Sailing on the deep, dark waters of Scotland’s incredible lochs, around its breathtaking coasts, and along its magical canals is an amazing experience but there are countless incredible moments to be found ashore.
From standing in the shadow of giants to enjoying a dram-draining whisky pilgrimage, moor up, stretch your sea legs and check out just a few of the unforgettable moments that await you on your next #LegendarySailing adventure!
Create your own unforgettable moments as you sail Scotland and make sure you share them with us on social media by tagging them with #LegendarySailing or uploading them to our gallery!
Conquer a Munro
Soaring more than 3,000 feet into the sky and set in some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet, sailing in the shadow of one of Scotland’s 282 Munros is an awe-inspiring experience – but mooring up, donning your walking boots, and conquering one on foot is a whole new adventure!
Planning to become a ‘Munroist?’ Check out our guide to Munro Bagging by Boat here!
The Cuillin Ridge, Skye (c) Moonshadow Yacht Charter
Walk the halls of history at Urquhart Castle
Explore the rugged beauty and history of the Highlands in iconic Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. Home to over 1,000 years of history, the castle is where St Columba is said to have worked miracles in the 6th century, where acts of chivalry and defiance provided inspiration during the Wars of Independence, and where the clan MacDonald, Lords of the Isles, struggled with the Crown for power.
Stand in the shadow of The Kelpies
Clad in almost 1000 shimmering steel panels, standing the same height as six and a half double decker buses, and weighing more than 600 tonnes, The Kelpies are the world’s largest equine sculptures. Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, The Kelpies form the gateway to the historic Forth & Clyde Canal in Grangemouth near Falkirk and serve as monumental tributes to the horse-powered heritage that was vital to the early industries of central Scotland. Visit at night to see the sculptures’ light show – it’ll take your breath away!
(c) VisitScotland
Drain a dram at Skye’s Talisker Distillery
Sample a dram (or three) on a tour of Talisker Distillery – home of the only single malt whisky produced on Skye. Set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins, a tour of the distillery is the perfect chance to see behind the stills of this world-renowned whisky.
Love whisky? Then you need to check out our guide to a dram-draining pilgrimage around the distilleries of Scotland’s incredible west coast! Slainte!
Sink your toes into the Caribbean sands of Vatersay
The first time you catch a glimpse of the Isle of Vatersay’s East Beach and you might think you’ve strayed far, far off course and ended up in the Seychelles. Sweeping white sands, sparkling aquamarine waters and rolling hills in the distance – the bay is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches and well worth the trip to the southernmost tip of the Outer Hebrides.
Check out our guide to some of Scotland’s (and the world’s!) best beaches here.
(c) Paul Aspin
See the sun set over the Ring of Brodgar
One of Britain’s best-preserved Neolithic monuments, Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar may be more than 4,000 years old but they still feel alive with magic. While we still don’t know what the purpose of the stones was, one thing’s for sure – you’ll never regret paying a visit and seeing the sunset dance over the ancient rock and the still waters of the Loch of Harray beyond.
Explore the secret Isle of Shuna
A wonderful wilderness of woodland, wildlife and whirlpools, the tiny island of Shuna (population: two) is one of Scotland’s hidden gems. No cars, no telephones, no roads – just you, the wild, and all the adventures you can capture. It’s your own personal island paradise!
(c) Karen White
Find out the story in Tobermory
There are few places in the world that welcome you in quite the same way as the pastel-coloured port of Tobermory. Mull’s capital and setting for iconic kids’ TV show Balamory, this iconic wee town is a beautiful spot for a romantic getaway, whether you’re exploring its secrets (a fortune is said to lie in the wreck of a Spanish galleon in its port!), its scenery, or sampling its fantastic food and drink.
Take a dip in the Fairy Pools
Stretch your sea legs and head for Skye’s world-famous Fairy Pools – a series of flowing pools on the River Brittle filled with crystal-clear azure waters that’s magical in more than just name. If you’re feeling brave, take your bathing suit and try some wild swimming – but be warned, it can be chilly!
Pay a visit to pretty Portree
Portree in Gaelic translates to ‘King’s Port’ – and you can certainly see why. Set sail for Skye’s pretty capital, known the world over for its iconic harbour overlooked by a colourful array of houses, and discover what might just be the most beautiful town in Scotland.
Make your way to The Cornerstone
Overlooking Mallaig’s busy harbour, the Cornerstone Seafood Restaurant offers a range of freshly-caught west coast delights, from home-made Cullen Skink to hand-dived scallops. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a hard day treading the sands of Morar, watching the sun slink beneath the horizon with a hearty meal in your belly and a dram in your hand.
Have we whetted your appetite? Grab our guide to just a few of Scotland’s many incredible restaurants here.
