Scotland is amazing.
It’s a country I can’t wait to get back to.
And because I’ve been dreaming about this stunning country, I began thinking about some of the best things to do in Scotland.
So I thought I’d put together a wee list for you — for when we can all travel again.
This way you’ll be prepared with a few fabulous ideas.
Oh, and per usual, this list is subjective and based on my experiences — so to take the list with a grain of salt, as the saying goes.
Take a tour of a whisky distillery … and be sure to have a taste as well 😉
Scotland is the home of Scottish whisky.
Now we call it Scotch here in the USA which is a bit misleading as Scotch sounds like a different spirit than whiskey or gin or vodka.
Scotch is whisky.
It’s simply Scottish whisky as oppose to Irish whiskey or Canadian whiskey or American whiskey.
Do notice that Scottish whisky has no “e” in it as this is how they spell it in Scotland.
A distillery tour is a must for your time in Scotland — even for those who aren’t necessarily fans of whisky.
It’s interesting to learn how they make this tasty adult beverage.
And you’ll learn about the history and culture of this amazing country as well.
There are many different types of whisky in Scotland — some are very smoky and peaty and some have a bit more sweetness to them.
Whisky is also made in different parts of the country, so you’ll probably find a distillery to tour no matter where you travel to in Scotland.
For me a whisky tour and a tasting is one best things to do in Scotland.
Looking across a field to the Glencoyne Distillery. This distillery can be seen — and visited — as you walk the West Highland Way. It’s not far from the city of Glasgow.
After the wonderful tour of Talisker on the Isle of Skye, you are treated to a wee taste. Yum!
Nothing beats a wee dram of Scottish whisky!
Visit one of the islands
Scotland actually has about 900+ off shore islands.
You read that correctly — over 900!
Now most of these are not inhabited.
In fact only about 90 of them are.
Some of the main islands you’ll hear about are:
- Arran
- Islay
- Jura
- Mull
- North Uist
- South Uist
- Rùm
- Skye
- Lewis and Harris
- Orkneys (as a group)
- Shetlands (as a group)
And visiting a Scottish island really is one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Skye is one of the easiest ones to get to simply because it has a bridge across to it from the mainland.
It is a beautiful destination, but it’s getting a bit too touristy — although there are some spots that are less so if you know where to look.
My advice is to take a ferry to one of the other islands.
I had hoped to visit Lewis and Harris on my 2017 visit but I couldn’t get a place to stay for the dates I needed.
This island is on the list for my next visit to Scotland for sure.
There is a Scottish island for everyone.
Want to see some amazing stone circles and other Neolithic sites?
Try the Orkneys.
If you love whisky, then visit Islay.
Want to walk on some incredible beaches?
Try the Harris part of Lewis and Harris.
Want to see Scotland in miniature?
Ferry over to Arran.
There are lots and lots of choices.
Do make time to visit at least one island on your visit to Scotland!
The Orkney Islands are north of the Northwest peninsula. They have lots of neolithic sites! Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Luskentyre beach on Harris is a beauty. This island is high on my list! Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Islay has quite a few distilleries so it’s the island for you if you want tour and taste some amazing whisky! Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Arran is often described as Scotland in miniature. I think it looks stunning. How about you? Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Skye is the easiest island to visit since it has a bridge. It’s beautiful, but it’s also pretty popular.
Walk the West Highland Way
Okay.
I get it.
Walking 96 miles is not going to be for everyone.
But walking this long distance trail is truly one of the best things to do in Scotland.
It immerses you in the landscape which is the highlight of Scotland, in my opinion.
The scenery of this country is stunning!
This classic trail begins just north of Glasgow in Milngavie.
And it ends 96 miles later in Fort William.
You skirt around Loch Lomond, walk through Rannoch Moor and Lairig Moor and end up in the shadows of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and all of the UK.
It can be walked in 5 days or 10 days — or somewhere in between.
I did it in 7.
And if walking all 96 miles doesn’t strike your fancy, you can walk just a part of it.
It’s such an unbelievable experience.
Do get out and walk at least a wee part of it.
I promise it is so worth it!
Day 2 of walking the West Highland Way brings you to the stunning Loch Lomond.
The trail through some trees and along Loch Lomond. Walking the West Highland Way, at least part of it, is one of the best things to do in Scotland.
Scenery from the West Highland Way.
Loch Tulla and mountains along the West Highland Way. Gorgeous!
Mountains of Rannoch Moor. This is one of the best sections of the trail.
The area near Glencoe is awesome…so beautiful!
Mountains and valley near Kinlochleven. My jaw dropped when I first saw this. Stunning!
Walking through Larig Mor was one of my favorite parts of the West Highland Way.
That’s Ben Nevis up there.
Make a pilgrimage to the home of golf
I don’t play golf.
But I am a huge fan.
I grew up watching it because my dad loves it and plays the game — even now at the age of 89.
So I know a lot about it and I really enjoy watching it.
I know…not many people get this.
Anyway…
St Andrews, just a wee bit north of Edinburgh, is the home of golf.
This is where the game was invented and first played.
So if you like golf just even a wee bit, you have to visit this town and take a tour of the Old Course.
The guides are amazing, telling you about the history of the sport, the early golfers and the funny stories.
And this little seaside town is also a university town that’s pretty darn charming.
Oh, and the beach is where they filmed the running scene of Chariots of Fire.
If you’re really up for a treat, then try to get a tee time so you can play one of the courses at St Andrews.
I’ll be honest, the course itself is not all that beautiful.
Many links courses aren’t.
But the history of this special spot is what awed me.
This game is such an important part of the Scottish — and British — story.
If you like golf even a little, I highly recommend a visit to St Andrews. So worth it!
This is the beach from the movie, Chariots of Fire. It’s just East of the course.
The Old Course and some of the town. It’s a pretty place, even in the rain!
That’s me on Swilcan Bridge, which is a famous piece of the Old Course at St Andrews. It was raining pretty good, but I had to get this pic!
Tour the North Coast 500
Admittedly, I didn’t drive this entire route.
In fact, I only drove a wee part of it.
But, I will tell you that this piece of Scotland is stunning.
And seeing it — experiencing it— is one of the best things to do in Scotland.
I might say that it is the best experience in Scotland.
I fell head over heels in love with this destination.
It’s so wild, so rugged and very remote.
So what is it?
Well if you look at a map of Scotland you’ll see a piece of land that extends farther north — the Northwest “corner”.
That’s it.
And I often refer to it as the far Northwest.
As the name implies this route is 500 miles.
And there are folks who race around it in a few days.
I’d give yourself at least a full week to truly dive into some of the stops.
There is a gorgeous coastline with all kinds of inlets and beaches.
Then there is the rocky, peaty inland with little lochs and mountains.
It’s unlike anywhere I’ve been.
Although I’d probably compare it a bit to County Donegal or the Connemara area in Ireland.
But it feels somehow even more remote.
A couple of years ago I recommended this area over the Isle of Skye to a travel client of mine.
She was not disappointed!
Driving toward Loch Maree in the far Northwest of Scotland. Beautiful!
Even under cloudy skies, this piece of Scotland is gorgeous!
Gruinard Beach and Bay is one of many inlets and beaches in the far Northwest of Scotland.
You must drive at least part of the North Coast 500. It’s amazing!
Northwest Scotland, the North Coast 500, is wild, rugged and remote. I love it!
View of mountains and Gruinard Bay. The mountains, the bay, the color of the water, the wildness, the remoteness…I love this part of Scotland!!
View of the Torridon Hills near Big Sand, Scotland at sunset. The Northwest of Scotland is simply stunning!
Are these the best things to do in Scotland?
There are more for sure.
Scotland is not that big — about the size of South Carolina — yet it has so much to see, do and experience.
There are the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
There are loads of lochs to visit and get out on.
Scotland has a lot of castles to visit.
And there is a plethora of wildlife to see.
I truly believe some of the best experiences are the outdoor kind as Scotland has a stunning landscape.
Lastly, I have to say that the Scottish people are truly amazing.
They are funny, warm, friendly and yes, sometimes you can’t understand a word they say.
But you’ll figure it out.
The joys of travel!
Whatever you do, be sure to get to Scotland.
You will LOVE it!
Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home and stay safe!
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I would love to visit Scotland again! I´ve been to Edinburgh last October for my birthday, and I enjoyed it so much! Unfortunately, I had only a weekend that was too short for exploring more of the surroundings! I´m still dreaming about a road trip! Minimum two weeks, but three or four would be better so that I don´t need to rush through too fast!
Oh, Pia! If you can do 3 or 4 weeks, then do so. Scotland has so many nooks and crannies to explore. I hope to spend a full month there on my next visit.
Scotland is actually next on my list of travel destinations! (I’ve been watching Outlanders too much haha!) I will keep your tips in mind for when I go 🙂
It’s an amazing country for sure. You’ll love it, Alexandra!
That is a great post and I am dying to visit Scotland. Can’t wait to be there someday in future.
It’s a worthy destination for sure, Suvarna! So beautiful!
I completely fell in love with Scotland when I was there last summer! Like you, I can’t wait to go back!! I would love to do the whole West Highland Way someday, and drive the North Coast 500. I think I checked off the other 3 things though!
Good for you for getting a few of those 5 ticked off the list. Whisky is an easy one 😂. Do check out the North Coast 500. I hope to spend at least 10 days in this area on my next visit. It’s stunning!
Scotland and Faroe Islands is a must visit for myself! My husbands mom is from Scotland and it just blows my mind on how gorgeous it is!
Scotland is stunning. Take your breath away gorgeous! I can’t wait to get back!
I’m just back from a trip to the UK which included six days in Scotland. I based myself in Inverness & had the most wonderful time! Although I’d visited Scotland as a child (before emigrating to Australia) this was the first time I’d been so far north & it’s fair to say I appreciated what I was seeing far more than when I was a child.
The main reason for my trip to Scotland was to visit Tomach & the ruined house at Guisachan – the place Lord Tweedmouth, who started up the golden retriever breed of dogs, lived. As a passionate golden retriever person this was something of a pilgrimage for me. Aside from enjoying the beauty of the place & imagining what it would have looked like in its heyday, I also wanted to leave some hairs from my own four dogs; Molly, Ghillie, Willow & Astro at the place where their forebears came from.
Aside from my pilgrimage, I enjoyed some walks – around Loch An Eilein & to Plodda Falls. On my walk to Plodda Falls I didn’t see anyone else until I was almost back at the carpark! Being able to have that nature all to myself was truly food for my soul. The silence was mesmerising yet filled with the sounds of nature; the water rushing over the falls, the wind blowing through the trees, birds calling to each other. It was wonderful & I felt blessed to not have to share it with anyone.
Aside from my walks I had a very enjoyable day at Culloden & recommend the Visitor Centre there for a very well put together explanation of the Battle of Culloden; the last hand to hand battle fought on British soil & a bloody battle in which 1500 Scottish lives were lost for the price of 100 Government soldiers – in no more than an hour. It was a period of history that I knew little about but the Visitor Centre has a really detailed guide to the events leading up to the battle, from both points of view, as well as a very immersive film experience that gives some idea of what it would have felt like to be in the field of battle. In a complete contrast to my Plodda Falls experience, I got to share Culloden with about 80 9 & 10yo who were on a school trip! It took me back to my own experiences of school trips & I enjoyed seeing their enthusiasm.
Inverness is a nice town that I didn’t have nearly enough time to explore. It is an excellent base for exploring the Scottish Highlands & has a wide variety of pubs, most of which offered a good range of lunches & dinners. I was also fortunate enough to find an awesome Airbnb to stay at; run by a couple who kept the true ethos of Airbnb in mind – providing the opportunity for travellers to stay in the house of a local. Their welcome was warm & friendly – starting with an invitation to share dinner with them & four of their friends on the night I arrived. By the end of my time there I felt I’d made two new friends, a feeling we consolidated on my last night by strolling down to a local pub for an impromptu evening meal & a couple of drinks. I know I will return to Inverness one day & know where I’ll be staying as well!
All in all, I agree wholeheartedly with your assertion that Scotland is a wonderful place to visit. The only trouble is once you’ve been you’ll find that a piece of your heart will be left behind there which will keep calling you back.
Wow! Thanks for the comment, Muriel. Sounds like an amazing trip. I know that I need to dig deeper into Scotland and experience more for sure and Culloden is on that list. I agree that Scotland is a place that calls you back. I was planning to go later this year, but my travel planning business has taken a huge hit so the funds won’t be there this year. So my plans are to return sometime in 2021. And I can’t wait! By the way, I love golden retrievers and regularly dog sit 2, Ozzie and Max, who I love as if they were my own.
They’re the best dogs in the world Lynne!
I agree!!