Scotland, which makes up the northern part of the United Kingdom, is a country of dramatic scenery and intriguing history and vibrant culture. Seven of them form part of an archipelago of more than 790 islands, most of the population, however, reside on the mainland, which can be divided into several regions: the Highlands, the Lowlands and the isles.
It is famous for its beautiful countryside and national parks, such as its expansive mountain ranges, including the Scottish Highlands, home to the United Kingdom’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. More cliffs, beaches, and lochs can be explored on the scenic coastlines, which also include the legendary Loch Ness, where a folk tale surrounding the Loch Ness Monster continues to captivate locals and travelers alike. The Cairngorms National Park’s vast open wilderness is a park for hikers, skiers, and wildlife spotters. dallas18 top-rated tourist attractions right now
Scotland’s lore is suffused with stories of warriors, clans and kings. Landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle being historic bastions of military power reflect the country’s tumultuous history, and sites like Culloden Moor memorialize the Jacobite uprisings. Edinburgh (capital) The Royal Mile, which stretches from the stunning Julius Julius Julius Caesar Castle to the Royal Residence Holyrood Palace, has ruled over the UNESCO World Heritage Site for thousands of years (Edinburgh City). Edinburgh is also well-known for its festivals, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival.
Scots are also proud of their heritage of these cultures and Scots today are flanked by the cultural spectacle of bagpipes and kilts and the Highland Games. Scotland has a literary tradition as rich as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and J.K. Rowling. Scotland (News – affiliate link) offers an unforgettable experience for any traveler, whether you’re visiting its stunning natural beauty, historical landmarks or cultural wealth.
Edinburgh Castle
Scotland’s most well-known castle, Edinburgh Castle is located on Castle Rock and looms over the capital’s skyline. This historical castle has been one of the most important places in Scotland for thousands of years for its royalty and military defense. The site of Urquhart Castle has actually been occupied since the Iron Age, and its castle predates Scottish royalty.
Its position offers beautiful views of the city and surrounding areas, making it the best fortifying position. The building has withstood many battles in its lifetime, including the Wars of Scottish Independence. It has also served as a royal residence and as a military garrison and prison. Washington 20 Tourist Attractions 1 right now
Inside the castle are the Honours of Scotland, the Crown Jewels of Scotland, which are used in the Crown, Sceptre and Sword of State and represent Scotland’s monarch. Visitors can also get an up-close view of the famous Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s kingship that has been used for the coronation of Scottish and British royalty in history.
Edinburgh Castle — The Great Hall — 1511 — Edinburgh, Scotland. It has an imposing medieval hammerbeam roof and houses an assemblage of period weapons and armor. And St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, gives a glimpse into Scotland’s religious history. Constructed around 1130, the chapel is a shrine to Queen Margaret, who was canonized as Saint Margaret of Scotland.
Also, repeating the castle visit is to experience the quirky, one-of-a-kind tradition of the One O’clock Gun, established in 1861. The cannon is fired at 1 pm each day (except Sundays and public holidays) supposedly to aid ships in setting their clocks.
Edinburgh Castle, for instance, holds numerous events year-round, including the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Thousands of visitors fill the castle’s esplanade for the annual event, which features military bands and performers from around the world.
Edinburgh Castle, which guides you through Scotland’s rich history, and the sights and tours at the castle are ideal for history fiends and travelers alike. The exhibitions, guided tours and interactive displays give you a good, detailed idea of the castle’s place in Scotland’s history.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot
Loch Ness
Loch Ness — one of Scotland’s most famous and mysterious natural wonders — is world-famous thanks to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster or “Nessie” as she is affectionately called. This large freshwater loch stretches some 23 miles (37 kilometers) from the north at Inverness to the south at Fort Augustus, and lies in the Scottish Highlands. It is the second-largest Scottish loch in terms of surface area, but the largest by volume, holding more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales put together.
For centuries, visitors have been intrigued by the loch’s deep, dark waters. Nessie was first seen by Irish monk Saint Columba in the 6th century near the river Ness where — according to mythology — a monster was swimming. Since then, countless of sightings have been reported and the mystery is still giving support to tourists and researchers. The legend of Nessie has helped Loch Ness become one of the world’s most popular attractions for both believers and skeptics.
Loch Ness, though, is more than just its legendary monster. The surrounding undulating hills, wooded area and postcard picturesque villages make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. There’s plenty to do — hiking, cycling, birdwatching. The loch is also a popular site to take boat cruises, which offer wide-angle views and glimpses of the loch’s unseen depths.
One of the most notable places along the shores of Loch Ness is Urquhart Castle. This hilltop medieval fortress overlooks the loch and has a long, tumultuous history. It played a notable role in the Wars of Scottish Independence and was a stronghold of the Clan Grant. The ruins of Urquhart Castle remain an idyllic backdrop and a window into Scotland’s medieval past today.
The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in Drumnadrochit offers an overview of loch history, geology and lore. Along the way, the center explores scientific studies of the Nessie phenomenon, and some of the various technologies used to search for the elusive creature.
Loch Ness is more than just a body of water; it’s an emblem of Scotland’s mystery, beauty and history. Whether attracted by the legend or the landscape, it’s a place that makes an impression.
Address: Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63, UK
Website: https://www.visitlochness.com
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle at one end, Holyrood Palace at the other: The Royal Mile, the Old Town’s main artery. This historic stretch, about a mile long, is steeped in Scottish history, culture and charm. One example is Edinburgh Castle, which, in addition to being one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Scotland, offers a taste of the city’s medieval past to visitors.
It is known by several names depending on the section you are on Castlehill, Lawn market, High Street, Canongate, Abbey Strand. The Royal Mile is a bustling, colorful place lined with historic buildings and museums, while shops and restaurants populate all its segments. Visitors can sidle into narrow lanes leading off the main thoroughfare — so-called “close” or “winds” — and uncover tenement-style commons and head-spinning tales from Edinburgh’s past.
Alas, crossing the high street remains open, with a few features along it being exceptional landmarks as well, such as St. Giles’ Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh. A sesquicentennial of how clever our ancestors were at building unique constructs! Inside are stunning stained-glass windows, detailed woodwork and the Thistle Chapel, where the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s order of knights, is based .Miami20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Miami, FL right now
The Royal Mile is lined with museums and sights, including the Real Mary King’s Close, with a fascinating underground walk through preserved 17th-century streets buried beneath the city. Also on the Royal Mile are the Museum of Edinburgh, the People’s Story Museum and the Scottish Storytelling Centre, all of which provide insight into the city’s rich history and culture.
Rich in history and culture, shoppers can find many Scottish goods on the Royal Mile, from tartans and kilts to handmade jewelry and whisky. You can stop by one of the local restaurants, cafes and pubs along the street for some traditional Scottish cuisine, like haggis, shortbread and local ales.
In summer, the Royal Mile teems with street performers, musicians, and artists as part of the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe. All of this makes it an obligatory stop on any touristic map.
Address: Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1, Scotland
Website: https://www.edinburgh.org
The Isle of Skye Scotland
The Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most beautiful & undeniably most famous parts known as “The Misty Isle.” The Isle of Mull, the jewel of the Inner Hebrides, has a lot going for it, from its breathtaking scenery to wild coastlines to intriguing history. Skye is a pilgrimage for nature enthusiasts, photographers and anyone looking to experience the elemental beauty of Scotland’s Highlands and islands.
The island has a diverse landscape: highland mountains, lochs, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. One of the most spectacular hiking mountains in the UK, the rugged Cuillin Hills is home to countless gorges, glens, or nagging views spread over 15 rocky peaks, the sort of awe-filled scenery that can take hours to walk through. Don’t miss, either: the northern end of the island, home to the landslip called the Quiring. Its surreal rock formations have made it a popular destination for photographers and hikers.
One of Skye’s defining features — and one of its most recognizable landmarks — is that of the Old Man of Storr, a giant rock pinnacle that overshadows the landscape and is visible from miles away. The trail is well-known for the stunning walk to Old Man, a popular spot for visitors seeking the incredible beauty of the surrounding countryside. Similarly, not to miss is Fairy Pools — a collection of crystal-clear waterfalls and pools not far from Glen Brittle. The pools are known for their aquamarine and emerald hues, appealing to both swimmers and photographers.
Or why Skye has lots of history and culture too. There are several castles on the island, including Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod. The oldest continually occupied castle in Scotland, the castle dates back more than 800 years and offers tours of its well-maintained interiors and majestic gardens.
Its history is also intimately associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie, who fled there after losing the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Visitors can learn more about the chapter of history at a number of sites around the island, including the Flora MacDonald Monument in Kilmuir.
For wildlife lovers, the Isle of Skye is a little paradise where otters, seals, dolphins and dozens of seabirds can be seen. The island’s remote location and clear skies also make it an excellent spot for some stargazing.
The Isle of Skye is a must-visit destination for anyone on this plank of Scotland, with its stunning scenery, rich history, and warm residents.
Address: Near Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Website: https://www.isleofskye.com
Stirling Castle Scotland
The best–historically important fortress in Scotland, Stirling Castle played an enormous role in the violent history of the country. Set on a volcanic crag overlooking the River Forth, the castle has been both a strategic military stronghold and a beloved home of Scottish royalty for centuries. But it’s one of Scotland’s largest and well-preserved castles, taking visitors on an intriguing tour of medieval Scotland.
The castle dates back at least to the 12th century, though most of the buildings were erected in the 15th through 17th centuries. Notable historical events in the castle’s history include the 1543 coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots; the Wars of Scottish Independence; and the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England, 1707. It played a crucial role in campaigns like the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297) and the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), both key victories for Scotland’s national hero, William Wallace, and King Robert the Bruce.
Dating from the castle’s early years, perhaps its most exceptional touch is the Royal Palace, restored recently and lavishly to its Renaissance glory. Visitors can tour the beautifully restored rooms, furnished with period furniture and tapestries, while learning about the various monarchs who once lived there — including James IV, James V and Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace also showcases ornamental woodworks and vibrant interiors that represent the craftsmanship and tradition of the era.
Another highlight is the Great Hall, one of the largest banqueting halls ever built in Scotland. Complete by 1503, it was used for extravagant meals and official occasions. It is also home to the Chapel Royal, which was built in 1594. for the christening of Prince Henry, James VI’s eldest son. The church’s richly painted interiors and decorative details evoke the glory days of the Stuart monarchy.
Interactive displays and costumed interpreters bring history to life, making it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The views from the castle grounds over the surrounding area are stunning*, and the world-famous Wallace Monument commemorating the life and legacy of William Wallace is just a short drive from Stirling castle itself.
If you’re interested in Scotland’s royal history and medieval heritage, be sure to visit Stirling Castle, which is filled with the most incredible history and have some rather lovely architecture.
Address: Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/en
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral, or St. Mungo’s Cathedral, is one of Scotland’s most significant religious and historic sites. It is a grand display of Gothic medieval architecture, and the oldest cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation. Named for the patron saint and founder of Glasgow, St. Mungo, the cathedral has served as a house of worship for over 800 years.
The cathedral dates to the 6th century, when St. Mungo established a Christian community there. However, the existing structure is from the 12th century, with significant additions made over the centuries. Its gothic architecture features grand pointed arches, ribbed vaults and stained-glass windows.
But one of the cathedral’s most striking features is the crypt, where the tomb of St. Mungo lies. The saint’s burial site has made Glasgow Cathedral a pilgrimage site for centuries. Visitors to the lower church where St. Mungo’s tomb lies can also learn about the life and miracles of the saint, who is believed to have founded the city of Glasgow.
The basilica also has wonderful stained-glass windows, most of which date from the 20th century. The windows depict biblical stories and Scottish saints and infuse the cathedral’s tranquil interior with bright colors. One of the most notable modern stained-glass works is the Millennium Window, which was installed in 1999.
One prominent alcove in Glasgow Cathedral is the Blackadder Aisle, after Bishop Robert Blackadder, who managed significant additions to the building in the late 1400s. The aisle features an ornate vaulted ceiling and detailed stone carvings.
Next to the cathedral is the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery that offers an interesting peek into the past of the city. The cemetery, atop a hill overlooking the cathedral, is the final resting place of numerous significant Glasgow figures and is peppered with elaborate tombs and monuments.
Glasgow Cathedral remains an active place of worship and symbolizes the city’s spiritual heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history, architecture and Scottish culture.
Address: Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0QZ, Scotland
Website: https://www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk
The Cairngorms National Park
which is located in the Scottish Highlands. Established in 2003, the park encompasses five of Scotland’s six highest mountains as well as a variety of scaly peaks, primeval forests, rivers and lochs. It is a playground for lovers of the outside world, offering hiking, mountain biking, skiing and wildlife viewing.
Arguably the biggest attraction within the park, for which it was named, is Cairn Gorm Mountain. The summit, which visitors can hike or ride up via the Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway, offers panoramic views. Nearby natural landmarks include Loch Morlach, known for its beach, and Rothermich’s’ ancient Caledonian Pine Forests.
The Cairngorms has a stunning variety of wildlife, including red deer and ospreys, red squirrels and the critically endangered Scottish wildcat. The park’s wide expanses are also favored for wildlife safaris and guided tours to look for these animals in the wild.
The park is heavy with cultural heritage as well. It includes such landmark sites as Blair Castle and Braemar Castle, and small towns and villages including Aviemore, a popular base for trips into the park.
Adventure or more sedate, the Cairngorms National Park offers a rare insight into Scotland’s nature and heritage.
Address: Cairngorms National Park Authority14 the Square Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HGScotland
Website: https://cairngorms.co.uk
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is a stunningly beautiful place, with dramatic landscapes of imposing mountains, gorges and beautiful loch. With such stunning scenery, this certainly famous stretch of land is closely tied to Scotland’s past of rich folklore, history, and culture, not to mention that it’s a destination in the hopes of adventure and everything viewed as wild.
Landmarks in the Highlands (the top third of mainland Scotland) range from Fort William in the south to the northern tip of the mainland, Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, is one of them and attracts climbers and hikers from around the world. Another major area of interest is the Great Glen, a natural fault line running between Inverness and Fort William, home of the legendary Loch Ness.
The sweeping, spectacular terrain is studded with ancient castles, picturesque villages and historic battle sites, like Culloden, where the Jacobite uprising was crushed in bloody defeat in 1746. Self guided tours lead visitors to such iconic castles like the scenic Eilean Donan Castle and formidable Urquhart Castle while France undergoes its own metamorphosis reminiscent of the Highlands turbulent history.
The Highlands are also renowned for their vibrant culture, featuring traditional Highland games, music and dance. Their lineage is still largely Gaelic and many communities still communicate in the tongue of Gaelic. The region’s lore also abounds with real and mythical beasts, among them the Loch Ness Monster.
There’s hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and wildlife watching as far as the eye can see for outdoor enthusiasts. Highlands Specialist: nature lovers will shine when visiting the Highlands, home to roaming red deer, golden eagles and otters.
Things to do where to stay in the Highlands of Scotland: A journey to the Highlands is a journey into the heart of Scotland — a place where history, culture and nature converge.
Address: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com
Urquhart Castle
On the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands sits the dramatic historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous ruins. This medieval stronghold offers a glimpse into the country’s troubled past, as well as panoramic views of the loch and the countryside beyond. Sited near Drumnadrochit, the castle was established by at least the 13th century and played a major role in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
The castled history is as long and complex as the land out of which it grows, Scottish clans like the MacDonalds and the Grants battling for the land before its final capture by English blood contained in a castle shape. Also built in 1220, Loch Ness was used to control access to the water and proved to be a valuable military position. Urquhart Castle was also at the heart of the changing fortunes in the battle for Scottish independence, before eventually being left in ruins following 17th century shelling.
Today, visitors can tour the castle’s ruins, including its impressive tower house, what’s left of its fortified walls and the ornate Great Hall. Urquhart Castle Visitor Center: An Intriguing Meet What is inside the castle premises is one of the most mesmerizing visitor centers, showing through various interactive exhibitions and displays about the journey of Urquhart Castle and its significance in history.
Its location offers beautiful views across the tranquil waters of Loch Ness, which are approached after a rolling tide of hills and forests. It is a popular spot for tourists in the area, especially those wanting to explore the lore of the Loch Ness Monster.
Urquhart Castle, monument to a past of Scotland, is a legacy to Scottish strength, perseverance and stunning natural beauty.
Address: Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ, Scotland
St. Andrews Golf Course
Burgh of St Andrews, keeper of the Old Course at St Andrews Golf Course, the “Home of Golf,” one of the world’s oldest, and most iconic, golf courses. St. Andrews, on Scotland’s east coast, isn’t merely an iconic site: it is part of the country’s patrimony, going back more than 600 years. Hotly contested as the birthplace of the modern game of golf, the sport was first played here in the 15th century.
The Old Course at St. Andrews is the sport’s most famous and the world’s oldest golf course. The course features wide, windswept fairways, double greens and punishing bunkers, its most famous perhaps being the one named Hell Bunker. Plus, a few of the best tournaments, including the Open Championship, have been held here many times. The 18-hole, 7,300-yard Old Course is a test for players of all levels.
Old Course features one of its hallmarks: natural hazards. The course’s pedestal is the iconic Swilcan Bridge, a slight stone span over the 18th hole, which has become its symbol and is frequently featured in photographs of successful golfers crossing it after their rounds. It is also known for its large, rugged greens, which require a degree of precision and skill to navigate.
The Old Course is not all that St. Andrews has to offer, however; the town has a plethora of other golf links, including the New Course and the Jubilee Course, as if the Old Course was in need of company. The municipality has a storied golfing past — it’s also home to the St. Andrews Golf Club, established in 1842 and among the oldest in the world.
If you’re not into golf, St. Andrews is a lovely town to stroll around with historic buildings, panoramic views of the North Sea and St. Andrews Cathedral, a landmark once known as Scotland’s largest church.
Certainly, the St. Andrews Golf Course is a place of pilgrimage — and rightly so — for it is where golf was invented, and what can be better than a memorable trip infused with a powerful sense of the game’s roots?
Address:
St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Website: https://www.standrews.com
Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh
Holyrood Palace, aka the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is the official residence of the British monarch in what they call Scotland. This stunning palace where the Royal Mile ends in Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most important royal residences. Founded in the 16th century, it has a long history and, in a way, symbolizes the British monarchy’s constant presence in Scotland.
Originally constructed as a monastery in 1128 by King David I, the palace has been a royal residence for centuries and many a monarch has adapted or added to the building over the years. Holyrood Palace has been the home to different Scottish kings and queens, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here for much of her reign in the 16th century.
The palace itself is a stunning example of baroque architecture yet an interesting blend of medieval and Renaissance styles. The grand interiors of the opulent Throne Room, Great Gallery and decorated Dining Room can be seen in the state apartments on ground floor in public areas. The Great Gallery and the Throne Room, where royal ceremonies are held whenever the monarch is in residence, in particular have a fascination with the array of portraits of Scottish kings.
Visitors can also tour the apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, which include her private quarters and, perhaps most notoriously, the chamber where David Rizzio, her secretary, was murdered, in 1566. And this dark moment in history is one chapter in the intricate saga of Mary’s life and reign.
Well-manicured gardens are planted around the palace and from its grounds the swirling shapes of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano looming over Edinburgh, can be seen. The gardens are a pleasant escape from the frenetic city, pleasant strolls or a good place to relax.
Holyrood Palace operates as an active royal residence, and has stood a prominent cultural and historical landmark. The hall is a place for organized ceremonial events as well as a venue for tourists to experience the royal grandeur and glorifying history of the palace.
Address: 38 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, Scotland
Website: https://www.royal.uk/holyroodhouse
The Falkirk Wheel
Where is a good place to learn about the Falkirk issou? It is the only rotating boat lift in the world, and it is a critical link between the Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. Built in 2002, this spectacular structure, was meant to replace another series of lots that had been used for centuries to lift and lower vessels over a vertical of about 35 meters. Between Falkirk, Scotland, it is an interesting mix of high technology and stunning scenery.
It is a giant rotating structure, reaching a height and width of 35 and 50 meters respectively. The mechanism consists of a hydraulically powered, counterweighted lift that lifts and turns a boat from one canal bank to another. The wheel spins in both directions, with each of its two large circular gondolas rotating in opposing directions and each capable of taking on a boat. It’s a sexy sight that shakily dislodges locked old locks, expediting old systems and saving time; it takes an estimated 15 minutes.
The Falkirk Wheel is an engineering marvel and a tourist desination to boot. Visitors can boat along the canals, walk the surrounding nature reserve and learn about the wheel’s history and engineering at the site’s visitor center. The center features interactive exhibits, a cafe and a gift shop, and it is a full-day destination for anyone interested in Scotland’s industrial heritage.
Situated in the beautiful Falkirk countryside, the wheel is also popular for cycling and walking. Nearby is the Antonine Wall — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Falkirk Wheel is an extraordinary and innovative piece of engineering and its invigorating ingenuity has put in place something which now draws people from around the World.
Address:
Falkirk, FK1 4RS, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle
Perched on a small island at the convergence of three lochs — Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh — Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most photographed and recognizable landmarks. This 13th-century castle is known for its dramatic setting in the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Dornie. It is considered an emblem of the Scottish culture and one of the top tourist attractions in the country.
It was originally built in the 13th century to defend the region against Viking raids. Strategically positioned on an island to command the entrance to Loch Duich and nearby waters. Eilean Donan grew and changed, century after century, though much was destroyed during a Jacobite rebellion in 1719. The ruins of the castle remained until about the 20th century, when the clan MacRae, the descendants of Castle, also restored the castle.
Today, visitors can tour the castle’s opulent rooms, including the Great Hall, which showcases artifacts from the castle’s tale, and the Clan MacRae exhibition space, which details the family’s history as an association with the castle. The castle hosts also exhibitions on the Jacobite uprisings and on the history of the Scottish Highlands.
A stunning aspect of the castle is its scenic setting on the island. With mountains and water as a backdrop, it makes for lovely photo ops, particularly when the tide is high and the castle appears to be floating off the water. The approach to the castle is via a lovely stone bridge, which only enhances its fairy-tale quality.
Eilean Donan Castle has been featured in various films and TV series including “Highlander,” which made it famous internationally. So if you are a bit of a history nut, or just want to behold one of the best places in Scotland, then Eilean Donan Castle is a truly stunning sight.
Address: Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, Scotland
Website: https://www.eileandonancastle.com
Glencoe Highlands
Glencoe Highlands: November 28, 2022, Glencoe Highlands Glencoe Highlands is a beautiful remote location in the Scottish Highlands with stunning scenery. Glencoe — Located in the remote Scottish Highlands, Glencoe is a stunning valley formed by ancient volcanic activity, bordered by gorgeous mountains, steep-sided gorges, and peaceful lochs. One of its most famous mountains is the shapely peak of Bua Chaille Etie Mòr, which commands the entrance to the glen. It sits in Lochaber area of Highland Council. Its raw beauty is a banquet for hikers, photographic haunters, climbers, and anyone with a love of nature and a dread rushing awareness of the sublime.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Glencoe is the site of a lot of history. This glen was the terrible site of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692, the betrayal of the Clan Campbell towards the Clan MacDonald whereby 38 members of the MacDonald clan were slaughtered and their houses set ablaze. Today, there is a visitor center at the site, commemorating the event, as well as chronicling the glen’s history and its inhabitants.
Glencoe also falls within the broader Lochaber region, a well-loved spot for visiting Scotland’s western Highlands that provides a variety of outdoor options, including hiking, skiing and wildlife watching. Transport linksDirectly on the A82 road that runs through the valley and connects to other iconic Highland attractions.
If you plan to visit, Glencoe has guesthouses, hotels and self-catering cottages, so it’s a shared space for day-trippers and those keen to spend more time getting to know Scotland’s wilderness.
Location: Glencoe, Ballachulish, Highland, Scotland, PH49 4HX
Website: www.visitfortwilliam.co.uk/glencoe