Author: Kat

The great thing about travelling to Scotland is that there is a way to go anywhere and everywhere on a budget and without breaking the bank. Even the places that are known for being a little more pricey, such as Edinburgh or Skye, can be done in a cheaper way.

However, there are some places that are cheaper than others. For instance, Glasgow as a city tends to be less expensive than Edinburgh, so it might be a good idea to seek accommodation in Glasgow and visit Edinburgh as a day trip, or perhaps spend only one night there. The same logic can be applied to visiting the islands, which can often be pricier than places on the mainland.

Much of this depends on when it is that you travel. Inevitably peak seasons will see a spike in prices of plane fairs, accommodation and even food, drink and tourist attractions. For this reason, if you are looking to save money then the best thing to do is to travel between the months of October and May, as June to September is when you could expect to see those price increases.

Getting Around: Budget Transport in Scotland

Buses Instead of Trains

One unfortunate reality of travelling in Scotland is that train travel is rather expensive, and can significantly increase the cost of your trip if you do it regularly enough.

A great alternative to taking trains is to take buses instead. The best option is the budget bus company Megabus, offering tickets at a fraction of the price of a train. For even cheaper fares, book in advance on the Megabus website. This means booking a specific bus at a specific time, but cuts the price even further!

Off-Peak Trains

Booking train tickets in advance will save you a ton of money. There are different types of tickets that you can buy:

• Advance (where you can save the most money) – With the advance tickets, you need to travel at the exact time and on the train stated on the ticket. These only go on sale 12 weeks before your intended travel date.
• Off Peak – cheaper tickets than any time and allow you to travel any time off-peak. There may be restrictions on routes so double check beforehand.
• Anytime – this ticket gives you the ability to travel anytime and will be the most expensive ticket available.
• Group tickets – if there is more of you travelling and these can be cheaper than the advance ticket.

ScotRail is the official train provider for most national travel, however, some of the stream trains or trains from other parts of the UK cross into Scotland.

You can use Trainline to find the best ticket for your trip. They also have other information like live train times so you can track if there are any delays or what platform your train is leaving from.

Scotrail Travel Passes

Consider getting the spirit of Scotland travel pass which includes travel on trains, buses, coaches and ferries. 

There are two passes to choose from, four days unlimited travel over eight consecutive days or eight days unlimited travel over fifteen consecutive days. Find out more on ScotRail’s website.

RailCards

Consider getting a railcard if you’re under 30, over 60, travel as a family, travel as a couple, or have a registered disability. Railcards give 1/3 off Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares which are perfect if you plan on travelling Scotland by rail!

Even if you don’t live in the UK or not a British citizen you can still buy a railcard if you meet all the criteria. The best way is by buying online and downloading the digital rail app on your phone. When buying you will be provided instructions on how to do this.

If the system has an issue with your non-UK postcode then use EC1A 4HD, it’s the Rail Delivery Group’s postcode that runs the RailCards. At the payment stage, you can select your correct nationality then enter the correct postcode for your billing address.

Any other issues like invalid passport will be on the railcards website FAQ.

Once purchase you will be able to buy discounted tickets through approved suppliers like Trainline.

Subway and Local Buses

For travelling around local areas, there are budget options available as well.  In Glasgow, the underground will take you almost anywhere you need to go in the city, and a day pass is just £4 (5-6 US dollars), which you can use as many times as you like throughout the day.  If you need to get somewhere outside of the route of the underground, there are also excellent local train services in Glasgow that are inexpensive.

In Edinburgh, the local buses will take you anywhere in the city, and use a ‘tap in’ contactless system.  That means that if you tap your card whenever you get on a bus, you will automatically be capped at the cost of a Day Pass (£4.50) after tapping three times.  Similar to Glasgow’s underground, this means you can travel the entire city at this cost, no matter where you are going!

How to Explore Scotland Without a Car has more tips on how you can see Scotland with transport.

Local Taxi Companies

Rather than using the standard Black Cabs that can be found in all the major cities in the country, try using local taxi services instead, as they work out much cheaper.

• Glasgow – Network Taxis
• Edinburgh – Capital Cars
• Aberdeen – Rainbow City Taxis
• Dundee – Dundee Taxis

Car Hire in Scotland

I always use car aggregators like Rental Car or Sky Scanner to find the cheapest cars or check my credit card for any offers for my road trips. Once I have a list of options I’ll either book the best-priced option or call those car companies to see if they can offer any other deals.

Things to watch out when booking a car:

• Additional drivers will always drive up the price of car hire so if you are travelling with other people and wish to share the driving you can expect that to add an extra £8 to £10 a day.
• Read the small print on whether the car company accepts third party assurance as this can save you. If you can use third party insurance then this can save you additional money if you want more coverage.
• Where you rent the car will affect the price, normally renting within the cities like Edinburg or Glasgow can cost you more money than slightly outside of the city.

Visiting for a Month? Save on Long Term Car Rental

When I did my Great British Road Trip over the summer I used Europcar’s long rental option which gave us the car for half the price for 28 days, unlimited drivers and delivered to my door! This is a perfect way to save on the cost of renting a car and you can still get the long term hire if you’re visiting from overseas. Just pick it up at the closest location.

Here are some road trip ideas for your Scottish adventures:

• Road Trip From London to Edinburgh: East and West Routes
• 10 Scenic Places to Visit in Scotland by Car (That You’ll Love)
• Best of Scottish Highlands: 7 Day Itinerary

Fill-up at Supermarket Petrol Stations 

Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco etc. will all offer cheaper petrol by some margin. If you stop at any of the petrol stations along the motorway you could easily see prices increased by 10 to 20 pence per litre! By searching for these petrol stations you’ll easily find savings.

Pre-Book Parking

Sometimes you can get better deals on parking if you pre-book. Use websites like Your Parking Space or Just Park to find any deals to save you money. I use this for when I park in cities as this is where the money adds up if your accommodation doesn’t offer cheap or free parking.

Download these apps before hitting the road; Just Park, Pay by Phone and Ring Go. They were by far the most frequent ones I encountered.

Save on Scotland Accommodation

Book your Accommodation well in Advance

Affordable accommodation books out well in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. Once you’ve confirmed your dates look at booking your accommodation shortly after so you get the best deals. Having cancellation options will give you the freedom to cancel if you need to re-arrange your travel.

Stay Outside of the City Centre

The best way to find cheap accommodation is to look outside of the central areas of any given place.  Staying where other tourists tend to stay will almost always mean that there is a price increase, which can be easily avoided by researching areas a little outside of the centre of a city or town.

Airbnb

Like many other European countries, Airbnb is extremely popular in Scotland, particularly in the summer months as many Scots prefer to leave the business of the Fringe Festival and other tourist attractions, and instead rent out their home at this time.  The great thing about Airbnb is that the properties tend to be cheaper than on other booking sites which can be a huge money saver during busy times like the Edinburgh festival or Hogmanay.

Bothies

Bothies are a little known hidden gem of Scotland and make the perfect accommodation for those who love the outdoors and are travelling on a budget.  Bothies are normally situated in the Scottish mountains and require a hike to get there – some longer than others, and are a simple, basic shelter.  The great thing about bothies is that they are entirely free to stay in, making them the perfect budget travel option.

To stay in a bothy, you do need to be slightly more prepared, as they are very basic and do not have amenities.  This means bringing sleeping materials, food and water just like one would if they were camping.  Some of them even have fireplaces, so be sure to bring wood and a lighter if that is the case.  Staying in a bothy is a wonderful experience for any outdoor lover!

Find more about bothies here.

Hostels

There are many great hostel options all over Scotland which offer highly comfortable and very affordable options for accommodation on your travels.  The best thing about hostels is that they can even allow you to stay right in the centre of a popular city or town, at a fraction of the price of a hotel in those given areas.

The standard of hotels across the country also tends to be fairly consistent in terms of standards, meaning that you do not have to sacrifice your comfort in order to save money.

Student Accommodation

Some of the universities will rent out the student accommodation and this can offer a cheap way to stay in the cities. This is mainly during the uni holidays so Christmas (December, January), Easter (March, April) and summer (June, July, August, September).

• University Rooms – Broker for handling short-term stays at many colleges and universities in the U.K.
• Budgetstayuk – Offers accommodation for five universities in Edinburgh.

Camping

Camping offers perhaps one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel all around Scotland.  Many official campsites allow for you to stay there for as little as £5 each per night, bringing the cost in at much less than even a hostel could offer. 

Even better still, in Scotland, you can make use of the Freedom to Roam act and save a lot of money on your trip. The act means that all land is accessible to anyone in the country, which isn’t just great for walks and hikes but also for camping anywhere you like. 

Anyone camping in Scotland can pitch a tent in any non-closed off area and not pay even a penny to do so – this is, without a doubt, the most cost-effective way to see rural Scotland.

Food

Eat in pubs

A great part of Scottish culture is that almost every pub serves food as well as drinks.  This does not mean that there are simply bar snacks available, but more often than not that there will be a full menu available, often a similar sized one to an actual restaurant, with a huge selection of different starters, mains and desserts.  The great thing about this is that the meals in pubs are normally a fraction of the price of a meal in a restaurant, with main courses usually ranging from £7 to £10 on average.

Make Your Own Food

Supermarkets are a great way to save on food and I frequently create a picnic or cook my own food. The cheapest stores to purchase food at are Aldi and Lidl. Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury being your mid-range store, normally where I shop. Marks and Spencers (M&S) or Waitrose are on the high-end.

Meal deals are available at some supermarkets where you can normally pick up a sandwich, drink and crisp for £3. If you have a kitchen at your accommodation then there are also dinner meal deals options like stirfry deal or ready meals.

Tap Water = Free

Something that is important to remember in terms of saving money is that tap water is entirely free and safe to drink across Scotland, meaning that purchasing any drinking water at all is unnecessary.  Cafes, restaurants and bars will be happy to refill personal drinking bottles with tap water, and ordering it in a restaurant is also free.

Local Beer

Drinking local, Scottish beer in bars and pubs while in Scotland is by far the cheapest option when buying alcohol on your trip, and this is no bad thing.  There is a whole variety of Scottish beer to choose from and much of it is excellent.  While the prices of even local beers vary depending on where you go, you can certainly bring the price down by a couple of pounds just by choosing something local.

Here are some of the more affordable local beers to go for:

• Tennents (a local favourite)
• Innis and Gunn (a craft favourite)
• WEST (for german beer lovers)
• Brewdog (technically they are a big brewery now but they started as craft beer and originated in Scotland)

Malt of the Month

If it’s whisky you are looking to try, there is even an affordable way to do that.  As with other spirits, drinking whisky regularly can be expensive, especially when you aren’t sure what the affordable options are.

A great way around this is to opt for a Malt of the Month.  The majority of Scottish pubs, particularly the smaller ones and ones in the rural highlands, will have offers and specials where a type of whisky is less expensive than usual.  This is also a great way to try different types of whisky while you are in the famous drink’s home!

Street Food

Street food is massively popular in larger Scottish towns and cities and is a super affordable way to eat out.  Fish and chips is the best example of this, with a ‘fish supper’ coming in at around £5 normally, but there are many other types too; falafel is very popular in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as are kebabs.

Tips

It is important to remember to tip when eating out in Scotland, but it is also important not to over-tip, or tip unnecessarily if you are trying to save money.

It is customary when at a restaurant to tip 10% of what the total bill came to; it is not necessary to tip more than this. If you find that there is a service charge added to your bill then that is the tip so don’t add more to this unless you are impressed with the service.

Furthermore, in Scotland, it is not expected that you tip bartenders or delivery people – you can of course do so if you wish, but if you are trying to save money then remember it is not necessary.

Lunch Deals

If you are a foodie, and do want to eat out in restaurants while you are away, then the best way to do this on a budget is to look for lunch deals, which make eating out a far more budget-friendly option.

It is common for restaurants to offer a limited menu of two or three courses for a reduced price during certain hours of the day.  Be sure to research this before heading out to a restaurant to eat, to be sure that you are getting the best price.

Save Money On Scotland’s Tourist Attractions

Historic Scotland Explorer Pass

Historic Scotland Explorer Pass is a great way to save money on attractions. It allows groups and individuals to discover over 70 places in Scotland. For each day that a pass is valid, you can visit as many locations as you like – for no additional cost.

Historic Scotland also offer a yearly membership if you live here.

National Trust Membership

National Trust membership is perfect if you’re planning to visit a lot of the sights included within the trust. From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, there is something for everyone.

If you’re living in the UK then consider a yearly membership as you will get free or concessionary entry to places owned by National Trust organisations including in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Not only does this save you money at each individual place it includes parking!

Find out more about the National Trust Membership here.

Day’s Out Guide

Days Out Guide is a great way to save money on attractions in Scotland if you’re travelling there by train or hold a train ticket (i.e. London to Edinburgh). It offers 2 for 1 price for various attractions. To be able to use the deal you need to book the vouchers online or visit a rail station for the voucher (it needs to be a physical copy) and have a National Rail ticket for each person.

Walking Tours

A walking tour is a great way to get the feel of any city, from someone who lives there themselves.  A tour will normally take you around all of the key areas of the centre of a city or town, and teach you about the place’s history as well.

The great thing about walking tours is that the vast majority of them have no costs upfront and are based on tipping which means you can decide what amount fits in your budget. There are now walking tours available in every city in Scotland!

Bus Tours

Similar to the walking tours, bus tours are a great way to explore a city,  but taking a bus gives you the opportunity to see so much more!

Bus tours tend to take the structure of a one-off payment for a day ticket, which allows one to get on and off any tour bus in the city at any time based on what they would like to see.  This is great value and means that you don’t have to waste any time working out where to go!

The prices of tickets vary, but the best value tour is certainly to be found in Edinburgh, where an adult can buy a 24-hour ticket for just £8

Free Fringe

Of course, the most inexpensive time to visit Edinburgh is in the off-season, but no one could blame you for wanting to visit the city during the Fringe Festival in August.  This is an expensive time to visit the city, but there are still ways to bring the cost down significantly.

The best way to do this is to stick to the free fringe shows as much as possible! Every time I have attended fringe these are 90% of the shows I go to! These shows are widely advertised throughout the city and are a great way to discover a huge variety of different shows and talents without paying any money for them!  Performing artists will ask for tips at the end, but it is up to you how much you want to pay them!

Do make sure that you bring change so that you can tip the performers!

Also on the first week of fringe lots of performances offer 2-4-1 tickets to warm up so it’s a great way to save some money. If there is a show you really want to see make sure you book this in advance! The biggest shows will book out months in advance, just like the accommodation.

Live Music

Live music is a huge staple of Scottish culture, and much of it remains unorganised in the sense that it still happens in bars and pubs – meaning that much of it is free.

There are lots of small music venues, especially around Glasgow and Edinburgh, that will advertise live music on different nights of the week; in Edinburgh, Leith Walk and the Old Town are the places to be, in Glasgow it’s Bath Street and Sauchiehall Street.

Even in rural Scotland, however, you can still expect to find pubs with traditional Scottish music, often on weekend evenings – if you find yourself in a small village on your travels, ask around at local pubs to find out more!

Cathedrals

For those who love history or architecture or both, Scotland has a whole wealth of cathedrals open to the public and completely free to enter.

The most popular examples are St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, situated right on the Royal Mile, or St. Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow, but a cathedral can be found in every city in the country!

Free Museums and Galleries

There are plenty of great free museums and art galleries all over Scotland, but they are especially great for making city breaks much cheaper.  Luckily, Edinburgh and Glasgow have a particularly high concentration of free attractions such as these:

Edinburgh

Museum of Edinburgh

One of the historic buildings on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Edinburgh houses a collection of pieces relating to the origin of the city, its history, and some of its most well-known legends!

The Museum of Childhood

This museum hosts a collection of children’s toys, books and games and was the first museum in the world to be dedicated specifically to the history of childhood.  The pieces date back to the 1800s.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is an art museum holding the country’s collection of portraits of all Scottish people.  Here can also be found the Scottish National Photography Collection.

The People’s Story Museum

This one tells the stories of the working-class people of Edinburgh from the late 18th century to the present day, as told through oral history and written material.

National Museum of Scotland

This museum holds collections representing the culture and histories of Scotland, as well as collections relating to science, technology, natural history and world cultures.

National Gallery of Scotland

This gallery holds Scotland’s national collection of fine art from the early renaissance to the end of the 19th century.  It is situated on the Mound in the centre of Edinburgh and is one of the city’s most popular free attractions.

Museum on the Mound

This museum focuses on money and economics, located in the Bank of Scotland Head Office building on the Mound.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

This is a part of the National Galleries of Scotland and is home to a collection of stunning pieces of modern and contemporary artwork.  It is comprised of two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two.

Glasgow

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

This is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions and features an astounding twenty-two themed galleries and an impressive eight thousand different pieces, including Salvador Dali’s masterpiece ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ which is the most famous piece in the gallery.

Gallery of Modern Art

This is the main gallery of contemporary art in Glasgow and it also offers temporary exhibitions and workshops too.  The gallery displays work by both local and international artists, and works to display social issues through many of its major projects.

Riverside Museum

Riverside Museum is Glasgow’s award-winning transport museum.  It hosts an amazing three thousand objects to look at – everything you could imagine, from skateboards to locomotives, to cars, to prams – there is even a Stormtrooper!  There are also over ninety touch screen panels which can be used to access more information.

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art

This museum is dedicated to the subject of religion, one of the only of its kind worldwide, and hosts collections relating to all of the world’s major religions and also has a Zen garden.

The Tall Ship at Riverside

This is a restored Victorian sailing ship which can be explored.  It hosts maritime-themes exhibitions, tours, and a miniature cinema.

People’s Palace and Winter Gardens

This is a museum and glasshouse situated in Glasgow Green which has been open since the late 1800s.  Its purpose is to tell the story of Glasgow and its people from 1750 to the present day.

 Provand’s Lordship

A medieval historic house museum by Glasgow’s Cathedral.  It is one of the only surviving medieval buildings in Glasgow and is one of the two oldest buildings in the city.

Scotland Street School Museum

This is a museum of school education, located in a former school that was designed by Glasgow’s own Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the country’s most celebrated architects.  It now tells the story of education in Scotland over the time period of one hundred years.

The Lighthouse

This is Scotland’s centre for Design and Architecture, due to the fact that Glasgow has been named as the UK’s city of Architecture and Design.  It hosts many interesting events and exhibitions and boosts the creative industry of the city.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

This museum and gallery is homed in the old buildings of the University of Glasgow and is the oldest museum in Scotland.  Inside can also be found the Mackintosh House, the Zoology Museum and the Anatomy Museum.

Scotland is a very popular tourist destination, now more than ever before, due to its stunning landscapes, tourist attractions and friendly people. 

Before you set off there are some things you should know before travelling to Scotland. If you’re ever stuck locals will always be willing to help you out if you need, and travel options are fairly easy to work out.

Scotland Is Its Own Country

Scotland is its own country and is not to be confused with England or combine the countries in the UK as one – a common mistake that people make! 

Scottish people are very proud of their country, culture and customs, and it is a very distinct place. They have their own traditions, people and history, as well as its own parliament and first minister. This is why it makes it great to travel around as you’ll get to experience this on your adventures.

Another common mistake is to refer to Scottish people as ‘Scotch’ when this is actually more commonly used to refer to a Scottish thing, not a person.  Scottish people actually refer to themselves as Scots, which is also the name given to the language that was historically spoken there.

Bring The Right Clothes

This may seem like an obvious suggestion, people don’t tend to go to Scotland for its weather after all, but it is one of the most important things to consider in preparation for your trip to Scotland. 

I remember travelling from Italy to Scotland and I did not pack the right clothes! As I’ve travelled to Scotland every year since I moved to London I should have known better but there I was trying to layer all my clothes to keep warm.

The weather in Scotland is very changeable – one minute it can be blazing sunshine and the next pouring rain or crazy hailstones, so it is very important to be prepared for all occasions.

Thankfully I brought the most essential item a rain jacket! Due to the high winds in Scotland, an umbrella often will not last more than ten minutes in poor weather, so a sturdy waterproof is your best bet for sure. Something like this waterproof Weekend Jacket from Peter Storm, which comes in two colours red and yellow.

You will also want to pack layers of warm clothing, even if visiting in the summer.  Summers in Scotland can see temperatures as high as 27 degrees celsius during the day, but even in the hottest times the evenings get chilly, and the temperature is often misleading and can feel much colder due to the wind.  If you prepare by bringing the right layers, you can still expect to sit out on a summer night!

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

Whether it’s walking around one of the Scottish Cities or hiking somewhere in the Scottish countryside, comfy shoes are a must. A pair that is waterproof is a bonus as well! It rains a bit in Scotland so these will keep your feet nice and dry.

Most of the cities will have cobbled streets so high heels or any shoes that aren’t compatible with this should be left behind. I tend to pack trainers and walking boots when I go as they cover both scenarios. I own these Brasher walking boots which are super comfortable, you can check out the latest styles on Blacks. If there are no walks planned then skip the walking boots.

Then for evening nice ankle boots or some flats.

Avoid August in Edinburgh – Unless Attending the Fringe Festival

The world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival happens every August and brings in thousands of people each year. For the full month of August, the streets are full of tourists attending the various theatre, comedy and music events.

Whilst it’s a great time to visit Scotland, if you’re trying to cut costs or avoid crowds it’s best to skip this time of year.

Pro tip: if you’re planning on going to the Fringe Festival book accommodation as soon as you know you’re going. I try and book accommodation in January or the year before to get the best deals.

If you are booking the train there, tickets open 12 weeks before your travel dates. Any tickets offered before then will be advanced tickets and these are the most expensive train tickets you can buy. To find out the latest prices check the Trainline website.

Book Accommodation in Advance

The popular routes around Scotland get booked out fast, areas like Glencoe, Fort William, the Isle of Skye or Inverness. Once you have confirmed your dates for your visit book ASAP!

Explore Scotland Off the Beaten Path

Every destination has the typical bucket list items and there are plenty of amazing places to see in Scotland. My favourite moments have been getting off the beaten path and experiencing the hidden gems.

On the Isle of Skye, the drive to Dun Scaith Castles was one of my favourite drives on the Isle of Skye. It takes you to areas not as many tourists go down, we stopped Starting point for the walk can be found here.

Or explore one of the Islands like the Isle of Mull which is an easy ferry ride from Oban which is included in my 7 Day Scottish Highlands Itinerary.

Book Ferry Crossings in Advance

A friend prewarned me to book my car on to the ferries in advance after missing out on space for their trip to the Isle of Mull. This saved me on my trip so I passing this tip on to you! I managed to get the timeslots I wanted the week before thanks to this tip.

Ideally, allow at least a week in advance to book this or once you know your dates. Calmac Ferries is the ferry service, book your tickets here or save for later!

Don’t Drive, Try the Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass

Driving is not for everyone! The best way to travel around Scotland without a car is by public transport and due to the good connections, you will be able to do this with ease. Consider getting the spirit of Scotland travel pass which includes travel on trains, buses, coaches and ferries. 

There are two passes to choose from, four days unlimited travel over eight consecutive days or eight days unlimited travel over fifteen consecutive days. Find out more on ScotRail’s website.

What’s the Difference Between Scottish and British Money?

The Bank of England is the central bank for the UK it is a legal tender that must be accepted throughout the UK.

However, in Scotland the retail bank’s Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Clydesdale Bank each issue their own Scottish banknotes. These are legal currencies that can be used to pay for goods and services but outside of Scotland, you may find businesses a little more reluctant to accept them. This is because they are not issued by the Bank of England.

If you find yourself in other countries of the UK and not accepting your Scottish banknotes, pop into a bank to get them exchanged.

Invest in a National Trust Membership

National Trust membership is perfect if you’re planning to visit a lot of the sights included within the trust. From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, there is something for everyone.

If you’re living in the UK then consider a yearly membership as you will get free or concessionary entry to places owned by National Trust organisations including in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Not only does this save you money at each individual place it includes parking!

Find out more about the National Trust Membership here.

Edinburgh is Colder – but Glasgow is Wetter!

Edinburgh, being closer to the sea, tends to be much colder as a city, with a harsher wind coming in from the coast.  The rainfall is not as frequent or as heavy, although it may not feel that way (Scotland is still a very rainy country as a whole), you really want to focus on layering up and keeping warm in this windy city.

Glasgow is a far warmer city due to being further inland but as it is still situated on the west coast, it does have far higher rainfall than its east coast counterparts.  It rains in Glasgow every month of the year, so even in the summer months, you won’t be able to escape it!  Once again, a rain jacket is your best bet.

Narrow Roads

Growing up driving on Australian roads I had to get used to driving on the narrow road here. Not all cars can drive on the roads too! As I was driving around Isle of Skye I frequently saw signs saying that motorhomes would be too heavy or wide for the roads.

It’s a little adjustment but it is easy to get used to these. They do add more time to your journey so buffer this in, as well, as your vehicle size.

You Won’t See Really See People Wearing Kilts

As much as we would love the scenes of Outlander when we visit, the Scots only wear kilts for special occasions (i.e. weddings) for the most part. Psssttt – if you find a busker in a kilt playing the bag pips then they deserve a tip. It’s such a difficult instrument to learn and takes years! Plus you’ll probs snap a photo of them and give them the funds to continue playing.

Explore the Natural Beauty of Scotland

Every corner your turn in Scotland you will be in awe with its natural beauty from its beautiful coastline, towering mountains and enchanting islands.

This means there will be lots of natural attractions and you won’t need to travel far to find them. Here are some of my picks:

• Fingal’s Cave – this has been on my list for years! On the Isle of Staffa you will find the Scottish version of the Giants Causeway. This does require a boat tour to get there and you can find tours leaving from Oban. During the summer you may even get to see puffins!
• Star Gazing in Galloway Forest Park – the UK’s first designated Dark Sky Park, the forest offers the best conditions for stargazing. You’ll be able to see more than 7,000 stars and planets.

You Might Experience a “Language Barrier”

Just like any country accents will vary but the thick Scottish accent can be hard to understand if you’re not used to it. It’s something to be mindful of and just let them know if you’re struggling to understand.

Scottish Gaelic

English is the main language, however, the Celtic language of Gaelic is still spoken throughout Scotland and it is considered the founding language of the country. Don’t be surprised when you see bilingual road signs, discover the tv channel dedicated to Gaelic or hear people speaking it in the Highlands.

Paying With Debit and Credit Cards

Paying by card is widely accepted throughout the country. Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted cards, major retailers will accept American Express. Make sure you have a Visa or Mastercard with you when you travel.

I always like using Wise as my travel card as they make it easy to keep multiple currencies and get the best exchange rates.

Tour Responsibly

Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are known throughout the world for their stunning beauty and has many visitors every single year. This is great for Scotland, as its economy thrives on tourism and it brings great support for the small businesses in rural areas. 

However, we need to support responsible tourism and minimise our negative impacts on the environment and local communities. This is something that we learn over time while travelling and being conscious about it builds the habits over time.

Taking care of the landscape mostly comes down to common sense, such as leaving sites how you found them, taking litter away and not dropping waste that conflicts with the natural ecosystem. 

Or designing your trip carefully so that you’re leaving a positive footprint in Scotland. For example, instead of a big tour group opt for smaller organised tours like Rabbies who average about 10 people per group.

Instead of booking accommodation with Airbnb, see if you can book with the accommodation directly so they are getting money to support their small business.

Go On An Epic Road Trip

The best way to really explore Scotland is by car and there is no shortage of epic road trips you can go on.

• Central Scotland – this can include the country’s capital city, Edinburgh, as well as Stirling, Loch Lomond and Perthshire.  This is a nice easygoing route, with more cities and towns than mountains and countryside – it’s great if you want to see the famous sight such as Edinburgh Castle or the Kelpies!

• The West Coast and Islands – you can hop between islands on car-friendly ferries to discover beautiful beaches and tall mountains. The west coast without a doubt has the best variety of urban and natural routes to take.

• Wester Ross – head far north to experience parts of Scotland that almost seem undiscovered!  Still, serene lochs and towering mountains await you here (included in route 500).

• Angus – situated between Dundee and Aberdeen, this underrated section of coastline can be made into an entire holiday! This coastline is rugged and untamed, in the most perfect way!

• The East Coast – there are so many little hidden gems of towns on the East Coast, and every town has its own special charm.  Food, drink and pretty harbours – all can be found on this coastline!

• The North Coast – take an epic journey along the whole north coast and discover Scotland’s most rural landscapes!

For more inspiration read 10 Scenic Places to Visit in Scotland by Car (That You’ll Love).

Visit a Loch That is Not Loch Ness

Loch Ness is one of the most famous and popular tourist attractions in Scotland, mostly due to the famous folklore that surrounds it.  While it is fun to go and learn about the famous Loch Ness monster, it is a good idea to go off the beaten track a little more and explore some Lochs that aren’t as popular with tourists. 

This also speaks to the previous point about touring responsibly; it is very important that we do not overwhelm the landscape too much, so why not go and explore some of the other many Lochs that Scotland has to offer?

Try Visiting Some of the Smaller Islands

Why not take a look into travelling to smaller islands, rather than crowding on the well-known ones that everyone else visits, such as Skye, Mull or Islay.

The small islands offer the same stunning scenery but without all of the tourists! 

Try out Rum, Eigg, Muck or Canna instead – they are off the beaten track and you will certainly be rewarded for your efforts.

Simply take a ferry from Mallaig and explore these stunning islands on foot; you are protecting the landscape and contributing to overwhelming the popular islands much less!

There Is No Such Thing as Trespassing in Scotland

There is always a great opportunity to go off the beaten track in Scotland due to the Freedom to Roam act, meaning that you can wander wherever you please and do some real exploring.  You can even camp anywhere you like as well, which should certainly be made the most of! 

Watch Out for the Midges!

Thankfully, Scotland does not have any dangerous animals or insects, so there isn’t much that you have to watch out for.  However, while the midges certainly do not pose any danger to people, they tend to come in huge quantities when you go anywhere near water in Scotland. 

A midge is a small fly that is part of the mosquito family which can be found all over the world. 

Unfortunately, Scotland has a particularly high volume of the type of midge that bites.  Their bites can be very irritating, particularly if you get a lot of them at once, and so it is better to avoid them as much as possible.

The most effective way to avoid getting bitten is to cover up, and voice sitting out near water on still days and evenings.  Of course, if you are camping then this can be difficult to stick to; but not to worry, you can purchase an inexpensive and wonderful antidote in the form of an after bite stick, designed to take the itch out of those pesky bites. 

Stand Your Ground at the Pub

Bars and pubs do not do table service (unless it’s 2020/2021) – this is reserved solely for restaurants.  In pubs, Scots go to the bar to get their orders and pay on the spot. This means that things can get pretty crazy on busy weekend nights and it is not uncommon to be four or five rows away from the bar at any given time. 

That is why it is customary to buy a round of drinks for those that you are with, and they will do the same for you; this prevents an entire group of people queueing at the bar to get served for one drink.  If someone buys you around, the general rule is that you will get up to get the next one at the bar when the drinks are coming to an end.

This may sound like a lot of nonsense, but in actual fact, it creates a great atmosphere and means that everyone gets talking while waiting for drinks. Being social with everyone you meet is part of the fun of getting out for a drink, so the Scots rarely mind being piled up at the bar for ten minutes before being served.

Respect the Queue

It is not uncommon for someone at the bar to wave you up first to be served before them – Scots are very friendly and polite as a general rule. However, queues, in general, are something taken seriously in Scotland, and skipping someone’s place in a queue without an offer is considered very rude. To avoid rubbing any locals up the wrong way, the best thing to do is to join a queue and wait your turn unless someone offers their spot to you.

Drink Your Whisky Right

A trip to Scotland just would not be complete without trying some of the national drink – whisky.

A common mistake made by tourists is to order a ‘scotch’ at the bar, and drink it down in one as if it were a shot.  In Scotland, however, it is called whisky by locals and it is bought in a measure referred to as a ‘dram’.

Once purchased, Scots savour whisky while drinking it; drinking it slowly and enjoying every sip. If you want to fit in with the locals, this is the way to drink your whisky.

Scots also do not mix their whisky with soft drinks, such as coke, and normally it is not to be had with ice either.  You can, of course, order both, but if you want to fit in with the locals then neat whisky is the way to go!

If you know nothing about whisky, simply ask the bartender what they would recommend – they’re sure to have a favourite!

Haggis Is Great, but There Is More to Eat

Haggis is potentially one of the most well known parts of Scottish culture, and it has long been joked that it is the only thing Scottish people ever eat!  While it can commonly be found on a menu, or deep-fried in a chip shop, it is not as common as one might think.

If you do not already know what haggis is made of, it is probably wise to do so before eating it.  It is a pudding made of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, mixed together with oats, spices, onion and salt, encased in a sheep’s stomach.  If this sounds terrible to you, many places serve veggie versions which taste remarkably similar to the real thing!

In truth, haggis is wonderful and every tourist should certainly try it once – but if the concept of it is a little odd to you and you don’t fancy it, do not worry – there are plenty other things to eat!

Try Some Different Local Delicacies Instead

Scotland actually has many native foods and drink aside from the famous haggis; here are some of the best ones to look for:

Irn Bru

This brightly coloured soft drink is a must-try for anyone coming to Scotland.  It can be found in pretty much any shop or supermarket and is inexpensive to try.  We all know the Scots love a drink, right?  Well, Irn Bru is a nationwide hangover cure – so if you do find yourself feeling the effects of one whisky too many, that would be the perfect time to try.

Shortbread

This delicious combo of sugar, butter and flour is a staple of Scottish home baking and a delicacy that you are sure to enjoy!  It can be bought in supermarkets, but try and find some fresh baked if you can.

Oatcakes

You are likely to find many things made from oats as you travel the country, due to the fact that they are one of the only grains that grow well in the north of Scotland and have long since been the staple grain used in Scottish foods.

Oatcakes are baked oat biscuits which can be eaten savoury or sweet and are sure to keep you full for hours.

Cullen Skink

This is another delicacy of Scotland which, like haggis, is not to everyone’s liking.  It is a thick soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes and onions and is served with bread.  The smell is extremely strong due to the smoked fish, but it tastes absolutely delicious.

Stovies

You may notice that the majority of Scottish foods are stodgy, warming and hearty – it is surely  needed due to the weather!  Stovies are an absolute favourite to warm you on a cold day and can now commonly be found as street food as well!

The ingredients can vary, but traditionally they are made with chunks of potato, carrot and onions, then normally featuring some sort of meat or haggis.  They are normally served with either oatcakes or bread to scoop up every drop!

Tunnock’s Tea Cakes

The Tunnock’s brand is an absolute favourite in Scotland, serving sweet treats to go with the huge proportion of tea and coffee drunk across the country.

The tea cake is comprised of a small shortbread biscuit, topped with gooey marshmallow and coated in milk chocolate.

Tunnock’s also have some other tasty treats, such as the caramel wafer or caramel log!

Tablet

If you have a sweet tooth then this treat is certainly for you!  Tablet is a confection made from sugar, condensed milk and butter, hardening to make a more brittle version of fudge.  It can only be eaten in small quantities by most due to the sweetness, but it is absolutely delicious!

Don’t Bother Trying to Drive in the Cities

The middle of the major cities in Scotland often suffers from bad traffic congestion, meaning that more often than not it takes longer to drive through the city centre than it would do to walk in the exact same area. 

Walking through the cities also gives a unique experience of the place, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh where you cannot drive much through the centre of the cities anyway, and cars are forced to take far more roundabout routes instead, missing much of the main city centres. 

Walking, on the other hand means you can experience every part of the city; pedestrianised shopping streets, cobbled side-alleys strung with fairy lights, and stunning parks – all just on the route of where you are trying to go!

Don’t Be Offended if People Aren’t Excited About Your Ancestry

Of course, it can be exciting to get to visit a place where parts of your family came from, but it is important to remember when speaking about your Scottish ancestry with people from Scotland that they hear this all the time.  In fact, it is one of the most common things tourists will speak about when speaking to scottish locals.  So don’t be too offended if people aren’t thrilled for you, they aren’t being rude, they just hear it a lot!

Instead, why not try to have a discussion with locals about their culture, heritage and history, to be more educated about the places where your ancestors are from.  This is guaranteed to make you many friends in Scotland – Scots are very friendly and love to chat, especially over a drink!

Fast Facts

• Scotland uses the British Pound
• The national animal is a unicorn (I’m not joking)
• Glasgow is the largest city
• Perth is the newest city
• Scotland has over two thousand castles!  The most popular are Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, St. Andrews Castle and Doune Castle.
• Most museums and art galleries are free to enter
• Drivers in Scotland drive on the left side of the road
• Scots is a language but is no longer spoken widely.  All native Scots speak English.
• Gaelic is still spoken, but not by many people.  Only around 60,000 people speak it now, mostly in the Outer Hebrides.
• Scotland is full of mountains – mountains over three thousand feet are called Munros – there are 282 of them
• There are over 120 whisky distilleries in the country and you can tour many of them, and have samples!
• There are 900 Scottish islands, most of them uninhabited.  The main island groups are the Orkney Islands, the Shetland Islands, the Inner Hebrides, and the Outer Hebrides.
• Scotland hosts many world-famous festivals such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), the Edinburgh Fringe, The Stonehaven Fireball Festival, Celtic Connections and the Islay Festival of Music and Malt.
• Scotland has very long summer days and very long winter nights due to how far north it is.  In the summer you can expect daylight until 11pm during late June, however, in winter you are looking at darkness by 5pm in the north.

Overall, these tips will surely help you get by on your travels around Scotland, but overall you can’t go far wrong!  The country is very safe and the people very laid back; if you ever need a hand with anything at all, simply ask around and someone will be willing to help you out!

Scotland is a welcoming place, and if you respect it, then it will respect you right back

It is no secret why tourists from all over the world want to visit the Scottish Highlands, with its beautiful coastline, towering mountains and enchanting islands, but it can be difficult to know where to begin when planning a route – there seems to be so much to see, and so many routes to choose from!

This route intends to have you begin at one of the major cities (Edinburgh or Glasgow) and come back down to them at the end so that it can be easily worked in with flights and other travel arrangements, however, the routes are simple and can easily be changed if there are parts you wish to add or change. 

This is only one of many routes that can be taken through the Highlands, but it aims to give a great seven-day introduction to Scotland’s northern lands!

Day 1 – Drive to Oban

Drive: From Glasgow 2hrs 24 mins or Edinburgh 2 hrs 58 mins

The first day of your trip to the Highlands sees you driving from one of the major cities to the town of Oban. 

Not only will the motorway routes from Scotland’s two major cities bring you to Oban faster, but they will provide you with a beautiful scenic drive along the way as well. 

On your way from the central belt to the wondrous highlands, you will be taken through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and have the opportunity to gaze over some of the best scenery the country has to offer. 

Loch Lomond is the largest Loch that Britain has to offer, making your first drive one of the most impressive ones by far.

Around 40 minutes into your drive you will reach the glorious Loch, so while you’re stopping to stretch your legs, why not enjoy some award-winning fish and chips by the Loch-side while you take in the beauty that surrounds you? 

The Lomond fish bar is a popular stop for locals and tourists alike and is the perfect way to enjoy a favourite of Scots cuisine. 

To get more views of the Loch you can take a cruise like Sweeney’s. They have a few options but the one-hour circular tour of Loch Lomond’s South basin which is a good balance between seeing it and time.

You will learn the history in the area, what happened between the clans, how Robert the Bruce sheltered as a fugitive before he was to become King of Scotland and much more.

The rest of the drive will take you through some equally picturesque villages and towns, such as Luss or Dalmally, which prove to be some of the most perfect photo-taking spots along the Lochside and before you know it, you will have arrived in the tranquil and beautiful town of Oban.

Directly translated from Gaelic, Oban’s name means ‘little bay’, but when you arrive here you will quickly realise that it is so much more than that. 

The small town, inhabiting only around 8,500 people, is surrounded by seaside as well as countryside, making it a well-renowned holiday destination among Scottish people.

If you are partaking in this particular whistle-stop tour of the Highlands, then it is certainly recommended that you stay near the centre of the small harbour town in order to make the most out of the attractions that it has to offer. I personally stayed at the Randal Apartments which is central to the town and has free street parking from 6pm until 9am.

Once you are in the centre of the town it becomes very easy to travel to most places by foot and explore the galleries, independent shops, museum and even the local distillery. 

Of course, the key attraction in Oban is the sea-front which brings in masses of tourists every single year, and for good reason too! As you wander along the seafront you can have a look at the wonderful ruins of Dunollie Castle and check out the sensational sunsets on the beach. 

If you’re looking to try some Scottish Whisky then there is a local distillery right in town. Jim our tasting guide was absolutely hilarious and the dram was pretty good too!

For views make your way McCaig’s Tower at sunset.

At the end of the day, why not enjoy a cosy local meal at one of the pubs or restaurants around the harbour to get a real feel for the atmosphere of the town.

The Oban Fish & Chip Shop was voted by Rick Steve’s to be one of the best fish and chips he’s ever had. They offer veggie options like haggis for us that don’t eat meat.

Cuan Mor was another place we dined at, with good food options and a good range of drinks to choose from. They don’t take bookings, it’s the first-come-first-served basis.

Optional Extra: Isle of Mull or Staffa

Depending on how much time you have you could sneak in a day trip or a night in the Isle of Mull. One of the things I really wanted to do whilst I was Oban was going on a wildlife cruise and high on my list is to see puffins (sadly it was the wrong time of the year).

To name just a couple of examples of great tours near Oban, West Coast Tours and Staffa Tours both run tours of all three of these islands, making the organisation of this part of the trip much easier. 

Another benefit of choosing an organised tour is that you can be sure not to miss any of the best parts of the islands on your travels, such as the rugged landscapes of Mull, with its lengthy coastline and interesting wildlife and sealife, such as puffins, whales, dolphins, sea eagles and basking sharks. 

Whilst I didn’t take a tour, instead opting for driving around the island, I saw an Eagle! It was incredible seeing one just sitting on a pole looking over the seaside.

Nor would it be wise to skip on a trip to the peaceful small Isle of Iona, with its tiny population of around 130 people, which is described by all who visit as a truly enchanting trip. 

Walk among architecture which carries huge historical significance, such as the restored medieval abbey (which still holds services!) and St Oran’s chapel alongside Reilig Odhram, which is said to be the burial place of forty-eight Scottish kings, even the world-famous Macbeth!

And then, you certainly would not want to miss out on a trip to the famous Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa, which hosts some of the most wondrous geological features in Scotland – which is really saying something! 

If you’ve heard of Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland then you might have heard the tale about the two giants. The legend has it that Fionn (the Irish Giant) was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted and built the causeway across the North Channel.

There are two endings to the tale, one being that Fionn hides from Benadonner due to his size and the other that he defeats the Scottish Giant. As we are in Scotland we will side with the fact the Irish giant was too scared.

Around the cave one can expect to find the stunning, naturally formed basalt structures that surround it, forming towering columns around the mouth of the cave making it appear like a highly thought-out architectural structure.

The great thing about these islands is that they are small and easy to travel around in only one day, while still being able to see all of the incredible sights that are available on them.  All in all, this is a truly worthwhile detour to make on your trip!

Day 2 – Oban to Glencoe

Drive: 53 minutes

The next stop on the trip is Glencoe, which is a short drive from Oban.

Glen Coe, the most famous and historic glen Scotland’s land has to offer! The impressive-looking glen (narrow valley, to those who aren’t Scots) was formed naturally hundreds of years ago by volcanic activity and glacier movement. 

The village of Glen Coe itself is located between Loch Leven and the mouth of the aforementioned Glen, which means it’s the perfect location to be in if you are looking for a base to explore the Lochaber area. 

As you drive through the Glen you will be shown the volcano itself and can explore the very birth of the glen, right back to when it was first formed all those years ago. 

Any Harry Potter fans travelling with you? Perfect! You can visit some of the locations where parts of the actual movies were shot.

The third film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, was filmed in three different locations around Glencoe; the mountainsides can be recognised by those with a keen eye as the backdrop of Hagrid’s hut, and you can also find the Hogwarts bridge and gatehouse in this magical location. 

A whole day can be spent exploring these locations for sure, but there is so much else to do as well!

About an hours drive from Glencoe is one of the best opportunities for photography that your trip will offer, not least of all due to the fact that you can find the Glenfinnan Viaduct with just a small detour, and relive the iconic Harry Potter moment itself.

For the classic photo of the train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will need to time it and depending on the time of the year there will be either one or two trains running. For more information check the Jackabite train timetable.

The train will roughly arrive 45 minutes after departing Fort William over the Viaduct. Parking does fill up quickly and the good viewpoints are taken about an hour before.

In terms of walking, Glencoe offers beautiful scenic walks for all levels of hikers; there are plenty of routes for the experienced hillwalker, with difficulty that could still pose a challenging but highly enjoyable hike. 

There are also shorter and far easier walks that could be suitable for families travelling with children, or simply for those who want to take it slightly easier! 

One of the easier walking routes, is the Ballachulish Slate Quarries and Loch Leven route. This walk is only about two kilometres long and takes roughly one hour to complete at a moderate pace, but still offers stunning scenery at a difficulty suitable to even the least experienced hill walker! 

For those who desire more of a challenge, there are some excellent options such as the Kinlochleven Blackwater Reservoir, consisting of around seventeen kilometres and taking around six hours to complete, or the Pap of Glencoe which is a similar length. 

Whatever it is you hope to get from walking in Glencoe, it can happily deliver!

Rest in one of Glencoe’s beautiful lodges or inns, which appear to be straight out of a fairytale, and get a good night sleep ahead of a day of exploring the gorgeous town tomorrow!

Day 3 – Glen Coe to Skye

Drive: 2 hours and 15 minutes (to the bridge crossing) and then a day around the Isle of Skye. P.s. leave as early as you can to make the most of your time on the Isle of Skye.

The next destination, which will be the stunning Isle of Skye, around a three and a half-hour drive from Glen Coe but you will certainly be rewarded for it! 

Leave as early as you can as you will want to make sure you have as much time as possible on the Isle of Skye.

I recommended that you stay two nights rather than one – this will also give you some much-needed rest time after the long drive! 

There are hundreds of things to do on Skye and you will only be able to choose a few of them, so this time it really depends on what it is that you are looking for!

Eilean Donan Castle 

On your way to the Isle of Skype is Eilean Donan Castle. In the early 13th century the castle was built to protect the lands of Kintail against the Vikings. Over the years the castle went through changes but the ultimately culminated in the castle’s destruction was the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Then in 1911 Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island and decided to restore the castle to it’s former glory which completed in 1932. Now it makes for the perfect stop on your road trip! You can take some amazing photos, learn more about the castle and the role it had in Scottish history and a bathroom break.

The opening times do vary and I recommend checking their website beforehand.

Dun Scaith Castle

The drive to Dun Scaith Castles was one of my favourite drives on the Isle of Skye. It takes you down roads that aren’t as too full of tourist. On your journey there you will stop by a great beach to take photos and relax a little.

A bit more of a drive down you will find Dunscaith Castle. It is in ruins so don’t expect a grand castle here but there is a great little walk there. Starting point for the walk can be found here.

Fairy Pools

One of the most famous attractions on the island is, of course, the world-renowned Fairy Pools of Skye.  These crystal clear blue pools attract visitors from all over, and for good reason too! They make for some excellent photos and in the summer they are even a popular wild swimming destination.

When you arrive there will be a parking lot that gets pretty busy during the high season. It does cost money so you will need to bring some change and they are only just building facilities there. Further up the hill you can find free parking spots and overall depends on how much you like walking back up steep hills.

The walk to the fairy pools was a little challenging for me as I have a fear of stairs, heights and don’t like jumping over things. No idea why! One guy even had to guide me across so I could make it, I just froze trying to get across. I make it sound way worse than it is, it is truly easy for someone that doesn’t have any of these issues.

As you will need to step over wet rocks so I highly recommend grip shoes for the walk as well!

When you arrive at the first waterfalls, you will know that you have arrived at the magical pools and from there you can work your way up the river and explore the other pools. If you are looking for some swimming and jumping opportunities, the first waterfall is the best option for you – but a wetsuit is certainly recommended if you feel the cold!

Talisker Whisky Distillery

If you’ve read my guide on things you can only buy in Scotland then you know that Talisker Skye is one of my recommended drams! It’s well-rounded whisky with some sweet notes coming through.

As it’s a short drive from the Fairy Pools it’s a good pit stop pick up some whisky before heading to the hotel for the evening. If your group opts for the tasting then as the designated driver you can take your tasting home with them. I love this as you can learn all about the whisky but you’re not drinking and driving.

Portree

Of course, no trip to Skye could possibly be complete without a trip to the capital village of Portree, sat on the east side of Skye by a beautiful, quaint bay.  The village was originally created for fishing and gets its name from the Gaelic translation for ‘Port on the Slope’. 

It’s also the perfect place to base yourself on the Isle of Skye. I stayed at the Portree Hotel, the hotel it’s self was nice enough. What I really loved was the bar/restaurant. The staff there were so welcoming and friendly, the atmosphere really drew me each night we stayed there!

Book your restraurant reseveration in advance! These book out months in advance in some cases. We were really lucky that the hotel we stayed at always had openings for the guest due to this. However if you don’t have this option then reverse way ahead!

Day 4 – Isle of Skye

Today is all about spending a full day on the Isle of Skye on the top loop of the Island.

Neist Point Lighthouse

Following the one-way country lanes, you will reach the coastline and end up at Neist Point. It’s the most westerly point of Skye. It was built in 1900 and used to be manned. Now it has an automatic system and no longer requires assistance.

To visit the lighthouse, it’s a 2.2km walk down a steep staircase to get to the lighthouse. When I visited the winds were very strong and it seemed unsafe to walk down there.

At the end of the carpark there is an old shed, if you walk behind that to the right then you will walk across the hill. This will give you a good view of the lighthouse without having to walk down. I opted for this over walking to the lighthouse due to the high winds. Either way be very careful if it’s bad weather.

Quiraing

The Quiraing is a beautiful scenic walk with dramatic cliffs and perfect for photography. The Trotternish ridge was formed by a massive landslip which has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and pinnacles of rock.

It’s a 4.5 mile (7km) walk which takes about 2 hours with no stops. Due to the cliffs the walk is not suitable for walking in some weather conditions so double check before making the hike.

Starting location is here.

Old Man Of Storr

The most popular by far has got to be the Old Man of Storr walk, a large pinnacle of rock which can be seen for miles around the island.  This famous rock was created by a large landslide which left its distinctive and easily-recognisable shape.  The walk in total is under four kilometres and takes the average hiker around one hour and fifteen minutes without breaks, it can be accessed from the main road by Portree.

Day 5 – Skye to Ullapool

Be warned, many people find it a huge challenge to leave Skye once they have had the opportunity to experience it once, and this may be the way that you feel too!  But not to worry, plenty of other equally amazing and enchanting places await you!

The drive to Ullapool is just over three hours with no stops, but once you arrive the driving will all be worthwhile!  It is the most northern point of this trip, and therefore the ‘highest land’ that we will be visiting on this particular Highland trip. 

It’s a small town in terms of its residents, with only around 1,500 in population, but it has long been popular among tourists, and you will soon see why. 

The harbour town feels full and busy due to the vast amount of activities and excellent atmosphere that they create; and, as with the other locations we have explored so far, it is, of course, beautiful as well! In fact, it is one of the most preserved natural towns in the UK, meaning that outdoor activities are plenty.

While this itinerary does not set out the timings or plans to go to the outer Hebridean islands such as Stornoway or Lewis, these islands are easy to reach, they are only a short ferry ride from Ullapool, and therefore can easily be added to any Highland itinerary.

This town is unique in style and has a very different atmosphere to others in the Scottish Highlands, in that it is often compared to the likes of Scandinavia and Canada with its rugged scenery and sunshine that beats down hot in the summer. 

One of the best ways to experience this aspect of the Highlands is without a doubt the Summer Isles cruise, allowing you to see the interesting wildlife that the isles have to offer, such as the white-tailed eagles that can often be spotted around the coastline. 

This cruise is a great way to do a quick tour around the islands if you do not wish to make them a full part of your itinerary, as you will be able to see their coasts as you sail by.  The cruise lasts for roughly two hours and they tend to run throughout the spring and summer each year.

More time on your hands? Consider driving North Coast 500!

Day 6 – Ullapool to Inverness

2 hour drive

The drive from Ullapool to the national park will take roughly two hours, and takes you through the city of Inverness, which is the largest city in the north of Scotland. 

Inverness is a slightly busier place with some nightlife and a huge number of restaurants to choose from. The Castle Tavern is always a popular choice, with real ale, good food and an excellent pub garden for those sunny days.

Situated in Fortrose on the Black Isle, just north of Inverness, the Anderson was once named one of the best places in the world to get a beer and features an impressive collection of Scottish and international tipples. Try local favourites from the Black Isle Brewery or the Cromarty Brewery, both known for their prize-winning beers.

Wander the city centre and explore the Inverness Castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral. On a sunny day in Inverness make sure you take a wander along the sheltered riverside paths around the Ness Islands – a group of islands in the middle of the River Ness which are connected by Victorian suspension bridges.

If you’re visiting with wee ones, hop into a rowing boat on the pond in nearby Whin Park or take a ride on the Ness Island Miniature Railway, open weekends and during the school holidays. It’s a real treasure only a short walk from Inverness city centre.

Day 7 – Inverness to Cairngorms National Park

This famous national park is going to be the final big stop on this Highlands trip and is going to begin taking you further down south, back in the direction in which you came. 

Once you do arrive in the Cairngorms, however, it’s time to begin mapping out which of the many activities available that you would like to do.  Of course, outdoor activities are why many people choose to visit the national park, and there are plenty of activities no matter when it is that you choose to go.  In the summer, choose from hillwalking, kayaking, mountain biking, water sports and so many more; in the winter, why not opt for some of the snowsports that the park has to offer, or visit the UK’s only sled dog centre?

However, activities in the national park span far beyond just outdoor ones, so feel free to explore castles, museums, adventure parks, breweries and outdoor centres as well.  Even better; there are scheduled events that are put on throughout the year, such as the annual Husky Rally, or the Whisky Festival; so one could even plan the trip especially around one of these.

This concludes our Highlands itinerary and is intended to give a very brief overview of some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the Highlands; there is, of course, so much more to be seen and explored!

FAQs

When is the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands?

The majority of people choose to visit the Scottish Highlands between May and September, because that tends to be when Scotland’s weather is best, and when there is the most daylight.  The busiest times are certainly July and August, so if you wish to have more space and better vacancies in accommodation then outside of those months works best, however even in the busiest months it is still highly enjoyable and has plenty space for everyone!

Geographically, where is the highlands?

Traditionally, the highlands have been classified by Scots as anything north of the Highland Boundary Fault which crosses the mainland of Scotland in an almost straight line from around Helensburgh to Stonehaven.  Nowadays, however, some parts of the counties Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire and Aberdeenshire are excluded from classification as ‘Highland’ due to the fact that they do not share the same geographical and cultural features of the other parts of the highlands.

How long should my trip be?

The itinerary provided here recommends seven days to travel the Highlands rather extensively, but of course, it depends on two things

1. How deeply you wish to get to know each place
2. How many places you wish to see

That is, the itinerary here is by no means exhaustive, and there are many other places in the Highlands that are worth visiting as well, with enough destinations and things to do that could easily last weeks, but if you want to see a good portion of the area and see everything you would like to, then 7 days is a good starting point.

Can I camp in the Highlands?

Absolutely! In fact, it is actively encouraged that tourists come and camp in Scotland.  Upon a simple online search or even a short drive through a given area, it will be easy to find multiple campsites of varying sizes and with varying amenities and costs.  Camping is an excellent way to experience parts of the rural Highlands without having to rely on nearby hotels and inns, and it gives you a little more freedom to explore the lesser-known parts of the country.

Another bonus of camping in Scotland is that wild camping is allowed as well, meaning that if you’re looking for something less structured you can pitch up at pretty much any unenclosed location for the night.  Be sure to research the wild camping rules before you go, to ensure that you are abiding by the regulations.

If you want to travel the lengths of Scotland but don’t have a car with which to do so, then no problem! Travelling Scotland is made easy by the wealth of other options available to travellers; be it buying a Scotrail Spirit of Scotland rail pass, utilising the widespread cross-country and local bus services, using the impressive national cycle network, or hiking on your own two feet, there will be a way to travel the country that suits you and you needs.

Benefits Of Travelling Without A Car

Travelling in a car always seems like the easy option, and it does give you unrivalled flexibility when travelling anywhere.  But there are so many benefits to seeing Scotland without being inside a car, and in many ways it allows you to appreciate the country more and see things in a different way as well as meeting people as you go as well as being more environmentally friendly!

Not having your own vehicle can lead you to places you perhaps would never have considered going otherwise, and see sights that you didn’t even know existed.  Using lots of different forms of transportation also allows you to see how many of the locals experience living in Scotland, seeing small towns that are a little more off the beaten track.

It is very easy to visit most of the popular attractions in Scotland by foot, bike or public transport.  This also gives you the opportunity to get exercise as you travel as well as keeping fewer cars on the Scottish roads, resulting in less pollution.  Car-free tourism is one of the best things about Scotland both as a place to live and as a tourist attraction, and it is a great idea to take advantage of this!

Using The Train To Travel Scotland

The fastest way to get around Scotland without a car is certainly by train.  Scotland has an excellent rail service which spreads across a large amount of the country and delivers a very quick and direct service – often getting travellers to their destination even faster than by car.

A clear benefit of rail travel is that, because trains do not run on the roads, you can avoid traffic congestion and do not have to take any irritating detours if something goes wrong. 

Scotrail services tend to be on time the majority of the time and therefore makes for a very efficient way to travel all in all.  It also allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery without having to worry about directions or roads!

The only issue with train tickets in Scotland is that they tend to be very expensive if bought separately, which is why it is certainly better to buy a Scotrail pass instead, as it reduces the cost hugely. 

For example, the Highland Rover pass can be purchased for £95 and covers four days of unlimited travel over an eight-day period, when travelling in the north and west highlands; perfect for making multiple trips. 

There are many of these types of passes that can be purchased depending on where you would like to go, making train travel a more affordable option.

Here are some examples of popular train lines that will take you on different routes throughout Scotland:

The West Highland Line

This line spans from Glasgow all the way to Mallaig, with an alternate route going to Oban.  This route is definitely superior in terms of the views and scenery on the way, offering some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.  In particular, the route goes via Glenfinnan which is by far one of the most impressive views Scotland has to offer.

The Far North Line

This line takes travellers from Inverness all the way to the northernmost point of mainland Scotland, John O’ Groats.  This is a great route as it takes you through some of the less-visited parts of the country so it’s a great way to get off the beaten track a little bit.  A highlight for sure is that it bypasses the amazing Dunrobin Castle, which every tourist should see on their trip!

The Kyle Line

This line takes you from east to west, rather than north or south, and allows you to witness a purely stunning landscape, including the Torridon Peaks, Achnashellach Forest and Ben Wyvis all in one journey!  This journey will show you the two absolute staples of the Scottish landscape: mountains and lochs.

Travelling Scotland By Bus

Regardless of how many railcards and passes you use, the train is never going to be as cost-effective as taking the buses to your destination in Scotland.  Buses can cost up to half of the price of a train ticket (a bus to Aberdeen is on average around £20, while a train ticket is often £40 or more), so if you are travelling on a budget then a  bus is a great option for you.

The most budget friendly and widespread options in the country are Megabus and Citylink, which take you to every major city (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee) and even some of the smaller towns:

• Aviemore
• Fort William
• Perth
• Pitlochry
• Stirling

And more!

Bus prices are cheap all the times, and the prices don’t go up massively as train fares do, but there are still things that you can do to make sure you are definitely getting the best prices for your travel:

• Book online – tickets online are often much cheaper when booked online rather than booked on the bus.  This also ensures that you get a seat on the bus you wish to get, rather than having to wait around for another.

• Compare prices between different operators – oftentimes the different operators will have competitive prices, meaning that the cost of a journey will come up lower on one of their websites.  Sometimes you can even score a cheaper seat on a luxurious Megabus Gold, and enjoy a large leather seat and free refreshment.

• Book in advance  – prices tend to go up as you get closer to the day of the trip, so make sure you book in advance to get a better price.

• Book right at the last minute – on the other hand, if a bus is not full right before the journey (one or two hours before) then the prices can sometimes be slashed then too.  If you are not a stressful traveler, and don’t mind leaving things to the very last minute, this is always a good trick to try!

• Look for special offers – often big sales or special deals will be advertised on the operator’s website, such as the famous £1 trip from Glasgow to Inverness! 

Once you get to your destination there will usually be some form of local bus to take you exactly where you need to be.  The buses in Edinburgh are particularly great and very inexpensive, and Glasgow have a great service too as well as a much faster underground!  In the middle of these bigger cities, it is actually far faster to get around by public transport than it is to take a car, which can be even slower than walking at times due to heavy traffic congestion.

In the Highlands and more rural areas of Scotland, buses are far less frequent due to the fact that there are far less people living there; it simply would not make sense to have the services that you would find in a busy city!  This leaves one other option in terms of buses, which is to book a bus with a small tour group which will take you around the highlands with a tour group and a guide, ensuring that you will never be stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for a bus that won’t arrive for twelve hours!

Explore Scotland With A Tour Company

On my first visit I went on a day trip to the Highlands, it was a full day of exploring but totally worth it to see the sights! If you want an easy stress free way to see Scotland then using a tour company to Scotland is one of the best options.

The trips vary in length from 12 hours to days worth, here are some of my favourite choices:

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

This three-day tour covers the beautiful scenery of the Highland, lochs and Glencoe. Visiting famous sights from film locations like James Bond, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and Outlander. It includes capturing the iconic photo of the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Accommodation in Inverness isn’t included in this tour, you can either use their recommended places or book your own. It does allow you to adjust the accommodation to your budget range.

Bring Your Bicycle And Use The National Cycle Network

Due to the lack of buses in these areas, if you want to see the areas of rural Scotland your other option is to use the vast National Cycle Network that Scotland offers.  The great thing about this is that there are lots of traffic-free paths, making your cycle as easy as possible!  There are also many long-distance routes that can be taken which have all been put onto OS maps, making it very easy to work out which route to take, and also to make cycling your primary mode of transport on your trip. 

Here are some of great options for long-distance routes you can take:

The Caledonia Way

Campbelltown -> Inverness | Distance – 234 miles | Time to cycle – 20 hours

Roads between Campbeltown and Oban but a traffic free cycle from Oban to Inverness

This route shows some of the most dramatic scenery that the Highlands has to offer, with some amazing views of the west coast islands and stunning coastlines.

This route also allows you to pass two of the greatest wonders of Scotland – Loch Ness and Ben Nevis.

The Hebridean Way

Vatersay -> Bottom of Lewis | Distance – 184 miles | Time to cycle – 15 hours

This route gives you a great opportunity to island hop via ferry, towards the Isles of Harris and Lewis.  This is certainly one of the wildest regions of the country and is the perfect quiet getaway from busy cities.

Coast and Castles North

Edinburgh -> Aberdeen (via Fife) | Distance – 172 miles | Time to cycle – 14 hours

This route showcases many castles including the stunning Dunnottar castle.  Aberdeenshire has a huge number of impressive castles, and this route is a great way to see lots of them as well as the beautiful north coast.

Edinburgh to Glasgow

Edinburgh -> Glasgow | Distance – 57 miles | Time to cycle – 10 hours

Picturesque meadows, canals and woodlands

There are two gorgeous nature reserves on this route – Bogburn Flood Lagoons Nature Reserve & Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve.

Hike Scotland’s Beautiful Landscape

Walking around Scotland may be the hardest way to travel but it is also the cheapest and often the most rewarding.  There is a reason why hiking in Scotland is so popular – the stunning landscape all over the country can best be appreciated on foot, and it is made easy by trails such as the West Highland Way and the John Muir Way, which are mostly off the main roads and therefore pretty much traffic-free.

A lot of the routes on these trails are similar to the cycle trails, but there are still times where being on foot has its advantages over bike, due to the trails which can only be accessed when walking.  These trails allow you to explore huge sections of the country if completed in full, but they are also incredibly versatile as you can join the routes at many points and come off them easily too.

The John Muir Way

Helensburgh -> Dunbar | Distance – 134 miles

This trail takes you near the major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh meaning it fits really well between two great city breaks!

If you do choose to do the whole thing in one go, you should give yourself around ten days to do the entire thing from start to finish.

The West Highland Way

Milngavie -> Fort William (Passes Loch Lomond, Glen Etive and Ben Nevis) | Distance – 96 miles

This route usually takes around seven days to complete, and those walking the route either take a tent to camp with, or book B&Bs in advance of doing the trail.

This trail gets very busy during the summer months so make sure to take this into account if you are booking accommodation.

The Southern Upland Way

Cockburnspath -> Portpatrick | Distance – 214 miles

This is a very long route, which has some long stretches that can be tough on your feet.  Therefore the best way to do it is in two parts, and take a week to do each section.  Moffat is a great place to divide the route.

The Great Glen Way

Fort William -> Inverness | Distance – 77 miles

The Great Glen is the longest Glen in Scotland and goes via Loch Ness

Popular Tourist Attractions That Don’t Require A Car

Edinburgh Castle

The castle is only a very short walk from Waverly Train Station, via the stunning Royal Mile!

Edinburgh Zoo

The zoo is accessible from the centre of Edinburgh by bus which stops across the road from the zoo, and you can get the same bus back to the centre from the bus stop on the same street as the entrance.

Gallery of Modern Art

From Haymarket train station in Edinburgh, the gallery is less than a mile to walk and provides a fun day out if the weather isn’t great!

National Museum of Scotland

Once you’re in Edinburgh city centre, the museum is only a short walk up the Bridges and has great accessibility to so many other tourist attractions around the city too.

St Giles Cathedral

This is another really accessible attraction, just a short ten to fifteen minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

From the city centre, it’s easy to hop on an underground train from Buchanan Street which gets you to Hillhead in just eight minutes!  From Hillhead, turn right and walk along Byres Road until you see the stunning Botanics.  The walk is around five minutes.

Glasgow Science Centre

Grab the train from Glasgow Central Station and take the 3 minute journey to the Exhibition Centre which is just a short walk from the science centre.  Alternatively, you can walk from the city centre, which only takes around half an hour in total.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Take the underground to the Kelvinhall stop from any stop in Glasgow, turn left and walk straight until you see the stunning museum building – this one is super easy!

Loch Lomond Shores

Hop on a train at Queen Street station in Glasgow and take a ride to Balloch, which takes around fifty minutes.  Once you get off the train you’re just a short ten minute walk from the shores, and a whole day of fun!

Falkirk wheel

Take the train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Falkirk High train station, and then take the scenic canal route, around 2.5 miles, to get to the wheel.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

The birthplace museum of Scotland’s most famous poet, Rabbie Burns, is located in Ayr, which is around fifty minutes from the centre of Glasgow by train.  Once you arrive in Ayr you can walk to Alloway town where the poet’s birthplace is situated.  After visiting the Cottage, The Poet’s Path leads to the main Burns Birthplace Museum with the nearby attractions of Alloway Auld Kirk (Old Church, in Scots) and the bridge, famous from the Burns poem Tam o’ Shanter.

Stirling Castle

Hop on a train at Queen Street and take the short journey to Stirling town.  The walk to the castle is very pleasant and takes you through some lovely streets via the old town jail and Church of the Holy Rude.

Scotland has an abundance of gin distilleries but nearby Stirling Castle you Stirling Distillery where you can take a tour and taste of their gin. It’s the perfect souvenir to take home from Scotland.

Fast Facts

There is also the little-known option of air travel in Scotland, although it is rarely necessary. This is mostly useful for getting to the islands.  There are airports in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Prestwick, Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Fair Isle, Islay, Orkney, Shetland, Stornoway, Tiree, and Wick.

There is also the little-known option of air travel in Scotland, although it is rarely necessary. This is mostly useful for getting to the islands.  There are airports in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Prestwick, Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Fair Isle, Islay, Orkney, Shetland, Stornoway, Tiree, and Wick.

• Aberdeen – 3 hours
• Aviemore – 3 hours 30 minutes
• Fort William – 4 hours 30 minutes
• Perth – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Inverness – 4 hours
• Pitlochry – 2 hours 20 minutes
• Stirling – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Glasgow – 1 hour 20 minute

You can buy train tickets in advance, but currently there is no online ticket option at the gates of train stations, so you do need to leave enough time to print your tickets before your train.  This can be done at any ticket machine in the station or at the ticket desk.

Best Resources For Travelling Scotland Without A Car

Below are some of the best resources to use in order to organise your adventure:

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