Cutting down travel cuts down on your carbon emissions, so why travel far when the breathtaking scenery of Scotland is so close at hand? Home to some of Europe's last wilderness areas, Scotland boasts aquamarine lochs, magical islands, majestic mountains, ancient forests, crumbling castles and dynamic, beautiful cities. Make the most of what it has to offer with the Scottish tourist board's website (including a dedicated green page) and our guide to going green in the UK. With such a variety of scenery and so much open space, it's no surprise that there are a huge range of places to stay, from ancient stone cottages to luxury hotels, as well as innumerable activities to take part in, from walking to sea kayaking, mountain biking to whisky tasting. Below is a selection of some of the finest green holidays and places to stay in this grand and rugged country:
Sail through the Inner & Outer Hebrides to the mystical archipelago of St Kilda on a classic yacht. Exploring pristine islands you will enjoy the wonderful wildlife which inhabits these wild places and the encompassing Hebridean Sea.
Discover the varied and stunning scenery of the Outer Hebrides on this walking short break. Hikes takes us to the heart of Celtic lore and tradition introduces us to some of the most pristine and startlingly beautiful panoramas in the entire country.
From £395
4 days
2010 departures: 30 Apr, 04 Jun, 25 Jun & 13 Aug. 2011 departures: 29 Apr, 03 Jun, 24 Jun & 12 Aug
A truly memorable 9 day tour - that takes in the archaeological wonders and prehistoric history of the northern Orkney Isles, as well as an escape to the stunning western Isles of Lewis and Harris, with their white sand beaches.
From £428 per Senior/Student £468 per Adult excluding accommodation. Accommodation booked in local B&Bs/Hotels according to customer's budget allowing you to stay in smaller local establishments
An 8 day tour taking in the best of the West, from world famous Isle of Islay, a whisky connoisseur's dream, and a trip around the inner hebrides including Mull, the peaceful island of Iona, the dramatic island of Staffa and magical Skye.
From £398 per Senior/Student £428 per Adult excluding accommodation. Accommodation booked in local B&Bs/Hotels according to customer's budget allowing you to stay in smaller local establishments
Relaxing, modern bed and breakfast with comfortable big beds and locally sourced meals. Elevated guest lounge with panoramic views of Loch Torridon and Mountains. Gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
3 doubles, 2 of which can also be twins or triples
Minimum 2 night stay. Prices reduce for stays of 3 or more nights. Low season £66-£76, Mid season £76-£86, High season £86-£96. Single supplements apply
A 2-day break discovering Glencoe and Loch Ness, with a night to explore Inverness, and a day's rejuvenation in the majestic Glen Affric wilderness.
From £59 per Senior/Student £63 per Adult excluding accommodation. Accommodation booked in local B&Bs/Hotels according to customer's budget allowing you to stay in smaller local establishments.
A 3 day tour, exploring some of the most dramatic and beautiful places in the Highlands, as well as the Isle of Skye. Highlights include Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Five Sisters of Kintail.
From £89 per Senior/Student £99 per Adult excluding accommodation. Accommodation booked in local B&Bs/Hotels according to customer's budget allowing you to stay in smaller local establishments
Stunning lochside cabins within beautiful wildlife-rich private grounds. Great for families - building dens, netting tadpoles, paddling in the lake and fishing. Savour the regional cuisine at top quality local restaurants. Dogs welcome.
This tour's highlights include the Orkney archipelago's magical beauty and prehistoric sites, the rugged extremes of Scotland’s northern coastline, Loch Ness and the Cairngorm National Park's ancient Caledonian forests.
From £209 per Senior/Student £229 per Adult excluding accommodation. Accommodation booked in local B&Bs/Hotels according to customer's budget allowing you to stay in smaller local establishments.
Take the chance to get away from it all in the Outer Hebridean Islands of Lewis and Harris, with the prehistoric stone circles of Callanish and the famous white sandy beaches of Harris, as well as visiting magical Ullapool and Skye.
From £219 for Seniors/Students £239 for Adults excluding accommodation. Accommodation booked in local B&Bs/Hotels according to customer's budget allowing you to stay in smaller local establishments.
