Slow Travel Scotland: How to See the Best of Alba

Scotland is not a big country. It’s nine times smaller than Texas. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in diversity. Each of its eight regions has a different culture, dialogue, and topography. In some areas, if you drive 10 miles from one town to another, locals will use different expressions for the most simple English phrases. Small villages each have their own way of doing things and traditions that have been followed for thousands of years. What you will find throughout the nation, however, is pride and a feeling of welcomeness. Walk into a bar in Glasgow or a historic pub in a rural community on the islands, and you’ll leave with stories you can dine out on for years (and likely a few new friends). That’s one of the many things I appreciate about my country.

You can drive from the southern Scottish Borders, where I spent my childhood, to the top of Scotland in about six hours. The route takes you from the Lowlands with its big skies and miles upon miles of colorful fields of crops and rolling hills, through the medieval streets of narrow wynds and closes in Edinburgh, and up to the Highlands, where the mountains will humble you and the roads are full of sheep.

If I had one tip for anyone planning a trip here, it would be to explore Scotland at a slow pace. Yes, you might not be able to cram monster hunting on Loch Ness, seeing live music in Glasgow, visiting Edinburgh Castle, hiking the West Highland Way, going on a whisky tour, and seeing orcas breaching off the Hebrides in one week, but thinking small will give you a more rewarding and authentic experience than a rushed highlight reel of a visit.

Slow travel and staying in one or two regions will allow you to truly appreciate the wee things that make this country so special. You can take time to meet locals and listen to stories, old and new. Stroll through the woodlands and forests to learn about how unique and vital the country’s ecosystem is, not only for our native wildlife but also for the Earth’s biosphere. Tour the area by bike, or visit farm shops to enjoy the bounty of Scottish fresh produce. This is how Scots want you to enjoy your time here, and then return to explore some more. — Katie Scott Aiton, Editor