Scotland is a highly underrated travel destination. It offers outstanding landscapes, rolling hills, wide lakes, bustling cities and plenty of history. Here, we look at places that make the country one of the best holiday destinations in the UK.
Isle of Skye
If you love to take long walks in nature, the Isle of Skye offers plenty of opportunities. The vast landscape of the largest island in the Inner Hebrides stretches for miles and allows you to stroll through meadows and along the stunning coastline. The Cuillin mountains are perfect for a hike if you are looking for a more challenging activity. Many hikers tackle this mountain range in order to then enjoy the stunning beauty of its dramatic shapes and landscapes at the top.
Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland is the second-most populous city and is a historical place with good universities, especially in the fields of medicine, science, law, engineering and literature. It is also known for the stories of Jekyll and Hyde, Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter amongst many others. Edinburgh is rich in history and offers plenty of activities to enjoy in the summer, including festivals and cultural events.
Braemar
The village Braemar in Aberdeenshire is situated in the Highlands and boast streams, mountains, valleys and woodlands. It is located in Cairngorms National Park not far from the castle Balmoral and is a beautiful travel destination.
Cairngorms
The mountain range Cairngorms in the Highlands offer a great opportunity to explore one of Scotland’s most beautiful national parks. The mountain Cairn Gorms reaches a height of 1,245 m and attracts hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter.
Shetland
Shetland is an island archipelago in the Northern Atlantic close to Norway and the Faroe Islands. The Shetland Islands are known for their stunning views of the sea, dramatic cliffs and wildlife. You may even spot some orcas here.
What to pack
Many of the popular destinations in Scotland are ideal for hiking. If you are choosing to climb up some of the breath-taking mountain ranges that tower over the countryside, make sure that you stay warm. The climate in Scotland can be cool, so it’s a good idea to pack accordingly. Packing comfortable warm thermal leggings, which women can pair with a warm fleece top, as well as sporty jumpers and warm undergarments for men, will make the trip much more enjoyable. The more layers you are wearing, the easier it will be to remove some of them when the sun comes out. Packing warmer clothes will also prepare you for the temperature drop on an evening. This way, you can fully enjoy yourself while exploring Scotland.
