Oh Scotland. *sigh*.

A place of magic, mystery, and rugged landscapes that captivates the imagination.

Scotland – particularly the Highlands – has been on my travel bucket list for a few years, and rose to the top after my visit to Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. I wanted to experience the lush green hills, the outcroppings of rock, the waterfalls/streams/rivers, and, of course, the sheep-dotted landscape.

My own experience spending six days in the Highlands along with the stories I heard from other travelers has encouraged me to compile a quick-tip list of four ways to see the Scottish Highlands.

Here we go.

#1 – Take an Organized Bus Tour

Although I didn’t choose this particular approach, I’ve heard that it’s quite popular to do a 2- or 3- day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh up to the delightfully wild places north of these two main cities. One individual I met also mentioned that a quick daytrip is also doable.

Simply driving (or riding) along the well-marked roads is spectacular. Yes, the weather is often overcast and foggy, but this often adds to the overall ambiance. When the clouds do clear away, you can get some magnificent views at the many overlooks.

#2 – Rent a Car and Drive

Although I see the value of doing a tour bus, I personally prefer to have the freedom to go wherever and whenever I like. Driving on the left hand side of the road was an adventure all on its own!

I put about 650 miles on my little rental Toyota and visited countless lochs (lakes), waterfalls, quaint Scottish towns, and peaks.

 

#3 – Lodge in a B&B

Isle of Skye is one of the coolest places I’ve been. Pouring over Google images before my trip, I was convinced that I needed to explore this island and its myriad of villages (all of ended up being truly authentic, lacking the tourist vibe that is oh-so-common when abroad).

I stayed in the upper level of a home built in the 1400s. It was the traditional “black house” with exposed stone and a double chimney system. The town itself boasted only two restaurants, one being the standard pub with a small but delicious menu, and the other a cute café that specialized in sandwiches. I tried haggis (sheep lung/heart/intestines mixed with oatmeal and fat) which tasted surprisingly like meatloaf.

#4 – Enjoy the “Right to Roam”

Scotland has this amazing tradition which became updated into a modern law: universal access to Scottish land. This means that anyone (myself included) can use the land for recreational or educational purposes even if it is privately-owned. This is such a foreign concept to Americans, who adore our “private property”, and, heaven forbid, someone goes hiking across it.

The Right to Roam Act has created a culture and community in the Highlands that values spending time outside and making it easy to do so. In true Park Pilgrim fashion, I trekked oodles of miles through the Highlands: along coasts, around lochs, across mountains, and even through flowering fields. It was phenomenal, and, by far, the best part of being in Scotland.

My favorite hike was The Brother’s Point which was entirely on a farmer’s land. He had a little sign reminding us to stay safe (adorable!) The sheep were curious but shy, often leaving me to myself as I took my time meandering up to the rocky outcropping.

So there you have it: four ways to visit to see the Highlands and experience the great beauty of Scotland’s natural environment. I’m convinced that, regardless of your travel itinerary, you’ll get to enjoy the phenomenal landscape and the incredible culture.

Enjoy.