorms National Park is an outdoor adventure playground, the perfect place for outdoor activities including, watersports, snowsports, hiking, cycling and fishing. Established in 2003, the Cairngorms contains one-quarter of Scotlands native forest. The Caledonian forest gives you a sense of what the Scottish highlands would have looked like thousands of years ago before they were felled and destroyed. The alpine semi-tundra moorland habitat found here in the Cairngorm mountains are similar to what you would find in Scandinavia.
Where to stay in Cairngorms National Park?
Pine Marten Lodge
When visiting the Cairngorms National Park, no visit would be complete without staying in a wooden cabin in the woods. Pine Marten Lodge near Nethy Bridge is the perfect place to relax and a great location to explore the National Park, with a hot tub, wood burner and outdoor gas fire pit you’ll be guaranteed to have a great time. The lodge is kitted with luxury touches, all wood was sourced from local sources and it has a sedum roof which blends it within the landscape. The Spey Valley is renowned for it’s salmon and trout fishing and the Strathspey Railway runs a steam train from Aviemore to Broomhill.
Scottish Borders
Peebles
Peebles is a beautiful town in the Scottish Borders, only an hour from Edinburgh adjacent to the River Tweed and is the perfect location for plenty of nearby walks and is well known for it’s salmon fishing. Take the scenic road from Moffat through the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh along the A701 which will lead you to Peebles, you’ll find yourself wanting to pull over to soak in all of the views. One of our favourite walks in the area of Peebles is along the River Tweed to Neidpath Castle and follow a circular route back to Peebles. Glentress forest offers mountain biking trails for those of all abilities and also provides some beautiful walks amongst the fragrant Norway spruce, Douglas fir and Scots pine trees.
Where to stay in THE Scottish Borders
The Park Hotel, Peebles
In the 19th century, the small town of Peebles became well known for its hydropathic treatments at Peebles Hydro. Stay at the recently refurbished sister hotel, The Park Hotel where you will be in the heart of Peebles. The hotel has its own bakery and a new fine dining restaurant, Tryst which has a five-course tasting menu using seasonal Scottish produce. The hotel is only a short walk away from the high street, where you can browse a variety of independent shops, cafes and admire the pristine River Tweed.
Inner Hebrides
The Inner Hebrides is a group of 79 islands of the West coast of Scotland in the Atlantic Ocean, which includes the largest islands Skye, Mull, Islay and more smaller islands some of which are uninhabited. Each island has its own unique identity and island hopping is a great form of travel across the islands and can be done either via the many ferries or by a guided boat tour.
Isle of Skye
A photographers paradise, the Isle of Skye has panoramic views and is famous for featuring in many films and has many incredible nature spots including the Fairy Pools and beaches. The Isle of Mull is home to nesting white-tailed sea eagles and has the colourful and beautiful village of Tobemory. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to do you can read our Isle of Skye guide which includes our favourite things to do on the island.
Where to stay on the Isle of Skye
SKYE ECO BELL GLAMPING
Stay at the eco friendly Skye eco bell glamping site*, self-catered accommodation where you can experience island life off grid and connect with nature. There is running water, hot showers, a shared composting toilet and solar lighting. You are provided with a solar powered USB mobile phone charger.
ISLE OF MULL
Located off the west coast of Scotland and found within the Inner Hebrides, The Isle of Mull is a wildlife paradise and has some of the most spectacular beaches. Only a short 46-minute ferry ride from Oban to Craignure, this island gem is a dream for outdoor adventurers full of waterfalls, hills, lochs, forests and clear turquoise water beaches. Read our top 10 things to do on the Isle of Mull.
Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides are a chain of more than 70 remote islands off the North West coast of Scotland, and includes Lewis and Harris, North Uist, South Uist, Barra and Benbecula. These secluded islands have a rich history of Gaelic culture, pristine white sand beaches, clear blue water, most impressive stone circles and epic driving routes. These isles are well known for the wildlife which is mostly protected and unique to the area including; minke whales, orcha whales, white-tailed eagles and otters. The recently established Hebridean Way is one of Scotland’s newest long-distance trails traversing across Outer Hebrides over 156 miles and across 10 of the islands.
Isle of Lewis and Harris
Crossing the Minch from Skye to the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis and Harris is a magical experience and should be part of any Scotland itinerary. Award winning beaches, epic drives and scenery that will last with you for a lifetime. The perfect environment for the creation of many rainbows as a result of the burst of rain and sunshine!
Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland is a must visit, Edinburgh is rated as one of the top places to live and set within a beautiful hilly landscape. Make sure you take the time to walk up to Arthurs seat where you get spectacular views overlooking the city. The city is home to Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo and take a stroll down Royal Mile to visit Scott Monument an ode to Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish writer well known for his poetry and novels. Walk the cobbled backstreets and visit the St Cuthbert’s graveyard which inspired J K Rowling’s characters in Harry Potter and visit the cafe The Elephant House where she wrote some of the first Harry Potter book.
Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city Glasgow and perhaps best known as the cultural and creative capital of Scotland. Glasgow has numerous museums, art galleries, music gigs, great places to eat and impressive architecture to admire. One of our favourite spots in the city is the beautiful Glasgow Botanical Gardens with the majestic Kibble Palace glasshouse set within enchanting gardens. Once again a nod to Harry Potter, Glasgow University has a striking resemblance to what you would imagine Hogwarts to look like and has no claims but nonetheless has a magical spark.
Argyll and Bute
On the West coast of Scotland, the region of Argyll and Bute is known as the adventure coast of Scotland. Here you will find the perfect balance of calm and adventure, from incredible sandy beaches to legendary castles such as Kilchurn Castle. Oban is the gateway to the Hebridean Isles, known for seafood and mountain views.
Where to stay in Argyll?
Inverlonan
Reconnect with nature on the banks of Loch Nell in a beautifully designed and crafted luxury bothy. After walking or transported by buggy, you’ll arrive at your cabin showcasing pure craftsmanship and featuring local crockery from Argyll Pottery, quality local produce and sheep rugs from Skye. A true off-grid experience with solar powered energy, drop toilets and an outdoor shower. Inverlonan forces you to slow down, unwind and immerse yourself in nature. Read more about our stay at Inverlonan here.
Portavadie Gym & Spa
After a day adventuring along the coast, relax and unwind at Portavadie spa set on Loch Fyne. Enjoy award winning cuisine, soak aching muscles in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the incredible views at sunset overlooking the loch.
How to travel around Scotland?
A fantastic way to get around Scotland is by campervan, this allows you to take the slow road and have everything with you. Travelling in this way does come with responsibilities, you must discard of your waste in designated areas, not leave a trace and be respectful to other road users and locals.
