Scotlands Best Summer Activities

This summer, spend more time exploring, learning, and relaxing in Scotland. From conquering scenic cycling trails in the highlands to enjoying a coastal retreat with crystal clear water, there are endless opportunities to expand your summer to-do list. 

We have hand-selected the ideal summer activities for many of Scotland’s ideal locations to highlight the diversity of opportunities available in summer. Here you can find information on wild swimming, mountain cycling, boat tours around the isles, and more.

There are plenty of options for day trips from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness that will leave you craving more adventure. See it all, from the Scottish Isles to royal residences and all the quaint villages in between— see what the best of Scotland, from the coast of Loch Fyne to the seaside of Nairn. You can find plenty to keep you entertained for a day or a week. Explore it all and come to rest at a Crerar Hotel, wherever the Scottish summer might take you.

 

Isle of Mull

Discover the charm of the Isle of Mull, a hidden gem for a seaside holiday. With its far-reaching coastline and stunning scenery, Mull offers a unique blend of relaxation and exploration, making it an ideal summer destination. The second largest of the Inner Hebridean Isles, just slightly smaller than the Isle of Skye, many local attractions and resident wildlife that are best seen by boat. 

Join a cruise tour with Turus Mara to get up close and personal with the wildlife, both in the surrounding sea and on land of the more remote areas of the Treshnish Isles. Here you will be greeted by the hundreds of Puffins who come to nest during the summer months. They are notoriously curious about humans and often come within a metre or two, if not closer! 

In addition to the comically friendly puffins, Mull is known locally as ‘Eagle Island’ due to the large population of the more elusive and powerful golden and white-tailed eagles. These birds of prey can be found year-round and across the entire island. This means that on your sail you can enjoy the open water with the spray of sea mist while searching sunny skies from start to finish of your tour for the broad wingspan of these magical creatures. 

Search land, sky and even sea to take in all of the summer local animals. The water you will be sailing through is full of life. Dolphins, seals, and whales can all be found swimming along Mull’s coast. Seeing the famed and elusive basking shark is also possible on special late summer days.

Add something wild to your summer and book a cruise tour to experience the Scottish Coast like never before.  Book your accommodation here.

Oban

While Oban has plenty to keep visitors busy, it also offers a gateway to the isles beyond. Unlike some more distant islands, the Isle of Kerrera sits just a 15-minute journey across the bay. However, you must leave the car behind as the ferries between Gallanach and Kerrera are for foot passengers only. This remote island is small in size and you won’t find any paved roads in sight. A walkers paradise!

This stunning island jewel is a stone's throw from Oban with plenty to offer explorers, from castles rooted in history to afternoon tea and gorgeous views that extend the 4-mile stretch of the small island. Two main paths extend around the island, one that loops around the south, crossing paths of Gylen Castle, and one running the northern point with views by Hutcheson's Monument. Both Walks are between 5-7 miles round trip, and although mild walks, be sure to bring proper walking shoes. After exploring the island, take a break and sit down for a hearty pint or glass of wine and a light meal at the local marina before heading back to Oban.

If you are interested in exploring Kerrera but do not want to spend your entire day hiking across the island, why not take a historical boar tour? Much like those available on the isle of Mull, you can take boat tours to explore the history of the nearby island or get to see the seal colony on the northern side of Kerrera. However you get there, it is definitely worth taking time this summer to see this small beauty.

Explore more of the West Coast and stay at Oban Bay Hotel for the ideal accommodation.

Glencoe

Glencoe has plenty to offer adventurous mountain climbers, Munro baggers, and everyday outdoor enthusiasts. The deep valley and surrounding towering mountains create a cinematic atmosphere that has inspired moviemakers and led to some iconic shots. However, this area of Scotland is more than its movie and mountain credits. Take some time off of the hills and some time in and around the water at Loch Leven. 

While taking in the views on loch-side strolls and wild swimming is a popular way to reconnect with nature, why not try something different this summer? You can rent a paddleboard or a kayak to explore Loch Leven like never before. 

Through rental and tour companies, you can find a way to get on the water that matches your experience levels. For those who are experts and comfortable on a board or in a boat, a simple hourly hire means you can pick up your water cruiser and head off for the day. If you need more direction or are new to the water sports world, you can join a discovery tour. This way, you will have clear instructions and a trained leader with you and your group. 

There are plenty of ways to explore the lochs in Glencoe and beyond, and in the Scottish summer sun, there is no better time. Book your Glencoe accommodation and plan your holiday in an outdoorsmen paradise today.

Inverness

From Inverness, you can take a short train ride to the coastal town of Nairn to experience the best of the Moray Firth. Whether you are looking for a beachside walk, playing a round of golf, or spending a day at the spa, discover Nairn this summer holiday for the ideal relaxing getaway. 

Walking along the mix of sand and stones with the crashing of waves as the music to your stroll, the coastal setting will surely relax you. You can expect to find locals and visitors playing ball with their dog companions here, enjoying the light sea breeze. If you are lucky, you might catch the sight of dolphins playing in the surf or, if you are especially lucky, the sight of a minke or orca whale.

On your walk, you can wander into the seaside resort of Golf View Hotel & Spa. Here, Coast Spa waits to welcome guests into a seaside oasis with a calming thermal experience and a 10-metre-long pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows facing the coast beyond. Book a treatment with one of the experienced professional therapists to receive a soothing massage or rejuvenating facial and achieve the best summer glow you have ever had. 

Book your spa treatments and accommodation. 

Inverarary

In recent years, wild swimming in Scotland has become a popular watersport. There is nothing quite like dipping into a clear, steady loch surrounded by idyllic backdrops and stunning scenery. The vibrant colours and clearness of the waters appear enticing, but we have to warn you that the temperatures are often very low. The added benefit of participating in the activity during summer is the slightly warmer water temperatures.

Although it may take a while to brave the cold, after the first dip, open-water swimming can be a spectacular, energising, and invigorating activity with a long list of impressive health benefits. Boost your immune system, reduce stress levels, and naturally increase your overall mood with this shock to the system. 

As Scotland’s longest sea loch, Loch Fyne is also one of the deepest, bottoming out at an impressive 200m. As attempting as it is to dive headfirst into the serene water, remember always to be aware of your surroundings and maintain safety as a number one priority. Make sure you have warm, dry clothes waiting for you upon exiting the water and remember to dry off as quickly as possible. Learn more about wild swimming safety here.

Book spa treatments and accommodation.

Aberdeenshire

Cycling in Aberdeenshire is incredibly common. You can find several mountain cycling trails across the national park for those adventurous enough to explore the Cairngorms on two wheels or take the option of road touring. No need to worry about the hassle of dragging your own cycles into the highlands. You can find plenty of places to rent one for the day here in Aberdeenshire. 

Not all routes are the same, and you can find all experience levels, from family-friendly tracks to more daring mountain trails. Cycling through the Cairngorms is an excellent way to see more nature and wildlife and offers an excellent way to exercise and relax simultaneously. 

Special care has been put into designing these cycling routes to ensure you have the best experience that is relatable to your expertise level. You can explore the available routes by difficulty and trail type, depending on your preference for road, gravel, or natural trails here.

Book your accommodation here.