15 Tips You Need to Know to Plan an Outdoor Adventure Trip to Scotland

Scotland is known for incredible outdoor adventures in its wild regions. However, Scotland is not the place to arrive without advance trip planning. It’s not unusual to arrive in an area in the summer with sold-out accommodations, attractions, ferries, and even restaurants. Therefore, use these tips for outdoor adventure trip planning in Scotland.

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Tips on Planning an Outdoor Adventure Trip to Scotland

1. Get an Electronic Travel Authorization

If you are visiting Scotland from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Europe, you will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Use the government website rather than private or sponsored sites that will cost you substantially more.

2. Plan for the weather

Expect wet weather in Scotland. You will need a good raincoat and waterproof hiking shoes for outdoor adventures. Bring insect repellent during the summer midge season. I wear a headnet in the backcountry when the tiny bugs are swarming.

3. Book accommodations early

Scotland is very popular, so book your accommodations early. I like to find places that fit my travel preferences and budget on Booking.com. Then, I reserve bookings with free cancellation so I can make changes as I refine my itinerary.  

I started booking places to stay 6 months before my trip. First, I locked a few places in and then adjusted them as my itinerary became more refined. If you have a larger group, there are excellent houses on VRBO to rent.

4. Try a hostel stay

If you are on a budget, consider staying in a hostel. I find that travelers of all ages stay in hostels these days. You can book a private room and have access to a big kitchen and other amenities. Reserve through Hostelworld.

I stayed in a hostel on the Isle of Arran where most of the guests had as much gray hair as I did. The hostel I stayed at in Glasgow had an en-suite bathroom and was within walking distance of choice restaurants and live Scottish music.

Read the hostel descriptions on Hostelworld carefully if you want to avoid party hostels (or choose them!). As a solo traveler, I enjoy the camaraderie of the hostel guests, the budget prices, and big, well-equipped kitchens.

5. Rent a car

I strongly advise renting a car to access the best outdoor adventures. Scotland has a robust public transport system, but it can’t get you to remote destinations. I use DiscoverCars for all my trip car rentals. They work with reputable car rental companies with the best prices.

You will pay a little more for an automatic transmission, but it’s worth it if it makes you more comfortable. Driving on the left can be learned quickly. Scottish drivers are polite and careful. Look for helpful signs before a rotary to tell you which lane to be in.

6. Book ferries early

Like accommodations, ferries in Scotland can be sold out if you arrive last minute, especially if you have a car. Once you know you are going to one of the amazing isles of Scotland, book reservations with the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry company. Advance tickets for passengers are not as critical.

However, you may have luck getting on the ferry if you get there early and stand by. Twice on my trip, I was able to take my car on an earlier ferry by getting in the standby line.

7. Tips for driving in Scotland

Driving times in Scotland are longer than your map app indicates. Roads are windy and narrow. Plus, you will want to stop for sights along your route. It worked well for me to double the time on my GPS for planning the drive.

Single-track roads are abundant in Scotland. Learn single-track road etiquette. Use passing places properly by pulling into the space on the left to let others pass. Don’t ever park in a passing place to snap a quick photo.

I drove many miles of single-track, especially on the islands of Scotland, and found it easy to use the many passing places for a smooth ride.

8. Alternatives to driving

It’s possible to use the Scottish rail to access the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, or the Inner Hebrides. Use Kloot to easily book a mobile pass to enjoy unlimited travel for a set number of days, valid on trains, coaches, and buses.

The national parks in Scotland offer local transportation to access the popular outdoor spots in the park. The Aviemore Adventurer bus operates in the Cairngorms National Park. Similarly, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has the Trossachs Explorer bus to get around the park. Water taxis on the lochs are a convenient way to get around.

Finally, you can find organized tours that will immerse you in some of the best outdoor adventures of Scotland. Try hiking on the Isle of Skye, trekking to the summit of Ben Nevis, or take the family gorge walking in Pitlochry.

9. Finding hiking routes in Scotland

The Walkhighlands App is the best way to find hiking routes in Scotland. This comprehensive database has all the information you need to plan hikes throughout Scotland. You can download the route before the hike, or follow the map on your phone while walking. Use an eSIM such as Airola to access data when away from WiFi.

10. Go off the beaten track

Look for the hidden gems in Scotland. If you deviate from the standard tourist route, you can discover remote adventures with fewer crowds. For example, I decided to visit the Isle of Mull instead of Skye. As I biked along a sea loch with breathtaking scenery and a deserted beach, I didn’t lament missing the Isle of Skye, especially after seeing photos on social media of the crowds there.

Related post -> Fantastic Isle of Mull Outdoor Adventures

11. When to visit Scotland

Visit Scotland during the shoulder seasons. April, May, September, and October offer long days, better weather, lower costs, and fewer people. My trip at the end of April into early May had sunny skies (I was surprised too), no midges, and was the height of lambing season. 

12. Cycle through Scotland

Cycle touring is a wonderful way to slow down and take in the scenery in Scotland. There are many companies with guided and self-guided tours. You can also rent a bike or an e-bike in many areas to explore independently. Both the Inner and Outer Hebrides have excellent quiet bike routes to explore on a personal trip.

I absolutely loved my cycling trips next to the ocean on the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Arran. The low-traffic single-track roads lead to unbelievable hidden gems. Bike rental companies can suggest the perfect route for your tour.

Related post -> E-biking Trips in Scotland You Don’t Want to Miss

13. Wild camping

Scotland’s “Right to Roam” allows wild camping on most unenclosed land, including open moorland, forests, fields, and some coastal areas. Popular areas such as Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park have more restrictions and require permits from March to September.

The spirit of wild camping is dependent on “Leave No Trace” philosophy and respect for the land and landowners. Setting up your tent next to your parked vehicle isn’t really wild camping. Therefore, walk a bit to set up camp.

There are wonderful campgrounds and campervan parks in attractive settings all over Scotland. Camping pods and glamping accommodations are also an option.

14. Sea kayaking the coast of Scotland

Sea kayaking along the wild coast of Scotland is a bucket list experience for paddlers. The rugged, rocky shoreline, hidden beaches, and the chance to see marine mammals and birds make for the perfect paddling adventure. Scotland has many skilled sea kayaking guides and companies.

The waters of the North Atlantic are frigid so make sure you have the proper gear. The sea kayak company should provide wetsuits or drysuits. You will need to dress in quick-drying layers of material such as Merino wool, fleece, or synthetics to stay warm. Neoprene booties will keep your feet warm. A raincoat or waterproof paddling jacket will keep you dry.

Because sea kayaking is so weather dependent, make sure you have some flexibility in your schedule in case your trip is postponed for a day due to high winds.

Related post -> Best Kayaking Day Trips in Europe

15. Go on a wildlife tour

A highlight of my trip to Scotland was hanging out with 15,000 puffins on an Atlantic coast island. I spent 2 hours communing with nest-building puffins a few feet from my perch. Golden eagles, red deer, whales, dolphins, and seals are wildlife often seen on tours in various areas of Scotland.

Get Your Guide or Viator will connect you with local adventure companies with skilled guides to explore the wilds of Scotland.

You can also ask people at your accommodations for information about local guides. Local guides can certainly enhance your experience with their firsthand knowledge. Rabbies Tours is a highly rated Scotland tour company. I love the motto on their vans, “Driven by Curiosity”.

Wrap Up of Outdoor Adventure Trip Planning in Scotland

Planning an outdoor adventure trip in Scotland promises unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. From the rugged Highlands and windswept coastlines to serene lochs and remote islands, Scotland offers an incredible variety of wild terrain perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.

These tips can help you plan the perfect outdoor adventure. In addition, the tips are also useful for general trip planning in Scotland. With thoughtful preparation and a flexible spirit, your outdoor journey in Scotland will be one to remember.

Related post -> The Best E-biking Tour Along Loch Katrine in Scotland

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