Luskentyre beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides. Photo from Reekie Photography
The perfect city break or Highlands holiday, Scotland boasts a wealth of great activities right on your doorstep.
With fantastic train links from London, it’s easy to visit Scotland’s famous lochs, islands, cities and enjoy the artisan food scene in this magical part of the world.
The lochs
Looking across the calm waters of Loch Awe to the ruins of Kilchurn Castle. Photo from Visit Scotland
What could be more idyllic than time spent admiring the scenic lochs?
For nature lovers, the miles of emerald green waters are home to rare sea birds, eagles and an abundance of wildlife and with such incredible scenery around every corner it’s no surprise Scotland is a must-visit for 2015.
Our top 5 lochs
1. Loch Ness
Located in the heart of the Highlands, this legendary loch is home to the mythical Loch Ness Monster known as ‘Nessie’ and is surrounded by stunning woodland and mountains.
2. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The stunning Trossachs National Park. Photo from Visit Scotland
The UK’s largest freshwater expanse offers 720 square miles of stunning walks.
Visitors can spot a huge array of rare birds, flowers, plants and trees and then hit the water for a spot of kayaking, wind surfing or relaxed sailing. You might even see the famed golden eagle.
3. Loch Awe
The longest loch and one of the most picturesque. The ancient St Conan’s Chapel sits on the shore and dates back to 1883. Renowned for salmon fishing, visitors can try their hand at fishing or take a boat charter around the loch.
4 Loch Maree
Looking towards Loch Maree in the Highlands of Scotland. Photo from Visit Scotland
With 30 wooded islands to explore this is a perfect place for those wanting to get back to nature.
5 Loch Morar
The deepest loch in Scotland has salmon and trout fishing and visitors can see red deer, sea eagles and otters.
Scotland’s gourmet scene – foodie trails you’ll love…
A platter of Loch Fyne oysters served at Connect Music Festival, Inveraray Castle. Photo from Visit Scotland
Scotland is highly regarded for its artisan produce and there’s never been a better time to experience it than in the Year of Food & Drink Scotland 2015.
There’s a fantastic calendar of gourmet events from the buzzing food and drink festivals in Paisley, Loch Fyne or Dumfries to the food and music festivals in Montrose and Orkney and the scrumptious sounding Cake Fest in Edinburgh.
The Children’s Food Festival in the Highlands is also tipped as a great family day out.
Iain Spink’s Original Smokies can be found in Arbroath. Photo from Iain Spinks
For a taste of traditional Scotland, head to the family-run smokehouses of Iain Spink’s Original Smokies in the charming fishing town of Arbroath.
The Scottish delicacy (made from haddock smoked over smouldering oak chips) can be found year-round at farmers’ markets in Kirkcaldy, Fife and Dunfermline.
For those looking to enjoy spellbinding scenery and a true sea-to-plate experience, Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is a must-visit.
Frequented by politicians, celebrities and royalty, this restaurant serves oysters, scallops and the day’s freshest catch overlooking the crystal clear waters.
Chocolate lovers – A very sweet treat
The Scottish Chocolate trail uncovers unusual flavours. Photo from Visit Scotland
Scotland produces the finest chocolate, so why not head out on the Scottish Chocolate Trail? Uncover patriotic tartan chocolate by Dumfries & Galloway-based Moniaive Chocolatiers and even haggis-flavoured delights at Edinburgh’s Coco Chocolates.
Malt whisky chocolates by The Tobermory Chocolate Shop can be found on the stunning island of Mull whilst Shetland Fudge comes in a huge range of flavours including Cappuccino and Gin & Lime.
Hand-made bars made with the finest cocoa and fresh Scottish ingredients can be enjoyed at Cocoa Mountain in beautiful and wild Durness and the award-winning Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier has shops in St Andrews, Edinburgh and Grandtully.
Insider tip: Take a trip to Grandtully on the River Tay and visit The Scottish Chocolate Centre; a 4-star, multimedia visitor attraction where you can watch the chocolatiers in action.
3. Whisky Trails – Highlands, islands and city tours
The historic Laphroaig Distillery on the Isle of Islay, Inner Hebrides. Photo from Visit Scotland
Synonymous with Scotland, there are an impressive 98 operational malt whisky distilleries to discover. Even visitors on a short city break can indulge in the whisky tradition with the Glenkinchie Distillery located near Edinburgh and Auchentoshan and Glengyone, both near Glasgow.
For those visiting the country’s best-known whisky region, Speyside, the renowned Malt Whisky Trail is a must. The Glenlivet Distillery (winner of the Best Visitor Attraction Award at the 2013 Scottish Thistle Awards) reveals the art of whisky creation with its behind-the-scenes tour.
Other whisky trail hotspots include the small island of Islay, which is home to eight distilleries including Laphroig.
4. The Scottish islands: Europe’s best-kept secret
Luskentyre beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides. Photo by Reekie Photography.
Scotland’s pristine white beaches and jaw-droppingly beautiful islands are some of the best-kept secrets in Europe, if not the world.
From picturesque Shetland, famous for its handmade knitted woollen goods, to the neolithic heritage of Orkney in the north, to the spectacular Outer Hebrides, Argyll and the isles off the west coast, it has never been easier to explore.
To make the most of your time, book an island hopping tour and explore this magical coastline.
The American Monument on the Mull of Oa on the Isle of Islay, Inner Hebrides.620
Island life
Fly to Barra in the Outer Hebrides and land on the sand! The ‘terminal’ has unrivalled sea views and serves homemade Scottish scones.
Mull on Scotland’s west coast was made famous in Paul McCartney’s Mull of Kintyre and is renowned for its colourful houses in Tobermory. Watch out for white-tailed sea eagles among the wildlife.
Check out lots of island itineraries here.
Great Scottish Train journeys
The Jacobite steam train passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct at the head of Loch Shiel, Lochaber. Photo from Highlands of Scotland
With Edinburgh only just over four hours from London, one of the best ways to explore Scotland is by train. Further north, the Highlands’ lines glide past mist-shrouded mountains, glistening lochs and quaint villages, giving you a wonderful sense of this epic landscape.
The West Highland Line
Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest steam train journeys and famous as the railway that took Harry Potter to Hogwarts, this route takes you from Fort William to Mallaig on the west coast, passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and enjoys breathtaking views of Loch Shiel, Loch Eilt and the highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis.
The Far North Line
For an amazing city break adventure visit the historic city of Inverness on the Far North Line. Explore the northern outer limits of Scotland and enjoy four hours of incredible scenery – don’t forget a visit to the mystical Dunrobin Castle.
And for a once in a lifetime trip…
The Royal Scotsman
Experience the romance of a forgotten age on this ultra exclusive steam train. Departing from Edinburgh, set off in luxury to discover ancient castles, glorious gardens and famous distilleries.
Expect only fine dining and five-star hospitality as you are whisked around the country.