Travel advice for Scotland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Scotland
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written by Robin McKelvie
updated 25.01.2021
Cities in Scotland like Edinburgh or Glasgow offer myriad urban charms to travellers. But if you want to really get to the heart of the country, you need to get into the wild. Making up 69 percent of the UK coastline and boasting more than 800 islands, Scotland is home to some of the last great wildernesses in Europe. From the Highlands to the Outer Hebrides, here are 8 of our favourite remote and isolated places in Scotland. You might also want to discover the most beautiful places in Scotland, as voted by Rough Guides readers.
The Great British Road Trip
Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored
customize ⤍Festive Feelings around Christmas in Scotland
Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of the Scottish Highlands! Lovely Christmas Markets and winter festivals await visitors during the winter months, but this itinerary can also be turned into a summer festival hop!
customize ⤍Scotland's Wildest Natural Scenery
Want to lose yourself in Scotland's wildest natural scenery? This itinerary is a breath of fresh air and perfect to explore the most enchanting landscapes of the Highlands. It will allow you to get to know the wildest landscapes of Scotland, its fast-paced history and its amazing traditions.
customize ⤍A true 'Outlander' Adventure
Calling all Outlander lovers…you are in luck! Who would like to follow in the footsteps of the nurse Claire Beauchamp on her trip to Scotland in 1743? We have designed the perfect itinerary to experience the most charming corners that feature in the series.
customize ⤍Magical 8-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!
Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 8-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!
customize ⤍Highland Tour: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Edinburgh
Discover the beautiful region of Perthshire, the famous Loch Ness and Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Get a chance to admire Europe’s oldest mountain, stroll along sandy beaches on the Scottish West Coast, and visit the mysterious Isle of Skye.
customize ⤍Walking around vintage England and picturesque Scotland
Visit two traditional capitals, London and Edinburgh, and enjoy a trek through the Loch Lomond national park. This trip will let you discover peaceful Scottish islands by foot, with several days of detailed walking tours included in the trip.
customize ⤍Harry Potter and The Alnwick Castle
You are one step away from joining a magical adventure! If you are fans of the wonderful world of the little magician apprentice, Harry Potter then the time has come to discover the very scenes where the Harry Potter universe was filmed. Do not forget to bring your wand. We await you on platform 9¾!
customize ⤍Getting there: travel from Mallaig on the passenger-only ferry or walk 16km from Kinloch Hourn.
The reward is a trim necklace of whitewashed houses and a legendary hideaway, the Applecross Inn. Enjoy enormous local langoustines before sinking into bed with a view of the Cuillin mountains across the sea on the Isle of Skye.
Getting there: drive the UK’s highest road on the mountain pass from Loch Carron to Applecross.
Getting there: this is half the fun. Enjoy the world’s shortest flight from Westray to Papa Westray with Loganair. In distance it is less than the main runway at Heathrow. It has been done in around 40 seconds.
You can hike out to gaze out over tiny Muckle Flugga, the most northerly point in the British Isles.
Getting there: even after getting to the Shetland mainland you will still need two more ferries to get here.
Hike the hills and you’ll only have seabirds for company. There is only one shop here – it is run by the island's only school kid, Jack, for half an hour ever day after lessons.
Getting there: brave the tumultuous trip on the local ferry (which is hauled ashore after every journey to stop it being dashed on the rocks). Alternatively, enjoy the seriously scenic flight from Shetland.
The local seabirds may not welcome your arrival, so take a protective umbrella. If you make it past them to the lighthouse you can relax with a view that it's likely no other human being has enjoyed for months.
Getting there: if you don’t have your own helicopter, Northern Light run live-aboard cruises that take in North Rona.
The archipelago enjoys a dual listing on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, once for its human heritage (its last inhabitants left their organic, community-led and money-free life in 1930) and again for its natural importance.
You risk being knocked off your feet by great skuas while hiking in the hills, can watch thousands of gannets and puffins swirl around the UK’s highest cliffs and see minke and even killer whales in the Atlantic waters.
Getting there: go to St Kilda run fast RIBs from Skye, while Hebrides Cruises have live-aboard expeditions that offer more than one day ashore.
Today only ghosts and seabirds survive amongst the vaulting cliffs and mysterious sea caves. You can also take in majestic views of the Inner and Outer Hebrides as you hum Mendelssohn’s Hebridean Symphony.
Getting there: the most comfortable way is on Majestic Line’s new Glen Etive. There are day-trips from the mainland too.
Inspired? Travel into the wild, and remember, you should always camp responsibly and sustainably. Find out all you need to know with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Explore more of Scotland with the Rough Guide to Scotland. Compare flights, find tours, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
Top image: The Cuillin mountains in the South of the Isle of Skye seen across the stretch of water known as the Inner Sound. © Derek Beattie Images/Shutterstock
written by Robin McKelvie
updated 25.01.2021
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