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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!