If you’ve been wondering for a long time whether you’d like to go on holiday to Scotland, then this article will definitely help you…
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Intro
I have been to Scotland four times so far: alone on my motorbike, then with my wife by plane and hire car, then with my wife and our own car, and now again with my wife and our dog in a motorhome.
In total, I have spent about seven weeks in Scotland so far. I have already seen a lot of the country and there may be one or two more trips in the future.
Whether I like Scotland – I’ve probably already answered that: yes!!!
Is Scotland a travel destination for everyone? No.
I believe there are two main groups of travellers: those who travel north and those who travel south.
Both are looking for different things, which are reflected in the weather and temperatures, but also in their travel priorities and attitude to life.
We also travel south sometimes – but in winter, when it’s not so hot. Otherwise, we see ourselves more as northern travellers.
And at this point, you can already start to think about whether you can imagine enjoying a holiday in the north.
If not, then Scotland is not the place for you and you can stop reading this article now. If so, then I have 9 good reasons why you might like Scotland as much as we do:
Reason No. 1: The temperatures in summer are pleasant
This may surprise you, but Scotland actually has a mild climate, as it is strongly influenced by the westerly winds from the Atlantic.
Yes, there is snow on the mountains in winter, but during the summer months, pleasant temperatures of 15-25 degrees Celsius are the norm.
Not too hot and not too cold for travelling – very pleasant if you want to go hiking, strolling or sightseeing.
In the west, it can rain from time to time, even in summer. The east gets only half as much rainfall. But even if it drizzles, it hardly matters because it’s not cold.
With a thin, waterproof jacket, you’ll be well prepared and can even enjoy a walk on the beach in the drizzle!
Reason No. 2: The mountains of the Highlands are incredibly beautiful
The Glencoe Valley is an absolute favourite of mine, but by no means the only beautiful mountain landscape in the Highlands. The mountains of the Highlands often appear barren, empty, forbidding and wild. But also sooo impressive!
High peaks, wide valleys, rugged slopes with rocky peaks, shrouded in clouds. Unapproachable, unyielding and uncompromising.
No, they are not always cosy or inviting – but always very impressive.
Reason No. 3: Scotland has many beautiful and wild coastlines
The Mull of Galloway, the north coast north of Inverness, the beaches of the north-east, or the wild coasts in the west of Scotland: Scotland has many wild and wildly romantic coasts to offer.
The water in the north is crystal clear and turquoise, and the beaches are almost white. If it weren’t for the strong wind and high surf (and the drizzle), you could believe you were in the Caribbean.
But here you will find lighthouses and castles overlooking the foaming sea from the edge of high cliffs and thousands of seabirds nesting on the high rocks.
Reason No. 4: The islands off the coast of Scotland are magnificent
The Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands are particularly remote places where few people brave the storms and tides.
We haven’t been to the Outer Hebrides yet, but I know the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Mull, and both are breathtakingly beautiful!
Do you like island hopping? Then Scotland is the place for you!
Reason No. 5: Scotland has some really great cities
Edinburgh – oh my God, what a great city! But Stirling is also fantastic, as are Inverness, Braemar and Ballater, and then there are lots of other great small towns and coastal resorts in Scotland.
Basically, most towns in the north of Scotland are medium-sized or smaller. The larger cities are mainly located in the ‘affluent belt’, i.e. in the centre of Scotland.
On this blog, you will find several articles about beautiful towns in Scotland, where you can get some inspiration.
Reason No. 6: The Scots are pleasant hosts
We found our interactions with Scots during our travels to be very pleasant: helpful and friendly, but not intrusive. They leave you alone as a tourist, but if you have a question, they will help you.
Scotland is also a very safe country to travel to, and you can move around and stay there without any worries.
The fact that Scotland is a tourist destination but not overwhelmed by mass tourism certainly plays a role in this. I very much hope that tourists to Scotland will also behave respectfully so that there are no anti-tourist demonstrations at some point, as is already the case in Spain and other countries.
Reason No. 7: Scotland has a rich and exciting culture
Who hasn’t seen at least one of these films or series: Braveheart, Highlander, Rob Roy, Mary Queen of Scots, Outlaw King or Outlander?
To this day, we associate Scotland with the myth of the strong, wild and freedom-loving Highlander. The films are set in epic landscapes and massive castles, and the people are fearless and upright.
Things aren’t quite like that in the Highlands today, but there are still mystical stone circles, angular castles and beautiful palaces – all set in epic landscapes!
Reason No. 8: Scotland is easy to reach
There are many flights from Germany, Europe and overseas that land in Edinburgh or Glasgow. If you have the choice, Edinburgh is the more beautiful city. But Glasgow is also a good starting point for your tour of Scotland.
Car hire is available in both cities, and motorhomes and motorbikes are also easy to find there.
If you want to travel to Scotland from the continent in your own vehicle, that’s no problem either. However, you will have to travel via England. There are ferries from Holland to Hull, or you can take one of the ferries or tunnels from Calais.
Travelling with your own vehicle is more time-consuming and is more worthwhile for a longer holiday. If you only have a few days or a week, I would recommend flying and renting a car.
Reason No. 9: Scotland is clean, tidy and well organised
We were really impressed by how well organised the Scots are. We didn’t encounter any chaos, and most places, even small towns, are clean, tidy and welcoming. We know other countries where things are more chaotic, but not Scotland. They’ve got it right!
What is better – Ireland or Scotland?
When we were still running our motorbike rental business for travellers to Ireland (in Ireland), I was asked this question quite often, because some people had seen Scotland but not Ireland, or vice versa.
Or they hadn’t seen either and wondered which would be more worthwhile.
My standard answer at the time was: go to Scotland if the mountains are more important to you (Highlands) and go to Ireland if the coast is more important to you (Wild Atlantic Way).
There are also beautiful mountains in Ireland, for example in Connemara or Mayo, but the Scottish Highlands are more impressive.
And Scotland also has many great coastal areas with wild cliffs and wide sandy beaches, but the west coast of Ireland has even more of these and they are even more impressive.
But what I would always say is: if you liked Scotland, then you will also like Ireland and vice versa. Because there are some differences, but also many similarities.
And now we come full circle and say: if you are an enthusiastic northern traveller, then travel to Scotland and Ireland.
Conclusion
Scotland can be wet and cold if you visit during the winter months. And it can also get a little wet during the summer months. But at least you’ll have pleasant temperatures.
Once we’ve got that out of the way, you can enjoy Scotland without a care in the world:
the exciting culture, the mighty Highlands, the beautiful rocky coastlines and wide sandy beaches, the lovely towns and cities, the good food and the friendly – but not intrusive – people.
Scotland is exciting, beautiful, inspiring, breathtaking, relaxing, natural and interesting. In Scotland, you can do a lot – and relax a lot. Scotland offers great cities – and great nature.
Scotland is simply cool!
More interesting articles for you
WHY STIRLING KEEPS DRAWING US BACK
NORTH OF INVERNESS…
MAGICAL GLENCOE VALLEY
Featured image reference: Sunset at Ellenabeich Harbour with Isle of Mull in the background (photo by Ulrich Knüppel-Gertberg)
