From the mirror-like waters of its lochs to its craggy mountain peaks, Scotland’s varied landscape provides venturesome travelers with endless opportunities for intrepid outings.
These travel experts have some advice about getting the most out of an adventurous trip to Scotland.
Fishing
Estelle Wilkinson, owner of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Wanna Get Away Travel, says Scotland is becoming quite the bucket-list destination.
And one adventure — sport fishing — is consistently in demand.
Although Wilkinson likes to eat fish, when it comes to reeling them in, she leaves that thrill to her clients.
“There are definitely some really great fishing tours that you can do,” she said. “Most of them are going to be on the ocean out of the Loch Ness area. Its mouth actually goes into the Atlantic Ocean at Inverness. I’ve had some clients do that and they loved it, and they caught some sailfish and marlin.”
Loch It In: To experience Scotland’s less-traveled waters, Wilkinson suggests booking a charter on Loch Torridon or Loch Shieldaig.
www.wannagetawaytravel.com
The country has a variety of fishing tours available.
Credit: 2018 Getty ImagesHiking
Michael McCuish has been employed by VisitScotland for more than eight years and is the public relations manager for the North America market. Beyond the country’s scenic beauty, McCuish says the cordial hospitality of Scotland’s people make for one of the warmest welcomes in the world.
He recommends exploring Scotland’s hiking trails to see all the country has to offer.
“Scotland is designed for adventure,” McCuish said. “The landscapes are some of the most astounding, and there’s hiking for all levels. I live in Edinburgh, which is packed with art, culture and a world-class food and drink scene, but I’m surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.”
Made for Walking: One of McCuish’s favorite trails is John Muir Way, which stretches 134 miles and takes backpackers and cyclists from coast to coast.
www.visitscotland.com
Hiking is accessible for all fitness levels.
Credit: 2018 Getty ImagesIsland Hopping
Elizabeth Crabill, CEO of CIE Tours International, has worked in the industry for more than 17 years. When it comes to Scotland, she says the best adventures are in hard-to-reach places: across the sea.
To go beyond the boundaries, Crabill recommends the Outer Hebrides.
“Getting to this beautiful island chain can be an adventure,” Crabill said. “Take a ferry out, miles off the west coast of Scotland, and you’re in a different world. Because it’s so isolated, the people in these rural areas are independent. It’s like going back and seeing the way people lived centuries ago.”
Scot Social: For cultural immersion, Crabill suggests booking a CIE itinerary such as Outer Hebrides: Scotland’s Gaelic West to see how the locals live.
www.cietours.com
