Our five absolute favourite spots in Scotland. We spend two weeks road tripping around almost the entire mainland, and whilst we saw SO MUCH there are always those few places that stick with you. It's hard to narrow it down to just a few, but here are our top five Scotland favourites!
This is our absolute favourite spot in Scotland. Whilst we literally loved everything about this country, the Isle of Skye just stands out! You can spend as little as a few days to a few weeks here (or even more) as there's just so much to explore.Â
The Isle of Skye is one of our favourite places in Scotland. The scenery is SO beautiful, it's a nature lovers paradise with so much hiking and outdoor activities to participate in.
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STAY
Where to stay depends on how you're travelling - campervan or car. We would recommend staying in Uig or Portree, but where you stay also can depend on how long you plan to stay for and what activities you plan to do. If you want more options that you found here, check out our mini guide to Isle of Skye for more recommendations! We personally stayed in Uig (at the Monkstadt cottages below) however Portree is a popular option as it's a great option to have close proximity to almost everything including many restaurants.Â
Portree
Portree is the downtown of Isle of Skye and is usually the busiest of all the towns. However, if you're into being close to a town with restaurants, bars, and activities, this is the place to be. Check out the links below and also airbnb as there are some good options on there too!
This hotel is located in Portree and boasts stunning views over the Portree Bay and Cullins mountain range (hence the name). Only a 10-15 minute walk from the town centre, you have most things within walking distance (restaurants, harbour for boat trips, tour options). The location and views make this place a great option for your stay in Skye!
If you're here purely to adventure and aren't looking for a fancy place to sleep, this is a budget friendly option only two miles from Portree.
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Uig
Uig is the PERFECT place to get off the beaten path. You'll truly feel in the middle of nowhere here, which is exactly the right way to feel in the Isle of Skye. Country roads, seaside views, and dramatic scenery is what Uig does best. Plus, Uig is close to some of the best hikes in the area.Â
This place is in the middle of nowhere in the best way possible. The views are STUNNING and it's a quick drive to some of the best spots. The lodge is amazing but we stayed in one of their cottages (check their website) and it was the best choice ever - our own hot tub in Scotland weather was a game changer.
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EAT
There are great options for eating scattered all around the Isle of Skye - there's something for everyone!
This fine dining spot offers fresh four course meals (with wine pairings if you so please) inspired by and made with local ingredients. This spot also has a kitchen table available where you can have a private table right in the kitchen to see and experience the hustle and bustle - what a cool concept.
This michelin star restaurant is a local favourite for fine dining and tasting menus. You'll have an experience here with locally inspired dishes! Its a small dining room with an intimate experience.
This spot is right in the town centre of Portree so a great place to hit up if you're visiting! Plenty of cocktails, brews, and the best part... pizza. A great cozy lunch spot in a pub setting.
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DO
Honestly, the best thing to do in Isle of Skye is to admire the beauty of it. This means getting outdoors and seeing. Below are the most popular ones on the island and are all fairly shorter hikes that you can do multiple of in one day.
My absolute favourite hike and views on the Isle of Skye - iconic! Below is a longer version of the hike, but if you're not up for a full hike even just parking and walking 10 minutes out onto the trail will give you insane views over the Quiraing.
Probably one of the most popular places in the Isle of Skye, is this hike. Its between 5-6 kms with less than 400m elevation. In our opinion, it's an easy hike but we know it can get BUSY - including the parking lot. We advise coming early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds and be able to explore the area properly!
This is a super popular spot on the Isle of Skye - it probably has something to do with the stunning views for little effort! Less than 4 kms of walking will take you here (and back). You can see the stunning water pools with the mountain range in the background, and if you're adventurous enough even jump in for a swim!
Although we've included the trail link to All Trails, we recommend showing up and strolling the area in whichever directions you want - there are so many unique views here. Ofcourse you'll have to make it to the main attraction which includes fairy circles that look mythical! Best to come super early or late as the ease of getting here means its a really busy spot. And you'll want some of these views to yourself (especially if you want photos).
This spot is best viewed at sunrise when the sun hits the peaks here at the right angle for the best shots. The dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery will be worth the walk here.
These dramatic cliffs harbour a picturesque lighthouse and is a beautiful spot on the Isle. About 40 minutes - 1 hour walk total will take you here and the view isn't all there is to offer as you can spot birds, and marine life!
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Other than the outdoor activities, try some of what makes Scotland so famous - Scotch! They have a few distilleries that are an experience.Â
Another scotch tasting tour - visit the distillery, taste the scotch, admire the views, and even visit the on site cafe if it's early in the day!
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The last iconic activity/experience that Scotland brings so many people for, is of course the Highland Coos. Although it's likely you'll see these driving around Scotland, if you want to be sure of seeing and interacting with these lil guys, check out the farm below. They're even cuter and more iconic in person!
You can find these guys on instagram and are a HIGHLIGHT of any trip to Scotland. These lil guys are seriously so cute and can be seen from the roadside. Stop to see these friendly highland coos and snap some cute photos.
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If you want to see the highlights but don't want to find out all the details, consider joining a tour to take you everywhere you want to go! Here are a few options:
Isle of Skye Boat Tour: In this tour you'll be immersed in the marine life of the Isle of Skye surrounded by the stunning scenery.Â
Isle of Skye Highlights Day Tour: In this tour you will hit so many of the highlights in one day. This is a great option if you want to see the highlights without coordinating it yourself, or you don't have a vehicle.Â
For an in depth look at the Isle of Skye, check out our mini guide below for everything you could need (restaurants, hotels, links, activities, hikes).Â
Glencoe is a tourist hotspot in Scotland, but even with the crowds it's 100% somewhere I would recommend visiting. MANY tour groups come through the Glencoe area, so your best bet is to travel on your own and come early / later in the day to avoid the crowds.Â
Just under 3 hours from Edinburgh (and 2 from Glasgow) is where you'll find Scotlands most famous Glen - Glencoe. This valley offers iconic views from the road, the paths, or the mountain tops. It's a great base for hiking or for travelling around Scotland and just passing through to see the incredible views.
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STAY
You can't really go wrong anywhere you stay in the Glencoe area as you'll be pretty close to most things.Â
Located in the middle of the mountains with access to many different hikes this is an ideal location. Facilities are available but the location is why you'll choose this spot!
Stunning views are EVERYWHERE at this place - just look at the pictures. This place is right at the foot of Loch Leven, has great facilities, and is reasonably priced.
I think stunning scenery is just everywhere in Glencoe and this Inn is no exception. Nestled in the rolling hills with views over the loch and a great proximity to everything you could need in the area - this is a great spot to be.
We LOVE a pub vibe - when you think of the UK do you not imagine cozy-ing up in a pub with a pint? This place has a great menu and a great drink line up. Celebrate your arrival in Scotland with a meal here!
This is a super cute bar that has lots of good options on tap and had some great pizzas! We had a great evening here relaxing in a cozy environment with the moody weather gleaming through the windows. The old stone building and interior decor just add to the vibe.
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DO
Again, the best things to do will 100% be outdoors! From short hikes in the Glencoe valleys, the highest mountain in the UK, to Glen Nevis - the cutest glen with the ultimate Scotland highland vibes (and where we happen to see highland Coos out and about).
A short hike with some amazing views over the valley and a great introduction to Scottish scenery. It wasn't too busy when we visited (as many tour groups don't venture off into the trail areas), but you could always visit earlier or later in the day to avoid the crowds. If you're feeling adventurous you could definitely camp overnight here.
Honestly Glen Nevis was one of my favourite parts of Scotland. We visited on a typical Scotland rainy day and the drive was quiet, roads were almost empty, and during the hike we ran into people but still managed to have our own piece of heaven. We ended up parking our car on the road for lunch and had the most stunning view over Glen Nevis with the highland coos roaming the fields in typical Scottish weather! Wow.
This is the hike we did in Glen Nevis and we would highly recommend. Whilst the waterfall itself is extremely impressive, we preferred everything before it. We got some amazing pictures, climbed over rope bridges (close to falling in the water!), saw some sheep roaming (which was SO cute), and really felt the Scottish vibes here.
A scenic loch located by Fort William that's a great stop for an overnight stay (if you can find a good parking spot overnight) before heading to your next location.
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The other option is to explore Fort William and the area. You can roam the cobblestone streets, have a pint, and stock up on souvenirs!
As the usual base for many activites in the Glencoe area, this spot has lots of restaurants and things to do in the area.
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If you aren't able to drive or just want to hop on a tour, here are a few options!
Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Fort William from Edinburgh: This day tour takes you from Edinburgh into the highlands. You'll get to see highlights in the Glencoe and Fort William area (which will basically be stunning scenery views) PLUS the Glenfinnan Viaduct which is where the famous Harry Potter train passes by!
Private Tour of Highlands, Oban, Glencoe, Lochs & Castles from Glasgow: This tour is great for families that are looking for a private tour of the area. Plus you'll get to see Oban which I thought was a super cute stop on our roadtrip!
Private Tour Fort William & Glencoe: This is another private tour option for up to eight people. It will take you through the highlights of Fort William and Glencoe but also includes the Loch Ness in the tour if that's been on your bucketlist! Castles, Lochs, Glens, History, and Views is what you can expect here.Â
3 Day Isle of Skye & Highlands Tour from Glasgow: This is a great option if you want to check the highlands area and Isle of Skye off in one go without the hassle of renting a car or coordinating everything yourself. You'll get to see Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Castles, Cuillins, Old Man of Storr, Portree, and SO much more (including some history and geographical aspects!). This group tour jam packs your days to give you the best bang for your buck.Â
Highland & Glencoe Tour For Adventurers: For those that want to hop on a tour but want it to include more than just the average sightseeing, this is a great choice. It combines the sightseeing of the highlands with short hikes and walks to give you more vantage points. You will get the chance to see so many beautiful views!
If you love camping, hiking, adventuring, and beautiful views, you will LOVE the Cairngorms. We stayed here for two nights and only did one hike, and honestly, it was not enough! Here are some suggestions for the Cairngorms that you will love just as much as we did.Â
The Cairngorms is an amazing national park in the middle of Scotland. These views attract SO many people to this area so book any camping spots in advance.
This pub is a cute spot where many people visit to grab a pint and eat some pub fare. Perfect spot for an post hiking snack and beverage before heading off.
This scotch distillery is located in the Cairngorms and does tastings and tours to give you a great experience. National parks and scotch - a fantastic combination!
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DO
Hiking is the obvious thing to do here. The hike we did was the Ben Macdui -> Loch Avon hike. It was a LONG hike but my god was it worth it! There is also an additional hike (Lochan Uaine) listed below that is shorter and just as stunning. Any hike you choose to do in this park will blow your mind - we truly felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.Â
Second only to Ben Nevis, you'll find the second highest mountain in Scotland! You'll want to check the weather forecast if you're interest in the views, as the elevation and weather conditions can completely cover the top in fog. However the climb has some stunning views the whole hike, and a clear day will make for a great climb.
This is the second part of the hike and WOW. This loch is surrounded by mountains and has a small patch of sandy beach to sit and enjoy the views from.
6.5 kms and about 1.5-2 hours round trip, this hike will bring you to the perfect lake for swimming and admiring the deep colours!
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Day Tour From Iverness - The Cairngorms & Scotch: This day trip from Iverness will take you on a tour of the highlights of Cairngorm National Park (get ready for some stunning scenery) and take you on a scotch distillery tour and tasting!
Private Guides For Rock Climbing / Ridge Scrambling / Winter Mountaineering - Cairngorms: If you're into adventure these tours are some that you need to check out. Rock climbing, ridge scrambling, mountain biking, and winter mountaineering are for those seeking their next adrenaline rush.Â
Hiking Tours - Cairngorms: If you want a personalized hiking tour to the best viewpoints, someone to show you the way, or just don't want to do the thinking portion of this, check out the hiking tours below which are made to show you around some of the best spots in the park.
We try to avoid major cities on our travels as much as possible as it doesn't really align with what we are looking to get from our travels, however there are always a few exceptions - Edinburgh is 100% one of them. This city has historic charm, beautiful sights, and so much to do. It truly has a little something for everyone!
One of our favourite cities in the world. The shopping, restaurants, history, views, architecture, romantic cobble stone streets, and the general ambiance is so amazing here.
On the high end for prices but the luxury of this place definitely matches the price tag! This hotel was stunning with amazing amenities and the location was in walking distance of absolutely everything we did here. We highly recommend this hotel.
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No11 Brasserie & Boutique Hotel & Intimate Wedding Venue
This cute boutique hotel is a perfect mid-range option. Within walking distance of everything & with all the facilities you could need its a great hotel.
If you're into the budget lifestyle, this hostel is a great option in a great location. In the old town with many different room options, look into this hostel perfectly located with a unique vibe!
Another super cool speakeasy bar - less fancy that panda & sons but has tons of innovative drinks and a great ambiance. It's more casual and laid back.
This place is perfect for a pint and a beer. Right in the old town this restaurant is perfectly situated and the indoor seating has SUCH a vibe to it. However, we decided to sit outside on the patio which had an amazing view of the cute cobblestone path with old buildings lined all the way down. The food, the drinks, and the ambiance were great.
This is a super cool bar and restaurant with an antique vibe to it. The luxe decor and high end drinks just go hand in hand. The bar is also linked to some events in the same building so it's a great place to check out.
This restaurant is located on the cutest street and specializes in plates to share! The interior is just as cute as the exterior and one of our favourite dishes we have ever tried are from this place. Pair your dishes with one of their fabulous cocktails or a nice glass of wine.
Head to this place on a sunday for a traditional sunday roast - a must try in Scotland! The location of this place is in an old building with impressive architecture that feels very grand! Good food, good drinks, and a great atmosphere.
All you have to do is take a quick stroll through this cute little village to see the beauty of it! Spend your morning strolling through here to admire the old buildings along the river.
If you're into history or impressive architecture, definitely take a tour of the Edinburgh castle. Or, if you just like to see it from afar, you'll be able to see it walking around the Old Town area.
The old town is exactly what I think of when I think of Edinburgh. The old streets and buildings have such a vibe about them that pairs perfectly with the moody weather.
Underground tour of Edinburgh: Here is the perfect way for history buffs to learn more about the city whilst getting a guided underground tour of places most people don't explore when visiting. See more of what Edinburgh has to offer on this tour!Â
St Andrews & Fishing Villages of Fife Tour: Get outside of the city and see more of Scotland (you could also include this on your itinerary on your way back from Aberdeen!). These picturesque villages are rich in history and places to explore!
Hop On Hop Off Bus: take the hop on and hop off bus to take the transportation and guide piece of out the picture! It will take you to all the touristy landmarks that the company deems important enough to visit and you'll have a schedule to spend the whole day exploring!Â
Edinburgh Scotch & Folklore Tour: This tour has a scotch enthusiast bring you to their whiskey lounge to try and sample scotch from multiple areas around Scotland. You'll have an expert run you through the ropes of the scotch distilleries and tastings!Â
Outlander Tour: If you're into this popular TV series, consider a tour of all the popular spots in the show Outlander. This full day tour takes you to multiple viewpoints from Edinburgh that you'll know from the show!
This road is famous for a reason! The North Coast 500 is the scenic route around the north coast of Scotland with so many views, activities, beaches, restaurants, cute towns, and the list goes on...
Famous for it's extremely northern location, people come here to visit the top of Scotland! However you'll find insane views with extreme cliffs, tons of wildlife (and maybe marine life), and plenty of hiking and activities.
This hike is a LONG one but takes you by a few lochs with stunning views over the area. Make sure you actually go ALL the way to the end of the trail to see the waterfall as if you stop anything short of the end, you'll completely miss it!
This northern town feels isolated in the best way. When we were here there were barely any other people and we had places like some of the beautiful beaches all to ourselves. Check out the beautiful sites of this place!
Our favourite beach! We had the whole place to ourself and the rolling hills, stretch of white sand, blue water, and old buildings in the distance just create such a stunning atmosphere.
This beach is just begging to be explored! Tons of great viewpoints, rock formations, blue water, sandy stretches, old architecture, and great walks are what you'll find here.
A short walk from the car park will bring you to this little slice of heaven. Surrounded by rolling hills and cliffs, the views here are amazing. Come for a walk, a swim, or just to sit and admire yet another beautiful Scotland beach,
If you're feeling adventurous head to this ziplining place - no reservations required just rock up when they're open and give it a go! At pretty cheap prices its a great way to see these stunning views.
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See Ya In Scotland!
If this wasn't enough for you, check out our mini guides, or even better, our two week campervan itinerary for Scotland that includes the 5 places above PLUS so much more. We will also link our travel blog below so that you have access to our travel information and blog posts!
With a full time job, there are twenty five days a year I want to FILL with travelling and have been doing so every year. We love to research, plan, and travel to new destinations around the world as much as possible. We travel at least twice per year and quite a bit for work, and love to share our favourite places along the way with everyone who wants it!
