Scotland’s breathtaking scenery is sure to ignite a fire in your heart – and if it doesn’t, the whisky will! Our beautiful countryside, coastline and cityscapes make the perfect backdrop for holidays for two, from honeymoons and mini-moons to Valentine’s breaks. The phrase ‘romantic Scotland‘ immediately conjures up images of coastal sunsets, mountain vistas and castles, and, in fact, those are exactly the settings you suggested when we asked for your favourite romantic places in Scotland. Whether you’re thinking about some quality time for two or a surprise Valentine’s getaway, nowhere does romance quite like Scotland. Here are ten of the best romantic places, as recommended by you.
The Isle of Skye
It is not surprising that the Isle of Skye was suggested a number of times in the poll of romantic settings. With spectacular landscapes and rugged beauty, it is a spellbinding holiday destination. Enjoy wonderful walks (such as the Quiraing, with its fascinating geological features); pretty villages; a number of top spots for stargazing (the Skye and Lochalsh area is one of the best places in Europe for viewing the night skies); and captivating sights (like the clear waters of The Fairy Pools, in the shadow of the majestic Black Cuillin mountains. It’s an island with which you simply can’t help falling in love.
Glen Etive
Many people make a trip through Glen Coe to experience its awe-inspiring scenery but its neighbour is equally impressive. Gorgeous Glen Etive was famously featured in Skyfall, and the road into the glen can be accessed off the A82 just to the north of Glencoe Mountain. The single track road follows the path of the River Etive as it winds down to meet Loch Etive. In the north of the glen you’ll find Buachaille Etive Mor (one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland) and Buachaille Etive Beag. A romantic drive through a remote and atmospheric glen.
Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull
This stunning beach is perfect for romantic walks. Located five miles from Dervaig, on the west of the island, this is the second most popular visitor attraction on Mull. Its white sands and turquoise waters are surrounded by green; gripped by hills on either side and with an area of machair before the shore. This idyllic spot is a peaceful place in which to soak up sea views, and is also said to be a haven for wildlife. Calgary Beach has been described as ‘the finest beach in Scotland’ – where better to spend a bit of quality time together?
Eilean Donan Castle
One of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle is a truly enchanting sight. A must-visit on many a tourist’s list (indeed one of the most visited attractions in the country), the 13th century castle is a watch-guard at the point where three sea lochs meet – Loch Duich, Loch Alsh and Loch Long. Wrapped in the breathtaking landscape near Kyle of Lochalsh, Eilean Donan Castle is right up there on the romantic settings scale.
The Silver Sands of Morar
Beaches and the coast were popular suggestions for romantic places in Scotland, and the impossibly picturesque beaches between Arisaig and Morar on the West Coast are regarded as some of the most beautiful in the country. Located on The Road to the Isles, the Silver Sands of Morar enjoys spectacular views towards Skye and the Small Isles of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna. As its name suggests, the beach has stunning white sands and on those glorious sunny days you can almost imagine you are on a tropical beach (until the water temperature reminds you otherwise!).
Isle of Tiree
The lovely Isle of Tiree is said to be one of the sunniest places in Britain. Only ten miles by five miles, the island may be small but packs a punch in terms of beauty. The most westerly of the Inner Hebridean islands, Tiree is flat, with only three hills and no woodland, with beautiful white sand beaches and a number of historical attractions. As well as gorgeous coastal scenery, couples can enjoy stargazing and a walk up Ben Hough or Ben Hynish for panoramic island views.
The Fife Coastline
The beautiful coastline that hugs the Kingdom of Fife is another top suggestion in terms of romantic places. You could walk sections of the Fife Coastal Path (stretching 117 miles from Kincardine in the south to Newburgh in the north), discover the utterly charming villages of the East Neuk (such as Pittenweem, Anstruther, Crail and Elie), explore pretty beaches and harbours, take in the sights of the historic and oh-so-romantic St Andrews, and enjoy lots of lovely local produce and seafood fresh from the sea. What’s not to love?
Cape Wrath, Sutherland
This unique edge of the land experience is one that you won’t forget. The most north westerly point of mainland Scotland, Cape Wrath is reached by a 10-15 minute ferry crossing from Kyle of Durness followed by an hour’s journey by minibus (the return journey is around 3 hours in total). With dramatic coastal scenery, views towards Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, and the Atlantic Ocean rolled out before you, it may get your heart skipping a few beats.
Kilmartin Glen, Argyll
Kilmartin Glen is an incredibly important archaeological site and a hauntingly beautiful location. The wonderful thing about the Kilmartin House Museum is, as Time Team’s Tony Robinson has said, you can admire ancient artefacts and then go out to explore the landscape from which the objects came. There are many ancient monuments and standing stones dotted around the landscape that you can discover during your visit. And we all know that standing stones make a romantic setting – just think Outlander.
Glasgow Central Station
There’s definitely something romantic about train stations; the setting for many a love story and a place of emotional greetings and farewells. Glasgow Central Station was originally opened in 1879 and it is a listed building, complete with an ornate clock (under which you could meet?). The station is the gateway to a host of adventures around Scotland – who knows, perhaps it will be where your romantic weekend away begins…
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