Yearning to escape to the wilderness? It’s time to embrace the untamed beauty of Scotland with an end of summer getaway or action-packed September weekend away to create memories to last a lifetime.
According the latest Scotland Visitor Survey, 70% of visitors state that landscapes and nature are amongst the top reasons for choosing Scotland as a holiday destination. And it isn’t hard to see why… From towering mountains to sweeping glens to dramatic coastlines and glittering lochs, the scenery is awe-inspiring. Thanks to a variety of designated routes and trails to explore for a daytrip, weekend, week-long adventure or more, Scotland’s epic landscapes and nature can be enjoyed by foot, by rail, on wheels or on water…
Trains, bikes and automobiles
With cycle routes covering the abbeys in the Scottish Borders, island hopping on the Outer Hebrides and a coast to coast route in the south, there’s adventure on two wheels to be had in all corners of Scotland. For those looking for day adventure, an adrenaline-fuelled experience at one of the 7Stanes mountain bike centres in the south of Scotland is sure to get the heart pumping. For those less familiar with getting about by bike, there are plenty of ways to get started including hiring an e-bike for perhaps a slightly less strenuous way to explore on two wheels. There are companies in a variety of locations including Trossachs E-Bike Tours in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, e-bike safaris with Wild Discovery in the Cairngorms National Park or city exploration in Edinburgh with EZ Riders or Ricky’s Bicycle Tours. Pioneering Falkirk-based charity, Cycling Without Age Scotland offers unique trishaw tours for people with limited mobility, helping them to explore the sites and attractions of the Falkirk area by bike, either on their own or alongside other cyclists. And, Access Mhor Cairngorms is a hub of adaptive cycles and off-road wheelchairs, available for hire, or for guided Rides & Rambles, based at Badaguish Outdoor Centre in the Cairngorms National Park, where there are lots of trails for people of all abilities to explore.
Looking for a different track? Scotland’s eight cities are connected by a variety of rail routes meaning a day trip or longer stay to explore each of their cultural highlights, historical sites and foodie delights is only a train ride, or two, away. Scotland is also home to some of the world’s most iconic railway journeys with routes surrounded by picture postcard views. From Edinburgh, passengers can climb aboard the longest new domestic railway to be built in over 100 years to head into the picturesque Scottish Borders and the land of Sir Walter Scott. Departures from Inverness include the coast-to-coast Kyle Line, taking in spectacular Highland scenery and finishing with magnificent views of Skye, and the Far North Line which traces the North Sea coast up to Wick and from there it’s only a short hop by bus over to John O’Groats, the most northerly inhabited point on the mainland.
With a variety of off the beaten track road trips to choose from, Scotland’s curated driving routes provide incredible and varying scenery, attractions to see, as well as a stellar local food and drink offering. These routes take visitors into the heart of Scotland’s vibrant communities where they can stay at family-owned accommodation, meet the locals and get insider tips on how to discover the real Scotland!
- The North East 250 explores everything for which Scotland is famous for, with world famous whisky distilleries, the spectacular mountain passes of the Cairngorms National Park, the famous castles of Royal Deeside, the ‘granite city’ of Aberdeen, the rugged North Sea coastline to the east, and the picturesque seaside villages of the Moray Firth Coast. Behold ancient castles that form the backdrop of Hollywood blockbusters and experience secluded beaches, where, if the time is right, stargazers can watch the Northern Lights shimmer.
- The SWC300 is a circular route that hugs Scotland’s southwest coast of Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire. With sandy beaches, rugged clifftops, rolling hills and a multitude of charming towns and villages along the way, this is an unforgettable road trip. The route takes adventurers to Scotland’s most southerly point, The Mull of Galloway, and to Scotland’s highest village Wanlockhead. It also takes in the wonderful Galloway Forest Park, with its beautiful forest trails, incredible wildlife and vast dark skies – perfect for stargazers and sleeping under the stars.
- The Kintyre 66 is a 66-mile loop that branches out into six different directions, allowing drivers to delve deep into the Kintyre Peninsula. Nestled between the magical Isle of Islay to the west and Isle of Arran to the east, the drive offers spellbinding views all around, following a circuit from Campbeltown, Scotland’s smallest whisky producing region with just three distilleries, to Kennacraig. After taking in all the outstanding scenery, visitors can take advantage of Scotland’s adventure coast by partaking in some water sports, watching out for the roaming wildlife, and dining on some of the freshest seafood straight from the shores.
And I Would Walk 500 Miles…
Munro-bagging is a popular pastime in Scotland and a relatively challenging way to enjoy Scotland’s landscapes and nature. Standing at 3000ft/912m or above in height, the views from the top are well worth the hike up and back down. In total there are 282 but for those just starting out VisitScotland has a handy list of Munros for Beginners. Multi-day hikes offer up the chance to be immersed in Scotland’s varied landscapes on way-marked trails and paths across the county. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, the John Muir Way is a 134-mile coast-to-coast route from Helensburgh to John Muir’s birthplace in Dunbar crossing Scotland’s central belt and offering a mix of coastal, in land and city scenery. Alternatively, St Magnus Way on Orkney is a route inspired by the life and death of Magnus, Orkney’s patron saint. As well as epic island scenery, the 58-mile route plunges those who follow its path in Orkney’s rich history and heritage. Shorelands Orkney in Kirkwall provides The St Magnus Way Package helping walkers and cyclists follow the route while taking care of transport, lunches and accommodation. Segments of these long distance routes can be done for day experiences too.
Sail Away with Me…
Scotland is renowned for its fresh waters and epic seascapes, from its sandy beaches to captivating canals, romantic rivers, and famous lochs, an adventure on the water is essential on every Scottish break. For a day trip that will create life-long memories, visitors can hop aboard one of the purpose-built vessels with Staffa Boat Trips and explore the beautiful uninhabited island famous for its sea caves and bird life, the Isle of Staffa. How about a cruise underneath one of Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites? On a Three Bridges Cruise with Forth Boat Tours, visitors can take in the spectacular three bridges and then wander the charming streets of South Queensferry. For something fun and unique, visitors can make their way to an iconic Scottish landmark, The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift and experience the new Behind the Wheel tour.
Visitors don’t need to rely solely on a boat to have a good time on the water. Now is a better time than ever to give canoeing a try after the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail launched in spring of this year. The trail covers a thirty-mile stretch of the majestic River Tweed, starting just minutes from Dawyck Botanic Gardens and finishing just beyond the magnificent Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford. Those who seek adrenaline pumping activities can explore the wild landscapes in Perthshire with Nae Limits, and try canyoning, white water rafting, river tubing, and gorge walking alongside fully trained guides. We’ve talked about what to do on the water, but there’s also fun to be had under the water! Experience the wonder beneath the waves on one of Scotland’s award-winning snorkel trails at different coastal sites across the country. Visitors can dust off their wetsuits and dive into Scotland’s living seas to spot the fascinating marine life and underwater landscapes.
Water Safety
Before diving into a water-based adventure, please read the Snorkel Safety Information that can be found here and the Water Safety Code.
Dates for the diary…
As a summer of fun wraps up, a plethora of autumn events offers up a season of foodie fun, literary highlights and design moments.
World Pipe Band Championships, Glasgow, 16th – 17th August
The World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green brings together the finest bands to compete in the ultimate showcase of piping. This August, visitors can see the best pipe bands in the world compete for glory and have a great day out, immersed in Scottish culture on Glasgow Green!
Stranraer Oyster Festival, Stranraer, 13th – 15th September
Marking the start of the UK’s native oyster season, this year’s Stranraer Oyster Festival will put the environmental story of their regeneration at the forefront as well as the story of the community-led regeneration of Stranraer. Taking place just a short distance from Loch Ryan, the native oyster bed that inspired the festival and one of the most important oyster beds in Europe, the weekend of events will include The Scottish Shucking Championship, a light procession during the opening parade, an oyster bar and extreme pond dipping.
Arran Festival of Food & Drink, Arran, 13th – 22nd September
The Arran Festival of Food & Drink returns for its third year. This year’s theme Scran Stories will celebrate local produce that comes from the island’s unique terroir and micro-climate across a mix of larger foodie events, festival menus and collaborations. There will also be farm tours and Harvest Fest – a market day showcasing local producers and suppliers, delicious hot food and a range of local stalls.
Dundee Design Festival, Dundee, 23rd – 29th September
Scotland’s national celebration of contemporary design’s exciting exhibition programme will bring together over 100 designers under one roof for a series of demonstrations, workshops and talks looking at this year’s theme of multiplicity. The festival will include a range of free, fun and exciting interactive activities, events, talks and workshops where visitors can get hands on and explore design, meet makers and engage in conversations around the festival’s theme.
Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown, 27th September – 6th October
The ten-day celebration of books in Scotland’s National Book Town returns this September welcoming international audiences and a wonderful line-up of authors. One of the UK’s best-loved literary events, this year’s festival will have over 200 events and activities for visitors of all ages including music, theatre, food and visual arts.
One year to go…
Feeling inspired by this summer’s sporting extravaganza and already looking for more?! In just less than a year’s time the Orkney 2025 International Island Games will take place (12th – 18th July 2025). This week-long event will see athletes from up to 24 islands groups from across the world compete in 12 sports from archery to athletics and gymnastics to golf. What’s more, the 2025 edition marks the 20th International Island Games in its landmark 40th year since it all began.
