As Scotland is such a popular tourist destination it can also be quite expensive, particularly during certain times and in certain areas. There are, however, a lot of reasonably priced options for you to choose from and things you can do to make it as easy on the bank as possible. You just need a bit of travel advice, and especially if you’re traveling to Scotland for the first time!

Here’s how you can travel Scotland on a budget:

Getting There

Depending on where you’re traveling from it can be really expensive to travel to Scotland, however, a lot of the budget airlines travel there from European countries.

Even if you have to fly into another part of Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow tend to be the cheapest options, and getting a bus at the end to your actual destination could be a lot more cost effective than paying extra for a second flight. Megabus is a brilliant method for cheap travel in the UK, so they are worth a look.

Travel Whilst You’re There

Although travelling around Scotland by car is a lot of fun (check out this awesome Scottish road trip here), if you’re working on a tight budget, stick to public transport.

Taxi costs will add up to a very expensive trip, as mentioned above use Megabus to travel from city to city, but when you’re in those cities use their buses, trams and undergrounds instead of spending a fortune on other travel options, I would even suggest going to a travel center and getting a travel bus pass in the places that provide it (such as Edinburgh) as they also give you discount options for restaurants and attractions.

If you go when there is warm weather you could even rent a bike, it works out much cheaper than any other transport option.

When heading to the islands like Orkney or Shetland you’ll probably find yourself traveling by boat, it’s an amazing experience traveling to these islands and I would 100% recommend it. This can be slightly more expensive than the options listed above, but if you book ahead you’re likely to find a better deal.

When To Go

Generally, as with most holidays, you’re better to go when the schools are in term (see when the Scottish schools are in term here). All your travel, accommodation and general price options will be cheaper due to them not expecting as many people traveling during that time.

This rules out the Summer, which could work in your favor if you’re not a fan of crowds, but still enjoy doing the more touristy things. Bear in mind though that if you’re visiting the bigger cities in Scotland you are likely to encounter a lot of tourists, especially in places like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

August/September time in Scotland tends to be hectic because of the Edinburgh Fringe. Unless that’s the reason you’re traveling to Scotland, avoid those months because even the cities outside of Edinburgh get a higher level of tourists at that time and all the accommodation options skyrocket.

I’d say the best time to go if you’re looking to save money is from January to April time. If you travel in the Spring you’re likely to get nice weather, avoid the crowds and save your money.

Where To Go

There are many bargain breaks in Scotland. These are usually the lesser-known cities (i.e. not Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness) and include Aberdeen, Perth and Stirling (which has actually been shown to be the cheapest city in all of the UK!)

In general, Northern Scotland is cheaper than Southern Scotland since a lot of the tourist attractions there are free. You will also usually find that the food is a bit cheaper too.

Accommodation

Avoid hotels. This is something I always recommend when traveling because they cost so much. If you are looking to save look at Bed-And-Breakfasts or Hostels in bigger cities as a cheaper alternative.

Often bed-and-breakfasts are a great way to connect with the local community and they are sometimes run by locals to the place they’re in so they can give you the best advice for things to do around the city/town etc.

Hostels are a brilliant option, and no you don’t have to be a young backpacker to use them, nor do you absolutely HAVE to share a room. They have private rooms available in most hostels, and although you’d have to share your bathroom and kitchen area it could be a viable option if you’re planning on traveling to Scotland for quite some time. You’ll meet a lot of amazing people, share travel stories and save money whilst doing it.

Another option for the more adventurous is to go wild camping, this is possible because, in Scotland, they passed the “Freedom to Roam” act in 2003. This will save you a lot of money on accommodation.

Finally, another option would be to do a house sit. This is a great way to save money and you’re also helping other people out! You can check out available house sits here.

Food

Don’t bother with the large chain restaurants if you want to save money. Scotland is really good at pub food at a decent price and you can definitely find a Wetherspoons (£5.99 for a meal and a drink—bargain!) in almost all the bigger places. This also gives you a good feel of Scottish culture.

If you’re visiting a smaller place try and find a small independent restaurant as they don’t need to hike their prices up the same way that chain restaurants do.

If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, find a supermarket and get your own food in, not every meal when traveling has to be an outing, although it might be nicer to go out, it will eat into a large part of your travel budget.

However, the food in Scotland is great, so if you REALLY have to spend a bit more on the food here, we’ll let you off!

What To Do

It might be tempting to visit the zoos, paid castles and museums, but Scotland offers so many free options. Find the free museums, art galleries and visit castle ruins.

If you really want to do one of the touristy things then budget for it and put money aside at the start of the trip so you don’t touch it.

There are so many beaches, waterfalls, and cliff walks in Scotland, seek them out as they are free and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Scotland offers free walking tours in many places, they normally take a couple of hours and will give you a better insight of the history, culture and architecture of Scotland. Once again, these are mostly available in the larger cities.

Look For Vouchers And Book Ahead

When you’re booking your travel, accommodation or thinking about where to eat, turn to the internet. One of the best things the internet can provide you is money off the things you do.

If you find an online voucher but don’t want to use up your data, almost everywhere you go has free WiFi available, however in certain areas you might not have any way of reaching them, so ask locals where you can print it off. This can be especially helpful when booking accommodation and travel options though.

If you do want to do any of the big touristy things I would book ahead, especially if you see a deal. A lot of these places have special deals you can only get by booking online.

Booking ahead also means that all the money you have with you is yours for food, drink, presents and emergencies.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Scotland For A Week?

We calculate that a trip to Southern Scotland for a week (minus plane tickets) will cost around £250-£400 (which is about $325-$520).

This is assuming that you are visiting the tourist options, going sightseeing, using Airbnb, hostels or Bed-And-Breakfasts, and eating out at a few restaurants and cafés.

Northern Scotland will be a bit cheaper since, as already mentioned above, a lot of the tourist attractions there are free.

You probably could do it even cheaper than this, but this should give you a general guideline to a Scotland trip cost.

Ready to travel Scotland on a budget? Go for it! Know any more budget travel tips? Comment below! I hope you found this blog useful!

Suggested next reading: 8 Magical Places In Scotland Totally Worth Visiting

The post How To Travel To Scotland On A Budget (Written By A Scot!) appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Wondering how many castles in Scotland there are? Estimates range from 2,000-4,000, but here are 12 of the best Scottish castles!

The 12 Best Castles To Visit In Scotland Are:

1. Slains Castle
2. Dunnottar Castle
3. Edinburgh Castle
4. Dunrobin Castle
5. Fyvie Castle
6. Kilchurn Castle
7. Castle Fraser
8. Blackness Castle
9. Duart Castle
10. Stirling Castle
11. Eilean Donan Castle
12. Castle Stalker

1. Slains Castle

Situated in Cruden Bay, the castle remains of Slains Castle are available to visit all year round. As it sits on a clifftop, the castle makes for picturesque views and a lovely walk.

There is no fee to see the castle, and dogs are welcome (just clean up after them and keep them on a lead as there are steep cliffs nearby).

In terms of accessibility, there is a car park in Cruden Bay that allows you a walk to the castle, or you can take your car up to the castle—although I don’t recommend this as there is limited space.

2. Dunnottar Castle

TripAdvisor’s second-best castle in Scotland for 2017, Dunnottar Castle sits about 3 km south of the harbor town Stonehaven. Often described as a ruined medieval fortress, the castle is on a rocky headland and, although there is a small fee to get on the grounds, it is 100% worth it.

Once again, dogs are welcome, but there are no bins on the castle grounds, so bring bags for poops. There is a small car park, but it is recommended that you park your car in Stonehaven and walk due to limited space.

3. Edinburgh Castle

If one was to inquire about famous Scottish castles, then Edinburgh Castle should immediately be mentioned. This castle remains TripAdvisor’s best castle to visit in Scotland for 2017.

It’s fairly central in Edinburgh and you can explore the grounds with guided tours or by yourself. Edinburgh Castle is great because they have what is basically a museum within the castle to teach you about the history of the castle and Edinburgh. This is one of the castles that actually has an inbuilt restaurant as well. Great for kids and adults alike.

There is no parking at the castle, so it would be worth finding a nearby parking space before heading there.

4. Dunrobin Castle

A stately home based in Sutherland, it’s been the home to Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13^th Century, making it Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited home, so there is a lot of history surrounding the home. The castle itself resembles a French Chateau boasting spires and turrets.

You can visit all the inside of the castle, the tea room, shop and the gardens. The entry prices to the castle includes a Falconry display which is so worth the price.

5. Fyvie Castle

Based in Fyvie, near Turriff, Fyvie Castle is famous for being a bit spooky and even appeared on Most Haunted Season 6.

One of the famous stories is that, back in 1920, when the castle was being renovated, the skeletal remains of a woman were found behind one of the bedroom walls. On that very day the castles residents started to be plagued by strange noises and unexplained happenings. After this, the Laird of the castle put the skeleton back, and the haunting ceased.

The castle is open to the public over the summer months and has ample parking for guests.

6. Kilchurn Castle

A ruined structure on a rocky peninsula in Argyll and Bute. Kilchurn castle opens to the public between April 1 to September 30 between 9:30am – 5:30pm every day. It’s free to visit and has a lot of interesting history based around it due to it originally being built in the 1400’s.

It was a fortress, a residence, and a garrison stronghold and currently contains the oldest surviving barracks on the British mainland. It’s recommended that you wear strong footwear when visiting due to the terrain and sorry, but no dogs are allowed.

7. Castle Fraser

One of the largest tower houses in Scotland, Castle Fraser lies 4 miles north of Dunecht and only 16 miles outside of Aberdeen. Castle Fraser offers a wide range of things to do including guided tours, nature spotting, walks and play areas for children and even has a café to grab a drink or bite to eat.

There is parking available and dogs are welcome, although it is requested that they are kept on leads in certain areas of the grounds. This is one of the rare castles to visit in Scotland that can accommodate disabled parking and has parts of the castle that are wheelchair accessible.

8. Blackness Castle

Based near the village of Blackness in Linlithgow, Blackness Castle is a 15^th Century castle that was once a prison and, at one point, a garrison fortress. Built by one of the most powerful families, The Crichtons, it’s often referred to as “the ship that never sailed” due to its stone ship appearance.

Unfortunately, the castle isn’t wheelchair friendly due to its location. The castle has been used in many TV shows and films, including “Ivanhoe”, “Doomsday”, and “Outlander”.

9. Duart Castle

In The Isle Of Mull sits Duart Castle, it dates back to the 13^th Century and is the seat of Clan MacLean. When in the castle you can find an exhibition dedicated to the history of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLean through the ages.

This castle has also starred in many TV shows and films including “Entrapment”, “When Eight Bells Toll”, and “I Know Where I’m Going”. Duart Castle even offers up the opportunity to have a wedding there, which just sounds like an absolute fairytale.

10. Stirling Castle

Located in Stirling, this is one of the largest and most important castles to visit in Scotland, both architecturally and historically. A lot of the main buildings in the castle date back to the 15^th and 16^th Centuries, but there are also a few structures left from the 14^th Century. There have been at least 8 sieges of Stirling Castle, many during the wars of Scottish Independence.

There is parking at Stirling castle, with a limited number of disabled spaces available.

11. Eilean Donan Castle

One of the most picture postcard castles to visit in Scotland, this fully restored 13^th Century castle is situated on an island near Dornie where three lochs meet and is surrounded by some majestic and gorgeous scenery. It has featured in many films, including “Highlander”, “James Bond – The World Is Not Enough”, and “Bonnie Prince Charlie”.

When there you can take advantage of the visitor center which includes a coffee shop and gift shop.

The castle provides ample parking, but unfortunately, they don’t have wheelchair access to the castle.

12. Castle Stalker

Known to Monty Python fans as the “Castle of Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh”, Castle Stalker is four-story keep on Loch Laich about 1.5 miles away from Appin in the Northwest of Scotland.

Picturesque and beautiful, this castle was built by Sir John Stewart sometime in the middle of the 15^th Century. More about its intriguing history can be found here.

But it was only when featuring in 1975s “Monty Python’ and the Holy Grail” that Castle Stalker became so well-known and recognizable.

There are some excellent tours of Castle Stalker that are highly recommended (check available dates here). Cost is £20 for adults and £10 for children 16 and under. A virtual tour can also be done here.

Suggested next reading: 8 Magical Places You Need To See In Scotland or Malbork Castle In Poland: The Largest Castle In The World

The post 12 Best Castles To Visit In Scotland That Ooze History appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Pretty much everywhere you go in the Scottish Highlands you will find beauty, but if you don’t have the time to visit them all on your travels—which I am sure most of you don’t—I have made a list of the most beautiful places in The Scottish Highlands and everything you need to know about them, which you can find below.

1. Torridon

A small village situated around 80 miles west from Inverness which is great for climbers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and hikers from all over the world.

Torridon is famous for the surrounding “Torridon Hills” which are mountains to the North of Glen Torridon creating some of the most dramatic and photogenic mountain scenery in the whole of the British Isles.

When you’re there, you can stay at The Torridon, a large hotel with 4 stars, and drink at The Torridon Inn. If you’re looking for a great place to hike, Torridon is the place to be as its one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

2. Ullapool

In amongst the mountains you will find Ullapool only an hours drive away from Inverness. It’s a fishing town with many hotel options for tourists to stay and a few bars to drink in. The population of Ullapool is only ‎about 1,500 and it boasts having one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK.

It’s the biggest town for miles around and people often use it as a base when visiting surrounding areas due to it having the most shops and many hotels.

If someone ever said to me, “is Scotland beautiful?“ I’d simply show them a picture of this place. You will definitely want your camera with you in Ullapool, especially if you make your way to the beach—it’s beautiful.

3. Dornoch

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A town and seaside resort in The Scottish Highlands which was the last place in Scotland to burn a woman for being a witch in 1727, there is even a stone called the Witch’s Stone which commemorates her death.

In Dornoch you can find a 13^th Century Cathedral, the Old Town Jail, Dornoch Castle and the golf course there making it a great place to visit on your trip to Scotland. In 2005 Dornoch got granted Fairtrade Town status.

This is another place where you’ll want your camera at the ready because the scenery is outstanding.

4. Cromarty

A town in the Ross and Cromarty area of the Scottish Highlands. The town grew around a seaport that was originally used by ferries and is known for its Georgian merchant houses and fisherman’s cottages, some describe it as a great example of an 18^th/19^th Century burgh.

If you’re looking for sea-life you can often view bottlenose dolphins from Cromarty.

There is a legend from around 1740 that a man from Cromarty was granted 3 wishes from a mermaid and that he used one to marry a woman.

5. Assynt

North of Ullapool sits Assynt, a place known for its incredible landscape and amazing mountains. There are many distinctively shaped mountains in the area including Canisp, Stac Pollaidh, Suilven, Quinag and Ben More Assynt, a lot of which appear higher than they actually are and a fair few of them were formed during the last ice age.

Assynt is also home to the longest cave in Scotland, Uamh an Claonaite. All of these things make Assynt hugely important geologically—this has shown its inclusion in the North West Highlands Geopark.

6. Achiltibuie

Another village in the Ross and Cromarty area of the Scottish Highlands, around 10 miles northwest of Ullapool. Known for being long and linear, the main attraction in this village is the Hydroponicum A.K.A. The Garden Of The Future where you can take tours of its “climate zones”.

If you’re a foodie you’ll want to visit the Achiltibuie Smokehouse where you can get meat, fish and game all being cured traditionally.

Another great thing to do in Achiltibuie is to take a boat ride to the Summer Isles where you can enjoy things like bird watching, fishing and sailing.

7. Loch Ness

The most popular of all the locations on my list is Loch Ness. Whether you’re there to search for Nessie or for the beautiful scenery Loch Ness has a lot to offer.

The freshwater loch is 16 meters above sea level and extends around 23 miles southwest of Inverness. It’s the second largest loch in Scotland after Loch Lomond.

When there you can take boat rides to search for Nessie and get some photos of the gorgeous Scottish Highlands scenery. There are plenty of other activities for children at the Loch Ness Center as well.

8. Applecross

Famous for its incredible drive, Applecross is a remote peninsula in Wester Ross known for creating the feeling of being at the edge of the world.

There are only two ways to get to Applecross: you can take a winding road from Shielding which has great views the entire journey, or you can also take the Bealach na Bà (Pass of the cattle) which is one of the highest roads in Britain where you can enjoy amazing views of Raasay and Skye.

The area around Applecross is believed to be one of the earliest settled parts of Scotland…it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the Scottish Highlands. Not bad.

Suggested next reading: 11 Of The Best Castles To Visit In Scotland That Simply Ooze History

The post 8 Of The Most Beautiful Places In The Scottish Highlands appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Edinburgh is a massive city with a lot of people, and I don’t just mean the tourists, so finding the best “off the beaten track” and non-chain cafés or bars might seem difficult, but if you look down the right street you can feel like you’ve struck gold with your find of a bar that doesn’t just serve Guinness and Heineken, or a coffee shop that takes genuine pride in the beans they blend for you. With so many people in Edinburgh for different events, such as The Edinburgh Fringe (the world’s largest arts festival), you’re much better off finding a quieter place with better quality products. Below I share my favorite 11 hidden bars and cafés in Edinburgh.

1. The Empress of Broughton Street

A cute and quirky little place based on the corner of Broughton Street. They serve a variety of craft beers, cocktails and even food (including vegetarian food). The staff are really friendly and love a chat about craft beer, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions or to try before you buy because they will happily accommodate you. Try and grab a seat next to the window to watch the world go by because the seats are really comfy and you’re right next to the bar.

2. Brew Lab

A hipster (it’s okay to say that, right?) specialty coffee bar on South College Street. It serves a variety of different coffees, including cold brew coffees and hot chocolates which are popular in many European cities. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, they have natural wine and cocktails available alongside baked goods, a simple brunch menu, a lunch menu with sourdough baguettes, different soups and salads. If craft beer is more your thing, well…they do that too. It seems like a perfect place to take your laptop and get on with some work whilst enjoying some of the finer things in life.

 

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3. The Dogs

Now this is probably the strangest one I have visited. It’s on Hanover street and has minimal signage. As you enter the building you might be concerned that you’re breaking into someone’s house, or gatecrashing a secret club, but I assure you there is a restaurant up there and it’s quirky, intimate and has great food. As with the name, there are pictures of dogs everywhere—and I mean everywhere—as there is even a massive picture of a dog watching you eat. The menu feels like a fancy 5-star restaurant, but the prices match more of a chain family restaurant. Definitely recommend a visit for something different.

4. Bramble Bar and Lounge

An upscale cocktail bar on Queen Street in Edinburgh. Although having very high ratings, people still struggle to find this hidden gem due to lack of signage, but once you are there you get high-quality service, fantastic and unique cocktails, and you’re guaranteed a great time. Bramble bar and lounge can be particularly great after a long week of working.

 

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5. The Royal Dick

On Summerhall place, this bar/café used to be the home to a small animal hospital as part of the Dick Vet School, hence the name, but has now been turned in to a quirky and hidden bar/café with an on-site brewery and gin distillery. They serve food from 12 noon until 9pm and can get quite busy on weekends, so I would book in advance. There is nowhere else like this in Edinburgh and you definitely won’t regret the experience.

 

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6. Milk

On Morrison Street you can find Milk, a café that serves a range of food from all over the world. They serve food that is natural and seasonal and they like serving local and organic food. Everything you eat here is made on the day, including the cakes, and it’s great if you’re looking for a healthy lunch or if you’re vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free as they have a fantastic range to suit all.

 

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7. Hoot The Redeemer

A dive bar on Hanover Street. What can I say about this one? It’s not like any other dive bar you will find, it’s unique and fun with a wide range of alcohol, a list to make your own cocktails, cocktail slushies (which just sound amazing), and ice cream—yes you can get ice cream in a dive bar. If you’re in the area and looking for somewhere to drink, I’d head here. Especially if you’re an ice cream fan.

 

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8. Southern Cross Café

I stumbled across this one by accident when I was starving for breakfast, but 100% intend on going back. Situated on Cockburn Street this little café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. I recommend going here for breakfast as they have a large breakfast menu with options like a hash brown roll, full English breakfast to pancakes. There are a lot of quirks about this places, including the decorations on the inside (which I think I will keep as a surprise for you). If you’re looking for something small and different then make your way here.

9. Dovecote Café by Leo’s

A sleek and local café on Infirmary Street where you can get artisan coffee, sandwiches, salads and cakes. Dovecote Café is family run, so you’ll always feel welcome and know that you’re getting the best service. They use local produce and freshly bake all their goods in-house. I highly suggest visiting this café because the food and presentation is always perfect.

 

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10. Chocolate Tree

This might be a little further out of the center, but is definitely worth it for all chocolate lovers. Based on Bruntsfield place, Chocolate Tree sells handmade organic chocolates, gourmet hot chocolate and coffee, all of which you can get in their café or buy to take away. They even have some amazing dairy free and vegan options for you to try. This is an absolute must for chocolate fans.

 

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11. Wellington Coffee

You can find this café on George Street in Edinburgh, but you have to look hard. It’s situated under Penhaligons and is great for coffee lovers. They don’t just serve coffee though, they serve a wide range of teas and cakes. I’ve also heard a lot of really good things about their scones. I’d recommend this small café for a coffee when you’re in town.

 

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While you’re in Scotland why not also check out: 8 Magical Places You Need To See In Scotland

The post 11 Hidden Bars & Cafés In Edinburgh That You’ll Be Proud To Discover appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Here’s the route:

Here’s a video preview:

Inverness-Shire

This is where it all starts. I recommend cutting out a couple of days for the city of Inverness and its surrounding areas. It’s probably the most well-known area of all the trail to tourists due to The Loch Ness Monster, Inverness offers beautiful scenery with the added mix of lots to do, it is the “cultural capital” of The Scottish Highlands after all. From searching for Nessie to shopping Inverness it’s the perfect way to start and end the trail. If you have time I would recommend giving The Inverness Cathedral a visit and snap a few photos of Inverness castle. The city even has an airport, offering flights across the UK and Ireland.

Black Isle

Not far outside Inverness sits The Black Isle region of the route, you can get there from Inverness by crossing the Kessock Bridge. Although it’s called “Black Isle” it isn’t an island, it’s, in fact, more of a peninsula surrounded on three sides by expanses of water. There are a lot of charming towns and villages in Black Isle which are worth visiting.

Cromarty Firth

Cromarty is a seaport on the tip of Black Isle in the mouth of the Cromarty Firth and is the Highland’s best-preserved town. It’s 18th Century charm isn’t all it’s got going for it though. There are a lot of great things to do here, from beaches and bottlenose dolphin watching to museums and bird reserves, there is something for everyone in Cromarty Firth.

Moray Firth

Fortrose, the biggest town in The Black Isle’s on the Moray Firth, is a small village with a gorgeous beachfront. Known for its 13th Century Cathedral and as the home of Brahan Seer, a predictor of the future from the 17th Century, this is worth a visit for history and beautiful scenery.

Avoch

This is a harbor-village on the south coast of Black Isle. It’s chock-a-block with history and is well known for its fishing heritage. If it’s history you’re after then head over to the Old Town in Avoch which is still available to walk around and even includes the Dock area.

Beauly

In the west of the Peninsula sits Beauly. You could probably spend a bit of time in Beauly with its wide range of shops and restaurants. If you head over there for Thursday evenings in the summer they have their own Pipe Band who perform in the square every Thursday evening, but only in the summer.

Caithness

This is on the northeastern tip of the Scottish mainland and is fantastic for stunning cliff walks and “instagramable” views. There are 2 main settlements, Wick and Thurso, which are based around the harbors, but going inland you’ll find a desolate flat peak bog and moorland of Flow Country which is one of the last true wilderness areas in Europe. Flow Country is home to numerous rare plants, insects and birds.

Wick

In the mid 19th Century Wick was home to the busiest herring port in Europe, now people tend to visit for its rich history. It’s home to the remains of the Castle of Old Wick which sits atop the edge of the cliffs overlooking the sea. You can reach the 15th to 17th Century remains of Sinclair and Girnigoe Castles by a beautiful clifftop walk exposing you to rare wildlife.

Thurso

Known as the most northerly town in mainland Scotland and is home to a lot of traditional cafes, shops, bars, etc. Thurso is a major surfing area and a cold surf destination. There are even surfing championships held in Thurso including kayak surfing World Championships. This is definitely the place to go if you’re a surfer as the terrain allows for year-round surfing opportunities.

Sutherland

Known as “The heart of the north highlands” and has some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in Scotland. Sutherland makes up a lot of The North Coast 500 and is often broken up into two parts; North West Sutherland and East Sutherland. Both are just as beautiful as the other and definitely worth a visit. Moreover, covering a large area of unspoiled and natural landscapes, you can find amazing mountain ranges in North West Sutherland which bring the “policeman’s helmet” shaped Suilven and the mountain tops of Ben More, Foinaven and Arkle together. Also home to Cape Wrath which is the North West Highland Geopark. I would definitely recommend a visit here for beauty, walks and nature.

Wester Ross

Wester Ross is the area between Ullapool and Achnasheen. It is a land of beautiful landscapes, mist-filled mountain peaks, stunning beaches and secretive hill lochs. You won’t forget the first time you drive through Wester Ross because it will take your breath away with every new piece of scenery. Be prepared to take many photos because you’ll want to show everyone what you see.

Applecross

Now this one is actually famous for its spectacular drive so has a very deserving place in The North Coast 500. The area around Applecross is thought to be one of the earliest settled parts of Scotland, and the coastal settlement of Sand (which is just north of Applecross) is the location of a major archaeological site.

Gairloch

Gairloch is home to spectacular beaches and rocky coastlines, visitors can even see the occasional whale offshore as well as taking in the views spreading north to the volcanic peaks of Assynt. This makes it a stunning place to visit and take photos.

Ullapool

If you like seafood, beaches and mountains then Ullapool is the place for you. It’s a fishing town with many hotel options for tourists to stay and boasts one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK. Ullapool is amazing for walks, scenery and is a great base for visiting the surrounding areas.

Suggested next reading: 8 Magical Places You Need To See In Scotland

The post One Simply Breathtaking Road Trip: The North Coast 500, Scotland appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The weather might not be perfect here, and yes it does get extremely cold, but trust me, don’t strike it off your list yet—it’s so worth it for all the history and scenery. From the Highlands to Edinburgh, I’ll be sharing my top 8 magical places in Scotland.

1. Loch Ness

Situated around 13 miles outside Inverness, this is an absolutely gorgeous part of Scotland. If you’re in the area, you can take a boat ride on Loch Ness to search for possibly one of the most famous folklore creatures in the world, The Loch Ness Monster A.K.A. Nessie, who is said to be a large aquatic monster who inhabits Loch Ness.

There have been many “sightings” of the creature, but no concrete evidence of its existence.

Loch Ness is great for family holidays and romantic getaways as it’s got beautiful and somewhat dramatic scenery with nearby castles and lighthouses making it a great place for walks and wildlife.

2. Slains Castle, Cruden Bay

A 15-minute drive from Peterhead, Cruden Bay is definitely somewhere to put on your bucket list. Once you’re there you’ll find an absolutely gorgeous beach, beautiful views from cliffs, and it’s only a short walk to Slains Castle.

The best thing about Cruden Bay is that it’s 100% free and great for family/dog walks. Just don’t go up the cliffs when it’s windy because you will be an ice cube on your way down!

You can walk or take your car up to Slains Castle—I would definitely take the car on windy days. There are really great views when you’ve made it up there, and you can also walk around the castle ruins.

The original Slains Castle was built in 1597, but the ruins that are left are from the rebuild Francis Hay, 9th Earl Of Erroll, requested from architect John Smith in 1836.

3. Ullapool

This is a great place to visit if you’re in the highlands. It’s not got much to it, but what it does have is charm and the perfect mix of sea and mountains. There are a few shops and restaurants (a lot of them serve fish, as you could imagine as it’s mostly sea around the area) and there are regular boat rides to nearby—just as beautiful — places.

Not only is the drive up to Ullapool gorgeous as you’re in the mountains for a lot of the journey, but Ullapool itself is a very picturesque place. If you’re traveling there in September you should check out the music festival they hold, Loopallu. There was a meteorite that hit the area a looooong time ago, which is what gave it the unique shape…

4. Orkney

Now, this is probably the most beautiful and magical of all the places on the list and it has such an interesting history which you should definitely read about.

The best part of Orkney has got to be Skara Brae, which is the remains of a village that has been preserved that dates back to before the pyramids. You can actually walk around it and see furniture that was made around 5,000 years ago.

Another great attraction in Orkney is The Ring Of Brodgar, which is a Neolithic henge and stone circle thought to have been erected between 2500BC and 2000BC, although this is still uncertain as the area has not been fully excavated. As most henges don’t have stone circles, this is quite an interesting place to visit.

5. Edinburgh

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, and for good reason, Edinburgh is an absolute must on your travels to Scotland. It’s got so much to do and has a real old world feel to it. This is one of the places you could spend the entirety of your holiday in and not get bored.

I’d recommend the walking tours that teach you all about the history of Edinburgh because there are A LOT of amazing stories that can be told about the city, and you’ll get to see places you wouldn’t have thought to visit. If you go up Arthur’s Seat or visit the castle you will get incredible views of the entire city.

6. Falls Of Feugh

 

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A short walk from Banchory, The Falls Of Feugh is an absolute must. There is a bridge spanning across the river where you can watch salmon jumping upstream during the spawning season. In addition to this, there is also a fantastic little tearoom right beside the bridge which is always very accommodating.

There isn’t much to Falls of Feugh, but it is a rare sight to witness the salmon jumping upstream and occasionally you can even see a heron or two sitting in the water.

7. Collieston

 

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Although there isn’t much in Collieston, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever stepped foot in. Situated between Cruden Bay and Newburgh, Collieston used to be a well-established fishing village, but ever since the 19th century has been too small to support new fishing technologies.

Although the main attraction of Collieston is the beach, which is something out of a fairytale, it also has caves and cliffs you can explore nearby. Another great place to spend the day, especially if you’re on a road trip around that area.

8. Strathyre

This is a beautiful Victorian village near Loch Lomond which has gorgeous views of Loch Lubnaig. It’s surrounded by the Strathyre forest which is said to be home to the UK’s oldest tree, thought to be up to 5,000 years old.

Just a few miles from here you can find Balquhidder Church Yard where Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor was buried. This is a great place for a getaway as you can stay in log cabins that are situated on the Loch Lubnaig.

Are there are other magical places in Scotland you’d like to see added to this list? Comment below!

Suggested next reading: One Simply Breathtaking Road Trip: The North Coast 500, Scotland

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