Scotland Travel Guides and Destinations

About Scotland

As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland covers the northern third of Great Britain. With England to the south, Scotland is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and Irish Sea. It consists of more than 790 islands. The main archipelagos are the Hebrides on the west coast and the Northern Isles (Orkney and Shetland). The mainland consists of 3 areas: Scottish Highlands, Central Belt and Scottish Lowlands. In the Central Belt is Edinburgh, the capital and largest city. For more information, check out my Scotland Travel Guides for things to do here.

The climate of mostly oceanic and temperate. Similar to Norway, it is warmed by the Gulf Stream. Therefore, the winters are milder than similar latitudes in other parts of the world like Alaska. There is only about a 20 degrees difference between winter and summer temperatures. The average winter temperatures are in the low 40’s and average summer temperatures in the mid 60’s.

Top Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is known for it amazing architecture. It has iconic landmarks, such as, the Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with views of the city. Isle of Skye has some of the best scenery in Scotland with lush-green landscapes and craggy peaks. Well known landmarks are the pinnacles of Old Man of Storr, sea cliffs of Neist Point and Quiraing.

Skara Brae in Orkney is for history lovers. This Neolithic village dates back 5000 years, making it older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza. This well-preserved site remained buried in sand dunes for centuries. Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city and known for its contemporary music scene and pub culture. Glen Coe is Scotland’s most famous glen with dramatic scenery and important historic landmarks. St. Andrews is the home of golf and a must-see for golf-lovers. West Highland Way is the famous 96-mile hiking trail from Glasgow to Fort William.

Loch Lomond has one of the best lake side walks and known for incredible scenery. Shetland Islands is the best place for birdwatching in Scotland with colonies of puffins, gannets, guillemots, skua and kittiwakes. Sterling Castle is Scotland’s most breathtaking castle for history buffs. The North Coast 500 Loop is the most scenic road trip, beginning and ending in Inverness. Speyside Whiskey Tour for the best whiskey-tasting.