Our group embarked on a journey from the vicinity of Oykel Bridge and spent the night at Choire Mhoir and Magoo’s bothies, which are connected facilities of the Mountain Bothies Association and a non-MBA bothy, both available for free in the northern Highlands. As dawn broke, we stepped outside to find a mist lingering between the mountains leading to the peak of Seana Bhràigh, with the loch below, Loch a’ Choire Mhóir. The rising sun gradually dispersed the fog, creating a stunning fogbow that arched over the loch and the bothies.
We took our bicycles on the ferry from Scrabster on the mainland to Orkney, which offered spectacular views, including the iconic Old Man of Hoy. Once on the island, we explored some of Europe’s most remarkable neolithic sites, starting in Stromness and heading north to Skara Brae, then looping back to Kirkwall while making a stop at the amusingly named Twatt. The following day was dedicated to discovering the impressive Ring of Brodgar and the nearby standing stones of Stenness, all set against the breathtaking backdrop where Lochs Harray and Stenness converge. The dramatic landscape certainly reflected the artistic sensibility of its ancient builders. We concluded our visit with a tour of the Maeshowe burial chamber before boarding the ferry back to the mainland.
A reader shared her experience from a child-free week last summer, when she chose to explore the Outer Hebrides. Her adventure kicked off with a ferry ride from Ullapool to Stornoway, where she was fortunate enough to see minke whales and playful dolphins. She stayed in a cozy shepherd’s hut offered by Wigwam Holidays on a croft in Harris, adorned with the colors reminiscent of a Hebridean sky, complete with rich tweed drapes and a wood-burning stove. During her stay, Storm Floris swept through, but it didn’t deter her from enjoying invigorating beach walks, where she encountered otters, sea eagles, and grey seals, allowing her a tranquil space for writing poetry and daydreaming. She noted the difficulty in readjusting to everyday life after such a complete escape.
Another traveler recounted a memorable campervan journey along Scotland’s west coast, where they found charm in the quieter locations. They particularly admired Kinlochewe, a picturesque village in Wester Ross, where they ascended the 981-meter peak of Slioch, which offered breathtaking views over Loch Maree after a bit of scrambling. Their travels led them to Gairloch, where they enjoyed expansive beaches and views stretching towards Skye and the Outer Hebrides. A highlight of their trip was walking along Loch Morar to the quaint village of Tarbet, followed by a boat ride back, providing a sense of seclusion. Ardnamurchan also stood out with its stunning Sanna beach, a brief hike up Ben Hiant, and an encounter with an otter one evening. Campsite fees ranged from £10 to £33 per night.
Another reader described their trip to Kintyre, where they experienced the area’s unspoiled beauty. As the longest peninsula in Scotland, Kintyre offers stunning coastal scenery without the need for ferry travel. They enjoyed walking the Kintyre Way, indulged in fish and chips at Tarbert harbor, and explored Campbelltown, renowned for its whisky production. A memorable moment was a serene picnic at Saddell Bay, the location featured in Paul McCartney’s “Mull of Kintyre” music video, where Anthony Gormley’s GRIP sculpture overlooks Kilbrannan Sound towards Arran.
Upon arriving at Glasgow Central for the first time, a traveler was struck by the station’s quintessential appearance. Their exploration took them to the impressive Kelvingrove Museum, the whimsical banana boots of Billy Connolly on display at St Enoch shopping center, and the National Trust for Scotland’s tenement house, which poignantly narrates the life of a single, independent woman who resided there for most of her life. Glasgow vividly reflects the history of its people, particularly at the Barras flea market. A visit to the Mackintosh tea rooms provided a delightful break. It was a somber thought that Charles Rennie Mackintosh passed away in relative obscurity and poverty at the age of 60, yet his influence is pervasive throughout the city, including the Glasgow School of Art, which, despite its diminished state after a fire, is set to be restored.
Another unforgettable experience was a week spent on the Isle of Eigg at Cleadale Bothy, which charges £80 a night with a minimum stay of two nights. Located in one of the northernmost settlements on the island, Cleadale is surrounded by rugged beaches, with views of An Sgùrr, Eigg’s solitary peak, and the dramatic hills of Rum. The island, home to an abundance of native bluebells and the nighttime calls of manx shearwaters, is community-owned and welcoming, with events such as a free film night during their stay. Eigg offers amenities including a shop, bar, brewery, a small museum, and a rental service for watersport equipment and bikes, as visitors are not permitted to bring cars onto the island.
Lastly, a traveler shared their experience at Carrifran Wildwood in the Moffat Hills, a landscape transformed through dedication and care. Volunteers have reintroduced native trees to this once-bare glen, and the sight of the valley unfolding from the viewpoint filled them with hope. This area stands as a testament to how collective action can rejuvenate the land and create enduring spaces for future generations. The woodland features pathways and informative signage for visitors, while the nearby town of Moffat boasts independent shops, a museum, and a park with an excellent play area for children.
While coastal Aberdeenshire may not enjoy the same popularity as the Highlands and islands, Stonehaven stands out as one of the traveler’s favorite seaside towns in Scotland. The town features a lovely shingle beach, a heated seawater lido, and a fantastic ice-cream shop called Aunty Betty’s. However, the main attraction remains the nearby Dunnottar Castle, which offers some of the most stunning and dramatic coastal views in Scotland. Aberdeen is just a short 20-minute train ride away from Stonehaven.
