I have been travelling all around Scotland for the past eight years, and you may be curious to know- what are my must-visit places in Scotland?
Well, lucky for you, I decided to share my top recommendations with you!
In this article, you’ll find a mixture of my favourite places, as well as places I want to visit this year. Even if you choose just one place to visit from this list, you won’t be disappointed!
I’ve also provided links to guides I’ve written about each of these areas to help you plan your own trips.
1. Outer Hebrides
Only those who have spent time visiting the Outer Hebrides understand why this group of islands is so special. The wild swell of the sea and the sparkling white sands, the lilt of a broad Island accent on the breeze, and the taste of the ocean on your plate- the Outer Hebrides engages all your senses.
For someone who lives inside the hustle and bustle of Central Scotland, the islands have become my escape, taking me back to my childhood, where I grew up in the country surrounded by nature and wildlife. I guess in a way, these islands reflect a simpler time when the rest of the world seems to be rushing at 90 miles an hour. Nature is the star of the show, and the vibrant communities that live here will ensure your stay is unforgettable.
Located on the edge of Europe, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Minch to the east, I would confidently argue that the Outer Hebrides is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Missing the throngs of tourists that flock to other areas such as the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh, the Outer Hebrides is a well-kept secret.
Stretching 130 miles from the Butt of Lewis to the shores of Vatersay, each island is unique in its own way; however, a familiarity runs through the archipelago: fishing and crofting communities have called these islands home for thousands of years, and it’s the warmth of the people who claim this wilderness and make it truly special.
A place this enchanting surely cannot stay secret for so long, and I wasn’t at all surprised when National Geographic named it on their Best of the World list for 2025.
For all these reasons and more, the Outer Hebrides is one of my top places to visit in Scotland in 2026.
>> Read my guide on visiting the Outer Hebrides
2. Lochaber
It’s no secret that my favourite place in Scotland is Lochaber. This region is home to some of the most remote areas in Scotland, including a pub that can only be reached by a 2-day hike or by boat!
I am currently writing my first book about this area, and I’ve had so much fun exploring this lesser-visited part of the country.
While most people have heard of Fort William, Glenfinnan and Glencoe, there is SO much more to this area worth exploring, and I hope to showcase it with my book.
Until my book about Lochaber is published, you can read my travel guides about Glencoe and also my guide to the Road to the Isles.
>> Read my guide about visiting the Road To The Isles
3. Dumfries and Galloway
A trip to Dumfries and Galloway is the perfect nature escape; there are a lot of things to do, and during my first trip, I was amazed at how much this area has to offer.
With breathtaking scenery, enchanting history, scrumptious cuisine, bright sandy beaches, and some of the darkest, starriest skies in Europe, D&G is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and recenter yourself.
The best way to explore is by car. For car rental, I recommend Celtic Legend– they are a locally-owned family business and their customer service is excellent. You can also save 10% off your rental when you include the code WAYFARINGKIWI when asking for a quote!
Using public transport can be a little tricky, especially as many of the areas we visited were quite remote.
If you are using public transport, the best way to reach Dumfries and Galloway is by catching the train to either Stranraer or Dumfries, then using the bus to get around from there.
>> Read my guide on visiting Dumfries and Galloway
4. Colonsay
Last year, when I finally stepped onto Colonsay’s shores, I only had one thought in my mind: why has it taken me so long to visit?
With glittering bays, vast golden beaches and excellent scran, Colonsay ticks every box for a remote island getaway. Don’t be surprised if you have parts of the island to yourself, even during the summer.
Colonsay is home to my favourite beach in Scotland: Kiloran Bay. It’s also home to an independent bookshop, and each year the island hosts a book festival!
Colonsay House and Gardens is also a must-visit.
Don’t let the slightly longer, 2.5-hour ferry journey deter you- Colonsay is well worth it. The ferry journey with Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) is a wonderful experience in itself, with the opportunity to spot seals and dolphins from the deck.
>> Read my guide to visiting Colonsay
5. Isle of Mull
Visiting the Isle of Mull is like stepping into a Scottish postcard- rugged coastline, mountains silhouetted against the sky, and free-roaming Highland cows and sheep grazing the moors. Known as the ‘Eagle Island’, there’s a good chance you’ll spot Golden and White-Tailed Sea Eagles soaring in the skies.
Mull is also home to playful wild otters- get out on the water or wait by a loch to see these curious creatures pop their heads out of the water. It’s a playground not just for nature lovers, but for foodies, families, history buffs, beach bums, and art lovers. In truth, Mull and its neighbouring islands offer something for everyone- and it’s why I continue to return to the island again and again.
The Isle of Mull is the second biggest island in the Inner Hebrides, after the Isle of Skye. Where Skye is an island thrumming with tourists during the summer, Mull is much more laid back, and it’s easy enough to find quiet pockets of the island to have all to yourself.
Mull is an island I love to visit- it has a magical quality, which is perhaps why a vast array of wildlife choose to make it their home. Layers upon layers of mountains sweep across the horizon, providing jaw-dropping backdrops that provide excitement for photography enthusiasts- or anyone with eyes.
>> Read my guide to visiting Mull
6. Edinburgh
Scotland’s bonnie auld capital still has a firm grasp on my heart after living here for several years; I regularly jump on the train to meander through Edinburgh’s streets, camera at the ready, to capture one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Whether it’s a solo jaunt, a date night with the hubby, or a child-friendly adventure with my son, the city has so much to offer.
I will never tire of Edinburgh. Though parts of the city are frozen in time, the city is constantly changing, and there’s always something new to explore. From the Old Town to the New Town, you’ll find everything from bustling traditional pubs to sleek cocktail bars, free walking tours to whisky-tasting experiences, and budget-friendly hostels to luxury accommodations.
With so much to offer, planning a trip to Edinburgh often begins with a question: where do I even start?
I have a bunch of free guides to planning a trip to Edinburgh, as well as an excellent mini-course!
>> Grab my Planning A Trip To Edinburgh Course
7. Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran has a little bit of everything for visitors: craggy mountains, golden beaches, rolling farmland, and it is now recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark!
Arran’s variety is the very reason that it has the nickname ‘Scotland in miniature’. It’s great for solo travellers, couples and families- and it’s public transport friendly for those who don’t drive.
Arran is also incredibly dog-friendly, and our pooch, Angus, has joined us on Arran on more than one occasion. To summarise, Arran checks every box for the perfect island escape.
The Arranachs are a friendly bunch, and it’s not uncommon to find the restaurant or bar owner pouring your drink; they’re passionate about their island and love sharing it with visitors. They’re more than happy to give local recommendations or have a blether about life in general. Arran is one of the friendliest islands I’ve been to.
This month, my pal Kay (The Chaotic Scot) and I are hosting a Planning A Trip To Arran Workshop, where we will walk you through planning your perfect trip. It’s the perfect time to plan a visit!
>> Sign up for my Planning A Trip To Arran Workshop
8. East Neuk of Fife
The East Neuk of Fife is one of my favourite places to visit during the warmer months. You just can’t beat being on the coast on a bright, sunny day (and Scotland has plenty of those).
The Fife Coastal Path is an excellent walk suitable for all levels- simply choose a section, and walk! There are regular buses throughout the route, so you can park your car, walk a section, and get the bus back.
My favourite section is from St Monans to Anstruther. When you get to Anstruther, treat yourself to fish and chips at the harbour!
>> Get my workshop on Planning a trip to Fife
Have I inspired you to visit any of the above places? Let me know in the comments!
