@VisitScotland #VisitScotland #OnlyInScotland Scotland is best known for its breathtaking valleys, mountain wildernesses, deep and natural lakes. The friendliness of its natives and the richness of their culture are equally impeccable. In a nutshell, the northernmost country in the United Kingdom is a haven of fun outdoor activities for both the locals and tourists. It is a small country with a population of about 6 million people but with millions of adventure opportunities.
| Beautiful scenery of New Zealand, showing mirrorlike lakes and rugged mountains, a common sight in all the best places to stay in New Zealand. |
1. Tour the Scottish Atlantic Coast using The Jacobite
The Jacobite is a steam train that has been playing the Scottish Atlantic Coast scenic route for the last 23 years. If you are visiting Fort William, you can board the train at around 10.15 am and enjoy a 2-hour journey to Mallaig. Within those two hours, you will be treated to the most mind-blowing railway journeys of your life. From navigating around Loch Morar - the deepest freshwater lake in Scotland, to passing over Loch Shiel on The Glenfinnan Viaduct Bridge, to getting a glimpse of “the safe place” Arisaig village, you will enjoy every little detail of the journey. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is very popular among movie enthusiasts because it is featured in the movie Harry Potter. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to interact with the locals at Mallaig, enjoy their foods, and learn more about their culture before traveling back to Fort William at around 2.25 pm.2. Take a tour to the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye, located next to the west coast of Scotland, is the largest of the islands that make up the Inner Hebrides. It is known for its extraordinary natural beauty and fascinating history steeped in Gaelic culture. Its history, its legends, its landscapes, its music and its poetry make this island, without doubt, a magical place. Trust that you will fall in love with this stunning scenery off the Scottish Coast. From here, you will get the clearest view of the Scottish Highlands, experience breathtaking waterfall experiences firsthand, and see the country’s mind-blowing cliffs from a touching distance. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is also clearly visible from the aisle. This geographic marvel is connected to the mainland by the Skye Bridge. Besides being geographically incredible, this isle is home to the 500 years old Eilean Donan Castle, hairy “coos” cows, the Port Righ, as well as the world’s most epic whiskey tasting events.3. Walk along the West Highland Way
This footpath stretches for about 154 kilometers from Milngavie to Ben Nevis Mountains in Fort William. The West Highland Way is one of the UK longest trails in which you can walk, ride a horse, or ride an electric bike for the entire stretch of the mountain, although horse riding and biking aren’t as convenient as walking. The journey starts from the lowlands and gets steeper as you approach the peak, making it a 5 to 8 days hike depending on your fitness levels. You will have a chance to see friendly wildlife including red deers and feral goats.4. Visit Fingal’s Cave
This sea cave is yet another Scottish geographical wonder. Fingal's Cave is made of hexagon shape pillars and is situated on the uninhabited island of Staffa in Scotland. Yup, you guessed it right, this calls for a boat ride. It is located at the heart of Staffa-one of the smallest islands in Scotland. It was founded in the 18th century and has since attracted millions of tourists. You will get to the cave’s entrance by boat, from where you will enter the cave by foot. The rocks therein are slippery but there are basalt columns on the sides to aid your navigation.5. Swimming and Canyoneering
Scotland has the best lakes and rivers for unbeatable swimming, snorkeling, boat-riding, and canyoneering experiences. To the west coast of Oban, you will have a once in a lifetime chance of swimming with the harmless basking sharks. If you can’t stand their massive size, you can watch them bask on the shores from a distance or take a closer look at them from a boat. The coastline also boasts of other fish species including minke whales, grey seals, and bottlenose dolphins. Along the west-coast rivers are the fantastic canyoneering sites. Some of the prominent canyoneering activities that you can try include swimming and scrambling under the powerful waterfalls, slipping and sliding, abseiling, and cliff jumping. All these activities are safe, fun, and do not overstretch your budget.6. Street art in Glasgow
Glasgow Cathedral and its necropolis is the most liked of the city while visiting Scotland. As for the necropolis, it is located next to it, on a hill overlooking Glasgow. It is characterized by being a Victorian cemetery where some 3,500 funerary monuments still stand. George Square is the main square of Glasgow, where the Town Hall is located.
The Street art is becoming fashionable in many European cities and Glasgow is no exception. There is a quite impressive urban art route.
The Mackintosh lighthouse was built by a young architect as the warehouse of a printing press. One of the main characteristics of the tower is that it contained about 14,000 liters of water in case of fire and that it has a spectacular central spiral staircase. In the 1980s the building was renovated inside to house the Scottish architectural museum.
7. Drive through Oban
The strait between the Scottish Isles of Jura and Scarba doesn’t exactly hide its dangers - they can be heard from miles away! Those dangers come from the third largest maelstrom in the world - the Corryvreckan whirlpool. The strong tides, currents and narrow channel can drive monstrous waves, but also drive this marvel of nature.
8. Hiking in Glencoe
Glencoe, considered one of the most spectacular valleys of the Highlands, is an evocative place for many reasons. Impressive peaks rise into the sky in interesting geological formations fascinating the traveler with its formidable presence. Its countless mountains, whose enormous rocky walls hide mysterious valleys, will delight any hiker.
Hiking in Scotland involves towering mountains to conquer and hundreds of trails on the coast, forests and the city to explore. This remote hanging valley, nestled between the impressive peaks of Glencoe, is famous for having served as a hiding place for cattle thieves and their stolen cattle during the time when this place was dominated by the MacDonald clan of Glencoe.
Explore Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Climb the so-called tourist route to the Lochan Meall An t-Suidhe lagoon. In the Kintail mountains is the dramatic Glen Shiel valley, surrounded by majestic peaks. In the southern part of this valley explore one of its most beautiful mountain ranges, with seven peaks joined by the mountain known as The Saddle, one of the most beautiful ascents of Scotland and whose conquest offers fantastic views of this wonderful region.
9. Head to Fort William
Head to Beinn Dorain, a mountain easily recognizable and admired by all the travelers who cross the Highlands in the direction of Fort William. It is one of the most familiar summits of this area since it has a interesting pyramid shape covered with grass. From Bridge of Orchy you can easily access the hill that later leads to its summit.
People who are used to hiking regularly on the mountain or take part in sports and healthy living in general, should not have problems. For this type of routes it is essential to use trekking boots, sturdy and with ankle support.
10. Explore Cuillin Hills
Loch Coruisk, located in the very heart of the Cuillin Hills, is without a doubt the most spectacular and remote of all the Scottish lakes. Accessible only by boat or on foot, this lake is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains in the country. This magical corner is wrapped in ancient legends according to one of which a Kelpie - or water horse in Scottish mythology - inhabits its waters.
Explore the northern part of the island known as Quiraing, one of the most spectacular geological areas of Skye. This enchanted landscape with its incredible views, its atmospheric corners and its strange rock formations, has the appearance of a natural surrealist Gothic cathedral.
11. Pass through Loch Ness
To the north of Scotland is the region called Highlands, the Highlands of the Celts, where many of the legends and mysteries of Scotland, such as Loch Ness.
Get up early to go to Loch Ness with the intention of photographing the first lights of dawn. Visit the Urquhart Castle, located right on the edge of the lake. Return again to Inverness to take the route to Mount Cairngorm. Stop for breakfast next to Loch Morlich, a place destined for water sports in the mountains.
Pass through Glenmore National Park, which like Loch Lommond is without lakes. In the heart of the Glenmore Forest Park is the winter resort of Cairgorm, one of the most important centers of winter sports. Climb up to the facilities, just as the first snowflakes of the day begin to fall.
Look for the so-called Whiskey Trail and Castle Trail. In this area find farms dedicated to the breeding of the typical hairy cow and wide cereal growing areas populating the Scottish countryside in Advie. Go north and in Banffshire, stop at the entrance to Ballindalloch Castle. In the middle of the afternoon arrive at Lossiemouth. East Beach is located at the entrance to the village.
12. Boat ride to Inverness
By looking at Achmelvich, you will tell yourself that this should be somewhere on a small Indonesian island. But you will be disappointed because it is not. Rather it is situated at the top of the UK. Ever heard of Hermit’s Castle, well, it is located here only which happens to be Europe's tiniest castle.
Smoo Cave is a freshwater cave engulfed by spectacular sea and packs a 20 m waterfall. You can go for hitchhiking on a boat ride to visit the inner chambers. Doesn't this sound exciting? There are many fun activities in Scotland, too many to fit in a single post. The five activities that we have highlighted are good for a start as you familiarize with the Western Europe country. We cannot, however, conclude this post without recommending the Three Peaks Challenge for you. This is an incredible opportunity for you to climb the highest peaks in England, Scotland, and Wales and see how high you can make within 24 hours.
