Scotland

The most beautiful places in Scotland

The best of Scotland

Martin Gregor
Wrote 180 articles and follows him / her 17 travelers
The most beautiful places in Scotland
Inserted: 23.07.2018
Author: Martin Jack Gregor © gigaplaces.com
They want there:

A selection of the best of Scotland to be achieved in two weeks. For the most part, these are the biggest attractions that Scotland has to offer. You will see beautiful castles and rugged nature with lots of lakes and hills

1.
A tour of Edinburgh

Visit to the capital of Scotland

Rating:
| Altitude: 70 m / 230 ft

Edinburgh is a place visited by 13 million tourists a year. Which is the capital of Scotland. The city was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD It has a population of 500,000. A city that offers a lot of history and very famous and visited monuments, such as a walk along the Royal Mile or Princes Street. Or with an ascent to Arthur's throne or Calton Hill. It is definitely worth noting the Castle, where you can see the crown jewels. continue reading

2.
Skye

Pearl of Scotland

Rating:
| Altitude: 10 m / 33 ft

When many people say Scotland, they think of a man with a kilt and bagpipes, another a region full of castles and other natural gems located on the Isle of Skye. Skye can be divided into the Northern hilly and cliffy part and the Southern mountainous part, which is nicknamed the Scottish Alps. The Isle of Skye is one of the main destinations for all tourists. It is necessary, but to arm the nerves. The roads on Skye are for one car only and are often in desolate condition and travel takes a long time. So it's good to get up. continue reading

3.
Glencoe

Glacial valley

Rating:
| Altitude: 513 m / 1 683 ft

Glencoe, who wouldn't know. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, which was in its current position formed by glaciers. A place full of stories like the Glencoe Massacre. Today it is a popular place for tourists, climbers and filmmakers. More than one of the feature films originated in this valley. It is beautiful due to its steep hills and is sometimes nicknamed the Wailing Valley. continue reading

4.
Castle Stirling

The second most visited castle in Scotland

Rating:
| Altitude: 85 m / 279 ft

It is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. He played his part in the war for Scottish freedom. It has become a place for the coronation of the Scottish rulers. Among the great rulers, of course, are William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Each year the castle visits 500,000 people and makes it the second most visited castle in Scotland continue reading

5.
Castle Eilean Donan

The most beautiful castle in Scotland

Rating:
| Altitude: 1 m / 3 ft

Eilean Donan Castle stands on an island on Loch Duich Lake. The castle is mainly known thanks to the films, especially thanks to the movie Highlander. The castle was sieged and broken several times. In 1932 was rebuilt. It is the third most visited castle in Scotland. continue reading

6.
Cairngorms National Park

Scotland's largest national park

Rating:

The park was primarily based on the untouched area and the forests that are here. You will be pleasantly surprised by the forests and beautiful hills. There are animals and plants that do not live or grow elsewhere on the islands. In the park is the second highest mountain in the UK. There is also a large ski resort. It is the largest park in the UK with an area of 4528 km². The park was founded in 2003. continue reading

7.
Ascent over Loch Lomond

Scotland's largest lake and a lake of many songs

Rating:
| Altitude: 7 m / 23 ft

When you say Loch Lomond, some think of Scotland's largest lake, others a lake surrounded by hills, an adventurer like the West Highland Way, a romantic lake of many songs, which is sung in almost all languages, only we have many versions of this song, a gourmet such as the local distillery. The lake has an area of 71 square km, is 37 km long and 8 km wide. It reaches a depth of 192 meters. The highest hill is Ben Lomond 974m above sea level, which we will set off, but we will not reach the top. continue reading

8.
Glen Nevis and Glenfinnan viaduct

Under the giant with a bead

Rating:
| Altitude: 251 m / 823 ft

Glen Nevis is located on the far side of Glencoe. In addition to the beautiful valley in which the river Nevis flows, you can also see the highest mountain in Great Britain, Ben Nevis, as well as the popular Steall Waterfall, which can be reached via the Rope Bridge. The pearl west of Fort William is the Glenfinnan Viaduct Railroad Bridge, which is known from many movies. Especially from Harry Potter and became so popular that it's on a Scottish 10 pound bill. Then there is the Glenfinnan monument. continue reading

9.
Glen Affric

The most beautiful view of the Scottish Highlands

Rating:
| Altitude: 248 m / 814 ft

Glen Affric is a place that is considered to be the most beautiful view of the Scottish Highlands. It is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. A one-way road leads here. It is 40 km from Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness. It is strange how few visitors know about this place. And so sometimes you come to discover something undiscovered. The Glen Affric area continues to offer several hiking trails. You need to be patient. The road is narrow and traveling is long. continue reading

10.
Loch Ness

Home of the Loch Ness monster Nessie

Rating:
| Altitude: 15 m / 49 ft

There is probably no better known lake in Scotland and maybe in the world. It is a large 34 km, 1.5 km wide lake and 230 m deep. Its tourist center is Urquhart Castle. What made this lake famous is Nessie. The monster is mentioned as early as the 7th century, but it was most famous for its photographs from 1960. It triggered a hunting fever and a legend that made this place so famous. continue reading

11.
Balmoral

Queen Elizabeth II Summer Residence

Rating:
| Altitude: 288 m / 945 ft

Balmoral, a castle associated with the royal family. Yes, it is the summer power of Queen Elizabeth II. The castle includes a large park with monumental trees. There is little public access to the estate. You can see personal items from the royal family. The castle was built in 1390. Furthermore, the castle serves as a hiding place for the royal family. continue reading

12.
Devil's Gorge

Mystical place full of magic

Rating:
| Altitude: 48 m / 157 ft

The Devil's Gorge, about 500 meters long, is located in an inconspicuous valley called Finnich Glen. This is where a beautiful gorge is created. It is probably a mystical place for some people, because we met here with people who relaxed here. There is a stone that resembles an altar place. Some sources refer to the Devil's pulpit against the followers. Others refer to the secret reunions of the druids, but also the wizards. The place is located 5 km south of Drymen. continue reading

13.
Rossylin Chapel

A place leaning on myths

Rating:
| Altitude: 149 m / 489 ft

Everyone had heard of her. About the treasure of the Templars hidden in the crypt of Rosslyn Chapel. This myth, which is described in the book The Code of Master Leonard by Dan Brown. She made this place so indelibly famous. This is not a big chapel. For that, the interior really impresses with its incredible decoration. As the chapel is small, its attendance is extreme. In 1446 the foundation stone was laid. The North Esk Way long-distance hiking trail passes through this place. Photography in the chapel is forbidden. continue reading

14.
Elgin

Demolished cathedral

Rating:
| Altitude: 18 m / 59 ft

60 km east of Inverness is the demolished cathedral in Elgin. It is one of the most famous in Scotland. The cathedral was founded in 1224. It was burned down several times. It experienced the greatest damage in 1390, when it was burned down with the town by Alexander Stewart, the son of King Robert II, called the Wolf of Banenoch. Since then, the cathedral has slowly fallen into disrepair and has been dismantled to build the surrounding buildings. The remains preserved to this day show how magnificent the building was. continue reading

15.
Glamis

The place of the mother of Queen Elizabeth II.

Rating:
| Altitude: 59 m / 194 ft

Glamis original hunting lodge from the 11th century. For the next century it underwent a change following the example of the French Renaissance. The castle is really majestic and its importance is also due to the huge French garden. This place was made famous by the playwright William Shakespeare in Macbeth. What makes the castle interesting is that the mother of today's Queen Elizabeth II was born here. continue reading

16.
Scotch whiskey

Where the best whiskey is born

Rating:
| Altitude: 198 m / 650 ft

Whiskey is an integral part of Scotland. Its origins date back to the 15th century, where it was cooked in monasteries. Some sources state that whiskey came to the island from Ireland in the 6th century. Due to high burning taxes, black distilleries began to emerge. A huge number of these distilleries have been preserved in Scotland, and the „Scottish“ has thus become a sought-after assortment and recognized by many as the best in the world. Scotch whiskey has strict production rules and is divided into several types. continue reading

17.
Dunnottar Castle

An impregnable castle on a cliff

Rating:
| Altitude: 15 m / 49 ft

Dunnottar Castle (or rather its ruins) is located in the eastern part of Scotland near the town of Stonehaven. It is especially interesting for its location on a high rocky outcrop. Due to this strategic location, it was extremely difficult to conquer this castle in the past. continue reading

18.
Drum Castle

Tower house

Rating:
| Altitude: 103 m / 338 ft

Drum Castle is a castle that attracts with its huge tower. The original castle was built as a tower house from the 13th century and subsequently expanded to its current form. Its rarity is mainly the tower. It is one of the three oldest tower houses preserved in Scotland. This castle also played a role in the struggle for Scottish independence during the reign of King Robert Bruce. Today the monument belongs to the National Trust for Scotland. It is only open in the summer season. continue reading

19.
Forth Rail Bridge

Scottish Golden Bridge

Rating:
| Altitude: 0 m / 0 ft

A bridge that is as famous as the Glenfinnan Railway Bridge. It is a destination for many tourists. This railway bridge was opened in 1890 and its construction is truly timeless. The bridge connects North Queensferry with South Queensferry, across the Firth of Forth. It is 2500 meters long and with its span between the pillars was unique in the world at the time. continue reading

20.
St. Andrews

Demolished cathedral

Rating:
| Altitude: 18 m / 59 ft

The cathedral was built between 1122 and 1159. At the time, it was the largest building in Scotland. During the church revolution in the 17th century, the cathedral was destroyed. In this way, many church buildings were destroyed in the United Kingdom. For us, the building can be connected with the Hussite Pavel Kravař, who was tried here and subsequently burned at the stake continue reading

21.
Wallace Monument

William Wallace Memorial

Rating:
| Altitude: 90 m / 295 ft

Wallace Monument is located in Stirling. Which was built in memory of the liberator of Scotland and the martyr William Wallace, who is considered a national hero. Surely everyone knows more or less the meaning of this person. The foundation stone was laid in 1861. continue reading

22.
Urquhart Castle

Bloody castle

Rating:
| Altitude: 23 m / 75 ft

A castle which is based on its bloody history. He played many roles in the battles for the independence of Scotland. The same goes for the Scottish wars against the Jacobits. The first mention of the castle dates back to the 5th century and 11th century, where, according to excavations, there was a fortified settlement. By the end of the 17th century, the castle was abandoned and became a popular place for painters. Today it is the center of Loch Ness. People are waiting to see Loch Ness. There is a large souvenir shop in the visitor center. Although the castle has a rich history. He probably won't get much excited. continue reading

23.
Tour of Buchanan Castle

Spooky castle

Rating:
| Altitude: 39 m / 128 ft

The castle that many hear about for the first time is located in Scotland near the village of Drymen. Its history dates back to the early 13th century. The original castle burned down in 1852, but the Buchanan family did not give up and had a new castle built on its ashes, which we already know today. This family lived in the castle until 1925. During World War II, it was converted into a Hospital, where Rudolf Hess, who is considered by some historians to be the right hand of Adolf Hitler, was also treated. After the roof was removed in 1954, the castle began to collapse. continue reading

24.
St. Andrews Castle

Picturesque ruins on the coast

Rating:
| Altitude: 17 m / 56 ft

Castle in St. Andrews is another place where a tourist visits the cathedral. It is a beautiful picturesque ruin on the coast of the city. It was built at the end of the 12th century. During the struggle for Scottish independence, the castle was demolished several times and rebuilt. At one time it also functioned as a prison. continue reading

25.
The Old Bridge of Livet

The forgotten bridge

Rating:
| Altitude: 217 m / 712 ft

It is located near Glenlivet Distillery. It was probably built in the 17th century. After the floods of 1829, the bridge was severely damaged and it was not recommended to use it, thus sealing its fate. This is what it looks like today. continue reading

26.
Corgarff Castle

Castle with a star wall

Rating:
| Altitude: 428 m / 1 404 ft

The castle dates back to the 16th century and is set in the stunning scenery of a national park. Until 1831 it was used as a military fortress. Today it is accessible to tourists. Its dominant feature is the Tower House with a beautiful star wall. continue reading

27.
Gairnshiel bridge

Historic military bridge

Rating:
| Altitude: 332 m / 1 089 ft

The bridge was built in 1751. The bridge served mainly soldiers. Today, a classic road leads through it, which leads through a national park. Buses and trucks can't get through it. Due to the high arch. continue reading

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