Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and has an unbelievable back story with its splendid historical castles, abbeys, neolithic structures and ruins. We boast of having the highest mountains in Great Britain including 282 Munros while having the largest, deepest and longest lochs in the UK, saying that we do have 31,460 lochs to choose from.
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Now, not that we are trying to top that stat but Scotland also has a staggering 900 islands scattered along our 10,250miles (including islands) of rugged coast creating our unbelievable water ways, vistas and amazing places to explorer.
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“the smARt explorer” will hopefully give you a fun, comprehensive overview of everything to help you when travelling around Scotland as well as guide you to all our wonderful hidden gems and must experience activities Scotland has to offer.
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Useful Info
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"It's good to have a bit of knowledge"
.....✔ Population of 5.4million
.....✔ 7 cities - Capital is Edinburgh
.....✔ We drive on the left
.....✔ Drinking age 18
.....✔ We speak English, Scots & Gaelic
.....✔ Tap water is safe to drink
.....✔ Emergency Number 999
.....✔ International dailing code +44
.....✔ Currency - Pound Sterling
.....✔ You don't need a vaccination
.....✔ Average Temp. summer 12 - 20, Winter 0 - 6
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Bucket List
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"There is so much to do here"
The trouble with Scotland is, it unmistakably has it all, from diving with basking sharks in the Inner Hebrides to riding on the Harry Potter train across the wonderful Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Due to the amazing amount of MUST DO activities and adventures we have tried to make things a little simpler for you by creating a collection of our favourites.
There is always something exciting and incredible to explore while out and about in Scotland.
My advice!!!
Get out there and experience as much as possible.....
.. The Loch Ness Monster is a worldwide legend and are you going to finally be the one that has proof and real evidence that this mythical creature is actually real. The story of Nessie has been going since its first sighting back in 1933. If you don't get a glimpse of nessie you certainly won't be disappointed by the beautiful scenery of Loch Ness.
When travelling around Scotland you will be greeted with such warmth and hospitallity and more than likely offered a "Wee Tipple". Scotland boasts over 120 active whisky distilleries which are split into 5 regions. There is actually only 3 basic ingredients needed - water, barley and yeast. Its the water from different parts of Scotland and how it is matured in the oak casks that make each distinctive taste. Hit the button above a take one of the whisky tours.
.. If you are going to take a train journey then why not do it in style. The Jacobite Steam Train runs from Fort William and travels west to the small coastal town of Mallaig. The train passes the most impressive sights from Ben Nevis (the tallest mountain in Britain) to Loch Nevis (the deepest sea loch in Europe) and most exciting is you will travel across the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous worldwide by the Harry Potter Films.
.. The Steamship Sir Walter Scott takes you on an unbelievable cruise along one of the most amazing scenic places on the planet, Loch Katrine, while set against the backtrop of The Trossachs. This amazing Victorian steamship has been touring up through loch Katrine for 120years now and it a tour you will never forget.
There are over 60 highland Games events which take place across the whole of Scotland annually during the summer months. Here you will be able to see the Scottish traditions of bigpipes, Highland Dancing and the traditional highland competitions of tossing the caber. These traditional games are a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture through competition, music and dance, where you will be guaranteed one of the best days of the summer.
The Edinburgh fringe is the worlds largest art festival and it absolutely brings Edinburgh alive and creates the most amazing atmosphere and excitement all across Edinburgh. It has something for everyone with over 3,500 shows across 300+ venues, going to Edinburgh in August is a must.
.. The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is the third largest whirlpool in the world, this happens in an area called The Gulf of Corryvreckan between the islands of Jura and Scarba where the strong tidal currents around the islands causes this phenomenon. The best time to witness the Corryvreckan at its best is during a Spring Tide when the tidal range is at its greatest due to the moons gravitational pull. If you are looking for excitement along the most dangerous stretches of water then this adrenaline rush is definitely for you.
Eilean Donan Castle spectacularly set in the Western Highlands of Scotland is one of the most recognisable castles and you will have definitely seen it before on TV, a film, book or magazine, but nothing can prepare you for the unbelievable sight of this historic 1400year old castle out on its own island protruding into the sea Lochs of Loch Alsh, Loch Long and Loch Duich, even if you are not in the area it is defintely worth the trip to see this magnicicient castle and the beautiful surrounding area.
The West Highland Way travels north west from Milngavie to Fort William and takes in 96miles of the most impressive scenery you are ever likely to have the privilege of seeing. From the highest dramatic mountains to the panoramic views across the Scottish lochs this is one of the most popular walks in Scotland. Walking 16miles a day the average person normally gives themselves 6-7 days to do the full walk. If you have the time it is well worth the trek.
.. If you are only able to go and see one show while you are Visiting Scotland, the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the one you should aim for. For 3 weeks every year this spectacular show impresses over 200,000 visitors live and an unbelievable TV audience of 100million showcasing musicians, singers and dancers from all across the world. With this spectacular show taking place at Edinburgh Castle this is a show of a lifetime.
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Famous Buildings
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"Spectacular must visit architecture"
....our beautiful countryside is full of wonderful and interesting designs which has shaped and carved out our history, we have put together a selection of our favourite 10 sites and to find out more please tap on the images shown below.
The forth Rail Bridge is a cantilever bridge crossing the Firth of Forth just west of Edinburgh It was constructed in 1882 and at a massive cost of £130million had a refurbishment make-over in 2011, it is also one of the worlds UNESCO world heritage sites.
.. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous castles in the world and when you see it sitting high up on an existing volcano dominating the City of Edinburgh's skyline you can see why. The castle has some of the most amazing exibits, one being Mon's Meg a canon over 570 years old and it still gets fired. The first documentation referencing Edinburgh castle was during an account of the death of King Malcolm III as early as 1093. With over 900 years of amazing stories this is one incredible Palace you need to go and spend the day.
.. Stirling Castle sits defensively on top of a crag dominating the Stirling skyline. Stirling Castle is one of the largest castle in Scotland and also one of the most important. Built in the early 12th century the castle has been through many sieges from many extremely infamous historical figures. The last of the attacks on the castle was in 1746 by Bonnie Price Charlie but he was unsuccessful at taking over the castle. The castle boasts the first Renaissance palace in Britain completed in the late 1540's by King James V.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a monumental railway bridge in the Highlands of Scotland. The bridge is made of 21 huge semicircular concrete spans, with each span 50 feet long the Glenfinnan Viaduct is the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland. It was opened in 1901 and took4 years to build. The most famous story about the viaduct is that it was made the most famous bridge in the world due to JK Rowling and the Harry Potter Films. If you would like to go on the Jacobite Steam Train and view all the wonderful sights of the Highland countryside, it leaves from Fort William Station and travels to Mallaig on a daily basis
The Caledonian Canal almost cuts Scotland in two and connects the east coast at Inverness with the west at Fort William. The canal was completed in 1822 and is made up of a 22miles man-made canal and 38miles made up of Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and the most famous of all Loch Ness. It takes an average of 3 days to cruise the entire length of the canal and you have to navigate through 20+ locks and cross 6 bridges, which are to this day still worked by lock keepers. The canal travels along one of Scotlands ancient fault lines and passes through some of the most picturesque highland villages and dramatic scenery finishing off at Neptunes Staircase, The longest staircase lock system in Britain made up of 8 locks stepping down 64feet.
.. The Falkirk wheel is an incredible feat of engineering and the first of its kind. The wheel is a rotating boat lift connecting The forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. At first you would be thinking what is so great about this, well believe it or not there is a 35m height difference between the 2 canals. Using the water to balance the wheel it can do a full roatation and carry a boat up to the next left for the same energy as switching on a light bulb, incredibly the wheel can carry up to 4 boats at a time.
.. Caerlaverock Castle is a unique double moated three sided Castle that was built away back in the 13th century. The history of the castle is a long and very interesting one, the castle itself shows many of its wounds throughout the ages. If you are down in the Dumfries & Galloway area this is one of Scotlands castle you must visit.
.. Melrose Abbey down in the Scottish Borders was the final resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce in 1329. This amazing abbey has been standing since 1136 and was Scotland's first Cistercian Monastery. The abbey is just as famous for its amazing architecure as it is for its occupants and it is the only Scottish abbey still to retain some of the original floor tiles. An incrediblie 884 year old building with many architectural styles that must be explored.
The Scott Monument proudly towers above Edinburgh's Princes Gardens. Standing some 200ft tall this striking Gothic monument to the famous writer Sir Walter Scott took 6 years to build and was finally opened back in 1846. It is certainly one of the best buildings to get a unique view of the city of Edinburgh but its not for the light hearted with 287 steep stone steps to climb to the top.
.. The Wallace Monument in Stirling is a magnificent stone structure built to commemorate Sir William Wallace, a famous Scottish hero from the 13th Century. The monument was started in 1861 and it was finally finished 8 years later in 1869. The tower stand 220ft tall and overlooks the city of Stirling. William Wallaces famous sword is on show in all its pride and glory which would have been once carried around Scotland back in the late 1200's.
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Stunning Tourist Routes
"The experiences of a lifetime"
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There are 12 recognised National Tourist Routes covering the length and breadth of Scotland, as well as 3 mega tours which many people like to travel: the North Coast 500, the South West Coastal 300 and the North East 250 and now the new SnowRoad which takes you on a magical trip through The Cairngorms National Park. These beautiful scenic routes are designed to guide visitors to some of Scotlands interesting attractions.
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The routes are well designed and provide a clever alternative to using typical trunk roads and motorways, focusing on historical, cultural and scenic areas for tourists to find and explore.
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With over 2,200 miles of routes criss crossing across Scotland there is always something for everyone. From the magnificant Mountains of the Highlands, the rolling hills of the Borders or the dymanic coastal roads of the west you will joyfully create the experiences of a lifetime.
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As many people can't always get to see or experience some of Scotlands favourite attractions, we thought it would be quite nice to search the internet and bring some of the best video's of Scotlands favourite attractions to you.
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We hope this will spark your imagination and take you on a fantastic virtual tour of the landscapes, seascapes and popular attractions of Scotland.
