Much of the country is blessed with wildly beautiful landscapes that play host to lochs, waterfalls, mountains and wildlife. One of the best walking holidays in Scotland is along Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal where you can watch the drama unfold and spot local wildlife. As you explore remote forests, moors and glens on foot, look out for red deer, squirrels and various species of birds such as ospreys, peregrine falcons, golden eagles and buzzards. You’ll also be introduced to the history and legends of the Scottish Highlands.
The Great Glen Way is a magnificent 79-mile trail running from Fort William to Inverness. Along the route, you’ll walk by the famous Caledonian Canal and the Beauly firth as well as lochs and rivers.
You can book walking holidays in Scotland year-round, but the main season usually falls between March and September when the temperatures are warmer and there’s less rainfall. Spring and autumn are best if you want to avoid the busier months from July to late August.
Owing to the natural beauty, rich heritage and abundant wildlife, the Highlands offers some of the best cycling holidays in Scotland. As you ride along the epic Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, you’re introduced to spellbinding scenery. The old military roads lead you on an historic journey and past beautiful lochs and waterfalls before cycling over dramatic moorlands and along rugged beaches.
If you want to book cycling holidays in Scotland, you might want to avoid the colder temperatures and heavier rainfall of winter. Between the months of March and September, you’ll usually enjoy warmer and clearer days, making your cycling experience even more enjoyable. Avoiding the summer peak season from July to August also means the routes will be quieter.
Scotland boasts diverse landscapes for cycling with lots of steep ascents and rugged terrain. If you prefer a more leisurely ride, Loch Ness and parts of the Highlands provide gentler routes through moorland and along quiet roads and lochs. The path along the Caledonian Canal is a great way to delve into the past, passing legendary places steeped in history. Along the way you can explore Fort Augustus; Cawdor, which featured in Shakespeare’s Macbeth; and Fort George, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was infamously defeated.
