Where to visit in Scotland: From Edinburgh Festival to the Isle of Staffa

The Commonwealth Games might have finished in Glasgow, but there are plenty of other reasons to head for the Highlands

Naturally-occurring basalt columns lead down to Fingal’s Cave, a cathedral-like space admired by musicians and artists over the centuries, with eerily beautiful acoustics. Staffa Tours offer a round boat trip from Oban to Staffa National Nature Reserve, L

Decorated with glens, lochs, and castles, the varied landscapes of Scotland will always make for excellent travelling destinations. It’s worth packing a tent and swimming gear so you have the option to pitch up in one of Scotland’s numerous area of breath-taking natural beauty. Up in the Highlands, and especially in the islands of the Outer Hebrides, it’s hard to believe you are in the British Isles at all. In fact Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming: Hidden Beaches, says that the white sandy coastlines of Uist, Lewis and South Harris were once mistakenly used in a Thai tourist brochure.

If you are looking for a bit of itinerary inspiration, here are ten ideas about where to visit this summer.

With Edinburgh festival underway, a vibrant city break is an ideal way to start or end your excursions. Pick up some cardamom buns for the road at Peter’s Yard Swedish bakery before setting off to explore all that Scotland has to offer. Get your hands dirty at a pick your own farm, or wet your whistle at one of the tours and tastings offered by Glenfiddich whisky distillery. Don’t let your best laid plans go awry, make sure your adventures make the most of the Scottish summer.