5 Best Places to Visit In Scotland

Scotland is not that big, but there is so much to see... I don’t claim to have seen, far from it actually. I still have so much to visit, this article is only my top 5 places I’ve visited in Scotland and where you MUST go !

1. Glencoe, Highlands

Because it is an emblematic passage of the Highlands, because each time my breath is cut when I cross the valley. Indeed, nowhere else is the traveller so abruptly confronted with the severity of the mountains of Scotland. The road bends under the imposing mass of these impressive peaks, sometimes dark and misleading, sometimes clear and seductive. In summer, the region is a favourite spot for hikers and climbers. In winter, it is one of the main ski centres. This is one of the most beautiful places I've visited in Scotland, and for those who have already felt like they've seen this place, a legendary scene from the famous Skyfall was shot in Glencoe !

Glencoe, Highlands

2. Conic Hill (Balmaha), Loch Lomond

The climb of Conic Hill is a very nice walk, especially if the weather is nice ! You can climb to the top of Conic Hill and go back down in 2 hours (widely and counting the photo breaks!). The ride starts in Balmaha (from Balloch, take the bus 309 direction Balmaha from the bus station – half-hour bus and something like £5 round trip ...), at the end of the Visitor's car park National Park Center. At the first intersection of the road, take on your left then continue to the top!

Once at the top, the landscape is just breath-taking (if the weather is not too bad), I leave you one picture to give you an idea of the place.

Conic Hill, Loch Lomond

3. Cove Harbour, Cockburnspath

Not far from Cockburnspath, and even closer to the A1, is one of the most beautiful places I've seen in Scotland. Indeed, my brother and I were travelling to Newcastle Upon Tyne, but after 1:30 driving, we needed a little break. We then headed for the nearest car park. What a wonderful idea we had, since we came across a BEAUTIFUL beach, a decor like postcards, with the small tree trunk allowing you to sit and contemplate the landscape. A place that makes you forget all your problems and allow you to take a step back.

Cove Harbour, Cockburnspath

4. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland is a historic city, each house has its history (and in general its ghost), many personalities have paced its cobblestones and mysteries are hidden at the end of each "close". Edinburgh is a royal city where there are two great castles. The oldest castle (and the most visible, perched on its hill) and Holyrood Palace, the "modern" (16th century still huh), which is still the official district of the Queen. New town is full of chic boutiques, cafes and pubs. Museums are legion and for nature lovers, Arthurs Seat offers a nice walk and a spectacular panorama of the city. In short, it’s a must-see destination to visit in Scotland!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh is bordered by the North Sea, and there are many beaches. Cramond Beach, is a very nice place for a walk, a moment to relax, feed the seagulls and why not eat an ice cream. If you are lucky (which was not my case), you will be able to cross the long road to Cramond Island, however it depends on the state of the tide that can cover the passage you to check the tide tables here. I strongly advise you to go for a little tour. Note that dogs are forbidden on the beach during the summer months.

Cramond Beach, Edinburgh

5. Glasgow

Glasgow, my favorite city, the largest city in Scotland, and the-third largest city in the United Kingdom. Indeed, Glasgow was once the largest port of Britain's major center for shipbuilding and trade with North America. Glasgow is a very good place to visit, where you can immerse yourself in friendship, art and music - there are on average about 130 musical events on average per week ! Glasgow is also historic medieval buildings such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the old Antonine Wall, a shopaholic’s paradise with more than 1,500 stores to tempt your pocketbook !