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 for your time in Scotland!
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Travel Guide written by Claire, the ultimate Travel Planning Geek
“With the Zigzag Travel Guides, Planning is half the fun of Traveling”
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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.
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 trip to Scotland with my guides!
- 15 easy-to-plan maps
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 170+ large photos
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 115+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
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…
Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
The Scotland landscapes will trigger many emotions inside you. Get a Scotland themed notebook to write down all the memories from your trip!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
West Central Highlands
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.
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:
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
East Lowlands – Lothian
East Lowlands – The Borders
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 Duich & Eilean Donan 
Scotland Jigsaw Puzzle – Loch Coruisk, isle Skye
GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS
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