Get Off the Beaten Track In Scotland

Scotland is known all over the world for its rich history, stunning nature and tasty whisky. Edinburgh and Glasgow are the biggest cities and popular among tourists. But there is so much more to Scotland than the historical cities. The countryside just to the north quickly becomes much more sparsely populated and is soon dominated by mountain ranges that stretch up past the Inner Hebrides through the highlands to the and up to the Orkney islands.

If you love nature and want to discover breathtaking landscapes, get off the beaten track and head towards the Highlands. 

Only a 45 minutes drive from Glasgow lies Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Like many places in Scotland this national park offers everything from stunning mountains to calm lochs (lakes in gaelic). It is a popular place to visit because it lies on the road to the Highlands. 

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One hour drive away from Loch Lomond lies Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. If you are interested in history, then you should visit this place. The monument is standing on the hilltop of the Abbey Craig and commemorates Sir William Wallace, Scotland's 13th-century hero. 

Scotland has many old castles to visit, one of them being Stirling Castle. This castle is one of the biggest castles in Scotland and has been important historically. Many Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, one of them being Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle has also served as a strong defensive position because of its strategic location. 

If you are in Edinburgh and don’t have a car join the “Loch Lomond National Park and Stirling Castle day tour from Edinburgh”. During this day tour you can discover the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and hear stories about William Wallace and the incredible battles that took place outside the walls of Stirling Castle. Another option is “Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies day tour from Edinburgh”.

After Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park head through Glencoe towards Fort William. Take in the views and see how the Highlands and its majestic mountains are opening up in front of you. This route contains epic views and among the boldest scenery of Scotland. The drive from Glasgow to Fort William takes approximately 3 hours and there are many places where you can stop to take pictures.

On the way from Loch Lomond to Fort William there is a small town called Glencoe. The town is situated in the heart of the Lochaber area, which makes it a perfect place for exploring the area of Lochaber, known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

Fort William is the biggest town in the Lochaber area. The town is a good example of a Highland town. It is surrounded by glens, lochs and beautiful mountains, including Ben Nevis which is Britain's highest mountain. The town has a wide range of pubs, restaurants and bars where you can get a taste of traditional Scottish food.

If you want to see Glencoe and Fort William, but don’t have access to a car then you should join the “Loch Ness, Glencoe, and The Highlands day tour from Edinburgh”.

Want to see some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes? Then you need to visit the Isle of Skye which is connected to Scotland's northwest coast by bridge. After Fort William drive towards north on the A87 road and after approximately a 2,5 hours drive arrive at Skye. 

The Isle of Skye is said to be one of the most beautiful places in Scotland and is worth visiting. The island is known for its long history, dramatic coastlines, tiny fishing villages and big mountain ranges. The island is also known for its fairy folklore. There are many places that are said to be spots for secret gathering for magic creatures.

Fairy Pools are one of the most visited spots on the Isle of Skye. These pools consist of crystal clear blue water, waterfalls and make a great spot for ‘Wild Swimming” and for photographing. 

Fairy Pools are located near the village of Carbost in Glenbrittle. The only way to access the pools is through hiking along the path that runs next to the pools. The hike is 2.4 kilometers long and involves river crossings over stepping stones. 

Isle of Skye is not only a paradise for nature lovers, it is also an excellent place for hikers. There are many places to hike on the island, but the most popular one is the Old Man of Storr. The Old Man of Storr is a large rocky cliff located on Trotternish Ridge. The rocks can be seen from a far distance and are one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. Storr was said to be a giant that at his death was buried and only his finger was left sticking out, creating the ridge.

The hike is not the easiest one. It is 3.8 kilometers and the average time of the hike is 75 minutes if you are not stopping. At some points, especially at the end part, the hike gets very steep, which is why it is not suitable for all. Once on the top, on a sunny day, there opens a breathtaking landscape that will certainly be worth the climb. 

Like whisky? Interested in knowing how it is made? Well then you have to visit the Talisker Distillery. Talisker is the oldest working distillery on the island. It is located in the village of Carbost on the shore of Loch Harport. 

The distillery is a popular place to visit so it is recommended to book tickets online before visiting. The guided tour of the distillery takes around 45 minutes and takes you through the distillery and teaches you how the famous Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made. The tour ends with a taste of the award winning whisky. 

If you don’t have the opportunity to rent a car yourself and still want to see the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, there are many tours that you can take. Join on the “3D2N Isle of Skye, The Highlands, and Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh” or “3D2N Isle of Skye & The Highlands tour from Edinburgh”.

Off the beaten track is the best way to see Scotland. The country has many places worth visiting but the trip from Glasgow to Isle of Skye gives you the Highlands at its best. It offers the traveller breathtaking views, majestic mountains and peaceful lochs. 

If you want to learn more about the possible tours across Scotland and the Highlands, go and check out Klook’s tours and sightseeing possibilities in Scotland.