11 Off-the-Beaten-Track Holiday Destinations in Scotland

If you’re planning a holiday in Scotland, take the road less travelled and discover off the beaten path — beyond the iconic cities and landscapes. You’ll be rewarded with picturesque villages, glorious natural scenery, outstanding historic buildings, art-filled galleries, excellent local restaurants and more.

We’ve put together this list of wonderful, alternative best places to holiday in Scotland that are worth exploring now for a quiet getaway. Ready to add them to your bucket list?

  1. Enjoy unspoilt scenery in Caithness and Sutherland Caithness en de Noordkustregio van Sutherland

    The Castle of Mey was built by George, the 4th Earl of Caithness, in 1573. HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother purchased the castle in 1952. The cast

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    With bens, glens and seascapes, the dramatic landscapes of the far north of Scotland are some of the least populated yet most beautiful parts of Scotland. From sensational scenery and remote beaches to wonderful wildlife and rich heritage, these off the grid travel destinations are nothing short of spectacular!

  2. Stay in the coastal town of Berwickshire Berwickshire, Scottish Borders

    St Abbs Head Lighthouse, Eyemouth

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Nestled to the east of the Tweed Valley Forest Park in the Scottish Borders, Berwickshire is perfectly situated for a relaxing break as it’s just over an hour away from Edinburgh.

    Experience Scotland off the beaten track with quaint towns and villages, such as Eyemouth and St Abbs, and enjoy great outdoor activities including diving, stunning country houses, magnificent birdlife and beautiful sandy beaches sheltered by high cliffs. Sounds like a recipe for a great holiday!

  3. Explore the lochs and mountains of the Cowal Peninsula Argyll

    Puck's Glen, Cowal Peninsula

    Flanked by Loch Long and Loch Fyne, the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll is a land of beautiful contrasting scenery. Lying at the western gateway to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the area is only a little over an hour by car from Glasgow and offers a tantalising taste of the Highlands.

    Outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers and wildlife buffs will be in heaven here.

  4. Try thrilling watersports in Highland Perthshire Perthshire

    Kenmore

    Commonly referred to as the gateway to the Highlands, northern Perthshire is located in the heart of Scotland. For walkers, there are plenty of Munros and hills to walk, while anglers can enjoy superb river and loch fishing. Discover alternative holiday destinations where you can enjoy watersports, romantic castles, gardens, great music festivals and events.

  5. Enjoy a small Scottish island holiday on Cumbrae Noord-Ayrshire

    The Caledonian MacBryne ferry 'Loch Riddon' docked at Great Cumbrae.

    © VisitScotland / Grant Paterson

    The Isle of Cumbrae, also known as Great Cumbrae, is only a 10 minute ferry ride from Largs on the mainland, making this one of Scotland’s most accessible islands. The unspoilt coastline is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers and nature lovers alike.

  6. Escape to Lanarkshire Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & het Forthdal

    An Ceann Mor – Gaelic for large headland – is a new viewing platform on the banks of Loch Lomond. The 26ft pyramid offers panoramic views of Ben Lomon

    © Ross Campbell, all rights reserved.

    With Glasgow to the west and Edinburgh to the east, Lanarkshire is an ideal place to base yourself when exploring Scotland’s top attractions. You won’t actually need to leave this charming part of central Scotland unless you want to, though.

    Lanarkshire offers a wealth of things to see and do. A round of golf? Tick! Fascinating historic buildings? Tick! And not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Ready to pack your bags?

  7. Relax in the peace of the Angus countryside Dundee & Angus

    Tay Whale scuplture, Dundee waterfront gardens

    Scotland holiday destinations don’t get much better than the countryside of Angus! The area stretches out from the city of Dundee, right around the east coast and inland to the lush valleys and soft peaks of the Angus Glens, which consist of five glens with 10 Munros.

    Explore miles and miles of twisting small roads and paths, perfect for walking, cycling and just enjoying the great outdoors. Amongst these beautiful green fields are several towns and smaller villages, all well worth exploring to discover the relaxed pace of life and friendly locals.

  8. Island hop around the Shetland Isles Shetland

    Spiggie Beach

    There’s more to Shetland than just the Mainland. The archipelago is made up of more than 100 islands. Each one boasts its own stunning scenery, unique heritage and special character, so there’s nowhere better for remote getaways in Scotland.

    Whichever island you visit, there is a wealth of archaeological and historic sites to uncover alongside a diverse array of flora and fauna, some of which are distinct to the isles.

  9. Wander the sandy beaches of Dumfries & Galloway Dumfries & Galloway

    Crawick Multiverse

    The hilly area of Dumfriesshire offers the best of Scotland’s countryside with a rich mixture of landscapes that change dramatically from rolling farmland, tranquil lochs and woodland to rocky coastline and sandy coves.

    Situated along the shore of the Solway Firth, the area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, but has no shortage of sites of historic and cultural interest for a quiet summer destination.

  10. Soak up the beaches of East Lothian East Lothian

    North Berwick Law Hill Fort; overlooking the town and Craigleith island.

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    With over 40 miles of stunning coastline, golden beaches, award-winning attractions, excellent food and some of the world’s finest links golf courses, East Lothian’s picturesque countryside and charming coastline make it a fantastic place for off the beaten track holidays.

  11. Wander the rugged cliffs of Banffshire Banff

    Situated in the north east of Scotland on Banff Bay, the historic town of Banff is separated from the neighbouring village of Macduff by a pretty seve

    © VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

    Miles of rugged cliffs, beautiful sandy bays and fine examples of Georgian architecture await you in Banffshire.

    This wonderful corner of north east Scotland is full of natural beauty and great stories. Get your suitcase out now!

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