Posted by Maris on 28th Nov 2023
10 Epic Experiences You Can Only Have in Scotland
Scotland, with its smorgasbord of scenery and opportunities, is a funfair for those unfazed by the unknown and enthused by adventure. Live life on the edge with 10 epic experiences you can only have in Scotland.
Survive the night in a Scottish bothy at the end of the world
Explore the wildest corners of Scotland and spend the night in a bothy – an abandoned old croft, farmstead, or shepherd's hut that marks the deepest, darkest areas of Scottish wilderness. It takes courage, perseverance, and a compass to find these hidden huts, which are completely off the grid and free to anyone. Once there, the bothy (typically the most basic of shelters) will provide a roof and sometimes a hearth. But after that, it's up to you to make it through the night. Follow in the footsteps of adventurer Geoff Allan and consult his Scottish Bothy Bible, the holy grail of Scottish bothies.
Climb the inaccessible pinnacle on Skye
We challenge you. At 986 meters, the Inaccessible Pinnacle, a 50-metre shark's fin of a rock, teeters atop Sgurr Dearg. Climb alongside fellow thrill seekers to the top of this jagged blade and highest point of Sgurr Dearg, the only Munro with a peak accessible by rock climbing. Accept Skye's sublime sights and plan your descent.
Hunt for Nessie at Loch Ness
Who knew cryptozoology could be so entertaining? We've all heard the stories about Scotland's own denizen of the deep, but have we ever tried to discover him? Every narrative has truth, therefore make it your life's purpose to discover it. If unsuccessful, Loch Ness, Scotland's second largest and second deepest loch, has spectacular beauty and magical elements.
Go Munro-bagging across Scotland’s most magical mountains
They say that the best alpinists have the poorest memories. In any case, Munro-bagging is an intriguing adventure. But, we hear you ask, what is this mysterious activity? A Munro is a Scottish mountain that rises above 3,000 feet (914 meters). The dangers, such as dangerous weather and bipolar terrain, are all part of the fascination. So, climb some of Scotland's most desirable Munros — think Buachaille Etive Mor, Ben Nevis, Ba Bheinn, and Ben Alder — or, ideally, all of them (that's Munro-bagging).
Partake in a real Scottish ceilidh…
…then dance the Orcadian Strip The Willow, preferably without shoes on to improve your spinning! Ceilidhs are a Scottish tradition, and you haven't lived unless you've been to one! There's no finer celebration or spot to catch a true view of the fun-loving nature of the Scots, with its harmonious combination of ancient instruments, timeless rhythm of people weaving in and out dancing about, barrels of booze, and general convivial attitude.
Sail to the Isle of Staffa and get lost in the magic of Fingal’s Cave
Fingal's Cave is a natural wonder known for its symmetry, mesmerizing acoustics, entrancing colors, and hexagonally joined basalt. Many artists and famous figures, like Pink Floyd, artist J.M.W Turner, Queen Victoria, and Romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn, have been inspired by its overpowering beauty. Take a boat journey to the Isle of Staffa to see this unrivaled slice of intrigue for yourself.
Party the night away at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Hogmanay, or Scottish New Year's Eve, is a sight to behold. A spate of fireworks decorate the sky like a dream, the city fills with people from all over the world, the sounds of famous bands reverberate around every corner, the aromas of wonderful cuisine fill the air, and parties spring up in unexpected places. And when the clock strikes midnight, nothing beats the feeling of the people linking arms and singing Auld Lang Syne at the top of their lungs. This unrivaled event is an unrivaled way to ring in the new year.
Explore Edinburgh and The Lothians from a hot air balloon
If tour busses put you to sleep, consider soaring through the sky in a hot air balloon to see the ethereal beauty of Scotland's capital and its surrounding kingdoms. As you soar into the sky, the city will transform into a blank canvas, with monuments like Arthur's Seat and the Castle providing a fresh viewpoint. View undulating Scottish hills, little picture-perfect villages, and breathtaking vistas from above. Scotland, oh Scotland.
Experience the ‘World’s Most Spectacular Landing’
Although seeing the various islands is a no-brainer on a Scotland-themed bucket list, one location sticks out. Barra is the most southerly of the Outer Hebridean people-populated islands, measuring five miles broad by eight miles long. With its limitless selection of outdoor activities, this little paradise is a destination for adventurers. But first, you must land on Traigh Mhor beach, the only runway beach with scheduled aircraft flights in the area. As picturesque as the setting, this beach runway was officially permitted in 1936 and has been in operation ever since. Flying into this gorgeous destination was rated the world's most breathtaking landing, unsurprisingly.
Hone in on those photo skills with an epic photography holiday on Skye
Whether you're new to photography or a seasoned pro, the Isle of Skye is one of those famous landscapes that, no matter what the mood or circumstances, adores the camera. Culture Trippers of all kinds can embark on an unrivaled photography session thanks to passionate photographer and UK Photographer of the Year Marcus McAdam. Consider perilous ridges, enthralling fairy ponds, Scottish fauna, smooth beaches, unspoiled terrain, wild wilderness, magnificent highlands, and other attractions. The finest part was seeing Skye in her environment.