Scotland's bucket list ideas

Our iconic Highland cows are hardy, docile, hairy and lovable so it’s no wonder so many people want to meet them!

They originate from the Scottish Highlands but you’ll find them right across Scotland, including:

• Macallan Distillery in Moray Speyside – which has its own herd.
• Muiravonside Country Park in Falkirk – there is a wide range of animals at the farm, including Highland cattle.
• Kitchen Coos and Ewes near Newton Stewart – meet the Highland cows (and sheep) on a buggy tour of the farm.

Scotland is land of myths and legends, full of atmospheric, shifting landscapes. So it's no wonder that it's provided the backdrop to some incredible film and TV shows. From the big-hitters like Outlander and Harry Potter, to cinematic gems like Local Hero and Macbeth, step into the world of cinema with some of our real-life movie and TV locations. 

Stay in a castle and channel your inner Traitors impression, visit some majestic stately homes that featured in The Buccaneers, or lose yourself in the magic of our stone circles and forests like Merida in Brave. There's something for everyone to tick off their bucket list! 

Up Helly Aa is a fire festival, inspired by Shetland’s Viking past. The archipelago’s communities come together for a night of guising (dressing up), carry burning torches through the streets and dance the night away to traditional Shetland music.

The main Lerwick festival is now quite well-known, but there are a series of community-led festivals held between January and March.

While you’re in Shetland, don’t miss the chance to kayak along the shoreline, watch for wildlife from otters to orcas, and visit incredible historic sites like Jarlshof.

A Highland games is a great way to learn about Scotland – how we’re competitive but welcoming, creative yet historic, and mostly a whole lot of fun! Head along to watch the caber toss, tug o’ war and hammer throw, marvel at the music and Highland dancing, and visit the food and craft stalls.

It’s a great way to spend a day outdoors and to mix with all the locals. There are some great events to choose from:

• Braemar Gathering - regularly attended by the reigning monarch when visiting nearby Balmoral Castle.
• Cowal Highland Gathering -which is renowned for the quality of its Highland dancing.
• Inveraray Highland Games - takes place in the ground of the castle and begins with a parade.

Spend a week following one of our long-distance walking routes.

You have to bag a Munro (climb a hill over 3,000 ft) while in Scotland, but for the true bucket list experience, why not pick a long-distance walking route to follow?

• Speyside Way - this epic route follows the beautiful River Spey, either starting in the Moray coast or in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in Aviemore.
• West Island Way - take the weekend on Bute to explore beaches, moorland and forest.
• Southern Upland Way – pack your biggest bag, and tackle Scotland’s longest, which runs from the west of Dumfries & Galloway to the east of the Scottish Borders for 212 miles.
• The Hebridean Way – walk nearly 155 miles (250 km) across 10 breathtaking islands off the west coast of Scotland, and take in rugged hills, white-sand beaches, remote villages and two stunning ferry crossings. Praised for its individual character, the Outer Hebrides have been named one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025 by National Geographic. Add this region to your must-visit places on your Scottish adventure! 

Scotland is home to some of the world’s most iconic railway journeys. Picture sitting back in comfort, soaking up the stunning views of the mountains, the sun glistening on a loch, passing by a charming town with welcoming locals.

Train journeys around Scotland include:

• Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway – jump aboard a heritage railway that offers the chance to ride on a vintage steam or diesel-hauled engine along the Forth Estuary, through woodlands, past waterfalls and over the Avon Viaduct.
• Borders Railway – this line is 30 miles long (49 km) and passes over and through 140 bridges and tunnels, including the majestic Newbattle (sometimes called Lothianbridge) Viaduct in Newtongrange and the beautiful Redbridge Viaduct near Tweedbank.
• West Highland Line – pass over the atmospheric Rannoch Moor and see Loch Shiel, Loch Eilt and Ben Nevis. You might recognise some of the spots featured in the Harry Potter films!

The beautiful waters of Loch Ness are well worth a visit – travel amongst the charming villages and admire the beautiful rolling countryside. It’s easy to head out on the Loch Ness water by booking a boat trip to see if you can spot the great Loch Ness Monster.

You might not be lucky enough to see Nessie, but there’s plenty you can spot in the surrounding countryside – look out for red squirrels, roe deer, dragonflies, and ospreys.

Want to tick more lochs off your list? Check out:

• Loch Maree – the south shore of this loch is Beinn Eighe, the UK’s oldest National Nature Reserve.
• Loch Muick – lies within the Balmoral Estate beside King Charles’ much-loved mountain, Lochnagar.
• Loch Tay – home to the recently reopened Scottish Crannog Centre, which celebrates the Iron Age settlement.

Scottish driving routes are begging to be explored. If you’ve got a Scotland roadtrip on your bucket list, then make sure to leave enough time to really appreciate the scenery, stop off in local communities, and take the less travelled roads off the main circuit.

Scotland has a whole range of driving routes from short 38 miles through the Clyde Valley to the 300 miles of the South West Coastal 300. But you don’t need four wheels to tackle these – many of the routes can be cycled as well.