There are some things that have to be explored, no matter being a first time visitor or a long time Scottish history crack, there are places that have to be travelled to.
It is always a little overwhelming when you think about your next adventure in a country that you didn't explore yet. What to see, limit of time, road trip or just staying in one city, how is the public transport, maybe it's better to rent a car, what kind of car - or better van, camping or Hostel hopping, what about food, currency and much more is, let us be honest, a lot to think about. But, for at least one thing I can help you with, prepare a small list of what to explore while being in Scotland.
#1 EDINBURGH
Most of the times, when you have to take a plane you'll land in Edinburgh. That would be the first stop of your exploration. Get your bus ticket at the airport and get out at Princes Street. From there you have a lot of options what you would like to see. Two days staying in the capital city should be enough to get a first impression.
I prepared two blog posts for you of what to do and where to stay. The Hostel were you are about to stay can help you find the perfect route of what to see in Scotland, in case you didn't do any research before.
#2 LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
From Edinburgh the next location could be Loch Lomond. It is a 2 hours drive away from the capital city to the north-west. The perfect break to spend some quality time alone, with family or friends, get something nice to eat, drink and explore a bit the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park for a day.
There are plenty of Hostels to choose from. Good ratings and perfect location are the Rowardennan Youth Hostel, An Còrr in Arrochar or Garrison of Inversnaid. Maybe just three of many that can you book for a night or more, but the samples are for inspiration only. Otherwise, click at one of the links and get connected with the staff.
Decide how long you would like to stay here, until continuing with your adventure to explore Scotland.
#3 CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE
It is one of the few castles that still exists with an original Jacobean woodwork, plaster ceilings and a vast portrait collection. The castle itself is dating back from 1626, that's the year when it was completed by William Forbes. You love history? Go there and get your mind filled with lots of new impressions and fair tale dreams.
Did you know that this peach coloured castle, to believe the rumours, was actually inspiring Disney Cinderella's castle? Now everything makes so much more sense.
#4 INVERNESS & LOCH NESS
Inverness is a nice place to stay and only a few minutes away by bus from the world-famous Loch Ness. Spend a day or two to search for the Loch Ness monster, grab a coffee, eat a nice slice of cake, take a walk, get a tour guide and do a boat trip.
Of course, you can book a bed in one of the Hostels right next to Loch so that you don't have to get back in the evening and have a nice breakfast outside, together with Nessie.
I am sure she would not say no to a proper Scottish breakfast with haggis, pudding, saussies and hash browns.
BATTLE OF CULLODEN MOOR One of the most important historic events that happened on Scottish ground, have been the Battle of Culloden, the last attempt to put the "true king" on the throne and is called The Jacobite Rising. On 16th of April, 1746 the battle ended and was an imense loss for the Scots. The Jacobites were defeated and never recovered in the following centuries to come.
The battleground is only a few kilometres/feet away from Inverness and can be visitied at any time. Sadly it has been confirmed a while ago that it was allowed to built houses nearby the field where the battle took place and could be the beginning of the end to preserve that important piece of Scottish history. People say, that it could turn out into the centra park syndrome, where a patch of a green square is surrounded by development. It's not only about of what happened nearly 272 years ago, but also to protect the environment of more pollution, to keep nature and its ecosystem alive with all the species that found a home at the Culloden Moor and its terrestial area in general.
#5 STAC POLLAIDH
A mountain, showing itself in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. The top part, the peak so to speak is made out of Torridonian sandstone which actually appears extensively in the Scottish Highlands.
It is a nice small mountain from just over 2000 feet / 609,6 meters which can be climbed in less than three hours and fits to an average person. Prepare your backpack with some foot, something to drink to have a nice little picnic while you are on the road.
There are two paths that lead to the top of Stac Pollaidh from the parking area on the shore of Loch Lurgainn. Just leave your car or scooter there for the time of your hike and choose one path and take the other while walking down again.
You made it to the summit and what you can see is the vast Inverpolly forest, the peaks of another mountain called Suilven and the Atlantic ocean.
#6 SKARA BRAE ON ORKNEY
An early stone-built Neolithic settlement which is located at the Bay of Skaill, near the west coast of Mainland. There are eight houses in total which are donated back to 3180 BC - 2500 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Skara Brae on Orkney is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Many calls it the Scottish Pompeii, because of its excellent shape.
A must visit when exploring Scotland.
#7 SHETLAND ISLANDS
Lonely planets best in 2019. It is not only famous because of its beautiful landscape, monuments and well-preserved Mousa Broch, internationally known sites of Jarlshof, Old Scatness, but also the museums of Lerwick and Scalloway are highly recommended for everyone who is interested in the first settlements of the Neolithic farmers by 3000 Before Christ, or even earlier. You like to be an Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider and are thirsty for an adventure to explore the environment to look out for Shetland's past, let's go and explore every single hillside that you are able to discover.
By the way, the Shetland Islands are the northern parts of Scotland and Denkmark's Faroe Islands are nearby as well.
UP HELLY AA
Firework Festivals all across the Shetland Islands from January until March. The biggest one can be visited in Lerwick, there is a total of 12 festivals during winter.
You want to know more about it? Check out this very detailed and lovely website about the Shetland Islands.
#8 ISLE OF SKYE & FAIRY POOLS
You can find the Isle of Skye and the Fairy Pools in the west of Scotland. The capital city is called Portree and villages of the north include Dunvegan, Edinbane, Uig and Staffin. To the south it's Broadford, Armadale, Carbost, Elgol and Kyleakin. With its 50 miles it is one of the largest inner Hebrides and is full of breathtaking sides that want to be explored by you.
It is the place of many stories, such as the infamous Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Rebellion. Clans as MacDonald and MacLeod have their castles up there and should be another hot spot to be visited. Specially when you are interested in the Scottish and British history, you have to take some extra days off to be on your journey to follow the path of folklore and legends.
Other than that the Isle of Skye is an Island where Dinosaur Fossils have been found, Clan Warfare, many Highland Clearances happened and stories of fairies, but not the friendly ones, are told.
Specially the Fairy Pools are one of the most beautiful wonders of the country tha can be found at the foot of Black Cuillins, near Glenbrittle. The water of the pools are crystal clear, all shades of blue and when the sun is shining it looks like rainbows are born right here.
You are even allowed to hop in to take a swim, but only the braves are able to stand the icy cold water.
#9 GLENCOE
A popular place for hillwalkers, rock or ice climbers and village was used for plenty films such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as Hagrids home, James Bond Skyfall and the birthplace of James Bond's father Andrew Bond in Ian Fleming's original novels.
Glencoe is surrounded by spectacular and very scenic mountains, perfect for a weekend getaway or longer holidays. A place where you can take a break, get a delicious breakfast at one of the many breakfast establishments and for staying over-night there are plenty Hotels and Hostels. Pubs and a Local Museum make it to an all around nice trip that you can fully enjoy. After spending some days at the Isle of Skye, visiting all these places, having almost no break, it is one place to let go and relax as much as you can.
#10 GLASGOW
The most populous city of Scotland, third populous city of the UK and was founded by the Christian missionary Saint Mungo in the 6th century and became a religious centre back then. One of the first things he built was a church on the Molendinar Burn, but present day the Glasgow Cathedral was built over it.
From visiting the Hard Rock Cafe to West End Whisky Tour, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the university of Glasgow, the Necropolis, the beautiful Botanic Gardens, live music in central Glasgow and much more can be visited during the day. A lot of different attractions are waiting for you, just wander around the streets or book a tour, no matter what you are about to do, you'll enjoy it and that's a promise.
After visiting Glasgow t is an easy drive back to Edinburgh to spend a few more days to relax, before you head back to the airport.
For sure, you'll see a lot of more places and hidden gems on your road from one location to the other, don't hesitate, stop and do some further exploration. In case you are not able to continue with your journey or want to stay somewhere for a bit longer, let the Hostels know, change the date of arrival, and look out for bothie's or do some glamping.
WHERE TO FIND THE LOCATIONS?
For an easier understanding of where all of these locations are, I added a post card with numbers to get a good overview.
DID YOU KNOW?
Scotland has been very popular for a long time. Not only because of its beautiful landscape, rich history, amazing storytellers and musicians, but also due to the movies such as Highlander or the books series and later on TV drama Outlander from Diana Gabaldon are all time influence why you should visit that amazing country.
HISTORIC MAP OF SCOTLAND FROM 1799
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Give me a shout, in case you need some more advice and leave a comment below to let me know! I am always happy to help out. :)
Thank you so much and see you in the future,
Sina
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