Scotland is a small country with a population of just 5.5 million. It begs the question, what is so good about Scotland that makes it a famous travel location all over the world? Its area is only 80,000 km squared, compared to America’s 9.8 million km squared. Can there really be anything good to do in such a small country? Does anyone famous even come from Scotland?
What is Scotland even famous for?
The Countryside
First of all, Scotland is incredibly famous for its countryside. It has been used as the backdrop for countless movies: Harry Potter, Braveheart, Prometheus and The Da Vinci Code to name but a few. You’re never far from dramatic scenery and inspiring landscapes.
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is an island found off the northwest coast of Scotland. Even though it is an island, it is connected to the mainland by bridge so it is possible to drive there.
Two famous landmarks on the island are the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools. The Old Man is a formation of stone jutting upwards towards the sky, giving an other-worldly feel.
The Fairy Pools are a group of pools and waterfalls which can be followed by a hiking trail. They’re perfect for taking a dip in and provide an incredibly relaxing experience.
The Isle of Skye is a great extra day option while staying in Fort William.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain at 1,345m, lies close to the town of Fort William. Fort William is known as the outdoor capital of Britain, and so there are many excursions to take on Ben Nevis. It is a formidable mountain, and so you must be well-prepared before tackling its summit.
Hiking and rock-climbing are particularly popular sports on the mountain. Fort William is also the end point of the West Highland Way and the start point of the Great Glen Way.
The Culture & History
Scotland has an incredibly rich history. The country is littered with castles and ruins.
Edinburgh is a city with beautiful architecture and a fantastic castle perched high above on a hill, with tremendous strategical views of the surrounding area.
And of course, how can we forget about haggis. Offal mixed with oatmeal, suet and seasoning, all boiled in an animal’s stomach. It’s honestly more delicious than it sounds, and it definitely worth a try if you find yourself in Scotland.
The Famous Faces
Even for a small country, Scotland’s influence on the global scale is enormous. From immigrations, exports and famous faces, a lot of people have some sort of connection to Scotland. Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor, Alexander Fleming and J.K. Rowling all hail from Scotland so it’s easy to recognise it as a breeding ground of talent!
We hope that you enjoyed this guide to What’s So Good About Scotland? If you are interested in the holiday of a lifetime hiking in Scotland, check out our range of self-guided hiking tours on Scotland’s best trails.
