While it has a rich history and heritage for you to delve into, Scotland is just as known for its lovely lochs, crumbling castles and captivating scenery. Long a popular destination, it has the world-class cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow for visitors to explore and enjoy alongside famous sites such as the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and the romantic valleys and peaks of Glencoe.
Occupying the northern third of Great Britain, Scotland lies between the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea with England set just to the south. As well as boasting a long and scenic coast, it has hundreds of isolated isles to visit with the Hebrides, Orkneys and Shetlands counting among its most idyllic archipelagos. While it is mostly known for its amazing lochs, mountains and valleys, pockets of pristine woodlands, wind-swept moors and mirky bogs can be found here and there.
Before heading off to explore some of its romantic landscapes, most people visit either Edinburgh or Glasgow; its two largest cities. While the capital is home to lots of splendid architecture, famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat and also hosts the world’s largest arts festival, the latter is known for its superb shopping, brilliant museums and happening nightlife scene.
After having seen these two fantastic cities, most visitors then take unforgettable trips around iconic spots such as Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis. Cairngorms National Park is also a popular draw for its stupendous scenery while others are instead enticed by the country’s bleak yet beautiful coastline or the incredible old ‘Border Abbeys’ and castles that dot the south.
Visitors with more time on their hands may head off to explore the Orkney and Shetland Islands or the Inner and Outer Hebrides with the Isle of Skye, St Kilda and the Isle of Arran all being home to some arresting landscapes, scenery and nature. Islay – the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ – is also worth visiting for its interesting historic sights and excellent whiskey distilleries.
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