Teeming with medieval castles and striking scenery, Scotland is the perfect romantic destination for couples. From vibrant cities to peaceful landscapes, Scotland is a country of contrasts that will simply take your breath away.
Below are some of my favorite activities you can do as a couple in Scotland.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
1. Marvel at one of Scotland’s Stunning Waterfalls
Scotland is a country that’s renowned for its natural beauty. Between its jagged peaks and notorious lochs you will find pockets of woodland and within those are a number of beautiful waterfalls, all ideal for setting a romantic mood.
One of my favorite sets of falls, found in Perthshire, is known as the Birks of Aberfeldy. There is a circular walk you can take through the beech forests which surround the falls, the majestic cascades just a stone’s throw away from the path. At the highest point in the walk are breathtaking views of the falls as well as a bench for you to sit on and admire the scenery.
The Birks of Aberfeldy is not too busy meaning you can enjoy the walk-in contented peace, listening to the sounds of nature as you walk hand in hand through the forest.
Another set of falls that is ideal for couples is the Falls of Bruar, located at the southern end of Cairngorms National Park. The walk around these falls is more popular and slightly more challenging than the Birks of Aberfeldy, but the falls themselves and the scenery which surrounds them are well worth a visit.
Walking alongside the steep gorge, marveling at the ancient stone bridge which arches over the falls, you can easily believe that you have been transported into a fairytale.
Hotels Recommendation in Perthshire
Leonardo Boutique Huntingtower Perth
2. Watch the Sunset from the Queen’s View
The Queen’s View is a famous viewing platform that looks out over Loch Tummel and the surrounding hills. It was a spot frequently visited by Queen Victoria and it was thus named after her.
In the middle of the day, the viewing platform’s coffee shop is open and you can grab a tea or coffee before or after you gaze over the famous panoramic view. They also sell homemade cakes, the perfect accompaniment as you sit outside, admiring the scenery as you are visited by confident chaffinches.
Alternatively, the Queen’s View is the ideal spot to watch the sunset. The viewing platform faces the west meaning you have front-row seats for the natural spectacle. When the elements are just right you can watch the sky turn into a kaleidoscope of different shades of orange, red, and purple.
3. Kayak on Loch Tay
Perched at the western end of Loch Tay is the quaint town of Killin. The town itself has a charming feel to it, nestled between towering hills dressed with pine trees.
Within Killin town is the Killin Outdoor Centre and from here you can hire two-person kayaks and take to the nearby river, paddling out onto Loch Tay, the sixth largest loch in Scotland.
You have to navigate down a stretch of river in order to reach the loch, passing fields of sheep and gently swaying swathes of reeds. The river is peaceful and with no boat engines to disturb you, you can feel enchanted by the sound of nature and the splashing of ores against the surface of the water.
Once you reach Loch Tay there are several islets that you can stop on and explore. On days when the weather is less favorable, you may find that you’re the only ones here and it can feel like you have your own private island to enjoy.
Hotels Recommendation in Loch Tay
4. Explore one of Scotland’s Ancient Castles
Medieval castles are the epitome of romance, making you feel as though you are in the midst of a fairytale kingdom; there’s a reason why so many castles in Scotland also act as wedding venues.
There’s an abundance of ancient castles to explore in Scotland but one of my favorites is Menzies Castle in Weem. This is a sixteenth-century castle that was restored in the twentieth century. Parts of the castle are in fact still being restored today.
On a visit to the castle, you can view all four of the castle’s impressive floors, learning about the castle’s lengthy and turbulent history before enjoying a nice warm brew in the castle’s tearoom and maybe a slice of homemade cake.
For the more adventurous couples, you may wish to visit the castle late at night and join one of the castle’s weekly ghost tours. On this tour, you may encounter one of the castle’s many restless spirits.
Other Scottish castles which are ideal for couples include the majestic Dunrobin Castle near Dornoch and the famous Eilean Donan Castle in the western Highlands.
5. Look for Ghosts in the Lost Village of Lawers
Hidden within the overgrown banks of Loch Tay is a lost village that has lain in ruin for centuries. The Old Village of Lawers consists of a collection of old buildings in various states of dilapidation.
The village was affected by the Highland clearances, where villages were cleared in order to make room for grazing sheep. A few villagers remained after that but gradually the number of inhabitants decreased until it became abandoned.
The last occupant of the village, a woman known as the Lady of Lawers, is said to still haunt the village to this day. Whilst she was alive she was a prophet, all of her prophecies coming true over the years, including that of the Highland clearances.
The Old Village of Lawers lies within private land but is open to the public. To date, the site is very easy to access with no restrictions. You can wander around the village at leisure, listening out for the famous Lady of Lawers.
6. Wander Around Pitlochry Town
Pitlochry is a picturesque town positioned on the River Tummel. The town is most famous for the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, a hydroelectric power station creating renewable energy whilst still allowing a passageway for native wildlife to journey up and down the river.
However, the dam is only one of the many attractions that the scenic town has to offer. Pitlochry houses an array of cafés, bars, and restaurants, many of them boasting great reviews online. Between the array of eateries is an abundance of curio shops with everything from second-hand bookstores to a Christmas shop which is open all year round.
Just out of town is Blair Atholl distillery which produces quality Scottish whiskey. The distillery offers several tours a day where you can see how the whiskey is made before trying some for yourself. As well as traditional whiskey you can also try some of the distillery’s whiskey cocktails.
What to Wear In Scotland
7. Hike in the Gorgeous Hills of Glencoe
Glen Coe is arguably one of the most scenic parts of Scotland. The landscape consists of towering peaks and has an air of mystery about it, especially if you can recall the tale of the Glencoe Massacre which took place here centuries ago.
Today it is almost hard to envision this stunning landscape being the backdrop to such a dark piece of history. Beautiful white cottages stand in front of mountains and lochs glisten from in between hillocks.
One of the best activities you can do in Glencoe is to go for a hike. There are countless hikes that you can take in Glencoe, ranging from just under an hour to up to several hours in length.
In order to make the most of your Glencoe visit you may wish to bring a picnic with you. After all, what could be more romantic than rolling out a picnic blanket and enjoying breathtaking views of one of the most dramatic natural sceneries in Europe?
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these options:
Luxury Hotel
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton – Charlotte Square, an IHG Hotel
Boutique Hotel
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Budget Hotel
Warriston Apartment at Holm Park
Backpacker Hotel
8. Visit the Hermit’s Cave
A short walk from Acharn village will take you to the mysterious Hermit’s Cave which is the gateway to an amphitheater-shaped viewing platform that gazes out to the lower Falls of Acharn.
There are different theories about how the Hermit’s Cave came to be, the most intriguing though least likely being that it was built by a hermit himself. However this little hideaway came to be, a visit feels almost magical.
There are two entrances to the Hermit’s Cave, holes that lead into a pitch-black tunnel. The tunnel dips down slightly and eventually, it opens up into a second tunnel which leads to the viewing platform.
The fact that this is the only way to view the falls makes this spot feel special. That and the never-ending mystery of how this cave came to be.
Summary
These are just some of the many magical activities you can do in Scotland as a couple. From the remote Highlands of Scotland to energetic towns, there really is something for every couple.
A short walk from Acharn village will take you to the mysterious Hermit’s Cave which is the gateway to an amphitheater-shaped viewing platform that gazes out to the lower Falls of Acharn.
There are different theories about how the Hermit’s Cave came to be, the most intriguing though least likely being that it was built by a hermit himself. However this little hideaway came to be, a visit feels almost magical.
There are two entrances to the Hermit’s Cave, holes that lead into a pitch-black tunnel. The tunnel dips down slightly and eventually, it opens up into a second tunnel which leads to the viewing platform.
The fact that this is the only way to view the falls makes this spot feel special. That and the never-ending mystery of how this cave came to be.
Author’s Bio
The founder of Ella McKendrick Travels, Ella is committed to exploring the road less traveled and inspiring you to push yourself out of your comfort zone.