Accommodation in Scotland
Activities in Scotland
Events in Scotland
Food and drink in Scotland
Gaelic
General
History of Scotland
Mary Queen of Scots
Money in Scotland
Robert the Bruce
Travelling Scotland
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Getting around Scotland:
This travel guide to Scotland aims to give you all the information necessary to have a well planned and rewarding trip. This part of the travel guide concerns getting around Scotland and its beautiful landscape.
You have a wide variety of choices when it comes to travelling around Scotland. These include travelling by; train, car, bus, ferry, bicycle, or on foot. Most people that visit Scotland rent a car for the duration of their stay because cars provide a sense of mobility and freedom that is sometimes difficult to get through public transport. This is especially true for the highlands where towns and cities are few and far between and public transport, while efficient, isn't extensive. Also, if travelling to the Islands, you will almost certainly need to get a ferry.
If you plan on staying in Edinburgh and/or Glasgow then you may find that you don't need to hire anything at all. However, outside of the cities the country is intersected by rivers, lochs and long mountain ranges. It makes ideal viewing but is unfortunately somewhat difficult to navigate around, making journeys that may take 50miles as the crow flies take 100miles in reality.
A little tip for the unacquainted – in Scotland when somebody lets you drive past them on a narrow road it is polite to give them a small wave, a gesture as small as raising a finger from the wheel is enough. (not the middle one!)
Trains in Scotland are slightly more expensive than the rest of Europe but they always run on time and are generally very clean and comfortable. You can book trains through our main page or alternatively you can have a look at the rail timetables here.
Buses are another good option for getting around Scotland. They cost less than trains and have more frequent stops, but you have the usual problems that are universal with this kind of travel. They can often take longer than any other kind of motorised transport and you do not have the freedom to stop anywhere you would like. That said, they are often comfortable and are a good way to meet people. There are also sightseeing tours that can show you the splendour of the Scottish countryside. These are bookable through our Activities section.
The only way to travel around the Hebrides is by Ferry. These are nice, relaxing journeys that provide you with a good opportunity to spot some of the local wildlife. They also have the added bonus of allowing you to take your car onboard. While most ferries have this option, some don't, so it is always best to check in advance.
Your right to roam.
Scotland and England have a long tradition of letting people have a walkers right of way and allowing them free entry to everything from mountains to moorland. However, th continued enjoyment of this free access is under the proviso that all those that walk on and enjoy the land treat it with respect and behave in a respectable and appropriate manner, recognizing that not only is it a place for fun but it is also many people's livelihood. Each constituent country of the UK has its own right to roam act however it is Scotland’s Land Reform act of 2003 that safeguards your right to roam in Scotland. However, this generous act is under the condition that Scotland’s countryside is enjoyed responsibly and in accordance with the Outdoor Access Code. In particular, it’s the individual walkers responsibility to ensure that he or she doesn’t damage fences, crops or cause annoyance to livestock. Also, all farmer’s gates must be closed after use to prevent their animals enjoying the same free roaming right as we do! The rules aren’t tricky or unjust, they are just plain common sense and if followed they ensure that Scotland’s stunning beauty is enjoyed by generations to come and remains the envy of the British Isles. Unfortunately, (In my opinion at least), most of the land is owned by private individuals and they often enjoy a spot of shooting. During certain times, such as the shooting season, walkers may have to respect a few restrictions on their right to roam. I’m sure these restrictions could be ignored but I don’t fancy ending up the trophy bag of the season! The main seasons run from August to the 20th of October and the 12th of August and the 10th of December. These are the Deer and Grouse hunting seasons respectively.
In Scotland it is not considered trespassing if you step foot on somebody's land and no action will be taken against you unless you happen to damage something such as crops, fencing or livestock. For certainty that you aren't on anyone else's property then you could also try one of Scotland's first national parks which have opened recently to broad approval. These include Loch Lomand and the Trossachs National Park and Cairngorms National Park. You can also gain free entry to anywhere that is owned by the Scottish National Trust or the National Trust for Scotland as it is known. These area include Torridon and Glencoe. As well as areas owned by the National Trust of Scotland you can also walk freely in places owned by the Forestry Commission, the John Muir Trust, Scottish National Heritage and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Mountains and mountain safety.
Confusingly, Mountains in Scotland are defined by three different names. There are Munros, Corbetts and Grahams. The reason why they have these enigmatic names is as follows;
Scotland is a country of mountains and there are about 284 mountains that reach a staggering 3000ft or higher. These are colloquially called Munros, after a man named Sir Hugh Munro, who was a member of the Scottish mountaineering club and in 1891 documented and published the definitive list of all mountains reaching over 3000ft, thus coining the term Munro for all such mountains. Then, just after the first world war in the '20s, a man named Corbett amended and republished this list with the inclusion of the 221 summits that are between 2500 and 3000 ft in height, and so these peaks then became known as ‘Corbetts’. Finally, another list was compiled but this time it was of those peaks reaching between 2000 and 2500 ft. It was published in 1992 by a woman named Fiona Graham, thus branding all those peaks, ‘Grahams’. It is from this that the popular term ‘Munro Bagging’ comes from, the climbing of as many 3000ft summits as possible.
When ascending these towering peaks, visitors to Scotland should have an eye for safety and a respect of the mountain. Scotland’s Highlands are a wild and dangerous wilderness and should be treated with respect, because if you don’t respect the mountain and its capabilities, you may overestimate your own.
Scottish weather is somewhat unpredictable and prone to change. Indeed, it could be a really bright and warm day one minute then the next it could be a real maelstrom of harsh rain, biting hale or snow. Because the mountains are so high, the weather is even more confusing than normal. What is happening at the foot of the mountain isn't necessarily what is happening at its peak. For example, it could be 2ft thick snow at the top of the mountain while down below you can be gearing up in the car park, basking in glorious sunshine. It is also vital that you find out what the weather is like before setting out on a difficult climb, this website has a weather centre attached and I can personally recommend the BBC 5 day forecast as well.
Regardless of what time of year it is, there are a number of things that you should always have on you as they are invaluable no matter what the weather is like. Here is a description of the basics.
* Boots with a decent tread to stop you from slipping and some good ankle support. This is especially important when jumping from crag to crag like a mountain goat. Ankles are very snappy things.
* Waterproof jacket and trousers will be important even on a sunny day
* Hat and gloves are important if the weather turns bad
* Warm trousers to go under the waterproofs should be either worn of carried
* A spare woolly jacket would be good as an extra layer if the wind chill gets up.
* A map and compass are essentials and you should familiarize yourself with their use if you aren’t already.
* A first aid kit for any injuries that occur
* A whistle to attract attention
* A torch
* You should be able to comfortably fit all this in a 25 liter rucksack with enough room left over for any items you feel like taking. Things such as multi tools and camping stoves et cetera.
* Leave a plan of your route and estimated arrival times with somebody so that if you are late or you lose your way and need help, they will know and will be able to summon help.
* If its winter and you’re going ice climbing then you could also think about taking with you an ice axe and crampons, as well as some extra warm clothing.
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