Chewy When you think of trips away with the family, you don’t always naturally think of Scotland. However, if you’re active (or even if you’re not) and you really want to get back to nature/be surrounded by stunning scenery, Scotland is a surprisingly massively underrated holiday destination.
Edinburgh
If you’re flying to Scotland, it’s likely that Edinburgh is going to be your first destination. If you’re planning on staying in Edinburgh (because you’re not particularly outdoorsy, or because you want to see what it’s like), that’s a fantastic idea! This beautiful city can get a little touristy, but that doesn’t detract from how stunning and historic it is (it looks particularly lovely at night).
To make sure that your holiday gets off to the right start, be sure to have booked yourself a private car to your hotel – it’s going to avoid a load of stress, and depending on how many people you travel with, it can even work out cheaper than trying to navigate the public transport system. Black Lane is a great option for this.
When you wake up the next day, be sure to check out the many museums and art galleries there. Also, go for a walk around the city centre and the Royal Mile, as the architecture is pretty breath-taking.
The West Highland Line
Made famous by being featured in the Harry Potter films as the train that goes to Hogwarts, The West Highland Line comes with jaw dropping scenery. Start off in Glasgow and choose your final destination: Oban or Mallaig (Fort William).
The Isle of Skye
One of the most naturally stunning islands in the world, Skye has castles, moors, mountains, lochs, and sea cliffs. If you stay away from the main towns, you will find peace and quiet, in the middle of serene nature. Be sure to pack robust walking gear and prepare yourself for an active holiday, spent exploring the almost magical scenery.
Trotternish Ridge
A favourite for walkers, due to the amazing views, Trotternish Ridge isn’t for the faint-hearted. There will be some challenging climbs (so invest in great footwear), but it’s definitely worth it. You can even reach the beginning of the walk with public transport! You’re going to want a hearty meal in Portree afterwards, and fortunately, there’s no shortage of eateries here, with the beautifully painted houses and harbour to admire over your dinner.
Finnich Glen
Another gorgeous, but more forgiving, walk is Finnich Glen, otherwise known as The Devil’s Pulpit. According to legends, Druids used to meet here in secret, and you can see why Celtic people would believe this area to be magical, with its river, gullies, and green, high rocks. You will have to be careful on your descent, as it can be slippery at the best of times. You can get some top notch photography here, so bring your camera.
Stone Circles
Forget Stonehenge; there are more stone circles in Scotland than you can shake a stick at, and plenty of them aren’t restricted like Stonehenge is. To find out more about which stone circles may be near you, take a look at this article.
