This is the final post about my recent trip to Scotland (May 2019). It’s a bit about the trip in general but more about what I love about Scotland for those might be considering traveling there in the future. Let me just start by saying, you should definitely visit. It’s a place that truly has something for everyone – from beautiful outdoors to historic castles to great seafood to whisky.
And since both before my trip and afterwards, I had friends ask me what I did and what I’d recommend, I started to think about exactly why I love Scotland and plan to go back. Of course, I’ve definitely not done and seen everything, so I’m also including my top three things I want to do or see on my next trip (although, there are lots more than three). My recommendations/reasons are based both on my recent trip last May, the research I did for the trip (which resulted in more things I wanted to do than I could do in two weeks), and the six months I lived on the Isle of Bute after university. I’m definitely no expert but here goes…
What I think you should do
Walk the West Highland Way
I had an amazing time solo walking from Tyndrum to Fort William and am already thinking I should do another of the walks, perhaps the Hebridean Way. I wrote about my experience walking the West Highland Way, as well as a packing list post because there was so much fun to share. Suffice to say, I’m so very glad I did it and would highly recommend walking the West Highland Way to others. It was beautiful and rewarding.
Get outside
Yes, this connects to the first one but if you don’t want to do a multi-day walk, there are still lots of shorter hikes. You can’t miss Scotland’s natural beauty, from the Rannoch Moor to the Western Isles to Cairngorms National Park and so much more, there’s lots to see and explore.
Aside from mountains, moors, lakes and islands, there are lots of wildlife in Scotland so keep your eyes, and cameras, open as you may have a chance to see anything from pheasants to deer along the way (I saw both on my West Highland Way adventure). And if you’re visiting the coast or islands, you can see a variety of sea life and birds including seals, dolphins and puffins (I saw tons of birds everywhere and a seal in the Mallaig harbour).
Visit Edinburgh
There’s lots to see and do in Edinburgh so it should be a must see for anyone visiting Scotland. Scotland is a wonderful place to seek out castles, and Edinburgh Castle is one you won’t want to miss. Edinburgh’s Old Town, a haunted tour/walk and Arthur’s Seat are other key spots to add to your itinerary.
Visit one (or more) island(s)
Whether you want to walk the beautiful beaches of the Isle of Harris, explore the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye, or grab a dram on the Isle of Islay, there is lots to see and do. You can also combine history with island visit and check out different standing stones, castles and much more.
I spent some time on the Isles of Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides on this last trip and loved it, there was so much to see. Which brought my Scottish island tally to 6 as I’d previously visited the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Iona; as well as lived on the Isle of Bute. I love visiting islands as it means both a ferry crossing and that I’ve have the chance to explore gorgeous coastlines.
Visit a friend or make some new ones
I stayed in touch with the lovely lady I worked for the winter of my working holiday after graduation and she invited me to stay with her for the first two nights of my trip. It was wonderful catching up with Patricia about what she and her daughters had been up to over the years. And during the rest of my trip, I met some interesting, friendly people – both from Scotland and other travelers.
Get your Harry Potter on
While I had a mild disappointment at the start of my trip as my plane was late getting in and I ended up not having enough time at King’s Cross station in London, England to check out Platform 9¾ before I had to board the train to Glasgow. However, I did get to watch the Jacobite train (aka the train to Hogwarts) cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct (as seen in the film). If you want to know more about the Glenfinnan Viaduct, I wrote about my day trip here.
Of course, that’s not the only connection Scotland has to Harry Potter and if you want to know more, check out Visit Scotland’s Iconic Harry Potter list.
Drink whisky
No matter which area of Scotland you plan on visiting, I’m sure there’s a whisky distillery you can visit. From the Speyside area to the Isle of Islay, from the lowlands to the highlands, there’s dozens and dozens of distilleries to explore. And it’s not just the distilleries, there are bars and whisky lounges to check out. I found a great place in Inverness called The Malt Room with a fabulous selection of whiskies and whisky flights.
Enjoy good food
While I loved the fact that I could have a pot of tea everywhere (I was in heaven), I also had some great food, both on my recent trip and when I lived there. Food highlights included the fabulous hamburger I had at Brew Dog in Glasgow, the pint of prawns in Tea Garden Cafe in Mallaig, the Kingshouse venison pie at the Kingshouse Hotel, fish & chips at the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum, and a mushroom risotto at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.
Side note: one thing I forgot about Scotland is that most pubs don’t have table service, you order at the bar.
Have your Outlander moment
If you’re a fan of Outlander – the TV series or the books – then there will be several places for you to get your fix. From touching standing stones (it didn’t work for me) to visiting castles to exploring the Great Glen, there’s lots to see and do.
And if you really want to plan an Outlander Scottish trip, Visit Scotland has you covered with a 12 day itinerary.
Immerse yourself in history
If you’re a history buff, Scotland is a great place to explore. Castles, standing stones, abbeys, brochs, monuments, blackhouses, battlefields… I could go on. Whether you’re visiting the cities, countryside or the islands, there will be some historical spot nearby. Some of my favourites include the Callanish standing stones, Stirling Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, and Scone Palace. But of course, there are so many more places and many I’ve not yet visited.
Three Things I Still Want to Do in Scotland
Visit Orkney
I know I’ve already recommended visiting an island and I really think you should but there’s something about Orkney that really appeals to me, perhaps because it’s not one but several islands. Regardless, it’s at the top of my list for my next trip. Between historical sites like Skara Brae and the 12th century Norse cathedral of St Magnus, and the vibrant natural beauty of the various islands, there looks to be lots to see. Plus, Highland Park distillery is there and I’m a fan of their whisky.
Attend a Whisky Festival
The timing wasn’t right for it this year but I’d love to combine attending the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and walking the Malt Whisky Trail. For me, that would be the best of both worlds. I could explore and learn more about whisky, and explore the Speyside area. Maybe next year!
Re-visit Bute
For six months after I graduated university, I lived on the small island of Bute. I’d love to go back there for a few days and explore. Perhaps walk the West Island Way. See what has changed and what I remember. It’s always interesting returning to somewhere you lived as you see (and do) different things when you travel than you do when you live somewhere, even if it’s just for a short time.
Final Thoughts
While my love of Scotland probably started from the fact that I have Scottish ancestors on my mother’s side, it truly bloomed when I spent six months living and working there after university. And it’s a lovely, friendly, and interesting place to travel and live. The only negative is as a Canadian, the exchange rate to the British pound means everything is expensive but if you keep that in mind and plan around it, Scotland is a fabulous place to travel and explore. I can’t wait until my next trip!
Have you been to Scotland? What do you recommend I (and others) see, do and/or eat next trip?
P.S. There were three Scottish travel blogs that I found really useful in planning my recent trip so please check them out if you’re thinking of traveling to Scotland in the future. There are other good ones too, but the three below were the ones I read most.
Rambles and Walks 