Scotland often ranks as one of the best destinations in the world for holidaymakers. There are more accolades than we can mention, but in recent years they have included Lonely Planet naming the Scottish Highlands and Islands in the top 10 “Best in Travel” destinations.
TripAdvisor has previously crowned Lewis and Harris the number one island in Europe, while Mainland Orkney and the Isle of Mull featured in the top 10.
Scotland has so many amazing attractions packed into a small area of land and islands, from incredible wilderness settings and vast star-filled skies, to fascinating historic relics and geological wonders, as well as many great cities.
As we offer Motorhome hiring services in Scotland, as well as campervan hires, we thought we’d try to inspire anyone thinking about exploring Scotland in the near future. Where would you choose as your favourite place in Scotland? Check out our list of some of our top destinations and attractions.
Favourite places to visit in Scotland
Iconic destinations
These are the attractions that can’t be missed. The chances are they will be on everyone’s must-see list – and they are what Scotland is so renowned for.
Loch Ness
The large and stunning area of freshwater in the Scottish Highlands is best known for its fabled monster. You can enjoy your view as you drive by along the A82, take a bike ride along the quieter road on the eastern side and through the Great Glen, or visit Drumnadrochit for the Loch Ness Centre and to join a boat trip on the water.
Loch Lomond
The largest area of freshwater in the UK, Loch Lomond might not have a famous monster but it does have an island where you might be lucky enough to spot wallabies. In the 1940s, the marsupials were introduced to the island of Inchconnachan by Lady Colquhoun and they still roam wild.
Loch Lomond is at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, with a visitor centre at the southern end at Balloch and the famous mountain, Ben Lomond on the eastern shore.
There are plenty of opportunities to view the loch close up, perhaps while walking a section of the West Highland Way on the eastern shore, by pulling into a layby off the A82 on the western shore, or on one of many boat trips.
Ben Nevis
The UK’s tallest mountain is located near the town of Fort William in the Highlands. You can see this iconic mountain from all over the region. It’s possible to walk a path to the 1345m summit, although it is important to be prepared for changeable weather, especially at higher altitude.
Ayrshire – Rabbie Burns country
Scotland’s most famous poet, Rabbie Burns, is closely associated with Ayrshire, in the south of Scotland. A Robert Burns Centre is located in Dumfries and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloyway are just two gems to visit.
Driving around this area in a motorhome or campervan offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. The rolling countryside and coast are very beautiful. Check out the South West Coastal 300 driving route.
Scotland’s West Coast Islands
Scotland has a long and fabulous coastline. The west coast boasts many beautiful islands. The larger islands include Arran, Mull, the Outer Hebrides and Skye.
Calmac Ferries travel between the mainland and the islands with a busy timetable throughout the holiday seasons. It’s a good idea to book ahead if you plan to travel by campervan or motorhome on holiday.
Edinburgh
Acclaimed worldwide, the Scottish capital of Edinburgh is home to many fine buildings and stunning architecture. It’s not the biggest Scottish city, that plaudit goes to Glasgow, but it does have numerous attractions to visit and most are located in or near the city centre with easy access on foot or by bicycle (you can hire bikes in the city).
Speyside Whisky
Scotland’s most famous drink is whisky and Speyside is home to some of the best whisky distilleries in the country. You can enjoy a whisky distillery tour, taste a dram or two, or simply enjoy the rolling landscape where many ingredients for whisky are discovered.
Favourite places for Scottish mountain views
If you have chosen to take a campervan or motorhome holiday in Scotland, the chances are you will be keen to see some of our magnificent mountains. You are spoilt for choice but here are a few of our favourite mountainous places.
Glen Coe
Follow the A82 north and you will drive through this historic glen. The steep-sided Glen Coe valley is located in the Scottish Highlands. It’s most famous and most photographed mountains include Buachaille Etive Mor, Bidean nam Bian and the Aonach Eagach Ridge.
Drive the road along the valley floor and stop in one of the many laybys to see the truly breath-taking views on either side.
In the village, Glencoe Folk Museum occupies 18th-century thatched cottages, with displays on local heritage and the Glencoe massacre of 1692.
Torridon
Another Highlands area with a fabulous mountain glen, Torridon is a little more off the beaten track in the north-west of Scotland but well worth the journey.
The mountains of Glen Torridon are among the most dramatic peaks in the UK and made of some of the oldest rocks in the world.
The nearby coast is also magical, with mountains plunging into clear sea loch waters.
The Cuillin of Skye
The Island of Skye is famed for its spectacular Cuillin mountain range. The main Cuillin ridge is also known as the Black Cuillin to distinguish it from the Red Cuillin, which lie to the east of Glen Sligachan.
A drive around the island will bring many memories of breath-taking views.
Cairngorms
The Cairngorm mountains are located in the north-east of Scotland and create a softer, rounder landscape compared to the west coast. However, the mountains, which are located in the Cairngorms National Park, are high and home to impressive flora and fauna.
The outdoors town of Aviemore is at the heart of the Cairngorms and offers a great base for a campervan or motorhome holiday in Scotland.
5 off-the-beaten track favourites
These are some of our favourite places to go where there will be fewer people and less tourist traffic.
Steall Falls, Glen Nevis
Located in a beautiful gorge, a short walk from the end of a road in Glen Nevis, near Fort William, is a stunning waterfall. To reach it, take a look at this walk description.
The Lost Valley, Glencoe
This favourite place to visit also requires a short walk. It’s steeper and rockier than the flatter walking route to Steall Falls, but you will be treated to amazing views.
Coire Gabhail is the hidden valley where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe concealed their rustled cattle in centuries past. See this walk route.
North-East 250 driving route
While the North Coast 500 has become Scotland’s most well-known driving routes, there is a great alternative that is far less travelled, the North East 250.
Glasgow’s murals
Scotland’s largest city boasts some amazing modern murals painted on to buildings and walls across the city. You can walk a Mural Trail or just explore the city on your own, keeping your eyes peeled for some of the best urban artwork found anywhere in the world.
Grey Mare’s Tail
Head south, instead of north on the road more traveled, to visit Grey Mare’s Tail. The 60m hanging valley waterfall is found near to Moffat in southern Scotland. It’s a beautiful location amid the fabulous rolling hills of the Scottish Borders.
Book a campervan hire
Open Road Scotland has a range of campervans and motorhomes to hire in Scotland and conveniently located close to Glasgow Airport in Central Scotland. It is a great place to start a trip and visit many of our favourite places in Scotland. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.