To say that visiting Scotland was life-changing for me would be a vast understatement.
I’d spent years researching my family’s Scottish ancestry, learning that the Loves were a sept of Clan Mackinnon, with significant populations in Glasgow and the Scottish isles of Mull and Skye.
I’d previously gotten a chance to visit Edinburgh (where I interviewed Sean Connery!) and see major Scotland tourist attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat.
In addition to Edinburgh, our trip took us through the Scottish Highlands, including Loch Lomond National Park, Loch Ness, the breathtaking valley of Glencoe, and the famous Doune and Inveraray Castles.
We visited charming towns such as Inverness and Portree, explored the islands of the Inner Hebrides (including Iona, Mull, Skye, and Staffa), and learned more about Clan Mackinnon history via genealogical research at Armadale Castle.
Read on for our in-depth guide to the best places to visit in Scotland, which is designed to help you plan the perfect itinerary when you visit the Scottish Highlands and islands!
Best Places to Visit in Scotland Guide
- Cairngorms National Park
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Iona
- Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
- Loch Ness
- Oban
- Orkney
- Scottish Highlands
- Skye
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1. Cairngorms National Park
The largest of all national parks in the United Kingdom, Cairngorms National Park encompasses 1,748 square miles of spectacular landscapes in northeast Scotland.
The park’s Arctic-alpine ecosystem is home to three of the tallest mountains in the UK (with summits up to 4,265 feet), striking geological formations, and three major rivers.
Its semi-tundra moorland provides habitat for a diverse array of rare flora and fauna. Visitors may see Red Deer, Mountain Hares, semi-domesticated Reindeer, Ptarmigan, Golden Eagles, and many other birds.
Outdoor activities in Cairngorms include cycling, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, and hiking two of Scotland’s Great Trails: the Cateran Trail and the Speyside Way.
Skiing and other winter sports are very popular here, as are attractions such as Glenmore Forest Park, the Highland Wildlife Park, the Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail, and the area’s breweries and distilleries.
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