Travel Blog - Scotland
For a country so small and with so much open countryside, Scotland has had a huge impact on world culture. Its great cities - Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, were powerhouses of British Imperial commerce. These cities were also at the forefront of scientific discovery and exploration, culture and learning, and remain some of the most popular holiday destinations. Whether you're drawn to its vibrant cities or wild landscapes, a Scottish holiday offers something for every kind of traveller. Its natural wonders, too, attract visitors from around the globe. Just their names - Glen Coe, Ben Nevis, The Old Man of Storr, the Cairngorms National Park, the Mull of Kintyre, Loch Ness - call up visions of unspoilt scenery, timeless beauty and unresolved mystery.
Be it escorted tours, cruises, or family cabin holidays, Scotland has plenty to offer. Explore the Scottish Highlands, enjoy a scenic train journey or head to the Trossachs, an outstandingly beautiful area of mountains, lochs, rivers, castles and woodlands. A Scottish holiday offers a unique blend of nature, culture and heritage that few destinations can match. Scotland's natural and historic treasures aren't confined to the mainland, though. Around 800 islands lie scattered off its coast, islands like Skye, Mull, Arran, or beyond them the Outer Hebridean isles offer their own beguiling mix of magnificent scenery, myths and legends. Whether you're planning a romantic break or setting off on a solo trip, discover historic tales of valour, romance and rebellion on a Scottish tour.
Or drive the 516-mile North Coast 500 (NC500) in Scotland takes about 13 to 15 hours of pure driving time without stops. However, because of winding single-track roads, weather, and sightseeing, most people spend 5 to 7 days to properly enjoy the trip, while some prefer 10 days for a relaxed pace
Train tours
It's no secret that Scotland is home to some of the most spectacular railway journeys in Europe. What better way to see the country's world-famous natural scenery than by setting off on an adventure aboard a historical train? Whether you opt for a trip through the Highlands or a luxurious journey on the Royal Scotsman, you're in for a treat. While these railway journeys are wonderful at any time of the year, there are a few considerations you may like to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Summer is the busiest time of the year, so popular lines such as the West Highland Line, which runs from Glasgow to Fort William, can be crowded and carriages can also get a bit hot in the warm weather. There are benefits to travelling by train in the summer, though - the long, relatively dry days are great for sightseeing, and there are generally more services available.
Winter can be a great time to travel by train in Scotland; there's the chance to see snow in locations like the Cairngorms, and, outside of the festive period, most lines will have fewer passengers. However, the short days can mean less opportunity to enjoy the scenery, schedules are reduced (for example, the Strathspey Steam Railway Line has limited journeys from November to April), and snow and storms can mean delays and cancellations. So, when is the best time to visit Scotland for a train trip? All things considered, the shoulder seasons of spring and early autumn (before the stormy weather sets in) offer the best conditions for a rail adventure...
Wildlife watching
For nature lovers looking to catch a glimpse of Scotland's native wildlife, spring and summer is the best time of year to go. This is when animals return from sunnier pastures, and others emerge from their winter slumber. Coupled with plenty of daylight hours, it's the perfect time to practise your wildlife photography. If you've ever wanted to see wild puffins, head to St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides or Orkney in the northeast between late April and August, when these distinctive-looking birds return to nest in clifftop abodes. Red squirrels are also most active in spring, when they venture out to feast on newly sprouted vegetation. Don't worry if you miss them, though - they're also easy to spot in autumn, when it's time for them to gather food for the winter.
Spring and summer are a great time to enjoy boat rides off Scotland's coast or in its lakes and rivers. A cruise on the Moray Firth will provide the opportunity to spot everything from seals and otters to porpoises to bottlenose dolphins. Basking sharks can be spotted in the Hebrides in the summer months, drawn back by the warmer weather in Scotland in July. Despite their large size (up to ten metres long), they're gentle giants and feed exclusively on plankton. Just be sure to plan your visit before they leave again in September. Minke whales also visit between May and September, particularly in the waters of Lewis and Harris off Scotland's west coast.
Don't worry if you can't make it to Scotland in the spring or summer months - animals like seals, otters, deer, sea eagles and dolphins can be spotted throughout the year. There's also the chance to see the residents of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre all year long.
Outdoor activities
If you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors on your trip to Scotland, summer is a great time to go. The weather is at its warmest, the days are long - especially in the Northern Isles - and tour and activity providers are all in full swing. You can enjoy walks in national parks such as the Cairngorms, fishing, cycling or boat rides on Loch Ness. Go kayaking or for a wild swim in Loch Lomond or (if it's warm enough!) head to one of the spectacular beaches in the Outer Hebrides - Luskentyre is a must. If you'd rather enjoy sports as a spectator, you can enjoy the Highland Games in July and August, when events are held across the country showcasing traditional sports such as the caber toss, the tug o' war and the hammer throw.
Snowboarding & skiing in Scotland
Scotland’s five ski centres offer some of the UK’s most distinctive snow sports experiences, with slopes for all abilities from novices to seasoned skiers set against dramatic Highland landscapes. From first turns to more advanced terrain, each centre has its own character.
Of course, a blog on Scotland wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the chances of seeing the spectacular “Aurora Borealis “The best time to see the northern lights in Scotland is between September and March, when the nights are longest and darkest. Peak viewing hours are typically 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Equinox periods in March and October also offer higher chances due to increased geomagnetic activity.
"Scotland is a wonderfully fascinating place for wildlife and nature. It has, in my opinion, some of the most marvellous landscapes..." – David Attenborough
