Scotland is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. From the rolling pastures of the lowlands to the towering peaks of the highlands, this small nation has an incredible amount to offer and attracts huge tourist numbers every year.
Whether you are hiking through the hills or exploring Scotland in a motorhome from Ariescape (ariescape.co.uk), you’ll never be stuck for things to do. While most people visit Scotland in the summer to take advantage of the limited sunshine, visiting in the winter can be a totally different, equally fantastic experience. We’ve put together a list of incredible villages in the north of Scotland that you should check out this winter. Read on to find out more.
Located on the west coast of Scotland, around 109 miles north of Fort William, Torridon is a fantastic little town that is a must-visit for your winter trip.
The town sits at the foot of the impressive Liathach mountain, which looks fantastic all year but particularly when blanketed with snow in the winter months. As well as mountain terrain, there is also the beautiful Upper Torridon sea loch to explore, which you can kayak across and spot wildlife such as otters, seals and eagles.
If you like fishing or winter hillwalking, Torridon should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Scotland.
At 339 metres above sea level, Braemar is one of the highest villages in Scotland. Nestled in the expansive Cairngorms National Park, accessing this village can be a challenge in the winter months, but doing so is definitely worth the effort.
As well as the incredible scenery, Braemar is also an important historical village. You can check out Braemar Castle, which was constructed back in the 1600s. Furthermore, the town isn’t far from Balmoral Castle, where the Royal Family heads to unwind and relax in the stunning Scottish countryside.
Plockton is a fishing village on the west coast of Scotland that overlooks the majestic Loch Carron, a sea loch teeming with fish and wildlife.
With the loch on one side and a breathtaking vista of mountains, glens and forests on the other, it’s little wonder that Plockton is widely regarded as the most beautiful village in the north of Scotland.
If you’re a movie fan, many scenes from the iconic 1973 horror flick The Wicker Man were filmed in Plockton. Visit this wonderful village if you’re looking for a spooky Scottish winter holiday.
Around 50 miles north of Inverness is Tain, the oldest royal burgh in the UK. This fishing village was bestowed with a royal charter all the way back in 1066 and has remained an important feature of the local area ever since.
Despite being a small town, Tain is absolutely packed with things to do. If you’re into golf, head to the local course and play a few holes. You can take a tour of the Glenmorangie whisky distillery, or simply stroll around the town and take in the fantastic history and architecture.
There are few Scottish towns more perfect for a winter visit than Aviemore. Located in the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is a top winter destination for people from all over the world.
There are plenty of ski routes through the stunning mountains that surround the village. You can hit the slopes and then retreat back to a luxury log cabin to relax by the fireplace or hop in your hot tub to truly unwind.
Don’t let the tongue-twister name put you off, Drumnadrochit is a quaint little village located on the shores of Loch Ness. If you want to spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster, this is the place to do it.
Other than monster hunting, there is plenty to do in Drumnadrochit. The town is full of pubs and cafes, where you can huddle in and escape the cold Scottish winter air. You can also visit the nearby Urquhart Castle which offers picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Last up on our list of Scottish villages to visit this winter is Killin. Located at the end of Loch Tay, Killin is a tiny village with a lot of character. It’s home to the Falls of Dochart, an amazing set of rapids that make for a fantastic picture.
While in Killin, you can also check out the amazing local pub to eat a home-cooked lunch that will warm you up perfectly.
While most people visit Scotland in the summer, exploring the country in winter can be a fantastic alternative. Check out some of the villages on this list when you are next in the north of Scotland.
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