A Travelling Wilbys Guide to Making the Most of Your Trip
Living on Vancouver Island, we’re surrounded by wild coastline, moody skies, and dramatic natural beauty. It’s home — and we love it deeply.
But Scotland? Scotland feels like a kindred spirit. A Home away from Home.
The rugged cliffs, the ancient castles, the sea air, the quiet villages — it reminds us of the raw beauty we know here on the West Coast of Canada, but layered with thousands of years of history. As self-proclaimed history lovers (and slightly introverted adventurers), Scotland feels like it was made for us. The history is like nothing we have seen before. Leaving us in a continual sense of awe. A place we could explore every inch of, and still want more.
Over the years, we’ve learned that travelling around Scotland is equal parts magic and smart planning. It’s romantic and rugged — but also practical. So if you’re dreaming of your own Scottish adventure, here are our favourite travel tips to help you experience it fully — and intentionally.
1. Don’t Rush It
One of the biggest lessons we learned early on? Scotland is not a checklist destination. Leave time for the unexpected, as the unexpected will happen.
When we first mapped out routes between Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye, it looked manageable. However, Scotland has a way of slowing you down — in the best possible way.
You’ll stop for:
- Unexpected viewpoints
- Castle ruins you hadn’t planned for
- Coastal walks that call your name
- Tiny cafés tucked into villages
- One or two of the many 30,000 freshwater lochs throughout Scotland. Perhaps, you’ve spotted Nessie.
- The perfect photo . Heaven knows, I can’t pass up a Hairy Coo (Highland Cow).
The magic is often between the destinations. Never knowing what might present itself before you. You’re on an adventure, let it unfold.
2. Rent a Car for Freedom
While trains connect major cities like Glasgow and Inverness, the places that steal your heart are often off the main routes.
Some of our most memorable moments happened because we had the freedom to pull over and explore.
If you’re dreaming of:
- The Highlands
- Coastal cliffside castles
- Island hopping
- Remote glens
A car makes all the difference.
3. Book a Tour
If you’re not into doing the driving, especially on the opposite side of the road, then book a tour. We have had many incredible trips where we booked a portion of it as a guided tour. We are especially partial to the smaller group tours.
Best Part:
Sit back and relax. No worries about driving on the opposite side of the road, navigating traffic, or finding parking. Your only job is to enjoy the sights before you.
Knowledgeable guides. Trained local guides are able to provide the history and stories that go far beyond the guidebooks. They are able to take you off the beaten path, and their love for their country shines through. We have had some amazing small group tours with Rabbies. This is one we highly recommend.
Time Efficiency. If you’re short on time, a tour is the perfect way to see more. We are always amazed by how much ground we are able to cover in a day, without feeling overwhelmed. Everything is taken care of for you!
Interact with like-minded travelers.
Exclusive Access at popular attractions. No lining up for tickets. Most tours will take care of this for you by pre-purchasing your tickets to sights and booking times ahead. We did this for many of the Neolithic sights on Orkney. All we had to do was get off the bus and go.
Safety and Security. While this isn’t one we really worry about in Scotland, it is nice to know that you have a local guide who is able to answer questions and help in a pinch.
4. Pack for Changing Weather (Always)
If Vancouver Island has taught us anything, it’s that coastal weather has a personality of its own — and Scotland’s is even more dramatic.
We’ve experienced sunshine, mist, wind, and rain all in one afternoon.
Our must-pack list:
- Waterproof jacket/rainpants
- Hat/Gloves
- Layers – always layers, easy to take on and off when the weather changes
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails
- A scarf. You never know when a cold wind will blow through.
- Sunblock – Yes, we have learned that Scotland weather is not always what you think. Last time we were over, Edinburgh was having summer-like weather in early May.
The ever-changing skies are part of what Scotland feel cinematic and unforgettable.
5. Book Early — Especially in Peak Season
Scotland is no longer a hidden gem — and rightly so.
If you’re visiting between May and September, or during events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or Tattoo, accommodation fills quickly. The earlier you book, the better.
The same goes for smaller areas like:
- Stonehaven
- The Orkney Islands
- The Shetland Islands
- Hebrides – Inner and Outer
Charming, intimate stays are part of Scotland’s appeal — but they’re limited. And it seems everyone wants to visit. If at all possible, book off season not prime tourist season. But even those times can book fast.
6. Go Beyond the Obvious
Yes, Edinburgh is stunning. Yes, Glasgow has incredible culture and energy.
But some of our favourite memories have been in quieter corners — standing alone along a windswept coastline, exploring Neolithic sites in Orkney, or walking from Stonehaven to Dunnottar with barely another soul in sight.
Scotland rewards curiosity. And there is much to be curious about.
7. Respect the Landscape
As travellers who come from another rugged coastal region, we deeply value protecting wild places. They are to be enjoyed, not spoiled.
Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code:
- Leave no trace
- Close gates
- Respect livestock
- Park responsibly
Scotland’s landscapes have endured for millennia. It’s a privilege to walk them. May they stay protected for a very long time.
8. Make Time for History
This is the part that always gets us.
You can wander medieval closes in Edinburgh, stand atop the cliffs at Dunnottar Castle, or explore Neolithic wonders in the Orkney Islands — and feel genuinely connected to the past.
History in Scotland isn’t polished or distant.
It’s raw. It’s layered. It’s emotional.
9. Embrace the Quiet
As introverts who still crave adventure, Scotland feels like balance.
- Early morning castle walks.
- Windy cliffside pauses.
- Moments of stillness in the Highlands.
- A stolen moment on a windswept, deserted beach.
You don’t have to chase the loudest experiences to feel something profound here.
Sometimes it’s just you, the wind, and centuries of stories.
Final Thoughts from Vancouver Island to Scotland
Even though we call Vancouver Island home, a piece of our hearts always feels pulled toward Scotland.
Maybe it’s the shared coastal wildness. Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s that sense of romantic solitude.
Whatever it is, it has us hooked!
If you’re planning your own Scotland adventure, we hope these tips help you travel slower, deeper, and more intentionally.
However, if you’re not planning one yet… consider this your sign 