Hidden Corners of Scotland Worth Exploring
Most visitors to Scotland see the capital, Edinburgh, and then head up to experience the Highlands. Scotland is a diverse and beautiful country, and going off the beaten track gets you away from the tourist traps and the crowds and allows you to experience the best Scotland has to offer.
- East Neuk of Fife. The main tourist town in Fife is St Andrews, known the world over as the home of golf. What most visitors miss however is the coast south of St Andrews, home to small fishing villages such as Anstruther, Crail and Pittenweem. The villages are pretty and haven’t changed in centuries and you can still watch the fishing boats land their catch every morning. The fish and chips sold by the harbor in Anstruther is famous throughout Scotland and should be top of everyone’s list of places to eat. There are lots of long, sandy beaches although as the sea temperature is chilly all year round, swimming is only for the hardies of holidaymakers.
- Isle of Mull. Just off the west coast of Scotland is Mull, a large island easily accessible by ferry from Oban. Mull has beautiful beaches, mountains and scenery and has much to offer for a family holiday or an activity break. Mull is one of the best places in Scotland for wildlife, and several companies offer trips to spot marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and porpoises. The main town on the island, Tobermory, has all the facilities tourists could wish for.
- Orkney Islands. The islands which make up Orkney lie off the north coast of Scotland and at first glance are windswept and bleak. These islands have a tale to tell going back to prehistoric times, and you could easily spend a fortnight visiting all of the archaeological sites on the islands. Don’t miss Skara Brae, which is one of the best preserved Stone Age villages in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Orkney is also home to many craftspeople and there are numerous small shops selling handcrafted products such as pottery, jewelry, knitted goods and soaps.
- Speyside. The valley of the river Spey is whisky making country, and some of the most famous names in the world of Scotch whisky are produced in the area surrounding the town of Elgin. Most of the distilleries have visitor centers and guided tours, and as the area also offers lots in the way out outdoor activities like climbing and walking, it makes a fantastic region for a relaxing break.
- Scottish Borders. The area of south east Scotland adjoining the English county of Northumberland offers not only spectacular scenery with rolling hills and pretty towns, but lots of history too. This disputed territory was the site of dozens of battles over the years and there are numerous castles and abbeys which are all open to the public. Edinburgh is within easy reach of the Borders, making it a perfect day trip to see what the capital city has to offer.
This photo of Isle of Mull
This photo of Orkney Islands
This photo of Speyside
Morag Peers is an avid traveler and writer for WithoutTheStress.Com, a passport and visa expediter specializing in Same Day Passports, UK Student Visas, UK Work Visas and other time-sensitive documents required by busy travelers.
