Find your Spirit of Adventure in Scotland

In Partnership with VisitScotland

Enjoying a walk through Three Lochs Forest Drive

Whether you’re testing your limits summiting a lofty Highland peak or marvelling at the moorlands and meres of the Lowlands, there’s no question that being in Scotland’s renowned great outdoors is good for the soul. Indeed, recent VisitScotland research* highlighted that 59% of visitors agreed their trip in Scotland enhanced their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

From the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly tip, to Unst in the Shetland Islands, there’s so much to discover year-round in Scotland’s wild places, if you have the right experience and equipment.

Over the last few years, more and more of us have chosen to use Scotland’s world-class right of responsible access to be in nature, revitalise our senses and keep fit. But with this right comes a need to respect, protect and, of course, enjoy this landscape, so that locals and visitors can do the same for many millennia to come.

Hillwalking in the Pentland Hills, near Edinburgh © VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

As we head towards the twentieth anniversary of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code in 2025, VisitScotland is working with like-minded organisations, such as leading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist Vango, to encourage everyone to enjoy Scotland responsibly and safely.

Here are some ideas and tips on how you can do your bit to respect, protect and enjoy Scotland:

• According to VisitScotland research* 70% of visitors took a trip motivated by Scotland’s breathtaking scenery and landscapes. Factoring in Scotland’s challenging terrain and changing weather though, exploring these beautiful places can sometimes be dangerous, so it’s important to stay safe.
• When walking in the mountains, know your limits. Always take a map and compass with you and know how to use them. Take appropriate warm clothing, waterproofs and wear durable hiking boots. Take sufficient food and drink, pack a torch and a packable survival shelter. Walking poles help with descents and in winter you’ll need an ice-axe and crampons and the skills to use them.

Loch Leven and The Pap of Glen Coe © Airborne Lens/Liam Anderstrem

• Scotland’s lochs and waters are notoriously cold, so enjoy time on and in the water with friends – don’t go solo. Wear a buoyancy aid when enjoying watersports and something bright to be seen.  
• When planning your trip, where possible, try to use public transport or at the very least, fill the car with friends or car-share. It’s better for the planet…and your wallet.
• Invest in the community you’re visiting by supporting local businesses, staying longer and experiencing the local culture.
• Plan ahead, especially during the peak summer months, and have an alternative location in mind, if the place you want to visit is already too busy.
• Why not avoid Scotland’s popular spots, get off-the-beaten track and discover some hidden gems? From hill-walking, mountain biking, watersports and more, there’s so much to see and do in quieter regions such as the South of Scotland or North-east Scotland.
• For responsible tourism experiences, VisitScotland is working with Tourism Cares and a number of Scottish businesses, which can be found on their Meaningful Travel Map.
• Visit during the quieter months. The woodlands of Galloway, Queen Elizabeth and Tay Forest parks explode in a burst of vibrant colour in late autumn and are full of lovely low-level walks. Or head north for a spot of storm-watching in the Orkney or Shetland islands, then coorie in (cosy up) with a tasty meal and a dram beside a roaring fire.

Lady Mary’s Walk, Crieff, Perthshire © VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

• Late autumn and winter is also a great time to see Scotland’s stellar Dark Skies. Top spots include Galloway Forest Park, Moffat, the islands of Rum and Coll, Aberdeenshire, the Cairngorms National Park, Orkney and Shetland.

Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries & Galloway © Visit South West Scotland/Ben Bush

Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to go in Scotland’s great outdoors, embrace your #SpiritOfAdventure responsibly and safely. There’s more information and tips on VisitScotland.com.