5 Days of Iconic Attractions and Hidden Gems in Scotland

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The short walk up Calton Hill is a great place to begin and get your bearings. The whole city can be admired in all directions from the top of this hill, including key landmarks - Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Three Bridges. There are views across the Firth of Forth in one direction and the Pentland Hills in the other. The good news is, it's a really quick wander, so you can have the rest of the day to explore the city.

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As you wander through Edinburgh, drop into Gladstone's Land on the Royal Mile and get a glimpse into 17th century life inside a classic tenement building. All three floors have been lovingly restored, keeping the original painted ceilings from 1620 intact. Take a break on the ground floor and taste some delights in the ice cream parlour and café. 

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Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.

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The seaside neighbourhood of South Queensferry is a lovely place to finish off your day. Catch the bus to the coast and if you've still got some energy, walk a section of the Shore Walk and discover some hidden beaches. Spend your evening at one of the waterfront pubs in the shadow of the Forth Bridges and enjoy dinner with a view!

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Start your day with a peaceful walk through the ancient woodlands of Dollar Glen, in the shadow of the Ochil Hills. You'll wander through landscapes loved by Scots for generations, with gorges, cascading waterfalls and the stunning fortress, Castle Campbell. 

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The Battle of Bannockburn changed Scotland's history forever in 1314. Scotland's great warrior king, Robert the Bruce, led Scotland to victory against King Edward II and the English army. The visitor experience puts you at the heart of the action with cutting-edge 3D technology.

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Formerly a working cotton mill, Deanston Distillery is now famous for the glorious whisky it produces. Take a tour to find out how whisky is made.

In Outlander the historic buildings stand in for Jamie's cousin's wine warehouse on the docks of Le Havre.

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Scotland has some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. Why not add some adrenaline to your day? Hire a bike from Comrie Bikes and set off along one of the custom-built trails through the forests of Perthshire. Comrie Croft has some amazing accommodation options too, if you'd like to spend the night somewhere quirky - they've got eco camping, safari tents (nordic katas) and a steading hostel. 

Sleep: Comrie Croft or Stirling

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Loch Lomond is a popular stop for many, but have you ever ventured further? The Clyde Sea Lochs Trail takes you into the heart of the coastal communities to the south west of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This established driving route is well sign posted and easy to follow, with panels packed with information located at each of the points of interest along the way, all with good car parking nearby. Start the route in Dumbarton or further north in Arrochar, with plenty to explore, including the beautiful 17th century village of Cardross.

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Featured in Outlander’s opening credits, visiting world-famous Glencoe will be a highlight memory from your trip. Driving through this deep-carved glen feels like you’re entering in a secret part of Scotland. Scenes from Skyfall were also filmed here, in the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor.

Pull into one of the parking places to absorb the atmosphere created by the towering peaks around you before popping into the Glencoe Visitor Centre. You can grab a bite to eat here before browsing the exhibition.

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The Loch Ness 360° is an epic walking, cycling, running and outdoor activity trail looping the entire circumference of Loch Ness. A wonderful way to admire the loch from all angles and vantage points, the trail is perfect for Nessie spotting and a fabulous alternative way to see the loch.

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An important garrison in the area's history, Fort George will have you envisioning billowing smoke from cannon fire and the sound of regimented marching of hundreds of soldiers.

Lying on the road to Inverness, it's the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain. Built in 1746 as the ultimate defence against the Jacobite rising, Fort George is an impressive site, bristling with cannons, muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition. Explore the battlements and gain a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.

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Continue to Elgin. You can stroll around the town, passing by North College Street to see the ruin of Elgin Cathedral, before enjoying a refreshment in a pub such as The Drouthy Cobbler or sitting down to an evening meal in a local restaurant. If it's a pleasant evening, you might fancy a short drive to one of the nearby sandy beaches at Hopeman or Lossiemouth to catch the sunset and wander along the sandy shoreline before dining at a country inn, such as the Duffus Inn. If you want to extend your trip, why not go west to Inverness, or even continue on to do the North Coast 500 before heading south, back to Edinburgh?

After exploring Elgin, take the service 36 bus towards Dufftown, stopping off at Macallan Distillery to taste a dram or two. The journey takes roughly 50 minutes.

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The Macallan explores the processes, production, people and passion that go into making this ever-so-special single malt whisky. Book a tour and marvel at this modern distillery, with its uniquely designed roof and a state-of the art visitor centre and shop, where you can buy limited edition and new release bottles to take home.

Sleep: Elgin

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The well-preserved ruins of Dunnottar Castle are perched on a dramatic cliff some 160 ft above the North Sea. This once impregnable fortress was visited by legendary historic figures including William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and, in more recent times, Mel Gibson in Franco Zeffirelli's 1991 film, Hamlet.

If you're lucky, you may even see puffins or dolphins from the castle ramparts.

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Visit V&A Dundee to see world-class examples of design, from architecture, fashion and furniture to video games and even healthcare. This is the first V&A museum in the world outside London and there are plenty of intriguing objects and enlightening exhibitions to see. Housed within an extraordinary building, designed by the internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, V&A Dundee also offers a tempting café and lovely gift shop.

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Take time to roam the pretty university town of St Andrews, taking in the castle, admiring the impressive ruined cathedral and, of course, hitting the famous West Sands beach! It's perfect for a bracing walk; or should you feel a little parched, then make your way to Eden Mill, craft producers of both beer and gin, for a tour and a tasting. You can also visit Kingsbarns Distillery, one of the country's newest distilleries.

Head down to Pittenweem on the service X60 bus from St Andrews, only taking 30 minutes and passing by stunning scenery. The town is also located along the Fife Coastal Path which offers a picturesque route around the coastal towns and villages of Fife. 

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The East Neuk refers to a scattering of quaint fishing villages in the north east corner of Fife. With curious winding streets, ancient stone harbours, and original white-washed fisherman's cottages, they make the perfect place to stop, breathe in the sea air, and perhaps grab a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. In Pittenweem, wander to the pier to see colourful bobbing boats, or walk up Cove Wynd to find the tiny St Fillan's Cave, said to have been used as a chapel by the saint in the eighth century. Head to Anstruther to try famous fish and chips, before visiting the town's Scottish Fisheries Museum. It's here that you can hop on board The Reaper, a Fife sailing herring drifter featured in the TV series Outlander (access available by prior arrangement).