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Things to do in Scotland

It’s all about the outdoors in Scotland. Bring raingear, hiking boots, boat shoes and swimwear, and you will be ready to tackle its natural wonders. One thing is easy in Scotland - there are superb guides everywhere showing you the best things to do in Scotland, whether it naturalist experts for wildlife watching, skippers for sailing, whale watching experts, hiking guides for taking on the Cairngorms, winter walking experts donning crampons and ice picks, or foodies who know every whisky and every seafood joint in the country.

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Things to do in Scotland

If you go wildlife watching with a guide, your experience will rocket into the stratosphere

Animal magic

If you associate wildlife watching with geography field trips or up at dawn bird watchers, Scotland will convert you. But the secret is to get a top guide. You can’t just drive around the Scottish Highlands and hope you will bump into a Golden Eagle or a Red Deer. A local expert knows exactly where and when to spot all the untamed treats and teach you about their journeys in this biodiverse country. You also don’t have to travel far to get great results, with mountain, moor and coastal habitats all coverable on a one day safari.

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Walking is the law

You can't come to Scotland without packing your walking boots. It's against the law. Well, actually, the right to walk all over their varied landscape is enshrined in law, so even if they don't make you hike, it's rude not to really. Everywhere you go there are 'Walkers Welcome' signs. Even in the most chic of hotels you can turn up with your muddy boots and be welcomed with a whisky and a chat about your expedition. You do need to be prepared, however, as you can get four seasons in a day in Scotland.There are good guides galore in Scotland just waiting to share their expertise on walking routes around remote islands, or up rugged mountains.

Photographers are in danger of running out of memory on the Scottish islands. On your camera, that is. The landscape and culture you will never forget

Photographs & memories

If you are learning the art of photography, there is no better place than Scotland for a crash course. With unpredictable weather, dramatic skies, soft arty light, and a plethora of wildlife to really up your skills, this is where some of the greats have moulded their craft.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Scotland or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

Toll free 1-866-821-6866

Calling us from outside the US?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Toll free 1-866-821-6866

Calling us from outside the US?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Goodbye Alps, hello Aviemore

Accessible by train, Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park have got a firm footing on the worldwide map of winter sports now. As well as downhill skiing, there are cross country trails that allow you to take the slower route through the snow, and wildlife watching as you go. Watching a deer standing proudly in the snow is pure poetry. Winter walking is also a growing activity, whereby you climb with crampons, ice picks and a lot of expert guidance. Done safely, this is one of the most exhilarating way to experience Scotland. Snowy, silent and still.

More about Scotland

Best time to visit Scotland

The best time to go to Scotland is, for many people, when wildlife come out to play, with deer on the highlands, whale watching in the summer, seabirds throughout the year and, less wild but equally heart stopping, lambs in spring.

Scotland travel guide

This Scotland travel guide takes the lid off that clichéd tin of shortbread and looks under that tartan kilt. Revealing a naked, natural Scotland. One where food is world class, and about so much more than haggis. And a country that is packed with wildlife, wild places, mountainous and marine magnificence.

Where to go in Scotland

Unlike many countries, when working out where to go in Scotland, you may first want to decide how you want to go.

Scotland by rail

Don’t worry about Scotland being too far away.

Scotland wildlife

Pack your waterproofs, bring your binoculars and pile on the sun cream – wildlife vacations in Scotland prise you out of the office and fling you into the great outdoors.

Small ship cruises in Scotland

Scotland small ship cruising vacations take you out onto the country’s most spectacular nautical nirvanas.

Scotland self drive vacations

You can go your own way on Scotland self drive vacations with a little hands-off help from a self-drive vacation expert.

Top 8 adventure vacations in Scotland

From wildlife safaris and small ship cruises to winter trekking in the Cairngorms, we'll show you’re never far from a memorable experience north of the border.

Scotland with kids

Traveling in Scotland with kids is always lively, with expeditions such as sailing around the Hebrides, canoeing down the Caledonian Canal, or mountain biking in the Cairngorms.

Scottish Highlands

Forget Braveheart – the Highlands are wild at heart. This is the northwest half of the country, where peat bogs swoop up into lochs and mountains.

Orkney & Shetland Islands

Orkney and Shetland Islands vacations set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain.

Things to see & do in the Cairngorms

Vacations to the Cairngorms open the doors to the biggest national park in the UK.

Scotland travel advice

One of the best bits of Scotland travel advice is to look beyond the tourist trail.

Responsible tourism in Scotland

Scotland has many qualities but one of its finest is giving freedom to roam the countryside.

More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Krisjanis Mezulis] [Animal magic: Dave Bonta] [Walking is the law: Moyan Brenn] [Photographs & memories : v2osk] [Goodbye Alps, hello Aviemore: Ben Bradshaw]

Things to do in Scotland