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SCOTLAND TRAVEL GUIDE

Welcome to the ZigZag Scotland Travel Guide to help your plan an unforgettable trip!
Photos, infos, maps, tips, best things to do, off the beaten track ideas.... All you need to plan your itinerary and discover the dramatic landscapes, long history, tasty whisky, abundant wildlife...

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN SCOTLAND!

Travel Scotland Travel Guide

Table of Contents
Best of Scotland Travels
Scotland travel guide - Planning tips
Touristic regions of Scotland - Map
Scotland cities - Edinburgh & Glasgow
Argyll and the Trossachs
What to see in Glencoe
Things to do on the Isle of Skye
Where to go in the Central Highlands
North Highlands and Caithness
Orkney Islands
Lowlands - Dumfries, Galloway, Borders...

This article contains affiliate links (Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Scotland Travel Guide written by Claire, the ultimate Travel Planning Geek

"With the Zigzag Travel Guides, Planning is half the fun of Traveling"

Claire author ZigZag Travel Guides s

Pure Travel Planning Inspiration! (No Ads - No Sponsored Content)


Best of Scotland Travels

To inspire you to Travel to Scotland or help you narrow down the list of places to see and visit, below are some of my best of with many photos: moments, destinations, castles, lochs, landmarks. Scotland is amazing and you will soon see why. 

Scotland Pictures of Scotland photos

40 Photos to inspire you to go to Scotland

scotland destinations 2

Top Scotland Destinations

Best Scottish Castles 2

Best Castles in Scotland

best lochs in Scotland - list Scottish lochs 2

Best Lochs in Scotland

TOP Scotland Attractions - Scottish attractions 2

Best Scotland Attractions

Most scenic drives in Scotland Travel Guide

10 most scenic drives in Scotland

Looking for a selection of the most scenic places to see in Scotland, practical maps and systematic information to plan your trip? Have a look a the 2 eBooks:

Plan your dream road trip around Scotland!

ssmall Road trip Iceland Travel Guide cover
  • 15 easy-to-plan maps
  • 170+ pre-selected locations
  • Useful planning tips
  • 170+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates 

LEARN MORE

Cover Ring Road travel guide Iceland
  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 60+ pre-selected locations
  • Useful planning tips 
  • 115+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates 

LEARN MORE


Scotland travel guide - Planning tips

Are you decided? Are you going to visit Scotland? Great! Here are some articles to help you plan your trip to Scotland - general information, driving guide, Scotland accommodations suggestions, itinerary suggestions and a guide to the Scottish islands...

guide to plan your Scotland trip 2

Planning a trip to Scotland - Scotland Road Trip Guide

Renting a car Scotland tips

How to rent a car in Scotland

Driving in Scotland 2

Driving in Scotland

Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:

  • Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
  • Choose the car and company you prefer (prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads)
  • Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
  • Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Scotland

Scotland Accommodations - Bed and Breakfast Scotland - Places to stay in Scotland 2

Scotland Accommodations 

Scottish Islands List - Scotland isles Tours

Scottish Islands List including a map

SCOTLAND Itinerary Scotland Trip 2

Scotland Itinerary Suggestions

Best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland 2

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

2 best tour Isle of Skye Tours from Edinburgh - trip to skye island tours Scotland Travel

Choose your Isle of Skye Tour

The Scotland landscapes will trigger many emotions inside you.
Get a Scotland themed notebook to write down all the memories from your trip! 
I have 2 options for you: an simple notebook for you to write whatever you want - or a road trip journal with prompts, maps and journaling pages (4 weeks max).

Travel Notebook for your Scotland Road Trip
Buy a Travel Notebook for your Scotland Road Trip
Scotland road trip Journal

Touristic regions of Scotland - Map

Let's start with a general map of Scotland to help you get situated. The regions are the ones I used below to organized the articles about the places to see. Detailed maps of each regions with the locations of the things to do are available in the eBooks.

Travel Scotland Map Scotland

Scotland cities - Edinburgh & Glasgow

Things to do in Edinburgh

While traveling in Scotland, its capital city Edinburgh is a must stop. With an interesting layout between volcanic hills and historical buildings to explore, Edinburgh will keep you busy.

Visit Edinburgh Things to do 2

Things to do in Edinburgh

Visit Edinburgh Castle 2

Edinburgh Castle

Walking The Royal Mile Edinburgh Scotland 2

The Royal Mile Edinburgh

St Giles Edinburgh Cathedral Scotland 2

St Giles Cathedral

Sunset Views Edinburgh Calton Hill Edinburgh Scotland 2

Calton Hill

Things to do in Glasgow

Glasgow, the largest town in Scotland, has an active art scene and dynamic vibe. Discover what the city has to offer on your Scotland Travels.

Visit Glasgow Scotland - Glasgow in one day 2

Visit Glasgow in one day

St Mungo's Cathedral Glasgow Scotland 2

St Mungo's Cathedral Glasgow

Glasgow People's Palace Scotland 2

Glasgow People's Palace

Glasgow University Architecture Scotland 2

Glasgow University Architecture

   

   


Argyll and the Trossachs

North and North West of Glasgow are lands of beautiful lochs where the mountainous region of the Scottish Highlands start shaping. The biggest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond, is its top leisure spot for locals and visitors alike. 

Views of Loch Lomond Scotland - Balloch Castle 2

Loch Lomond - Best views

Trossachs Drive B829 to Loch Arklet, Loch Chon and Loch Ard Scotland 2

Loch Arklet, Loch Chon and Loch Ard

Loch Katrine Cruises on Scott Walter Scott Boat 2

Loch Katrine Cruises - Sir Walter Scott Steamship

Falls of Falloch Scotland 2

Falls of Falloch

A83 Glen Croe Glen Kinglas Argyll forest Scotland

A83 through Argyll Forest and Glen Croe

Inveraray Castle Scotland 2

Inveraray Castle

Kilchurn Castle Scotland Loch Awe Scotland 2

Kilchurn Castle and Loch Awe


What to see in Glencoe

The Ben Nevis and Glen Coe area is one of the most mountainous regions in Scotland and it includes Britain’s highest peak: Ben Nevis. This rugged landscape is the product of a 750 million-year-old geological story. The main attraction a.k.a. the peaks were formed by volcanic activity just over 400 million years ago and shaped by glaciers until 12000 years ago. You can understand why this is one of the most attractive regions to travel to in  Scotland. Below are some of the landscapes and things to do in the region.

Glencoe Valley Scotland Travel Guide 1

Driving A82 through Glen Coe

Travel Scotland - Buachaille Etive Mor Glencoe Scotland 2

Photographing Buachaille Etive Mor

Driving Glen Etive Scotland - Loch Etive 2

Driving Glen Etive to Loch Etive

Glencoe Lochan Scotland - Glencoe Walks 2 - Travel Scotland

Glencoe Lochan Walk

Loch Leven Scotland - Loch Leven Glencoe 2

Loch Leven Glencoe


Things to do on the Isle of Skye

Jewel of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is a must visit when you travel Scotland. Highlights include the pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr, the Kilt Rock Waterfall, the view from Quiraing, and the magical Fairy Glen and Fairy pools. But if you want to get off the beaten path, plan a boat trip to the protected Loch Coruisk in the Cuillin Mountains. Ready to go? Check out the article about the things to do in Skye Island which includes a map.

Travel Scotland - Things to do in Skye island scotland - isle of Skye things to do 2

Things to do in Skye Island

Travel Scotland - Luib and Loch Ainort Skye Scotland 2

Luib and Loch Ainort

Travel Scotland - The Old Man of Storr Skye 2

The Old Man of Storr Skye

Travel Scotland - Kilt rock Skye - Mealt Falls - Lealt Falls 2

Kilt Rock and Eastern cliffs

Travel Scotland - Quiraing Skye - Quiraing isle of Skye 2

Quiraing Mountain

Travel Scotland - Duntulm Castle - Loch Langaig - North Skye sq

Duntulm Castle, Flodaigearraidh and North Skye

Travel Scotland - Fairy Glen Skye - isle of Skye 2

Fairy Glen Skye

Travel Scotland - The Fairy Pools Skye - walk and views

Fairy Pools Skye

Travel Scotland - Loch Coruisk - Cuillin Mountains - Egol Boat Trip - Isle of Skye Scotland 2

Elgol Boat Trip - Loch Coruisk and Cuillin Mountains

Travel Scotland - Loch Slapin – Bla Bheinn - Isle of Skye 2

Loch Slapin and Bla Bheinn


Where to go in the Central Highlands

The Central Highlands are home to some of the most famous attractions in Scotland including Glenfinnan, Loch Ness, the Calaedonian Canal and Eilean Donan Castle. When your Travel Scotland, you will most probably have to drive near many of them, so have a break and enjoy!

East Central Highlands

driving old military road Cairngorms National Park 2

Cairngorms National Park

Queen's view Scotland - Loch Tummel - Loch Rannoch 2

Loch Tummel and the Queen's View Scotland

Loch Tay Scotland - Glen Lyon Scotland 2

Loch Tay and Glen Lyon

West Central Highlands

Road to the isles Scotland - Fort William To Mallaig 2 - Travel Scotland

Road to the isles

Caledonian Canal and the Great Glen Scotland 2

Caledonian Canal / Great Glen

Urquhart Castle Scotland - Loch Ness Castle 2

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Travel Scotland - Road to isle of Skye Bridge - Glen Shiel Loch Cluanie 2

Road to Skye Bridge - Glen Shiel

Eilean Donan Castle Scotland - Eilean Donan Loch Duich Scotland 2

Eilean Donan Castle


North Highlands and Caithness

When Traveling Scotland, many people turn around once they reach the Isle of Skye. But I recommend you continue up North and discover the remote and wild landscapes the North has to offer. From Wester Ross to Durness to Thurso, get a little off the beaten track in Scotland.

Road Trip Wester Ross Scotland Road Trip 2

Wester Ross

Beinn Eighe Loch Maree Scotland 2

Loch Maree

Falls of Measach in Corrieshalloch gorge Scotland 2

Falls of Measach

Coigach Assynt Reserve - Loch Assynt - Ardvreck Castle - Drumbeg Loop 2

Loch Assynt - Coigach Reserves

Kyle of Durness - Smoo Cave - North Coast Scotland 2

North Coast

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Scotland 2

Sinclair Girnigoe Castle

Dunrobin Castle Scotland 2

Dunrobin Castle

   

   

   


Orkney Islands

Just 2 hours North of Scotland by ferry are the Orkney islands, home of incredibly well preserved neolithic sites, stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. As you travel Scotland, these islands will transport you back in time as you visit its main attractions such as the Ring of Brodgar or the remaining houses of the Skara Brae site. You can start with the article about the things to do in Orkney which include pictures to help you decide if you want to make the detour:

Things to do in Orkney Scotland - Mainland Orkney 2

Things to do in Orkney Scotland

Ferry to Orkney Scotland - Scrabster Stromness - Orkney ferry 2

Ferry to Orkney and the Old man of Hoy

Travel Scotland - the Ring of Brodgar Orkney Scotland 2

Ring of Brodgar

The Standing Stones of Stenness Orkney Scotland 2

Standing Stones of Stenness

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn Orkney 2

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall Cathedral 2

Kirkwall Cathedral St Magnus

Earl's palace Kirkwall 2

Bishop and Earl's Palace Kirkwall

Broch of Gurness Orkney Scotland 2

Broch of Gurness

Brough of Birsay Orkney 2

Brough of Birsay

Travel Scotland - Skara Brae Orkney 2

Skara Brae on Orkney

Yesnaby Castle - Yesnaby Orkney - Yesnaby Coastal Walk 2

Yesnaby Cliffs


Lowlands - Dumfries, Galloway, Borders...

South of Edinburgh and Glasgow are the Lowlands of Scotland. Often overlooked on a Scotland Trip compared to the Highlands, they offer impressive historical sites and a tumultuous history. Closed to the Border with England the once mighty castles and Abbeys have been through many battles. 

West Lowlands

Caerlaverock Castle Scotland 2

Caerlaverock Castle

Sweetheart Abbey Scotland 2

Sweetheart Abbey

Cairnholy Chambered Cairns Scotland 2 - travel Scotland

Cairnholy Chambered Cairns

Travel Scotland - Culzean Castle Scotland 2

Culzean Castle

East Lowlands - Lothian

Dirleton Castle Scotland 2

Dirleton Castle

Tantallon Castle Scotland 2

Tantallon Castle

East Lowlands - The Borders

Melrose Abbey Scotland 2

Melrose Abbey

Scott's view scotland

Scott's view

Jedburgh Abbey Scotland 2

Jedburgh Abbey


Dream before traveling or make your trip last longer!

Check out my jigsaw puzzles with amazing landscapes from Scotland!

Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Leven, Glencoe
Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Leven, Glencoe
Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Duich & Eilean Donan
Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Duich & Eilean Donan
Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Coruisk, isle Skye
Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Coruisk, isle Skye
See all puzzles by ZigZag

Useful Links to book your trip

  • Book your accommodations - Book from a large choice on Booking.com (where I book all my accommodations)
    or Compare prices on hotelscombined.com 
  • Book your organized tours, visits and tickets via GetYourGuide.com (the one I use the most) and Viator.com 
  • Get equipment and appropriate clothing... on Amazon 
  • Insurance - I  wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared. I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

travel packing lists - essential travel items 2

Travel Packing Lists

Travel Safety Tips - hotel safety tips 2

Travel Safety Tips

Best compact binoculars for Travel and safari

Best Travel Binoculars


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