Scotland trip | Self-drive Scotland highlights

Edinburgh is an architectural treasure trove with enough neoclassical terraces, Georgian grandeur and late medieval monuments to captivate even the most enthusiastic lover of architecture. The city is set amidst a series of volcanic hills and with its iconic castle, Edinburgh is well worth a visit.

Few countries boast a traditional culture as distinctive as Scotland. From haggis and whisky to men in kilts playing the bagpipes, the local customs of this proud country are recognised around the world. Scotland is a land of hilltop castles, formidable forts and mist-lined valleys. With some of Western Europe's greatest nature reserves in their backyard, the Scots are blessed with plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking in the rugged terrain of the Northern Highlands, whale and dolphin watching off the coast of Mull or sea kayaking among the seal-chasing islands of the Outer Hebrides. With all this wilderness to offer alongside some of Britain's most fascinating cities, it is no wonder the Scots are so fiercely passionate about their remarkable country and its impressive heritage.

Located in beautiful Scotland, Inverness offers excellent golfing, breathtaking hiking trails and a possible glimpse of the Loch Ness monster. The bustling city of Inverness, crowned by a pink castle with wooden sides and adorned with colourful flowers, lies on the River Ness on the north side of the Great Glen. Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness attracts a significant number of tourists to its iconic Loch Ness monster legend. Visitors can fan out from Inverness in almost any direction for exciting day trips: east to Moray and the distilleries near Forres, south-east to the Cairngorms and south to Loch Ness. With impressive scotch, excellent restaurants and shops and even whitewater rafting, there is plenty to do around this 'bonny wee town'.

Deep in the heart of Scotland lies Highland Perthshire, a true Highland paradise characterised by dramatic mountains, deep valleys, shimmering lakes, ancient castles, dense forests and an array of charming towns and villages scattered across pristine countryside. Its central location makes it the ideal base for exploring some of Scotland's most beautiful areas. The varied landscape is a paradise for all kinds of activities, including world-class golf courses, fishing, hiking and whitewater rafting. Be sure to visit Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in Scottish history, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. Highland Perthshire is perfect for travellers looking for a peaceful and authentic Scottish experience, away from the hustle and bustle of cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness

The UK offers four fascinating countries, all merged into an easily accessible and remarkably diverse island state. Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it contains more heritage per square kilometre than any other country in the world. It is also blessed with vast areas of picturesque countryside, long stretches of rugged coastline and some of the most dynamic, multicultural cities in the world.

Located just off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and the second most visited tourist destination in Scotland after the capital Edinburg. This popularity is attributed to its beautiful natural surroundings and the island's accessibility from the mainland by ferry or airlift. Despite this easy access, the island has managed to retain its remote atmosphere. The landscape is characterised by rugged mountains, misty moors, shimmering lakes and majestic cliffs. While this spectacular landscape is undoubtedly the island's main attraction, visitors can also discover numerous historic castles, crofting museums, distilleries, art galleries, cosy pubs and tempting restaurants to keep you wonderfully entertained. With its vibrant culture, long and rich history and abundance of fascinating flora and fauna, the Isle of Skye has a fascination that is hard to ignore.

Located in the rugged north of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands are home to some of Europe's most vast and spectacularly scenic wilderness. The area is characterised by majestic mountains, remote beaches, mythical lakes and fairytale castles. The Highlands are a unique blend of history, architecture, culture and exceptional scenery. Here you can immerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of this untamed landscape and its breathtaking views, vast coastline and beautiful islands. Visit the Knoydart Peninsula, where you will find the quiet beauty of the Scottish wilderness or Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Sandwood Bay, a vast stretch of golden sandy beach is also worth a visit and Eilean Donan Castle is also a favourite in the Scottish Highlands for a reason.

The Cairngorms National Park, located in the north-east of Scotland, is the UK's largest national park. This area represents the epitome of Mother Nature and Scottish charm in a beautiful location with picturesque Highland villages, historic castles, diverse wildlife, ancient forests and majestic mountains. The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland's crown jewel and boasts five of the UK's highest mountains. Visit fascinating museums, browse local bookshops and take a nostalgic steam train ride through breathtaking scenery. Visitors can also look forward to a range of exciting outdoor adventures, including: skiing, canoeing, wildlife safaris, and some incredible walking and cycling routes.

Pitlochry is a charming town on the River Tummel in central Scotland. With its beautiful location on the River Tummel and a nice collection of sights and activities, Pitlochry makes a great stopover on the way to the Scottish Highlands. Distillery tours are always popular, with Edradour distillery - which has been producing single malt Scotch whisky since 1825 - and Blair Athol distillery to choose from. For outdoor enthusiasts, the town can be used as a base for some excellent walks, including the Pass of Killiecrankie, with a fantastic visitor centre with displays on Jacobite history and Mount Ben Vrackie. The latter walk starts and ends at the Moulin brewery and hotel, a great place to relax after a long day of hiking.

The Scottish town of Fort William, situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is known as the country capital of the UK. It is known as the gateway to the UK's highest mountain peak, Ben Nevis, and the beautiful Glen Nevis Valley. The Ben Nevis trail is accessible and it takes about eight hours to reach the mountain peak. Fort William is a dream destination for outdoor adventurers, not only perfect for hiking and climbing, but also for sailing, skiing, snowboarding, cycling and rafting. Travellers should definitely visit the spectacular Steall waterfall, Scotland's second-highest waterfall with an impressive height of 120 metres. Other interesting attractions include the West Highland Museum, with exhibits on regional history and the Ben Nevis Distillery, which provides an interesting insight into the whisky-making process.

Located to the south of Edinburgh, Midlothian is known for its scenic nature, historical sites and several unique attractions. The lush, rolling Pentland hills and huge expanses of flowering woodland are ideal for walking, and the Midlothian Snowsports Centre has the longest dry ski slope in the UK. Visitors can explore the monumental 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, the famous part of the blockbuster The Da Vinci Code, and decorated with amazing carved masonry.

Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush countryside, and resting between Loch Linnhe and Loch Lochy lies Torlundy, a small village known for its scenic walking and cycling trails and proximity to many beautiful towns rich in history and attractions. One of the highlights is the Witches Trail, 45 kilometres of excellent mountain bike trails. Adventurous visitors can go mountain climbing, canyoning and mountain biking with expert guides through the beautiful countryside in Corpach, or hike to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Take a look at the West Highland Museum to learn everything from a shipwrecked Spanish Armada galleon to the history of mountain rescue. Don't miss the chance to photograph Crombie Clay in neighbouring North Ballachulish.

Stretching across Scotland's northeastern coast, Aberdeenshire is a land of rugged beauty, where dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches meet rolling hills and expansive farmlands. The region's granite buildings and castles reflect a rich history dating back to ancient Pictish times, with iconic sites like Dunnottar Castle perched on a coastal cliff and Crathes Castle surrounded by lush gardens. The county is also home to the Cairngorms National Park, a vast area of unspoiled wilderness ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Aberdeenshire is home to over 300 castles, including the famed pink Craigievar Castle, recently renovated and said to have inspired Walt Disney. The region also features Royal Deeside, beloved by Queen Victoria, with its river valleys and woodlands. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore rugged cliffs, play a round at one of the 50 golf courses, or visit whisky distilleries scattered along the famous Malt Whisky Trail.

The town of Rothes is located south of Elgin on the west bank of the River Spey. Amid breathtaking scenery and rich history, there is a range of wonderful activities to enjoy. Visitors can look forward to visiting the Glen Spey Distillery, playing a round of golf at the local golf club. And check out the remaining wall of the ancient Rothes Castle. Stroll the ancient streets lined by historic stone buildings, including the 1898 Town Hall; and see the Rothes Kirk (church), built at the northern end of the High Street in 1781. Other highlights include exploring the beautiful nearby Ben Aigen, Glen Grant Gardens, Rothes PondRothes Golf Course, the River Spey, Anvil Gardens, Glen Grant Gardens and the Glen of Rothes House.

The North Coast 500, which skirts the north coast of Scotland, is a popular scenic route in the North Highlands. Stretching for 800 kilometres, this incredibly iconic coastal road starts and ends at the ancient Inverness Castle. Enjoy breathtaking views along the route, including rugged mountains, white-sand beaches and countless hidden gems. Visitors can also look forward to a wide range of attractions and activities, such as exploring the collection of ancient castles that dot the landscape, sampling the range of local specialities and enjoying a water safari to catch a glimpse of a variety of sea creatures.

Dotting the northwestern coast of beautiful Scotland, the Hebrides is an archipelago comprising hundreds of islands. It is divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides groups, this incredibly scenic area is known for its spectacularly rugged landscapes, endless beaches, quaint fishing villages and a fascinating cultural heritage as is scattered with a variety of remote Gaelic-speaking communities. Visitors flock here to soak up the captivating views of the spectacular landscapes, enjoy the secluded and unspoilt coastlines as well as sampling a variety of traditional specialities. Other highlights include: hiking over the undulating green hills, spotting an abundance of wildlife, and exploring the majestic peaks of the Cuillin Mountain Range.