6 Places You Must Visit in Rural Scotland
Scotland’s bustling capital city and a hotbed of world-admired art, history, and culture, Edinburgh, attracts vast numbers of tourists from across the globe every single year without fail. Tourists from America, China, and Australia, who’ve dreamed of a city break in London, are often eager to find a way to incorporate the Scottish capital into their trip.
But in recent years, rural Scotland has experienced an influx of tourism, too. Perhaps it’s a global trend, whereby those seeking trips abroad are doing so to reconnect with nature, slow down, and be truly present, rather than being met by the noise, crowds, and chaos that major cities tend to bring.
When looking to holiday in a remote Scottish area, it can be difficult to know where exactly to stay to ensure you’ll be exposed to some of the British nation’s most stunning scenery while feeling comfortable and safe. Despite growing numbers of tourists opting for trips in Scotland’s more remote landscapes, most travel guides are still typically filled with information on how to spend time in the major cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
So, we’re here to deliver you six of the best places to visit in rural Scotland. Let’s begin:
Take a Wellness Trip to Dumfries & Galloway
We all have different motivating factors for taking some time away, but if you need a mental and physical reset, spending your holiday period in the remote Dumfries & Galloway is just the place to ensure you return feeling replenished. The area has an abundance of long forest hike trails, mountain bike routes, and wooden saunas with the backdrop of remote Scotland’s beautiful landscape.
Combine a Remote Escape with City Hopping
The extent to which we want to immerse ourselves in nature and the time we’re comfortable spending in isolation from wider society is variable. By booking a cottage in Newcastleton, a remote area on the Scottish border with distinguished wildlife and castles, you’ll feel the tranquillity of the countryside while being no less than a 90-minute drive from major cities, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle, if you want to take a day trip.
If you’re planning a road trip around Scotland or intend to visit multiple sites on your holiday, you need to ensure you have the appropriate transport for maximum comfort. You can find luxury motorhomes to hire at ariescape.co.uk and have the freedom to discover the heart of Scotland on your terms.
Enjoy the Stunning Scenery of Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar is one of Europe’s most celebrated castles and with good reason, too. The medieval fortress, built in approximately 1,500 AD and inhabited until 1718, stands impressively on the cliff edge in the North East of Scotland facing the North Sea. The castle, whose intricate design is still visible today, is an atmospheric visual representation of Scotland’s early history.
Experience the Unique Sand of North Uist
The white sand isn’t synonymous with Britain’s beaches, but the unique landscape of The Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands on North Uist might just be an exception. North Uist feels largely untouched by the modern world and large-scale industrialization, nature is booming, the sunsets are perfect, and tourists have a hard time forcing themselves to depart this lesser-known Scottish island.
Test Your Fishing Skills in Ullapool
Fishing is known for having calming effects on the mind and body and might be just what you need to enjoy a relaxing time in rural Scotland. While there are several fishing hotspots in Scotland, our favorite is the charming village of Ullapool. The 1,500-strong population sits 45 miles northwest of Inverness and has stunning views of the highlands. Despite its modest population, Ullapool is the largest settlement for miles and has a tight-knit community and strong local culture. With pubs, restaurants, and shops in the town center, Ullapool is a unique place to spend a few days.
Awe at Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa
This natural formation of eroded rock is one of the most impressive sights in Britain. We’re surprised this hidden gem, used as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, doesn’t appear on the front page of most tourist guides. The sea cave and its bizarre yet awe-inspiring appearance is only accessible by boat, but once tourists arrive at the cave there are options to explore by foot, or even by swimming.
While this isn’t the most accessible location on the list, it’s well worth a visit to the uninhibited island that’s bewildered Scotsmen for centuries.