Scotland covers the northern part of the island of Great Britain, and it is part of the United Kingdom (UK).
The country has a wealth of historic attractions ranging from prehistoric to Roman archeological sites, but especially Medieval sites and attractions including more than 1,000 castles, abbeys, and churches.
The Kingdom of Scotland emerged in the early Middle Ages, 843 AD, and was made part of the UK in 1707.
Scotland is also rich with overwhelming landscapes of countryside rolling hills, mountains, valleys, Loches (Lakes) and rivers in the Highlands including the famous Loch Ness and its monster “Nessie” near Inverness.
The country is surrounded in three directions by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, and the Irish Sea, with very long rugged coastline and sandy beaches, cliffs, inlets, and beaches. The surrounding seas include more than 700 islands including the beautiful Isle of Skye recommended to visit and explore.
Visit the capital Edinburgh the beautiful city of Festivals, vibrant Glasgow the largest city with the best shopping opportunities, and the Highlands capital, the expanding town of Inverness on the banks of Loch Ness and the North Sea.
Scotland is blessed with large wilderness areas, overwhelming landscapes and outdoor activities opportunities.
The National Parks of Cairngorms, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, and the Lochaber region, are all great regions for nature lovers. Hike the hills along the lakes and in mountainous areas, cycle or motorcycle the beautiful roads and trails, enjoy water sports, winter sports resorts, sea kayaking, and much more.
Glasgow Cathedral
Eilean Donan Castle
Urquhart Castle
The country and surrounding seas are also home to vast wildlife such as Whales, and Seals near The Isle of Skye, Dolphins near Inverness, and Golden Eagles that soar above the lakes and mountains of the northern Highlands.
Above all Scotland is a country of rich culture, hospitable and lively people, great festivals and music scene, contemporary pubs and superb seafood restaurants.
Shop the Scottish Tweed and Tartan products (Kilts), visit and enjoy more than 100 Scotch Whisky distilleries, and spend relaxing time in one of many numerous excelent private and public Golf courses, the game that originated in Scotland.
The Scottish climate changes significantly between the different regions. In general, traveling is enjoyable between April and October, with the best climate in the Summer.
Traveling Scotland, you will need an average 10-12 days visiting the major highlights throughout the country.
Thetjoy.com recommends a possible Scotland travel route starting in Edinburgh;
- From Edinburgh head north to the Cairngorms national Park, and further to the Highlands
- Visit Inverness and Loch Ness, then travel south to Fort William and west to the Isle of Skye
- Back to Fort William, head and east to Glen Coe and Inveraray Castle, Loch Lomond, and Stirling.
- Visit Glasgowand head back to Edinburgh.
A traveler with limited time can select to visit only parts of the recommended destinations, to spend more time in outdoor activities, or to cover most of beautiful regions but in a much shorter period of only 3-4 days.
The best way to travel to Scotland would be while driving, but it’s also possible to visit most of the destinations with public transportations, or by taking 1-2 day (or more) guided tours.
Consider combining your Scotland visit with traveling England’s beautiful Lake district, or to start your vacation flying into London, visit this overwhelming city, then to take a train to Scotland’s Edinburgh where you would start your Scotland trip.
