Hit Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, during summer’s Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which run nearly simultaneously for three weeks in August. Both festivals feature thousands of world-class (and, let’s be honest, not-so world-class) concerts, plays, and assorted artistic wackiness. Be warned—it’s busy, so book hotels well ahead of time for the best rates.
Glasgow's cultural offerings run the gamut from fine art at the ever-popular Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Art Gallery to more edgy fare at the Gallery of Modern Art. Big-name rock bands perform regularly at the SECC and Barrowlands Ballroom.
Scotland's Highlands and Islands justify at least one to two weeks of exploration, with scenic mountain ranges, wild coastal stretches, and atmospheric towns and villages. Rent a car for the best way to enjoy the sights. Skye is the most accessible island, but harder-to-reach Outer Hebridean isles like Harris and Uist are well worth the extra effort.
While the weather can be hit or miss, getting outdoors in Scotland is a must. Bag a Munro (one of 294 mountains in Scotland that are over 3,000 feet), walk around a loch, or summit Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak. Other active pursuits around the country include world-class mountain biking, diving, sailing, and some limited skiing and snowboarding.
If you can't make it to the Highlands, head about an hour down the Clyde from Glasgow to the Isle of Arran, self-styled "Scotland in Miniature" for its mix of coastal and mountain scenery.
The home of golf may be St. Andrews, but chances are pretty slim you'll get a game here. However, golfers can pick from over 500 other courses, running the gamut from links that have hosted the British Open to smaller, yet equally challenging, local courses. Many will rent equipment and green fees can be a steal compared to more expensive U.S. courses.
Scotland Travel Guide
Scotland is permeated with legend and romance. Its ruined castles standing amid fields of heather and bracken bespeak a past of heroic struggle. Its two great cities—the ancient seat of Scottish royalty, Edinburgh, and even more ancient Glasgow, boasting Victorian splendor—are among Europe's most dynamic centers. And equally alluring is the picturesque countryside, with Highlands, mountains, lochs, salmon-filled rivers, incomparable golf courses, and so much more.
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Scotland in Miniature
On Scotland’s Isle of Arran, mountains, meadows, and forests create the perfect seaside landscape for a family vacation.
The High Hills of Freedom outside
Footloose Scots will tell you there's no such thing as trespassing in the Highlands. And no one is more passionate about possessing these craggy, heather-painted mountains than the "compleaters" who summit the Munros—all 284 of them.
Walking Scotland's Highlands & Islands - Inn to Inn English Lakeland Ramblers
from $3175, 8 days
On the north and west of Scotland lie the Highlands - moody mountains, Celtic mists and legends, heather-clad hills and sparkling lochs, and a unique mixture of scenic splendor and profound tranquility.
......
Walking in Scotland - Western Lochs and Highlands Walkabout Scotland
from $1300, 7 days
This week long walking holiday features the great variety of scenery found throughout the Southern and Western Highlands, from the tranquil beauty of Loch Lomond to the rugged and stunning peaks of Glencoe.
......
Scottish Highlands Hiker The World Outdoors
from $2098, 9 days
This guided holiday explores two contrasting areas of the Highlands and offers some of Scotland's best hiking. Climbing several peaks during the...
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