Scotland is truly magnificent all year round, but there’s nothing quite like exploring Scottish landscapes under the summer sun. Guests venture to Scotland every year to explore the incomparable vistas found lochside, atop Munro summits and in completely secluded, rural spots. Choose Scotland this summer for extraordinary adventures like nowhere else. 

Walk through Wildflower Meadows in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Carnmore Cottage, sleeping 6 guests, is tucked away in a private spot surrounded by natural landscapes of the charming rural settlement, Balquhidder, near the shores of Loch Voil in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Carnmore is the perfect place to explore, take brilliant walks, cycle to your heart’s content and relax in the peaceful Perthshire countryside. Start off your adventure by finding the nearby kirkyard of Balquhidder Parish Church, known as the final resting place of Rob Roy MacGregor, the ‘Scottish Robin Hood’. Join in on the Rob Roy Way, and be guided through the lands where the famous outlaw lived, worked and fought.

Scotland in the summer means beautifully vibrant views. Walk the trail from your doorstep at Carnmore, through the trees and the wildflower meadow. Take a challenge and scale Ben More and its twin, Stob Binnein (4 miles), for a rewarding climb and unbelievable vistas from both summits. Stroll alongside Loch Earn to the peak of Ben Vorlich and carry on for an even more demanding journey to Stùc a’ Chroin; there are plenty of Munros to bag during your stay at Carnmore Cottage.

Hire a bike from Roll Outdoors in Callander and follow the brilliant array of cycling routes. The Glens Loop includes Glen Kendrum, Glen Dubh, Glen Dochart and Glen Ogle and is 20 kilometres in total. Beyond Balquhidder, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is just over 30 miles away and well worth a day trip. On the eastern shore of the loch, the towering Ben Lomond Munro offers more amazing opportunities for hiking.

After the excitement, relax in the outdoor seating at Carnmore, watching for the frequent visitors of Balquhidder Glen: red deer, red squirrels and the golden eagles. Cook up a storm on the BBQ and appreciate the unbelievable scenery towards the outlook of Loch Voil.  

Lochside Summer Strolls in Argyll

Gabh Fois (meaning ‘chill out’ in Scottish Gaelic) is the perfect summer getaway base to return to after peaceful adventures on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in Argyll. This cosy cabin for 2 is ideal for guests looking to wake up to magnificent vistas of western Scotland. Discover local history on a journey along the banks of the River Shiel up to Castle Tioram, an iconic Highland Castle on the shores of Loch Moidart. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for featuring in the Harry Potter films, is also worth a visit while you’re up.

Explore the sandy shores of Ardtoe beach, holding stunning views across the water to Eigg, Rum and Muck. Saunter along Singing Sands Beach and look out across Kentra Bay (6 miles). Sanna Bay is within an hour’s drive from Gabh Fois and offers vistas like nowhere else on the West Coast. Head to the most westerly point of mainland Britain and the Stevenson lighthouse, which has been guiding sailors since its construction in 1849; it’s a must-see spot.

For walking and hiking challenges, scale Beinn Resipol and marvel at the unforgettable west coast scenery from the summit. Nestled in the foothills of the mountain at Resipole Studios, a fine art gallery to wander is just 15 minutes away. Try the Silver Walk, one of the most magnificent trails in the Highlands.

Hire a bike from the Acharacle Community Company and instead of driving to the lighthouse, try a challenging cycle, or the Loch Shiel and Loch Sunart loops are popular with many riders.  

Make friends with the otters and seals at Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide (8 miles), which also holds beautiful views of Loch Sunart. Return to Gabh Fois and experience the extraordinary west coast sunset from your cosy cottage.

A Highland Hideaway on the shore of Loch Fleet

The Birdwatcher’s Cabin is a cosy hideaway, sleeping 2 guests, on the shores of Loch Fleet and the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve. Settle into your own private corner in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands.

Summer is the perfect time to wander around Balblair Wood with your furry friend, or head towards the bird hide, which can be found just along from The Birdwatcher’s Cabin. Take unforgettable morning strolls from the sandy shores of Golspie Beach to Brora Beach. Located on the North Coast 500, there is plenty of natural landscape to explore and see during your stay at The Birdwatcher’s Cabin. Make your way to Sputtie Waterfall. Walk along to Dunrobin Castle and recharge in the tearoom with a warming bowl of soup or homemade cake. The Big Burn Walk in Golspie is the perfect hidden gem; the 1.5-mile circular route leads up a gully along the side of The Big Burn and then finishes at a stunning waterfall.

It’s not a Scottish holiday without a round of golf; luckily, in Golspie, there’s a brilliant links golf course where you can feel the fresh sea breeze from the Moray Firth.

Climb to the peak of Ben Bhraggie and marvel at the amazing vistas as well as the impressive Duke of Sutherland Monument. This great Highland hill also offers excellent mountain biking trails from Highland Wildcat, who have tails graded green, blue, red, black and double black, mountain bikers of all levels can enjoy the trails and the unforgettable landscapes.

Spend your days walking, cycling, wildlife watching or simply soaking up the scenery from your cottage doorstep. However you choose to explore, choose Scotland this summer with a rural retreat perfect for making the most of Scotland’s long summer days.