Overview to Scotland: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Scotland Information
- Events in Scotland
- Things to do in Scotland
- Where to stay in Scotland
- Scotland street map
Every year in August, the world turns its attention towards Scotland. The Edinburgh Festival is undoubtedly one of the biggest cultural events going but in the clamor, Scotland’s other cities, Glasgow - with it’s slightly more down-at-heel charms - Inverness and Aberdeen all get slightly neglected.
Leaving the rolling green hills and vibrant cities of the lowlands behind, another altogether different landscape stretches ahead. And up here, to the untamed Highlands of Scotland, even fewer backpackers venture.
The eerie valley of Glencoe, the silent waters of Loch Ness and the ruins of lonely crofts scattered about the moors all possess a genuine soulfulness. And this barren scenery is also dotted with hill forts, stone circles, impressive castles and grand stately homes.
Naturally, the Highlands are a magnet for walkers, climbers and outdoors enthusiasts: Ben Nevis stands out as the highest mountain in the British Isles. There’s also a range of skiing and winter sports available at Aviemore, in the Cairngorms.
The (famously wet) West Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline to be found in Britain. From here boats for Skye, the Hebrides and the Western Isles of Lewis and Harris ferry the traveler to another world of tranquility and solitude.
At the very northernmost point of the British Isles, John O’Groats is surrounded by miles of spectacular rugged coastlines. Further along, gorgeous - and practically deserted - beaches lead on to windswept sand dunes.
Marooned on the margins of the British Isles are the Shetland and Orkney Islands where the Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae stares out into the North Sea. And it’s here that the solemn, lonely beauty of the rest of the country reaches its heart-stopping peak.
