Scotland’s pure magnificence, fascinating historical past and vigorous cities make it a preferred journey vacation spot. The draw back? Overtourism at in style points of interest is rife, threatening the well-being of each native communities and the atmosphere.
The excellent news is it’s doable to get pleasure from Scotland and nonetheless have a constructive impression as a customer. The reply is accountable tourism and sustainable journey in Scotland.
So, from actions to lodging, we’ve compiled a fast information to sustainable journey in Scotland that can assist you plan a accountable journey.
How to get round Scotland sustainably
Here are some high ideas that can assist you be a sustainable traveller in Scotland:
Use public transport
Most of Scotland’s important points of interest are fairly effectively linked by public transport. The prepare line is served by ScotRail which may take you as far north as Thurso, all the best way right down to the Scottish Borders and in all places in between.
Train journey in Scotland is an actual pleasure to expertise because the nation is dwelling to among the most stunning rail journeys on the earth. One of which is the West Highland Line which travels from Glasgow to the West Coast both at Mallaig or right down to Oban.
You’re handled to epic surroundings in your journey, with highlights similar to Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glenfinnan Viaduct to look out for.
It’s additionally doable to journey round Scotland by bus and coach. Megabus can take you to most main cities and cities. CityLink Scotland is one other in style alternative.
If you may have plans to discover the Scottish isles there’s no have to guide flights. They’re straightforward and inexpensive to succeed in with the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.
Explore by bike
Get some train and contemporary air with Scotland’s National Cycle Network. There are some stunning routes everywhere in the nation.
How about seaside hopping by the Outer Hebrides island chain? Or why not cycle from Edinburgh metropolis centre to Shore in Leith?
You can, after all, rent push bikes however in case you want a bit of extra kick, an electrical bike could make all of the distinction on these hills.
Related learn: Some of the Best UK Cycle Routes
Drive an electrical automobile
If you like to have your personal automobile or campervan, attempt to rent an electrical or hybrid automobile the place doable – significantly in case you’re doing a highway journey.
They emit fewer greenhouse fuel emissions and air pollution into the ambiance so by going electrical you’re serving to to maintain Scotland’s atmosphere clear.
Use ChargePlace Scotland to search out electrical charging factors in your route.
How to decide on eco-friendly lodging in Scotland
Take these steps to search out sustainable locations to remain in Scotland:
Look for eco credentials
Hotels which are critical about their environmental impression will spotlight their eco credentials on their web site.
To assist inform your alternative, look out for third-party accreditations from Green Key, EcoLabel, Green Tourism and Tourism Declares to call a number of.
Search on resort reserving websites
It’s by no means been simpler to search out sustainable accommodations on in style reserving platforms similar to Booking.com. Look for the ‘Travel Sustainably’ tag.
However, in case you’re not too satisfied, lodging reserving platforms devoted solely to sustainability are right here to assist. Check out EcoHotels.com which solely lists licensed inexperienced accommodations.
Ecobnb is one other wonderful alternative because it presents a spread of lodging varieties that adhere to strict sustainability standards.
Go boutique and family-owned
Never thoughts the massive chain accommodations, the most effective methods to benefit from the native tradition and be extra sustainable is to remain in unbiased B&Bs.
Where else are you going to search out distinctive lodging, get native data, and assist small companies all with a mouthwatering breakfast to match?
Related learn: A Guide to Renting a Holiday Home
Some completely unbelievable lodges, B&Bs and accommodations embody:
Sustainable journey in Scotland: Things to do
From wildlife recognizing to rewilding, listed here are some sustainable actions to do in Scotland:
Go off the overwhelmed monitor
Avoid crowded hotspots by going off the overwhelmed monitor in your journey to Scotland.
For instance, as a substitute of creating a beeline for the Isle of Skye, go to among the lesser-known islands on the West Coast as a substitute. Skye belongs to the Inner Hebrides group, of which there are 35 inhabited islands!
Glen Coe is one other vacation spot that’s significantly prone to crowds. This picturesque glen is a hotspot for site visitors, drones and litter. For cleaner and extra ‘undisturbed’ magnificence, why not head to Glen Affric or Glen Lyon as a substitute?
If you do need to swing by Skye and Glen Coe, go to within the shoulder or low season when there are fewer crowds. Generally, October by to April is far quieter whereas July and August are the busiest months.
Do a small group or self-guided tour
Take the stress out of your itinerary by doing a tour with a accountable operator. If you need to guarantee your impression is constructive however nonetheless have flexibility, Byway Travel does bespoke no-fly itineraries.
With Byway, you possibly can simply create a personalised self-guided itinerary that takes you thru the Scottish Highlands and islands.
Solo travellers may want small group excursions led by native guides that enable you to join with the native tradition and atmosphere.
An incredible instance is Intrepid Travel. It has a number of multi-day itineraries which deal with mountain climbing holidays, island-hopping or exploring the most effective of Scotland in simply over every week.
Byway and Intrepid Travel are B Corporation licensed which implies they meet excessive social and environmental requirements.
Related learn: Road Trip Through the Scottish Highlands
Learn about conservation
Scotland is famend for its pure magnificence, however honestly, its panorama is closely nature-depleted. The Scottish Highlands alone had been as soon as dwelling to the Caledonian Forest which coated an unlimited space of land. Now simply 1% of it stays.
One of probably the most impactful methods to be a sustainable traveller in Scotland is to study Scottish rewilding and conservation.
SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is a rewilding charity that runs rewilding training journeys within the Cairngorms National park.
It presents a jam-packed itinerary that includes guided nature walks by Glen Feshie, and nature-friendly farms, and hosts discussions on biodiversity and wildlife reintroduction.
These excursions are excellent for nature lovers and wildlife fans who need to get a deeper understanding of Scotland’s pure atmosphere.
Do a tree-planting weekend
Another method you possibly can have a constructive impression on Scotland is to assist restore its depleted forests by planting bushes or supporting tree-planting initiatives.
Trees for Life is on a mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You can go to numerous websites the charity works on and benefit from the pure environment.
Another approach to get entangled is to volunteer at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre (opening in 2023), the place you possibly can assist are inclined to younger bushes within the nursery and be a part of rewilding initiatives. You may also go to the centre and be taught extra about rewilding.
Go mountain climbing within the Highlands and Lowlands
Scotland advantages from a ‘right to roam’ legislation which implies the general public is allowed to entry most land and inland water for non-motorised leisure makes use of – so long as they’re accountable.
So, what higher approach to take advantage of this entry than by mountain climbing?
There’s no finish to stunning mountain climbing trails everywhere in the Scottish countryside. Some of the most effective one-day strolling trails in Scotland embody:
- Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
- Conic Hill, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs
- Rackwick to the Old Man of Hoy, Orkney
- Ben Nevis, Fort William
Multi-day hikes in Scotland embody:
- West Highland Way
- Great Glen Way
- Borders Abbeys Way
- The Speyside Way
- Berwickshire Coastal Path
Be a sustainable hiker in Scotland by guaranteeing that you simply depart no hint. Stick to the trail, take all garbage dwelling with you and depart the whole lot as you discovered it.
Stay protected on the market too. Pack the suitable gear and control the climate forecast.
Related learn: The Best Sunglasses for Hiking & Outdoor Activities
Cycle round Skye and different islands
While Skye suffers from an overtourism drawback, it’s doable to discover the island with a lighter footprint.
To begin with, swap the automobile for a motorcycle. Next, go to on the shoulder or low season to cut back the quantity of congestion on the roads.
Many of the island’s points of interest might be discovered on the Trotternish Loop, a preferred mini-road journey across the Trotternish peninsula. A cleaner and greener method is to cycle it as a substitute.
Skye EBikes permits you to lease e-bikes at an inexpensive charge and observe the well-marked loop to sights such because the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock and extra.
Cycling is a mode of transport you should use all through the Scottish isles moderately than driving.
You can rent e-bikes on the Isle of Mull or carry your personal bike and cycle among the epic lengthy and quick routes throughout Orkney, Shetland, Outer Hebrides and extra!
Go wildlife recognizing
One of our favorite locations to go wildlife recognizing in Scotland is within the Treshnish Isles, an archipelago of small islands and skerries off the coast of Mull.
Birds and marine life are in abundance right here and you may meet them of their pure habitat on an moral boat journey.
Staffa Tours runs boat excursions departing from Tobermory and Fionnphort on Mull in addition to Oban and Ardnamurchan on the mainland.
Its varied routes take you to Iona (the birthplace of Celtic Christianity) and Staffa, an island inhabited by puffins from April to August.
Look out for minke whales, dolphins, gray seals, cormorants, gannets, guillemots and extra. You may even see basking sharks in case you’re fortunate!
Always be certain to maintain a respectful distance from any wildlife you encounter. Don’t attempt to contact, stroke or feed them both.
Support small and sustainable companies
An straightforward approach to advocate for sustainable tourism in Scotland is to assist native companies.
Shopping small helps to maintain cash in native communities. You additionally get a deeper understanding of the native individuals and tradition. It’s a win-win!
Take it a step additional by supporting companies that make an effort to be greener too. For instance, Dawyck Botanic Garden in Peebles is the UK’s first carbon-neutral botanic backyard.
Inverary Castle, owned by Argyll Estates is a Green Tourism Silver award-winner due to its biomass heating system, biodiverse grounds, waste minimisation and native store.
If you get pleasure from a tipple, Eden Mill Distillery in St Andrew’s is Scotland’s first carbon-neutral distillery. Pop into the store to get a bottle of gin or Scotch whisky.
For excursions and tastings, head to Nc’Nean, an natural distillery and licensed B Corporation on the Morven peninsula.
Final ideas on sustainable journey in Scotland
We hope you discovered the following pointers helpful in planning your personal eco escape in Scotland.
While its environmental well being is way from excellent, it’s nonetheless one of many ‘greenest’ international locations on the earth.
Great biking and public transport routes provide accessible alternate options to automobiles. Plus there are many eco-friendly actions and locations to remain.
Ultimately, travelling sustainably in Scotland is about discovering a stability, whether or not that’s mitigating your personal footprint, supporting inexperienced companies or avoiding overtourism hotspots.
