Scotland is a stunning island that can be enjoyed at any time of year. The isle is covered in crumbling castles, towering mountains, jagged cliffs, lush valleys, and lavish lochs, all of which tempt photographers to start taking pictures. These natural treasures become an alluring winter paradise that you won't want to leave when they are dusted with snow and frost.
There are many enjoyable places to visit in Scotland during the winter, whether you want to go skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or shopping at a Christmas market. Arrange a dogsledding excursion in the Cairngorms National Park, hike Fairy Glen's basalt slopes, or take a Lake Ness boat. Moreover, the Shetland Islands in the Scottish Highlands and the stunning and undeveloped Isle of Coll in the Inner Hebrides are good places to look for the elusive northern lights.
Whatever your plans, be ready for any type of weather because Scotland's winter weather is so unpredictable. A must-have outfit includes warm, waterproof clothing, thick socks, layers, and a cap. Check the hours of operation for the tourist attractions you intend to visit while sightseeing as well, as some are only open sometimes.
You can use our list of Scotland's top winter destinations to plan your travels.
1.Edinburgh, UK
While not frequently covered in snow, Edinburgh is even more charming when it is. High above the winding streets of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle shines a romantic light from the top of its hilltop residence. You're in for a wintery treat at this top destination when you combine charming Christmas markets and sparkling lights.
Edinburgh is one of the best destinations in the UK to visit during the winter because it has so many fun things to do. Take a stroll up Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Park's highest point, if the weather is good. The steepled churches and medieval structures of Edinburgh can be seen magnificently from the top.
Then, put on your skates and take a spin around one of the numerous outdoor ice rinks (St. Andrew Square offers an oval rink that loops around the Melville Monument). A steaming mug of hot chocolate is the perfect addition to a particularly romantic twilight skate.
From November through January, there are Christmas celebrations that feature rides, a Christmas Tree Maze, Santa's Grotto, a carousel, and the 60-meter-tall Star Flyer. An additional well-liked holiday that features festive fun and fireworks displays is Hogmanay (also known as New Year's).
2. Inverness,
There is no shortage of beauty in Inverness, which is located at the spectacular Great Glen's northern end. Every winter traveler to Scotland should experience swimming in the glistening Loch Ness, but instead, they should stroll along its banks and take in the view from the top of Urqhuart Castle.
As you hike around the area, take in the crisp, fresh air and gaze in awe at the sparkling snow and ice that adorn the historic structures and picturesque surroundings. After that, make a golf reservation at the Inverness Golf Club. The answer is that you can play golf in the winter.
Head indoors to one of the many theaters to catch a show if you want to stay warm. At Eden Court Theatre, we heartily recommend seeing a hilarious pantomime (also known as "panto").
Shopping in the town center, perusing the inspiring artwork at Castle Gallery, and dining by a fire in a nearby restaurant are all other cosy activities.
3. Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is the place to go if you want to exercise your shopping prowess, particularly during the holiday season. In St. Enoch Square, there is a sizable Christmas market with unique goods, treats, sparkling lights, and music.
George Square hosts even more holiday fun with the addition of a skating rink (also known as Glasgow on Ice), a huge Ferris wheel, and a carousel, in addition to gifts and crafts.
Keep an eye out for beauty as you stroll Style Mile's streets in your cozy winter attire. You'll drive by stately Victorian homes and other charming old structures that will make your camera tremble with delight.
Visit the imposing Glasgow Cathedral for some indoor entertainment. Or schedule a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a few hours. This historic structure, built in 1901, is home to works of art by well-known artists like Van Gogh and Salvador Dali.
4. Fort William,
Fort William, a small city in Lochaber, is the second-largest community in the Highlands, just after Inverness. Old Inverlochy Castle, Neptune's Staircase, boutique shopping, and dining in one of the many restaurants are just a few of the fun things to do on its historic streets.
Feeling chilly? The Treasures of the Earth and West Highland Museums will keep you warm while you learn about the history of the area. You can also enjoy a hearty pie by the fire at a nearby restaurant.
Fort William, known as the "outdoor capital" of the UK, provides explorers with a base of operations and has unmatched views of the lovely Loch Linnhe. Seven miles away is the Nevis Range, and nearby are the Great Glen, Mallaig, and Glencoe, offering visitors a variety of hiking, biking, sledding, and skiing opportunities.
The "Big Five" of Scotland's wildlife can be spotted by nature enthusiasts: red deer, seals, red squirrels, European otters, and golden eagles. This task can frequently be completed in a single day of exploration of the areas near Fort William because there are fewer leaves to hide behind.
5. Ben Nevis
The tallest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis, is located in the Grampian Mountain Range. Over 125,000 walkers visit these mountains each year, some of whom undertake the arduous and difficult climb (also known as "bagging the Ben") to the peak of its enormous star.
Plan your route in advance and prepare for all weather conditions if you want to be one of them. It is advised that only seasoned climbers attempt this hike in the winter. The Mountain Track, which starts at the Glen Nevis Visitor Center's parking lot, is the simplest route.
The Scottish mountains outside of Fort William provide a wealth of opportunities for participating in winter sports, despite perhaps being inferior to the Alps. There are many runs available for skiers and snowboarders, as well as an off-piste area. At this snowy location, sledding and snow biking are also common activities.
Would you rather go slowly? Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Even better, take a scenic ride to the top of Aonach Mhr by boarding the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. From here, you can access the Sgurr Finnisg-aig and Meall Beag trails, which both take about 40 minutes to complete (about an hour both ways).
No equipment packed? Don't worry; Nevis Range Mountain Experience rents everything from snowshoes to snowboards.
6. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, with a length of 80 kilometers. It's also possibly the most attractive. There is so much to admire, including fairy glens, antiquated rock pools, majestic mountains, and deep, rough valleys, that you'll want to extend your stay.
There are many benefits to traveling in the winter, such as not having to crop tourists out of your photos or paying exorbitant prices for food and lodging. Additionally, you can easily see the sunrise, which occurs at 9am during the winter rather than 3:30am during other seasons.
No matter the season, the Fairy Pools are truly magnificent, but the winter's warm light and sparkling frost give them an exceptional glow. Discover an alien world at the breathtaking Fairy Glen, located above Uig. Just be careful not to slip on ice as you climb the basalt hills.
7. The Cairngorm National Park
You'll enjoy visiting Cairngorm National Park in the winter whether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, or taking lots of pictures. A haven for wildlife, this top natural attraction is a sparkling gem of the Scottish Highlands. While exploring its trails, keep your eyes peeled because you might see a red deer or a golden eagle.
The park's expansive grounds can be explored for days while you warm up with hearty food from nearby eateries. Or, head to one of the three ski resorts in the park. From December to May, Cairn Gorm Mountain, The Lecht Ski Centre, and Glenshee Ski and Snowboard are all open (weather permitting).
Tie #177/Day #176: Not a visually exciting tie, but a sentimental one. This was one of David Long’s ties that he bought in Scotland, one of his favorite vacation spots. And yes, that is a Star Trek insignia tie pin. pic.twitter.com/h5IjSdAF45
— Mr. Grippin (@MrGrippin) June 5, 2019
Mountain-climbing speeding not your thing? Cross-country skis are a better alternative. In Slochd and Glenmore, you can find miles of trails, some of which go through forests. Or reserve a brand-new activity, like a dogsledding excursion. Guided tours through the Cairngorm Mountain Range are available from the Cairngorm Sleddog Center in Aviemore.
9. Loch Leven
The captivating freshwater Loch Leven is located in the southernmost part of Scotland, 20 miles south of Perth. This is the largest lowland loch in the nation, a haven for wildlife, and an amazing location for pictures.
Loch Leven is a popular destination for bird watchers in the winter because it is home to more than 35,000 birds. To find out more about them, go to the RSPB Loch Leven Center. You can also rent binoculars to use while viewing them from the viewing hides.
Visit Loch Leven Castle, which is situated on an island in the loch. Here, Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned. Another well-liked attraction is the 21-kilometer-long Loch Leven Heritage Trail, which tempts visitors to cycle or hike around the loch while taking in its beauty.
9. Castle Urquhart
Visitors can get a glimpse into Urquhart Castle's 1,000-year-old past as they explore the ruins, which are located on a headland with a view of the glistening Loch Ness. This legendary location, one of the biggest castles in the nation, is not to be missed for its inherent beauty, unbeatable views, and extensive history.
The best views are from the top of Grant Tower, and visiting the windowless prison cell is a little unsettling. The enormous trebuchet that has been placed in a clear space on the main lawn will be a big hit with children. In order to get a treat, they can then ascend the hill to the gift shop.
Booking a boat cruise will up the fun factor and give you the added benefit of exploring Loch Ness and taking in the romantic castle from the water. If you're very fortunate, you might even see the Loch Ness Monster, so be prepared with your camera.
10. Glencoe Mountain Resort
With skis and poles in hand, tourists swarm to this resort during the winter to take advantage of its challenging runs. The "longest and steepest ski run in Scotland" can be found here, so if you've ever wanted to soar down UK snow-covered slopes, come here.
On skis or a snowboard, visitors can explore 20 runs of varying difficulty, and eight lifts will take them to the top. Daily hot food is available at The Plateau Café, making it a great place to take a break during the day.
You don't ski? No issue. Visitors to this natural wonderland can also enjoy the winter landscape by sledding or by hiking the hills.
11. Perthshire
The historic Perthshire region, also known as the county of Perth and Kinross, is abundant in natural beauty. This stunning region, which is located in the middle of Scotland, is home to the magnificent Loch Tay, dense forests, and a section of the Grampian Mountains.
These beauties are made even more alluring in the winter by the glistening ice and snow. Put your boots on and stroll through the Hermitage Forest to take in the breathtaking views. Ossian's Hall of Mirrors, a Georgian building designed to provide unrivaled views of the Black Linn Falls, is particularly impressive. This is unquestionably among Perthshire's top winter travel destinations.
Stop in one of the small, quaint villages for a hot beverage and a chat with the welcoming locals about life. On the banks of Loch Tay, the charming town of Dunkeld is home to charming medieval streets and historic structures that beg to be captured on camera.
Pitlochry, which is peacefully situated next to Loch Tummel, is a great place to indulge your inner traveler because it has a wide variety of dining options and adorable shops that line the traditional Scottish streets.
12. John Muir Way
The John Muir Trail, one of the "nicest walks in Scotland," is 134 miles long and will take you days to complete. This extensive outdoor route, which is named after the renowned Scottish American naturalist, writer, and environmentalist, offers tourists a tranquil way to take in the Scottish countryside.
From Dunbar on the east coast to Helensburgh on the west, the trail crosses the center of Scotland. Visitors can bike the entire length of it if it is not icy, finding undiscovered rivers, bays, and beaches. On your journey, you can stroll by glistening lochs, admire rolling hills, and fall in love with charming villages.
The vast Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is easily accessible from charming Balloch, which is located on the shores of Loch Lomond.
13. The Isle of Coll
Visit the Isle of Coll in the winter to get back to the fundamentals. This undeveloped island, appropriately called Dark Sky Island, is one of Scotland's top destinations for viewing the aurora borealis. The island only has a single tiny village and no streetlights, thus its unusual name.
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. in December and January, but they can also be seen frequently on clear nights from late March through late September.
The best things to do on the island during the daytime in winter are to stroll along its beaches, climb Ben Hogh, play nine holes of golf at Claid, and go fishing. Always dress in layers to account for changing weather conditions.
The Isle of Coll is a small island, so there aren't many other visitors there, which is perfect if you want a relaxing getaway. Additionally, the island has no public transportation other than taxis. It can be reached by boat in 55 minutes or two hours and forty minutes from Tiree or Oban, respectively. I warned you that it was a place to refocus.
Renting a bike in Arinagour, the island's sole village, is a great way to explore this 13-mile-wide Inner Hebrides island.
14. The Shetland Islands,
The Shetland Islands are the best locations in Scotland to see the aurora borealis. One of the best winter activities in Scotland is to watch Mother Nature's magnificent nighttime light show, known as the Mirrie Dancers.
Though not the only one, a visit to this tourist destination is worthwhile. The Shetland Museum in Lerwick is one of the museums that is still open in the winter.
Winter hikes are a well-liked activity, particularly if you stay near the coast where there is a higher likelihood of seeing whales and otters. At this time of year, The Knab in Lerwick is one of the best places to hike, and fortunate hikers may see seals along the way.
Each of the nearly 100 islands that make up the Shetland Islands is worth a trip. Plan your trip to coincide with the Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick on the final Tuesday of January. This enjoyable occasion spans a single day and is related to the Viking heritage of the Shetland Islands. The procession culminates in a burning of a Viking longship built especially for the occasion by the neighborhood.
Not able to travel to Lerwick? Not to worry. On the other Shetland Islands, there are twelve additional, smaller versions of this festival.