2020 Scotland Wish List

It’s a little ironic to me that I live in one of the top tourist destinations in the world, yet I’ve barely seen any of it. I’m one of those people who books a flight any time I have a week off. Scotland has barely ever been on my radar, yet it’s one of those countries you can see so much of in one day with a car. It’s only taken me a pandemic and a bunch of travel bans to get the ball rolling on seeing a little bit of my own country.

As hitting 30 began to loom, I took a look at my 2020 Travel List and realised it just wasn’t going to happen. I had so many big plans for this year, including cool trips to the States and a gorgeous week in Mykonos. Instead of getting down about it all, I’m going to focus on Scotland, see as much as I can, and inject some tourist cash into my own country’s economy for a change. Here are a few places I’m hoping to hit with what’s left of 2020 post lockdown.

The Jacobite Steam Train/Fort William/Morar

A trip for any Harry Potter lovers (aka me), the Jacobite Steam Train travels from Fort William all the way to Mallaig on the West Highland Line. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, past mountains and lochs all in the space of a few hours. It sounds like an absolutely amazing day out, and the first of many from the base in Fort William. The silver sands of Morar aren’t too far away, and have been somewhere I’ve tried to see for the past few summers. Despite being such a wet and miserable country for so much of the year, Scotland has so many gorgeous beaches I’m dying to see.

Barra

We’ve all seen the planes landing on the beach on Barra, and how beautiful does that beach look? Barra looks like the place to go to chill out for a few days, seeing the sights like the castle in the sea, and visiting the distillery (hey, it is still Scotland). I’m not much of a water person, but even I might be convinced to go kayaking in the crystal clear waters - probably before my distillery visit.

Skye

Skye is one of those places it feels as though everyone and their granny has been to apart from me. The island has everything to offer, from the fairy pools to the Old Man of Storr and plenty of walks and hikes. I have the advantage of being able to go outside of tourist season (midge season), and still might be able to catch some nice weather if I go in late September/early October.

North Coast 500/250

I do love a road trip, and the NC500 looks like the ultimate way to see as much of the highlands as possible in one go. The NC250 is a shorter route, and seems like a better shout for those who don’t have as much time to explore. I’m hoping to fit one or the other in this year, since I’ve never stepped foot in the highlands in my life. Shameful.

Well that’s plenty to be getting on with, and I’m sure there will be more added to the list. All suggestions welcome!

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