12 Peaceful places in Scotland to boost your wellbeing

Hurkle-durkle is a Scots language term meaning to “linger under the covers of a warm bed long after it's time to get up.” According to the NHS, a healthy adult usually needs around 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Catch up on restorative rest in a quiet hotel or cottage in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy the serenity of hills, glens and historic towns. Reset your sleep pattern with active days and peaceful nights.

Walking and wellness go hand in hand. A walk in the fresh air can improve fitness, cardiac health, mood and even prevent weight gain. There’s something special about being in a forest – studies have shown that breathing in the organic compounds trees emit can help boost your immune system. Why not plan a mindful walk amongst the ancient Caledonian pines of Glen Affric, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and tranquil glens? Slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Studies suggest that being close to the water makes you happier. One US experiment found that simply looking at the water can be enough to perk you up. Book a yoga escape by the water and combine gentle movement with gorgeous Scottish scenery. Ones to try include West Coast Wellness on the banks of Loch Fyne and Kinloch Lodge in Sutherland. For a day retreat, join Casey Allum Yoga for lakeside classes and cold-water experiences by Loch Lomond.

Sea air, rich in oxygen, is like a natural sleeping pill – just one of the many reasons that wild swimming has become so popular in Scotland. Our coastlines and lochsides are among the best places in the world to safely practice this fantastic hobby. Savour the calming sounds of birds and waves as you take a dip. The coast of Argyll offers wonderful, sheltered waters for wild swimming, including inhabited and uninhabited islands, freshwater lochs and sea lochs. Remember, safety first!

Founded in 1967, Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre is located in a peaceful valley on the banks of the river Esk in Dumfries & Galloway. Kagyu Samye Ling was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to be established in the West. Plan a meditative trip to the south west corner of Scotland where the land and seascapes are truly energising. Visit the Tibetan temple, take a guided mindfulness session and enjoy holistic therapy.

It’s time to disconnect your devices and head for the mountains. Our digital lives can be all-consuming and draining so it’s no surprise that switching off from tech now and then allows you to recharge and calm your mind. Unwind at Loch Ossian, which is perfect for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is a great place to stay off-grid and explore the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor.

Lie back, let the silence envelop you, and see the stars like you’ve never seen them before in Scotland. Galloway Forest is one of the UK’s darkest places, and in 2009 it was named the country's first International Dark Sky Park, ideal for stargazing. Nighttime travel experiences are becoming increasingly popular as a chance to get away from it all. From late-opening museums to night snorkelling, embrace the call of the dark. 

Escape to the west coast island of Arran for quiet beaches and unspoiled trails. Absorb the sounds and scents of the sea. During your visit you could stop in at the Holy Isle Mindfulness Retreat, explore ancient stone circles and generally cultivate a slow ethos along Scotland’s coastline. Leave your stress on the mainland as you catch a ferry across the water to this magical place.

Escape to peaceful Moray Speyside for tranquil landscapes, ancient forests and the sounds of the seaside. Restore your body’s equilibrium with a wild outdoor sauna experience like Watershed Sauna. Spa hotels in the area such as Eight Acres and Golf View Nairn offer a relaxing luxury experience, while the region’s coastline is geared up for long walks and wildlife spotting.

Walk barefoot on the edge of Scotland and feel the pulse of the earth beneath your feet. This is the wild North Highlands Geopark in Sutherland, a place of windswept walks, glacial lochs, and dramatic coastlines. Here you’ll find Sandwood Bay, one of Scotland’s most beautiful, secluded beaches. Drift between untouched dunes and the roaring ocean, finding solace in this unique landscape.

Visiting Glasgow? Leave the busy itinerary for another day and embrace the city’s green spaces. Glasgow is home to over 90 parks and gardens that form a major part of life in the city. Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Green, or The Necropolis are lovely places for mindful walks, journaling, photography, or just quiet reflection.

Enjoy the peaceful poetry of Perthshire on a thoughtful journey along the Corbenic Poetry Path near Dunkeld. Patiently crafted into the land by the Corbenic Community and volunteers, this hand-built walkway follows the natural rise and fall of the land, drawing you in with poetry displays and sculptures. The views – particularly down the Strath Braan to Amulree – are really spectacular. Breathe in the scent of pine trees and appreciate the gentle sounds of birdsong. Free and open year-round.