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Travel Guide to Scotland: Things to know before visiting Scotland.

West Highland Line

Scottish Heritage and History Travel Guide

Scotland is a country with a lot of history behind it. If you’re going to really explore what the country has to offer during your trip there, then looking for those historical insights is paramount. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of opportunities to find them.

Edinburgh Old Town Underground

If you’re in the capital, and you have an interest in its history, then a trip to Old Town is more or less obligatory. You’ll get a chance to explore the Royal Mile, and the space beneath it, and chart more than four centuries of incredible and fascinating history. The best way to see this part of the city, naturally, is with the help of a walking tour run by a local historian.

You can easily reach this part of town via Edinburgh Waverley station, which boasts excellent rail links with the rest of the country.

Whisky tours

Scottish history is pretty much inseparable from the history of whisky. When you consider the terrain, and the availability of super-fresh water, malt and peat, it’s easy to see that this is a product that couldn’t have come to be anywhere else.

Depending on your taste in Scotch, you might prefer to visit distilleries in Speyside, on Islay, or just about anywhere in between. This product is the most famous and important Scottish exports, and by visiting the distilleries themselves, you’ll get a chance to learn what distinguishes the various kinds of whisky, and how they each came to be. 

Naturally, it’s better to rely on a taxi if you’re going to be visiting the distilleries – or to share driving duties with a few friends.

Highlands and Lochs 

If you’d like to get to grips with the landscape of the country, then a stroll through the Highlands, and along the banks of the famous Lochs, is sure to be tremendously rewarding. Many of these bodies of water, as well as being beautiful, were also strategically significant. As such, you’ll find many castles dotting the countryside, which you’ll be able to see with the help of an appropriate tour.

Tours of the Scottish Isles

Restrict yourself to the mainland, and you’re missing out on much of what makes Scotland the way it is today. In fact, many of the more remote islands offer a glimpse into the more distant past, untouched as they are. Skye, Staffa, Iona and the aforementioned Islay all have plenty to offer. If you want to go a little further, you might also venture up to Orkney. Book the right tour, and you can pack all of these destinations into a single unforgettable trip.

A Few Tips for travellers to Scotland

Avoid travelling on public holidays. There are also a lot of people on holiday so expect overcrowded restaurants and hotels. If you love nature, the best time to visit Scotland is during the summer months. 

Autumn is also beautiful, but it is a little too rainy for hiking. Winter in Scotland is also a good time to visit, but it is a little too cold for hiking. Winter can be a good time to visit Scotland if you love to visit museums. 

Arguably, if you have no idea where to start, begin with caravan holidays in Scotland

If you are visiting Scotland for the first time, it is also a good idea to visit other parts of Britain first. This way, you will get a better understanding of the history and culture of the country. Once you are done with this, you will know exactly what you are getting into when visiting Scotland.

Scottish Cuisine You Must Taste Before You Die

Scotland is a country rich in culinary delights. From traditional Scottish dishes like haggis to a variety of seafood dishes, Scotland is a food lover’s delight. 

You must try Scottish salmon, Scottish chips, and hakarl while in Scotland. Apart from this, you can also try out a variety of other Scottish dishes like haggis, neaps, and oatcakes. 

Scottish oatcakes are a favourite Scottish snack. They are made from crushed oats that are mixed with butter and honey. They are served as a tea-time snack or as a side dish with a meal.

Conclusion

There are a myriad of activities to do in Scotland that will convince you that this country merits more than one visit. 

So, make a bucket list, travel with people you love, and enjoy all you can.