Where to visit in Scotland: From Edinburgh Festival to the Isle of Staffa

The Commonwealth Games might have finished in Glasgow, but there are plenty of other reasons to head for the Highlands

Nancy Hughes
Thursday 07 August 2014 11:35 BST
Comments
Naturally-occurring basalt columns lead down to Fingal’s Cave, a cathedral-like space admired by musicians and artists over the centuries, with eerily beautiful acoustics. Staffa Tours offer a round boat trip from Oban to Staffa National Nature Reserve, L
Naturally-occurring basalt columns lead down to Fingal’s Cave, a cathedral-like space admired by musicians and artists over the centuries, with eerily beautiful acoustics. Staffa Tours offer a round boat trip from Oban to Staffa National Nature Reserve, L

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Decorated with glens, lochs, and castles, the varied landscapes of Scotland will always make for excellent travelling destinations. It’s worth packing a tent and swimming gear so you have the option to pitch up in one of Scotland’s numerous area of breath-taking natural beauty. Up in the Highlands, and especially in the islands of the Outer Hebrides, it’s hard to believe you are in the British Isles at all. In fact Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming: Hidden Beaches, says that the white sandy coastlines of Uist, Lewis and South Harris were once mistakenly used in a Thai tourist brochure.

If you are looking for a bit of itinerary inspiration, here are ten ideas about where to visit this summer.

With Edinburgh festival underway, a vibrant city break is an ideal way to start or end your excursions. Pick up some cardamom buns for the road at Peter’s Yard Swedish bakery before setting off to explore all that Scotland has to offer. Get your hands dirty at a pick your own farm, or wet your whistle at one of the tours and tastings offered by Glenfiddich whisky distillery. Don’t let your best laid plans go awry, make sure your adventures make the most of the Scottish summer.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in