Saying what are the Best Places in Scotland is an extremely difficult question because there aren’t many not worthy of a visit. Here are some of my favorites from my visits there.
One of the most striking things to me about Scotland is the peace and quiet I experienced everywhere. Even in Edinburgh, in August, when the city’s population doubles with the Military Tattoo, the Fringe, and the Arts Festival, there is a reserve. It is like having a friend that may not say much, but you know they are there for you and have your best interests at heart.
Maybe part of it has to do with the number of castles throughout the country, or the legends of the clans and the stories of their fights for independence. But no matter where I was in Scotland, I always felt a sense of peace but also strength in the land, the communities and in the people.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh has so much to offer, I could write several posts just on it. Starting with Edinburgh Castle, you can see the Scottish National War Memorial, and the Scottish Crown Jewels. In August, don’t miss the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with military bands performing from around the world. From the Castle, move to the Princes Street Garden, with the Scottish National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy. Moving down the Royal Mile, you can visit Greyfriar’s Kirk, St. Gile’s Cathedral, and the Real Mary King’s Close. At the other end of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, King Arthur’s Seat and Scottish Parliament. From there, you can go up to Leith and see the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Inverness
Inverness is the largest city in Northern Scotland, but it still has a small-town feel to it. The castle is now closed, but still worthy of a walk around town. The other “must see” is the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on Scottish soil.
Stirling
Stirling his one of the most historically important parts of Scotland, with the battlefield site of the Battle of Bannockburn, and Stirling Castle, where all Scottish Royalty has been crowned since the mid-1500s. Also near here is the William Wallace monument.
Loch Ness
Probably the most famous Loch in the world, Loch Ness is larger than all other Lochs in Scotland in terms of total water volume. Along with visiting the lake, be sure tostop at Urquhart Castle on its shores, and visit Fort William.
Loch Lomond
Another famous lake in Scotland (“the Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond”), the lake is located in the Trossachs National Park. The surrounding mountains make this a great place to stop.
Dunbar
We stopped in Dunbar for a quick break after driving down to Alnwick Castle in England. As soon as I stepped off of the bus, I had a sense of feeling at home like I have rarely felt before. Dunbar is about an hour out of Edinburgh by train, and looks out east over the North Sea.
Tweedbank
Tweedbank is also about an hour south of Edinburgh by train, and is at the English Border. We went there for a day of Flyfishing on the River Tweed. This picture is a bit east of where we fished.
Kelso
On our trip to Alnwick Castle, we also stopped here in Kelso. The town is also near a popular flyfishing spot, and has the ruins of an Abbey in the town. Not too far from here was a lot of archaeological activity related to Roman activity in the area.
Scottish Highlands
It’s hard to say that one part of Scotland is my favorite. I can say that Edinburgh is my favorite city, Dunbar is my favorite coastal town, and the Highlands are my favorite natural area. Views like this, with no one around, cannot be be beat.
Conclusion
I haven’t been everywhere in Scotland. . . yet. In the future, I still want to get to Skye, Islay, the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides. But the places I have been there will be hard to beat.
Ready to Go?
