The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide

Edinburgh: Our time exploring Edinburgh was an absolute delight. This medieval city is a picturesque wonder with a plethora of activities to enjoy – from climbing a volcano and discovering the inspiration behind JK Rowling's Harry Potter series to touring a castle, delving into how whiskey is made, and experiencing the darker side of the Middle Ages.

Isle of Skye: The Isle of Skye is a stunning destination in Scotland, known for its lush green hills that transform into towering mountains and then descend into the blue coastline. Charming towns, Highland cattle, and hiking trails dot this wondrous landscape. Hiking amidst the Isle of Skye was our favorite part of our trip to Scotland.

Glencoe: If you are taking a road trip through Scotland, Glencoe should be on your list of places to visit. This gorgeous valley is a great place for families, hikers, and those that love the great outdoors. You can either drive through it, spending just an hour here, or you could easily spend an entire day hiking and exploring.

Glasgow: Glasgow is one of Scotland’s largest cities, and though it does not hold as much historical importance as Edinburgh, it is still a fun place to be. This modernized city is packed with whiskey distilleries, rowdy pubs, and pedestrian shopping streets.

Photograph the Eilean Donan Castle: Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island where three lochs converge amidst breathtaking scenery, is a stunning fortress with a rich history. Once pivotal in the Jacobite revolution, the castle now stands as one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks in all of Scotland.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous loch. Legend has it that this lake is home to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. People travel all over the world to visit this famous loch, hoping to get a chance to spot the elusive underwater monster.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: Loch Lomond, located just north of Glasgow, is a vast lake surrounded by mountains to hike, quaint villages to explore, and opportunities for water sports. Trossachs National Park, the region around Loch Lomond, offers enchanting trails around multiple lochs, woodlands, and mountains. Additionally, don't miss Doune Castle, known as the set of Winterfell in Game of Thrones and featured in Outlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. 

Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle stands as one of the most impressive castles to visit in Scotland. This grand fortress boasts a rich history intertwined with royalty, sieges, and battles for independence.

Cairngorms National Park: As the largest national park in Great Britain, Cairngorms is a place of outdoor adventure, traditional Highlands culture, wildlife, distilleries, and ancient fortresses. This National Park has some of the tallest mountains in the UK, making it a perfect location for skiing and hiking.