If you’re looking for a unique experience when you next visit Scotland, then you may want to visit one of these top 5 ‘off the beaten track’ locations before taking in any of Scotland’s other iconic sights. The best time to visit Scotland is in the summer – the busiest season of the year. However, there are just as many things to do in the winter that you can’t do in the summer, such as skiing and snowboarding.
Some of the most popular places to visit are the beautiful highlands, the numerous lochs and lakes, the botanic gardens, hidden coves, golden sandy beaches, and national parks.
Here are 5 of the best ‘off the beaten track’ destinations to visit on your next Scottish adventure.
Top 5 hidden games to visit in Scotland
- The Southwest Coastal Route (the Galloways)
- North Coast of Scotland
- Isle of Skye
- Cairngorms National Park
- Glen Coe
Other honourable mentions
Some of the other fantastic locations to visit when you’re next visiting Scotland that could easily have made it into our top 5 include Glenfinnan, Portknockie, Applecross, the port town of Mallaig, Stirling, Inverness, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and, not forgetting, Loch Ness. For complete freedom, one of the best ways to travel across Scotland is to hire a motorhome. If you want more motorhome hire Scotland information, Ariescape is a great place to start.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what you can get up to when visiting one of the top 5 ‘off the beaten track’ destinations that were mentioned above.
The Southwest Coastal Route (the Galloways)
The Galloways National Park along Scotland’s southwest coast is one of those places that generally isn’t packed with tourists clambering over each other to take the perfect Instagram snap, and it also happens to be one of the most beautiful areas of the country. During your stay, remember to check out the stunning Culzean Castle. If you have fun here, then you may also like to visit Caerlaverock Castle. That’s not all. While you’re in the area, don’t forget to head to the Galloway Lighthouse, which is situated in Scotland’s most south-westerly point.
North Coast of Scotland
On the opposite side of the country, along the rugged north coast, you may want to start at John O’ Groats (the furthest point north on the UK mainland). While you’re here, some of you will want to stop off at the John O’ Groats beer distillery. If you love unique locations in nature, then you will definitely want to visit Smoo Cave, too, as well as the Duncansby head and stacks feature that stretches out into the sea.
Isle of Skye
Thanks to the ‘Skye Bridge’, it has never been easier to visit the Isle of Skye. During your time here in this rocky and beautiful part of Scotland, remember to check out the Fairy Glen, as well as an iconic hill that’s relatively easy to walk up called The Storr (which is also more commonly referred to as the Old Man of Storr). If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, then you can stay on your own private island, and don’t forget to explore the dinosaur prints and Kilt Falls.
Cairngorms National Park
If you’re a fan of national parks, then you need to head to the Cairngorms for all its beauty. A lot of people visit this region for the large population of reindeer that can be found at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. You can also go skiing and snowboarding at certain times of the year at Cairngorm Mountain, plus you can also visit the King’s iconic Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, while you’re here.
Glen Coe
For many people, Glen Coe is one of their favourite places to visit in Scotland, and in more recent years, it has become synonymous with James Bond. A major part of the Skyfall movie was filmed here, but it hasn’t spoiled the location, and it’s not overly flooded with tourists, even in high season. If you visit during winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding, and you also have the Rannoch Moor viewpoint to check out.
How to plan your trip
Remember to plan your trip well in advance. Also, remember that one of the best ways to experience everything that Scotland has to offer is to hire a motorhome. Today’s best motorhomes come with a variety of features to make your experience more enjoyable, such as fully equipped kitchenettes with an oven & hob, bike racks, recycling compartments, awning, solar panels, and a leisure battery so you can watch the smart TV to fall asleep too. They also have things like paddle boards (on request), reverse cameras and parking sensors, cruise control, carpets and luxury interiors, and much more.
