With the summer holidays just around the corner, many of us will be thinking of booking a well-deserved break. But whilst a trip to Europe, or even further afield may be tempting, many have instead decided to travel north to Scotland. There’s good reason for this. No airport queues, no language barriers and all you need to do is pack up your car and within a few hours you’re in a magical land of lochs and mountains. So here are a few choices for your next Scottish excursion!

Ardnamurchan

If you really want to get away from it all, then head to Ardnamurchan. This is famous for being the most westerly point of the Scottish mainland, and is only reachable by an arduous single-track road.  But once you get there it’s well and truly worth the effort. Deserted golden beaches, beautiful clear blue waters and the world-famous Scottish hospitality will leave you feeling energised and inspired!
 

Mull

And just a swift ferry journey from Ardnamurchan is the glorious Isle of Mull. Possibly the most picturesque of the Scottish islands, it’s a haven for wildlife lovers and outdoors enthusiasts. Also worth a mention is the historic seaport of Tobermory that has some very chic shops, cafes and restaurants in its cosy harbour.
 

Galloway

Further south there is the sumptuous Galloway Forest Park that offers some spectacular scenery as well as some seriously good choices for camping. Once you’ve enjoyed a few days trekking, then you’re also well situated to the historic town of Ayr. This has many great attractions including a world famous racecourse.
 

Wigtown

And then for a bit of culture, head to the quaintly named Wigtown in Dumfries. Famously known as being Scotland’s National Book Town, it has a wealth of second-hand bookshops and a yearly book festival. Perfect for curling up with in front a fire after a long day outdoors! The area around Wigtown is also renowned for many stone circles and archaeological sites, as well as the very impressive Bladnoch whisky distillery and visitor centre.
 

The Cairngorms

But if you really want to experience the full natural wonder of Scotland, then the Cairngorms National Park is the place to be. Not only is it home to Britain’s highest mountain range, but it also has a treasure trove of rivers, lochs and forests to explore. Just watch out for the reclusive Scottish wildcat on your travels!