Scotland In Winter: Best Places to Visit
You might not believe me, but winter is one of the best times to travel to Scotland. Winter in Scotland brings a soft, atmospheric glow that makes the country feel almost otherworldly. Mist hangs over mountains, sleepy towns light up early with warm window-glow, and wide-open landscapes fall quiet for the season.
We have listed our three favourite winter destinations in Scotland, each offering its own unique cosy vibe.
Glen Coe, Scotland, @essiexplores
1. Glen Coe
This jaw-dropping landscape is hands down the most atmospheric place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’ and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls that cascade from the peaks. Breathe in the crisp air, admire frosty mountain peaks, and enjoy being in the middle of the glen.
Glen Coe is the dreamiest destination for people seeking to get active, spend time in nature, and do some stargazing. Some of the must-do winter activities are:
Hike or a walk
Glen Coe’s many paths are waiting to be explored and discovered, and with the right equipment, all the walks are doable during the winter months. Hike into the Lost Valley, wander a shorter trail to the Signal Rock or loop around the stunning Lochan Trail. Just make sure to be cautious during the frosty days, wrap up warm, and make sure you have sturdy shoes!
Sauna
One of our favourite ways to spend a cold and frosty day in Glen Coe is to head into a warm and steamy sauna. Woodlands Glencoe offers a traditional Finnish sauna, a cold plunge pool and a private hilltop setting with a lovely view of the rolling hills of the glen.
Clachaig Inn
Pop into a lively, cosy pub in the heart of Glen Coe. Whether you’re after a hearty meal, a wee dram or a warming cuppa after exploring, Clachaig Inn is the place for it! If you’re lucky and are around the weekend, you get to enjoy some live music!
Up Helly Aa 2025, Lerwick, Shetland, @essiexplores
2. Shetland Islands
You might be wondering, why on earth would you want to go to such Northern islands during the winter months? Shetland is located in the far Northeast of Scotland, and you can get there by a 12-hour overnight ferry or by flying to Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. In January, the island fills with locals and travellers when Europe’s biggest Viking fire festival, Up Helly Aa, takes over. This event is planned and prepared by locals a year in advance, and the whole community is taking part in one way or another. Taking place only once every January, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and requires planning your travels well in advance.
In addition to Up Helly Aa, the Shetland Islands are filled with wildlife spotting opportunities, Norse history, and otherworldly landscapes.
3. Cairngorms National Park
No winter in Scotland list would be complete without including the Cairngorms National Park. Being surrounded by often snow-covered hilltops and quaint villages, the Cairngorms offer you the chance to experience real winter. The UK’s largest national park is home to 3 out of Scotland’s 5 ski centres, making it the perfect destination for winter sports. In addition to skiing, you can go sledging, explore 1 of 6 distilleries, or cosy up in a coorie lodge, campervan, or hotel.
So, if you’ve ever written off winter as the off-season for travel, winter in Scotland might just change your mind. Think fewer crowds, moody landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to coorie in, making it the perfect time to slow down and experience Scotland at its most atmospheric.