Spectacular Scottish regions to explore and places to stay this spring

Edinburgh

Unless you’ve planned a trip specifically for the festival in August then spring is a fantastic time to visit Scotland’s capital, Auld Reekie. Not that there’s a hint of Reekie left, Edinburgh is positively vibrant, with tons of great places to eat, galleries, museums, shopping and glorious hills on the doorstep. Spend an afternoon climbing Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views of the whole city, the Firth of Forth and the coastline running in both directions. Built on seven hills, the city is compact enough to navigate on foot. And if you get spring weather on your side you can saunter across it in a day to catch the popular sights – Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Botanic Gardens. Dive into local neighbourhoods like smart Stockbridge and coastal Leith for good eateries and markets. Check out the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art or nip out for an early morning swim at the Glenogle Swim Centre – Stockbridge’s beautifully restored Victorian swimming baths. 

Places to stay:

Stay in St Stephen Street Apartment in trendy Stockbridge

An excellent address between Mr Purves’ Light Emporium and Elaine’s Vintage Clothes, in bohemian trendy Stockbridge village. Take to the cobbled streets that lead up through New Town teeming with bijou shops, independent booksellers and quirky cafés to pique your curiosity; the energetic can hire bikes or discover the Victorian baths a short stroll away. Unwind after a day’s exploring in the elegant sitting room where two large windows face the street and sleep in bright fresh bedrooms overlooking a quiet garden. 

Owner Laura’s tips: Use the wicker basket in the apartment and fill to the brim with artisan village produce such as specialty cheeses from Mellis’s, deli produce at Herbies, wine from Raeburn Fine Wines and tempting patisseries from Florentines. 

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Scottish Borders

The Borders’ emerald hills and lush countryside are glorious in spring. Wildflowers carpet the fields and coastline, and when the daffodils are long over in the south of the UK, they’ll still be dancing up here. The Borders’ rich history means there’s a superb selection of magnificent abbey ruins, ancient castles, grand country houses and bountiful gardens to visit, and spring is often the best time of year to do so. The walking and cycling trails are superb too. Hike part of the UK’s oldest trail, The Pennine Way, or follow St Cuthbert’s Way all the way to Lindisfarne. Try your hand at a spot of fly-fishing on the Tweed River, one of the most abundant sources of wild salmon in the UK – the season starts in early February. This is Sir Walter Scott’s adopted region and he often drew on its landscapes and history as inspiration for his poetry and novels. He also acted as Selkirk’s sheriff for over 30 years. You can visit both his home (Abbotsford House) and the courtroom, now a museum. 

Places to stay:

Stay in a 14th-century defence tower, Barns Tower

An historic hideaway of exceptional interest, a 14th-century defence tower, now a romantic bolthole for two with original features and every modern comfort – sleigh bed, open fires, well-equipped kitchen. High above the banks of the Tweed, the tower has small windows for green views to woods and down to the river where brave souls can dip into the safe ‘swimming hole’ when the weather is kind. A bonus of staying here is you get a private tour of the castle. 

Owner Lulu’s tips: Dawyck Gardens with its famous arboretum is 10-minutes drive and Traquair House, with its maze and brewery nearby. The River Tweed runs through the Barns Estate and you are welcome to try your luck with a fishing rod whilst here.

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Isle of Skye

Anchored to the Scottish mainland since the construction of the Skye Bridge in 1995, the island’s stunning scenery is truly intoxicating. One of the largest of Scotland’s islands, it’s a mesmerising 50-mile-long chequerboard of towering mountains, glistening lochs, rugged moors and imposing cliffs. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, especially for walkers. Scramble up the Cuillin, the UK’s most challenging mountain, or wander through the weird and wonderful rock formations of the Quiraing and stroll along Talisker Bay, one of the few sandy beaches on Skye – take a bracing dip, if you dare! Best to stop for a wee warming dram at the distillery here, too. If you find yourself in the Waternish Peninsula, book a table at Loch Bay, an informal Michelin-star restaurant set in an old crofter’s cottage with lovely views to distant hills. The chef-patron adds a French flourish to Scottish menus packed with seafood from the surrounding ocean. And don’t leave without taking a tour of Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the MacLeod clan for over 800 years.

Places to stay:

Stay at An Airigh near the stunning Coral Beach 

Wildlife fans will spot whales, dolphins, eagles, seals, otters and deer; wander through tall grasses sprinkled with bluebells, wild garlic and rare orchids. Stride over stunning hills, cycle your socks off, fish from the shore – there’s much to do and see from your award-winning architect-designed retreat on the hill. Inside is equally invigorating. Floor to ceiling windows for long and wide views, a crisply dressed bed, super shower room, a sofa facing the sea and a sleek kitchen on the side.

Owner Ian’s tips: Coral Beach, made from unique calcified seaweed, is directly across the loch from An Airigh. It’s a beautiful natural place whatever the weather and the clear water looks so inviting. During very low tides you can cross the causeway.

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Highlands

The Scottish Highlands’ wild landscapes and majestic scenery are a delight in spring. The vast openness and big skies draw you in while breathtaking views still the mind. Home to the great Ben Nevis, this mountainous region is dotted with peaks of all sizes, fields of heather and shining lochs, lonely glens and fast-flowing burns. Get ready to scale towering Munros or spend time in the awe-inspiring Glen Coe. Both Loch Ness and Loch Lomond are found in the Highlands, as well as myriad smaller but no less sublime lakes. Don your boots for fabulous walks in the Cairngorms National Park, challenge yourself to a hike up the UK’s sixth-highest mountain – Cairn Gorm – or loafers can opt for the funicular when it reopens in winter 2023. Shoot off along the North Coast 500 for spectacular springtime coastal scenery, stopping off at whisky distilleries, ancient castles, white sand beaches and restaurants serving just-caught seafood. 

Places to stay:

Soak in the hot tub at Fettes Farmhouse

A traditional sandstone farmhouse on the Black Isle with a wonderful position and grand views overlooking the Beauly Firth. Outdoors you’ll find a large garden with lawns for tumbling on, views to the distant water, barbecue and outdoor table and chairs. Lounge in the wood-fired hot tub – the best spot for stargazing. Discover the ruined castle on the estate and spot red squirrels, pine martens and the ospreys who nest here every year.

Owner Katie’s tips: We are five minutes off the North Coast 500 route and the bustling town of Beauly. Visit the famous Campbells of Beauly Tweed House as well as Petra Palumbo’s homeware store.

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Stay at Strathspey Lodge in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park

A smart, no-expense-spared house – warm, generous and welcoming – with lots of treats (you’ll find everything from hot chocolate and marshmallows to prosecco and Cairngorm Brewery beer waiting for you) and masses of space indoors and out. French windows open onto a large terrace with a second dining table for summer eating facing the wonderful views. Hike along the Strathspey Way – it’s an hour or two to Aviemore, and then get the steam train back. 

Owner Andrew’s tips: Visit the nearby Rothiermurchus estate, 10,000 hectares of ancient Caledonian forest, lochs, rivers, glens, mountains, and wild landscapes. 

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