Scotland is thinking green and trying to reduce it’s impact on the environment. The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is a partnership with VisitScotland that encourages businesses all over Scotland to be sustainable. This results into having more and more hotels, B&Bs and other attractions become eco-friendly.
Cycling in Scotland
Experience the true beauty of Scotland’s landscapes, seaside, towns and cities. If you prefer a countryside stroll or a challenging mountain top, you can always find a suitable route in Scotland. All you have to do is follow the country’s designated National Cycle Network (NCN), which covers over 1,500 miles of Scotland.
Northern Lights in Scotland
If you like natural phenomena the best place to go in the UK is Scotland. In the northern isles, around the Caithness coast and the Orkney Isles. These are prime spots to see this fascinating light display. Shetland and The Outer Hebrides are also ideal locations for trying to see the Northern Lights as they have very low light pollution due to the low levels of population. The northern lights are caused by solar wind from the sun colliding with magnetic particles in the Earth’s atmosphere, the end result is magnificent.
Boat Charters and Wildlife Cruises
The Highland coastline is worth exploring, and its wild and unpolluted waters call for an epic adventure. If you can, do take a wildlife cruise around the inner Moray Firth or from the western seaboard and experience the resident aquatic wildlife such as whales, dolphins and seals. You can check out our previous post on Wildlife in Scotland here for more details. You can also experience a boat charter ride through large stretches of the Highland west such as Lochaber, Ardnamurchan and Wester Ross sailing out of Mallaig, Armadale, Kyle of Lochalsh and Gairloch.
Hiking in the Highlands
The highlands possess a landscape that has more variety then anywhere in Europe, the mountains just ask to be walked in, hiked and explored. The scenery is breathtaking and you will be surrounded by the beautiful wilderness and can challenge yourself. There are numerous programmes for guided walking tours, trail walking and mountain bagging. You can even do wild camping! Our favourites are the Road to the Isles, West Highland Way, Cape Wrath and the NW Highlands, Fisherfield Raid, and Classic Mountain trips.
Mountain Bike Trails
Wilderness Scotland guided mountain bike holidays are open to everyone. Wilderness Scotland is committed to sustainable tourism and holds the Gold Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. It has also won several awards for its high quality, eco-friendly trips. You can travel coast to coast in 7 days for 375 km. This incredible journey is pioneered by Wilderness Scotland and travels from the Aberdeen coast to Scotland’s mainland. If you like trails why not try the Hebridean Trail. This bike route crosses seven of the Hebridean islands. Starting in the island of South Uist and follows the path to the Butt of Lewis in the north.
Some great suggestions!1
Scotland is such a bizarre place – right next to overcrowded England it’s basically a wasteland, which means you can actually *see* things like The Northern Lights! The change in scenery is pretty fantastic too; when I went we saw part of the old Caledonian rainforest, and I never thought I would get to walk through a rainforest! (at least not without lathering myself with bug bite cream)
The Northern Lights are an incredible experience. I’ve seen them before in Greenland and I don’t think they’re quite as good in Scotland but at least you can actually see them.
Next time I may consider bringing my mountain bike with me for some off-road adventures =)
Glad you enjoyed the article Sarah. Stop by anytime for other interesting content 🙂 Any suggestions for us??