Visit Scotland: top 10 best experiences

Scotland is the UK's northern country, a land of full of beautiful treasures. From big skies, land of mountains, wilderness and other spectacular wildlife. Whether you are seeking for mountains, forests or beaches. Scotland has it all.

You may known Scotland for Loch Ness or major cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow. Other known towns around Scotland is for example St Andrews, known for the university as well as golf. The vibrant cultural scenes of those cities have a lot to offer, but let's go beyond the cities.

Did you know, that Scottish Highlands often call lakes as loch, glens as valleys, bens as mountains and isle as islands?

I have been travelling up north frequently over the 2 years and now it comes to the end (almost). Not planning to travel as much there as I have used to. Therefore, I decided to write up this post to round up my best experiences and suggestions to do around Scotland. Whether you are an active person or more laid back, you will always find something suitable for you. Here are my top 10 suggestions what you should do and visit while travelling across Scotland.

Visit Scotland: top 10 best experiences

Visit Scotland: top 10 best experiences

1. Explore Edinburgh and Glasgow cities
Edinburgh is Scotland's medieval capital, known for hilly landscape and an old castle. Glasgow on other hand, is a port city on the west. Known for Victorian and art nouveau architecture and rich industrial history. Every city offers something totally different and unique and it is worth exploring it.

2. Road trip around Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is located at northwest, known for its beautiful and picturesque landscape, fishing villages and nature. The biggest town in this are is Portree, where you usually would base for exploring the islands. I recommend to book a bus tour or hire a car to fully explore this area.

Visit Scotland: top 10 best experiences

3. Visit or camp at Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is a lake located in a large Trossach National Park. Easily reachable by public transport from Glasgow or surrounding towns. Visit Loch Lomond for a day or stay here for more days to fully turn off and breath the nature. Around Loch Lomond, you may explore what this countryside can offer by foot or by bike.

4. Trip to Glencoe
Glencie is a village in western Scotland, located in the Scottish Highlands valleys. The area is known for waterfalls, Ben Navis and other mountains, or many routes for climbing and hiking. The wildlife of this surrounding area is what Scottish Highland is truly about.

5. Visit whisky distillers
Whisky is the famous distilled alcoholic beverage when you think about Scotland. Therefore scattered around Scotland, you may find and come across many whisky distillers. Explore these distilleries to find out more about the rich history of Scotland's whiskies, the process or for some whisky tasting sessions.

Visit Scotland: top 10 best experiences

Visit Scotland: top 10 best experiences

6. Take ferries to nearby isles and beaches
What is great about Scotland that you can find anything you want in the nearby distance. Whether if you feel like chilling on a beach, exploring castles, hiking, relaxing in the nature of do some shopping. Scotland is well connected by railway and buses, giving us the convenience to travel easily wherever. Just check what island, beach or mountain is nearby you and get ready to pack your stuff!

7. Visit Portobello beach
Portobello beach is just few kilometers away from Edinburgh, a great escape during warm days. The sandy beaches is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. A great little getaway from the noisy and busy city life.

Visit Scotland: top 10 best experiences


8. Spot sea lions in Isle of Arran
 Isle of Arran, easily reachable from Glasgow under 2 hours! It is the biggest island in the Firth of Clyde and seventh largest Scottish island. Visit the island for some activities, fresh air or just spotting out sea lions in the nature.

9. Take part in Scottish ceilidh
Ceilidh is a traditional Scottish social gathering where traditional Gaelic folk music is played and people are dancing around. A great local cultural activity to be part of, check the local events list for your nearest date!

10. Climb Ben Navis
For those who are more adventurous, why not climb Ben Navis? It is the highest mountain in the British Isles, standing at 1,345 metres above the sea. The nearest town is For William.