We asked the authors of Wild Guide Scotland to give us five reasons why Scotland is the best holiday destination this summer.
1. Enjoy pristine beaches away from the crowds
Whilst most tourists jet off to the Mediterranean for their summer holidays, the discerning beach goer heads to the west coast of Scotland, where they can expect vast stretches of beautiful white sand, glassy azure-green coves backed by craggy mountains. Head to Vatersay, off Barra in the Outer Hebrides for a particularly remote and beautiful example.
2. Enjoy beautiful Highland cottages – for free
Bothies are basic mountain shelters with superlative views, often in the form of a renovated shepherds hut nestled deep in evocative and mystical glens. They have an open door policy, providing much needed shelter for travellers and mountaineers alike. Respect the bothy code, leave the place cleaner than you found it and bring some firewood to burn in the old stone hearth.
3. Go wild swimming in fresh, clean water
Scotland is a wild swimming paradise, and the perfect place for a refreshing dip in a tranquil loch or through a steep sided river gorge through sun-warmed rocks. The sea is a bracing alternative!
4. Scotland is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy wild camping
Scotland has ‘right to roam’ legislation, guaranteeing free passage to all across the country. This makes Scotland a wild camping paradise, and there are endless excellent spots to pitch up and enjoy a night under the stars, with stags and the moon for company.
5. The local food and drink is excellent
Local fare has come on a lot in recent years, with many local cafes, rural pubs and quality seafood restaurants springing up all over the Highlands. Many use the abundance of excellent local produce that is available in Scotland. Combine these with a walk or a day swimming for an unbeatable summer experience.
Want to hear more? The authors of Wild Guide Scotland will be at Stanfords, London 18th May. Tickets are available here.