Over 3 million people flocked to Scotland last year. With stunning scenery, cool cultural hangouts and their world-famous drink, Irn Bru, it’s easy to understand why Scotland is so loved as a destination.

Our expert travelers at our Facebook group, Feel Good Travel, raved about Scotland when we asked them for their recommendations. Grab your bags, we’re going on a road trip! 

Edinburgh

Start your trip in Scotland’s capital. So many of our Group members recommend a hike up Arthur’s Seat. A rare moment of calm in a bustling city, the extinct volcano is one of the highest peaks in Edinburgh, with stunning 360-degree views of the city below.

Alicen said, “Arthur’s Seat is a great walk.”

If you’re visiting during the Edinburgh Festival (the world’s largest arts and culture festival), you absolutely must go and see the Edinburgh Tattoo in action, says Molly. 

“The show of pipes and drums from all over the world is nothing short of incredible! Plus, the lights and fireworks paired with it make it so exciting! I won't miss it when I go back again.”

Loch Lomond via Stirling

It’s a two-hour drive from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond, which isn’t far, but we recommend taking a stop in Stirling to visit two of its biggest attractions, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s stunning landscape, peppered with hills and glens. On the must-see list are the villages of Luss, Balmaha and Callander.

“Luss is a picturesque village, with a small beach at the loch. There’s lots of coffee shops to grab some lunch, and the ice cream is lovely too.” Andrew says, and shared the image below.

Isle of Iona via Oban and Isle of Mull

The drive from Loch Lomond to Oban should take around an hour and a half. “Oban is a nice cute little town with lovely seafood! You can take a ferry from Oban to Isle of Mull too.” Ryan says, and he’s right.

From the Isle of Mull, travel to the tiny island of the Isle of Iona. Molly highly recommends it, “It is absolutely gorgeous, and walking through the abbey is so peaceful. Plus there is a lovely ferry ride to get there.”

Island hopping through Skye, Uist, Harris and Lewis

From Mallaig (below), catch the ferry to Skye.

Kristen loved her time there. “We spent 3 nights in Portree and traversed the whole island. Neist Point, The Quirang, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls - all of it stunningly beautiful.” Check out Kirsten’s image from the top of Storr, below – amazing!  

Continue Island hopping through Uist, Harris and Lewis. Each island offers its own sights and scenery. On Harris, check out the Harris Distillery Tour in Tarbert, which as well as making scotch, also makes gin.

The Isle of Lewis is famous for having the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the image below, we definitely agree. 

Back to the mainland

Once you’ve reached Ullapool from Lewis, it’ll take just over two hours to drive to Cairngorms, and you can stop in Inverness on the way. Try the Rendezvouz Café for a quick lunch before making your way to Aviemore and the surrounding area.  

Stephanie loved her visit to the Cairngorms and shared her favourite photograph on the group page. “It’s from Bynack More and Stac an h-Iolaire hike. Half of the hike is on a trail and the last half is off. It was a total of 12.75 miles with 3,450 elevation gain.”

Arielle also had her own unique image to share, saying “We are actually on our Scotland vacation right now and just yesterday had the chance to feed and pet reindeer at the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd in Aviemore. Definitely a unique experience we’ll never forget!”

Kirsten won’t ever forget her trip to Scotland. “I met the coolest people and I’m officially smitten with the whole country.”

Dan also spoke highly of his trip “There’s nowhere quite like Scotland. The scenery is stunning and the Islands we visited were so tranquil. I will definitely be going back as soon as I can.”

Why not join in on the conversation relating to all things travel on our Facebook page, Feel Good Travel? It could be your tips and recommendations we feature on our next blog!