Dreaming of a Scottish staycation? A new survey from luxury retailer, House of Bruar, has found Scotland’s most Instagrammable countryside destinations. The team looked for the most visited and picturesque staycation spots.
Inverness was crowned as the prettiest destination in Scotland. The north-east city is the major hub of the Highlands and the closest town to the infamous Loch Ness.
If tourists are looking to spot the monster, they could stay in Inverness which is just a 15-minute drive from the legendary beast’s lair.
But Inverness isn’t just about monsters and the town has plenty of attractions to explore on a mini-break.
The River Ness flows through the town and is one of Scotland’s best spots for salmon fishing. If fishing isn’t your thing, a walk along the riverside is a pleasant way to spend a summer afternoon.
A tourist “anchorpointventures” wrote on Tripadvisor: “A beautiful walk up both sides of the River Ness, starting and finishing in the town centre.
“The scenery is gorgeous with the river, wildlife and beautiful trees. Would highly recommend it any time of the year.”
Other top Inverness attractions include Fort George and the Botanic Gardens and its castle marks the start of one of the UK’s best road trips, the North Coast 500.
The breathtaking route takes in many of the Highlands top highlights including Smoo Cave and the Black Isle.
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St Andrews was rated as Scotland’s second prettiest staycation destination. The picturesque town is the home of Scotland’s first university.
Prince William, the heir to the throne, met his wife Princess Kate while they were both studying there.
Tourists can explore the town’s Cathedral, check out the stunning university campus or head to the beach.
Stirling took third place on the list. Tourists should visit the city’s castle which sits on a craggy volcanic rock.
Tom Birbeck, buying director at House of Bruar, said: “The data illuminates that it isn’t just urban Scottish areas like Edinburgh and Glasgow that people are posting about online – the natural beauty of Scotland’s more rural areas is attracting a huge amount of visitors, too.
“But if you are planning on heading out into the Scottish countryside, you need to be dressed appropriately. While it can be tempting to opt for lower-priced, mass-produced outdoor wear – especially amid the current cost of living crisis – choose premium-quality garments designed for the Scottish outdoors.
“You should also think about which fabric will be most suitable for your activities: waterproof outer layers are a must if you’re going to be exposed to changing weather, while cotton base layers will help to regulate your body temperature and wick perspiration from the skin as you walk.”