For a long time, people have been drawn to Scotland for its stories and mysteries, as well as its rich culture of literature and learning. It is not surprising, then, that there is such an abundance of writing in this ancient land.
everything from a well-structured tourist guide to Scotland, to beautiful prose inspired by the beauty of Scotland’s landscapes.
You are reading: Books on scotland travel
are you interested in cosmopolitan scotland, edinburgh and other larger cities, or those little-known remote places? Or maybe you are not looking to explore, but feel inspired?
Whatever brings you, make sure you’re never without a good book in hand. a book, after all, is a uniquely portable magic.
rick steves scotland
Scotland is as mysterious and undefined as a haggis, but not to readers of Rick Steves’ wonderfully detailed book! Steves’ Ultimate Guide to Scotland is packed with helpful tips and tricks to navigate her stay.
has tools like maps, a packing list, and a guide to Scottish lingo, as well as your favorite hidden gems, points of interest, and cultural spots.
for newcomers to bonnie scotland, such a comprehensive travel guide makes exploring the land a dream!
And all this helpful information won’t weigh you down: the book has bible-thin pages, so it’s light enough to take on the road.
the rough guide to the scottish highlands & islands
want to get to the heart of some of the most remote and beautiful parts of scotland? this updated guide makes doing so a walk in the park.
The book is packed with information. everything from where to go to see those hidden gems, to handy tips and tricks for navigating trips and local events.
Scotland is historically rich. haunting abandoned castle ruins, wild and makeshift ceilidhs, the wondrous cuilin de skye ridge – there is all this and more to discover.
This book even covers the North Shore Route 500! rough guides help you get the most out of your trip to the highlands and islands.
lonely planet scotland
lonely planet scotland offers a truly comprehensive guide to the highlands, islands and edinburgh.
since 1973 they have been prominent in the art of travel media. these days, lonely planet can offer guides to just about every destination your heart could desire.
his tips for exploring these beloved parts of scotland are up to date and wonderfully detailed. there are tips to customize the trip for you, maps, cultural information and honest reviews of nearby places of interest that consider all budget ranges.
Take the road less traveled to Scotland, in style.
the munros: a guide to walking the highlands by paul webster
Named for Victorian mountaineer Sir Hugh Munro, Munros Tower stands over 3,000 feet tall.
All 282 magnificent peaks are featured in this excellent guide, making it the best travel book for Scotland if you are an avid climber. If you’re looking to conquer these mountains, this book can help you do it safely.
With helpful routes and handy inside tips, Paul Webster’s The Munros helps you enhance your adventure, find yourself and see Bonnie Scotland from new heights.
whiskey a tasting course: a new way of thinking about – and drinking – whiskey
The beloved liquid sunshine known as Scotch whiskey comes in many unique styles and flavors. if you like it, consider expanding your horizons with a variety of guided tastings at home.
eddie ludlow’s book helps you explore the flavors and aromas of whiskey of all kinds.
There are great step-by-step whiskey tastings to follow and tips for discovering more of the world of whiskey. it’s all in these pages!
As an added bonus, this book teaches you the art of cocktails; from classics to your own mix! time to taste your way to whiskey wisdom.
the scottish islands: the best selling guide to all the scottish islands
Looking for Scotland travel books with maps and information on the Scottish islands? hamish haswell-smith covers them all.
The book is packed with things to see and do, from historic sites to natural wonders, both remote and breathtaking. When it comes to travel books, Scotland has no shortage, but this one is a bit different.
is the first comprehensive gazetteer covering all the Scottish islands. from the bustling social and cultural centers to the uninhabited and notoriously difficult to reach. all are included.
You can tell the book is a true labor of love and the author himself even painted the illustrations!
surface
kathleen jamie is a Scottish essayist and poet with an uncanny affinity for the world and all of its most beautiful elements.
seeing scotland through his artist’s eye in this wonderful new collection of essays is truly magical. The acclaimed author looks to the past to explore her own memories of her, history, the natural world, and more.
Jamie’s talent for writing about nature and the literary department is certainly evident here, in one of her quieter, gentler works.
Feel yourself breaking free and falling headfirst into some truly splendid and illuminating essays that explore what reconnects us to our home and our past.
pocket scotland insights guides
Looking for a compact and concise scotland travel guide while you’re on the go? this is it!
covering edinburgh, southern scotland, glasgow, central scotland, the highlands, the inner hebrides, this guide from insight guides is expertly focused.
excellent itineraries with historical and cultural places, maps, tips and lots of useful information – it’s all here. With this handy, compact, all-in-one guide to traveling in Scotland, you can embark on the perfect trip.
single malt: a guide to scotch whiskies
If you’re traveling to Scotland, you can plan to learn a thing or two about the country’s favorite spirit: whisky.
clay risen’s book delves into the history, science and diversity of the water of life. It also includes a handy guide for drinkers designed to help you choose the perfect whiskey for you.
plus maps of scotland whiskey regions, maker profiles, tasting notes and more!
Readers will be more than pleased with this informative page turner. discover a world of knowledge and enjoy a drink.
fantastic tales and tales
kudos to the wonderful billy connolly! a true Scottish treasure through and through.
This stellar book covers the highlights of an incredible 50-year career. Full of absurdity, silliness, earnestness, and enthusiasm, the tall tales and short stories bring together the best of Connolly’s storytelling.
Sometimes the best books about Scotland are not about the land itself, but about a Scotsman’s time on the land. This book is a hilarious, energetic, and inspiring celebration of a beloved Scottish icon. there are even illustrations and an introduction by the man himself.
scotland (national geographic adventure map)
Convenient and Durable – These are the best words to describe the National Geographic Adventure Map of Scotland. it’s an excellent functional travel tool.
Is your visit about golf, local culture or “bagging munro” (the act of tackling one of Scotland’s many impressive 3000+ foot peaks)? whatever it is, this map can take you there.
For those traveling to Scotland looking to have a rough time, this map is perfect. With its durable synthetic paper, you can cruise Scotland rain or shine (probably rain). the paper is also very strong and tear resistant.
Together with the guidebook of your choice, this map is the ideal travel companion!
fodor’s essential scotland (full color travel guide)
Are you looking for the best Scotland travel guide covering inspirational places, fantastic activities and useful tips? this book has everything you need to get you on your way.
The book covers the best places in Scotland. including st andrews, edinburgh, glasgow, dundee, loch lomond, the trossachs, aberdeen, inverness, speyside, skye, the highlands to name a few!
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over 40 maps, details on local history and cultural information, tools to help you plan your visit, recommendations for places of interest, restaurants, nightlife and more!
It’s practical, compact and helps simplify your trip planning so you can sit back and enjoy.
made in scotland: my big adventures in a small country
a Sunday bestseller from one of Scotland’s favorite comedy icons.
Legendary comedian Billy Connolly delights readers with insights into his life and the roots that tie him to this little corner of the world. he really reflects on what being Scottish means to him and invites you to wonder too.
If you’re a fan of Connolly’s distinctive style of humor, you’re sure to have a good time reading this book. this is an ideal literary companion to take with you when traveling to scotland.
scottish highlands from lonely planet & islands (travel guide)
the highlands and islands of lonely planet scotland is a travel guide that gets straight to the point. she is the perfect trustworthy travel companion.
travel to scotland just got easier with maps, reference images, insider tips and more to help you find your way.
There is so much to discover in Scotland, and with the help of this handy guide, you can see it all. covering the way of the western highlands, the central highlands, skye and the western isles, the great glen and lochaber, shetland island, the orkney islands.
ready for adventure?
the edinburgh of book lovers: guide and companion
Literature lovers, this is the perfect book for navigating Edinburgh’s winding cobblestone streets.
there are many fantastic travel books on scotland, many of which focus on the cultural hub of edinburgh, scotland. but allan foster’s book does something a little different by inviting readers to look at the city through the lens of literature.
Edinburgh has a long history with countless literary legends. This amazing guide takes you through the old haunts of beloved writers like J.K. Rowling, Robert Burns, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
True bookworms will be delighted by the variety of writers that will appear on this literary scavenger hunt. are you a fan of muriel spark? ian ranking? they, and many more, await you as you explore the city.
packing in the scottish islands: the walkhighlands guide to the scotland islands
This wonderfully detailed book focuses primarily on the ninety-five Scottish islands that welcome visitors. although it also talks about the other forty-two more remote islands.
helen and paul webster have put together this scotland travel book to help you get the most out of your experience on the island. there’s a wide variety of activities to explore – with this guide, you won’t miss a thing.
Whether you want to seek out wildlife, try new foods, walk and climb hills, or discover historical places and stories, Scotland’s enchanting islands have it all.
Find exactly what you’re looking for on the pages of scottish island bagging.
the last walker: a sideways look at forty years in the mountains of britain
the last walker is a stunning reflection of the nature of our connection to the wild places of the modern world.
bestselling author john d. burns manages to capture his own love of the Scottish highlands, while offering endless knowledge. Anyone with a similar connection to the wild glens and singing hills of Scotland will resonate with this memoir-style narrative.
every word is infused with passion, humor and humility. Reading Burns’ story of exploring and growing to understand nature, Scotland and himself is a joy from start to finish.
outer hebrides: scotland’s western isles: from lewis to barra (bradt’s travel guide)
From seasoned journalist and writer Mark Rowe comes this comprehensive full-size guide to Scotland’s Western Isles.
The book covers the islands of Lewis, St Kilda, Harris, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. is packed with detailed background information on everything from geography to art to architecture to wildlife and everything in between.
Inquisitive minds who love remote places will love discovering this beautiful and wild part of the world.
if you’re looking for one of the best scotland travel books for the western isles, rowe’s guide is a strong contender.
wild guide scotland: hidden places, great adventures & the good life
Unsurprisingly, Scotland is one of the fastest growing adventure holiday destinations in Europe!
kimberley grant explores all the hidden gems located near the typically busy tourist spots in her guide to scotland. Not only that, it goes into more remote regions than the unaware visitor to Scotland might miss.
This guide will encourage you to embark on an adventure as you travel through Scotland. With over 800 wild swims, lost ruins, menacing ancient forests, and secluded beaches, you’ll find no shortage of things to discover.
101 amazing things to do in Scotland: Scotland travel guide
Travel secrets and practical tips!
This helpful all-in-one guide takes all the guesswork out of planning the days of your trip to Scotland. Whether you’re here for a short time or an extended stay, you’ll want to make sure you enjoy each day to the fullest.
Do you want to try authentic haggis and whiskey? festivals? charming historical places? impressive architecture? Get the inside scoop on Scotland and all it has to offer with this handy guide.
the scottish bible of the two
geoff allan has put together the first complete and comprehensive guide to the scots of both!
These picturesque structures can be found dotted around Scotland and historically were open for anyone to use free of charge. generally by people who work on the farm, such as gardeners.
A unique and often overlooked hidden network can be found in some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.
With this excellent guide you can discover them all! With detailed instructions on the best approach routes and notes on their stories, you too can experience the joy of both.
scottish bothy walks: 28 walks for scotland’s best bothies
geoff allen sure knows both of you!
On the back cover of Allen’s previous book, The Two’s Scottish Bible, is this companion photographic travel guide. Inside are 28 of their most enchanting experiences.
the two act as reference points for the wonderful walks, both one-day and multi-day, that allen intends to guide you on. if you want to pursue both like a pro, this book can help you do just that.
The route descriptions are very detailed. each one contains a lot of information about the two, points of interest that you can find and detailed maps so you don’t lose your way.
also: discover beautiful pictures of the two inside!
the official outlander coloring book
Nowadays, coloring is not just for children. It is a calm and therapeutic activity that people of all ages love to do.
Art and history lovers will delight in the creative and inspiring images, waiting for you to bring them to life.
from lush highland landscapes to depictions of 18th century clothing and armor. beloved characters to kilts. Each of these whimsical illustrations brings out the artist in all of us.
Watch black lines and white space come to life with color with your own hands!
golf lovers’ guide to scotland
The beautiful game of golf was born in Scotland. So it’s no surprise that Scotland is also home to some of the best courses in the world, attracting golfers from all over the world year after year.
No two golf greens are exactly alike, just as no two golf games are exactly alike. that’s what makes the sport so beloved and enduring.
michael whitehead’s guide aims to provide golfers with all the information they need to get the best experience on scotland’s favorite courses. from practical guidance on costs and yards to fun tips on how to play the best game.
pocket information guides to scotland (travel guide e-book)
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A pocket guide that really fits in your pocket!
This excellent guide to Scotland from insight guides provides readers with information in a compact, concise and convenient package.
there are many great places to discover inland. From classic tourist spots like Edinburgh Castle and Glencoe to lesser-known treasures like Smoo Cave and the mysterious small islands of the Inner Hebrides.
There are also plenty of must-see attractions, valuable how-to information, helpful tips, and inspiring photos.
what makes this guide so useful is that it is a kindle edition. so by downloading the app you can have all this in your pocket, presto!
orkney: a historical guide
History is alive and well on the island of Orkney. Just 20 miles north of the Scottish mainland lies this small island, whose history is rich and complex.
With Scandinavian cultural echoes and mysterious stone structures, there is no shortage of well-preserved remains that paint pictures of the island’s past. home to stone age relics, iron age brooches, vikings, WWII, to name just a few.
caroline wickham-jones has worked tirelessly for years on Orcadian sites. In this updated edition of the best-selling book, she takes readers on her explorations.
the traveler’s guide to holy scotland: a guide to the legends, lore and landscape of scotland’s holy places (traveller’s guides)
Few guides to the mysterious land of Scotland care so much to delve into the country’s less traveled historic sites.
Marianna Lines Traveler’s Guide covers some unusual but must-see treasures. think of fairy folklore, places associated with arthur and merlin, places frequented by bards and poets, and much more.
Scotland’s cultural, spiritual and historical past is woven like a tapestry, with stories intertwining over the centuries. this book accompanies you on the journey as it introduces several places of special importance, as noted by the Scots themselves.
spirit of the place: the great scotch whiskey distilleries
Who better to add to the world of Scotch whiskey literature than author Charles Maclean? a true connoisseur and whiskey expert through and through.
This unique piece of writing presents an impressive breadth of knowledge while painting a vivid portrait of Scotland’s beloved distilleries. spirit of place explores the top 50 distilleries in the country and is the ideal read for drink lovers.
The book also covers the ingredients, traditions and practices that have kept Scotland a world leader in fine whisky. Inside are 250 stunning photos of the nearby landscapes in all seasons, the buildings, and even the artisans who make it all happen.
highland retreats: the architecture and interiors of scotland’s romantic north
Scotland is an ancient and graceful land, home to much culture and visual beauty. some people like landscapes, some people love wildlife, and others, like author mary miers, love architecture and decoration.
This unique book is endlessly clever and full of beauty. miers recounts amazing architectural wonders of the highlands.
building exteriors reflect britain’s most poignant, inspiring and enchanting landscapes in their designs. while the interior houses modern conveniences and luxurious London and Parisian furnishings.
This fascinating account of the Scottish shooting lodge’s architectural presence in the highlands, from lavish to modest, is a true gem. Packed with insight and stunning images, this book is to be enjoyed from both a historical social and architectural point of view.
guide to scotland for outsiders
The Outlander television series, based on the beloved book series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon, is an epic story of love and history. Since its inception, this story has transported viewers to the rolling hills and wild, rugged castles of Scotland.
Fans of the books and the show can now walk the same paths as the characters Claire and Jamie. With this guide, fans are invited to explore the most interesting places woven into the story.
This is a fun read full of passion and energy. Many of the places featured in the guide are beautiful and fascinating in their own right, but it’s especially unusual to have them so expertly connected through this historical drama story.
photographing scotland: a visitor’s guide and photography locations
here’s one for the photographers among you!
There is no denying that Scotland is beautiful, even charming. From towering mountains to eerie islands, crumbling castle ruins to peeling farms and towers, there are endless unique sights just waiting to be captured.
Classic sights and hidden gems are featured in this wonderful visitor guide and photo locations. is a complete guide that also offers techniques and practical tips on how to get the most out of each image.
hebrides
a glorious pictorial record of the outer hebrides, as shown in the lewis trilogy. This book was created through the combined efforts of best-selling author Peter May and photographer David Wilson.
With expertly woven prose and imagery, readers are invited on a journey through history to the lands that so inspire May and her work. The book follows the protagonist, Fin Macleod, describing life on the island and all the joys and dangers that come with it.
a fascinating read that will make you fall in love with the truly spectacular beauty of the earth.
Shetland
ann cleeves, bestselling crime author, is known for her novels starring detective jimmy perez. Cleeves draws a lot of inspiration from the setting of the books, Shetland, and in this companion to her novels, fans of the stories can learn more.
vivid, bizarre and evergreen, shetland’s beauty is captured in cleeves’s accompanying text illustrations. this book allows you to discover more about one of the most remote places in the united kingdom.
From sheltered beaches to desolate peaks, meadows teeming with wildflowers and crumbling rocky peaks, there is beauty everywhere.
Join Cleeves as he explores a year in the life of Shetland. discover the festivities, the past, the flora and fauna, and everything in between!
the most beautiful villages in scotland
if you are looking for the best guide to scotland and its charming towns, this could be the book for you!
inundated with enchanting images or towns and villagers, young to old, there is much beauty to be enjoyed. there are 35 villages featured in the book, all of them charming and located near seaports or abbey ruins, even castles. .
This is less a book to sit and read, and more a book to sit and dream. dreams of falling headfirst into images.
It’s the kind of book that sparks wanderlust and reminds us that there’s always something new to see. even in the smallest and most picturesque Scottish town.
how the Scots invented the modern world
Books about Scotland often have a lot to say about what you can discover when you visit them, but what about all the things Scotland has done to improve the rest of the world?
This is a truly fascinating non-fiction book about the impact Scotland has had on the world.
Learn about the Scottish Enlightenment period, where the modern philosophical and political teaching we know today was conceived. the incredible people who benefited from social education programs and did brilliant things. Even famous names like David Hume and Adam Smith, the great minds and philosophers!
Of all the books you could suggest to a history buff traveling to Scotland, this text by historian arthur herman is highly recommended!
a field called scotland: searching the home of golf for the secret of its game
Travel to Scotland on a mission!
This book follows Tom Coyne’s excursion to the birthplace of golf: Bonnie Scotland. With a golf history behind him, Coyne is set to play some of the oldest and most famous courses. More than 100 legendary links appear on his journey.
With humor and insight, narrative and history, this book offers us an exciting travel adventure.
For lovers of golf and Scotland, this is your book.
sea room: an island life in the hebrides
sea room is a true celebration of the natural world, heritage and mystery of the scottish islands. this unique narrative blends nature writing and memoir to perfection.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to inherit uninhabited islands, the answer is here. At just 21 years old, author Adam Nicolson was given islands in the Scottish Outer Hebrides by his father, and the journey begins.
These small, creepy and uninhabited islands are teeming with life, from birds to flora and fauna. In the book, Nicolson discusses the importance of these islands to him, as well as exploring the nature of owning land and the morals behind it.
Intertwining lyrical prose with scholarly reflection, this book is unique and utterly beautiful.
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