In all my travels, Scotland to this day still sticks out the most to me. Not because I had been dreaming of going since I was a little girl but because it was everything I’ve wanted and more. Scotland is filled with some of the most kind and caring people I’ve ever met, the food is hearty and delicious, and, possibly best yet is the stunning scenery every where you look. Scotland, the Highlands specifically, are a place I think about often and consider a soul place - somewhere for some reason just felt so incredibly much like home. If you get the opportunity to travel there, please do. You won’t be disappointed! Oh, and be sure to say hello to Nessie for me!

For the duration of our short stay we were based out of Glasgow but did not do too much there. I plan on going back as soon as a I possibly can and will update more on Glasgow then! What I can say, is the people there are incredibly kind despite being from the city and are as warm as you could hope!

Scotland has some seriously amazing food - much of which I wasn’t able to try due to being vegetarian BUT since it appears a lot of vegetarian and vegan options have come to the forefront of the food scene here! I’m so excited to get back and try the local fare. Until then, here are recommendations from friends & fellow travelers:

Meat/Seafood Dishes

Cullen Skink - a super creamy fish soup
Stovies - a yummy potato dish
Fresh Seafood of any kind
Steak Pies
Fish and Chips
Haggis
Black Pudding

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Haggis
Black Pudding

Sweets

Shortbread - probably the most famous (and one of my favorites)
Tablet - think of a grainer fudge that is extremely sweet
Cranachan - almost like a parfait, this yummy dish is a mix of fresh raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats. Many recommend pairing with a whiskey, but that’s up to you!
Dundee Cake - an iconic Scottish fruitcake that replaces the typical cherry with almonds, sultans and candied peel. It’s super rich and something Scots love enjoying with friends and family on special occasions.

TIP: The tap water in Scotland is totally safe to drink so don’t feel the need to get one-use bottles. Better yet, be sure to bring a refillable bottle on any outdoor adventures!

If you’re visiting Scotland, I would imagine getting out of the city is probably one of your goals as a means to see the Highlands. If the Highlands aren’t yet on your itinerary, they should be! While I initially booked our Timberbush Tour to see Loch Ness, after the fact (and during) I realized the Highlands as a whole were not to be missed and remain to be one of my absolute favorite places I’ve ever been. If you plan on getting up there and are not renting a car, I recommend booking a tour with Timberbush. I have taken LOADS of tours big and small and this is easily within my top three. The tours are small - no more than 16 or so - and are very personable. You can be picked up in either Glasgow or Edinburgh and your guides will surprise you in the very best ways. Our guide was incredibly kind but also to the point. When we started off, he gave us an overview of our day (detailed below) and shared some rules. For example, he had a few extra stops planned for us, however, we would only make those if we all packed into the van on time, every time. He was kind but firm and it definitely helped all the group members bond and hold each other accountable so we could all enjoy those extras.

If you are renting a car, I suggest starting with the itinerary below - it’s based on the tour we took with Timberbush but feel free to add additional stops!

Loch Lomond - our very first stop for a quick refreshment and taking in the views! My absolute favorite photo is taken here from the trip and has lots of wilderness to explore if you’re looking to spend time outdoors. Looking for ideas on what to do? Stop by the Loch Lomond National Park Visitors Center.

Rannoch Moor - one of all the beautiful sites on our tour, made even more popular by (one of my favorite) book and television series - Outlander. The Moor is also classified as a national heritage site so be sure not to miss it!

Black Mount - a well known and gorgeous mountain range you’ll drive through as you head up North towards Loch Ness.

Glencoe- an absolutely stunning area with gorgeous waterfalls and history. The Glencoe Memorial Monument pays homage to the Massacre of Glencoe - a massacre taking place shortly after the Jacobite rebellion. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, this area and event inspired a major event in the saga as well as a historical piece in another saga, Outlander.

Loch Linnhe - Just outside Fort William and Ben Nevis, this beautiful loch is another absolutely worth exploring!

Fort William - With a sweet small town and beautiful scenery you HAVE to stop here. The small town hosts beautiful shops and restaurants, distilleries and (for all the Harry Potter fans) the Jacobite Express - the very train that inspired the Hogwarts Express and was occasionally featured in the films. If you want to see the bridge featured in the films, be sure to check out Lochaber Geopark.

Great Glen Way - While we simply drove near it, if you want to spend some time on trails (or days on the trails) check out these. Designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails by the Natural Heritage, the trail can be walked in 5-7 days or cycled in 2-3 days.

Caledonian Canal - This canal is what connects the East Coast of Scotland to the West Coast. When you see it in person, its massively beautiful and an additional insight into how Scotland is so uniquely formed.

Fort Augustus - This sweet town outside Loch Ness is a great place to stop for a bite and some walking around. From biking tours, restaurants and more this is a great place to take time in or even stay here if you plan on spending more time close to and around Loch Ness.

Loch Ness - You’ve probably heard lots about Loch Ness and our favorite mysterious friend - Nessie. Come for Nessie and stay for all the other unique things (and beautiful views) the Loch has to offer!

Urquhart Castle - Situated right next to Loch Ness, this castle’s ruins are a must see. When you enter there is an optional video you can watch which is nice, especially when it’s cold and windy outside. Out in and around the castle you can explore the ruins and imagine life way back when and all the history that has taken place there in its 1,000+ years of existence.

Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruise - While it is optional, I loved taking the cruise out on the loch. The boat offers indoor seating as well as outdoors so you have options depending on weather. The cruise is really informative and fun, especially if you’re interested in hearing about Nessie.

Inverness - an ancient city often considered the capital of the Highlands is home to much history and culture. If you’ve got time, consider checking out the College and vibrant city!

Grampian Mountains - Another scenic stop or the perfect thing to drive around/through on your journey back down to Glasgow.

Atholl - from the gorgeous forest you MUST check out during fall foliage to the beautiful castle this is an excellent stop for some sightseeing and general wandering.

Pitlochry - A sweet little town great to end your day trip or even stay in over night. Plenty of accommodations, taverns and of course - the absolute best Whiskey Ice Cream you’ll ever have at the Scotch Corner of Pitlochry!

Don’t buy cheap touristy outfits - When you’re in Scotland like anywhere else there will be many touristy type stores selling imported items. If you’re looking to buy tartan or something similar I highly recommend investing in something local and high quality. This can mean spending hundreds, but, it will last and pay off long term.

DO try the Whiskey - Scotland is known for its whiskey, so be sure to give it a try. Don’t take it as a shot - this is a dead giveaway you’re not local. Drink it slowly and - if you can - start to appreciate how different each variation is. If you don’t like drinking whiskey or have littles, be sure to try whiskey ice cream. My favorite shop is in the highlands near Loch Ness.

Go to Loch Ness (and other Lochs!) - Don’t get me wrong, I loved Loch Ness. It was something I’ve wanted to see since I was little girl. That being said, there are beautiful lochs everywhere! Consider checking some others out as well! This is super doable if you rent a car and drive around!

Pack layers - Scotland like many parts of the UK requires thinking ahead to ensure your outfit is comfortable throughout the day. Dress in multiple layers - more or less depending on time of year - for the weather. If you’re on a tour or visiting with a mix between inside and outside this is especially important to stay comfortable!

Take your time - when you’re out and about, especially in the highlands or the islands or really anywhere outdoors - give yourself time to take it all. It is so stunning it often felt so unreal. Take time to wander, take photos and just enjoy the incredibly choice you made visiting here.

Check the forecast but don’t rely on it - Weather changes a ton in even one day in Scotland. Check the weather for an idea of what to prepare for, however, be ready to prepare for every season on your outing.

Pack a good pair of rain boots - I highly recommend wearing waterproof boots if you can while out and about, especially in the Highlands or other parts of the wilderness. My favorite pair are here and I couldn’t recommend them more.

Take advantage of the free things! - We stayed in Glasgow so we got very lucky to be in such a budget friendly city! Wherever you are there tend to be lots of free tours, museums and events so be sure to do some research to experience amazing things for free!