5 Things That You Should Try in Scotland in 2023
With 2023 just around the corner, it seems like a fitting time to talk about your new year goals and bucket list items!
At the end of every year I like to sit down and reflect on the year that’s gone, write down my favorite things I’ve done, who i enjoyed spending my time with, what new places I explored and just really go deep into gratitude for the amazing year i’ve just had. Sure there’s always going to be some harder days or shittier times, but there’s always magic to be found when pondering about the year past.
Then I like to plot out a little plan of my year ahead by asking myself the following questions:
Who would I like to spend more time with in 2023?
Where are 3 new places overseas I’d like to visit?
Where are 3 new places in my own backyard that i’d like to visit?
What’s a word i could title my year next year and try and make every descision based off embodying that word (for example, this year my word was ‘expand’
The purpose of todays blog is to help add some inspiration to your 2023 goals with 5 ultimate Scottish bucketlist items to tick off! So without further adieu, let’s see what we can add to that list of yours!
Visit a Scottish Isle
Did you know that Scotland has over 900 off shore Islands? And some of the most beautiful beaches in the world? If you’re looking for adventure in 2023, then heading to one of the Scottish Isles simply MUST be on your bucket list. From your larger Isles like Skye, Mull, Aran, Orkney and the Shetlands, to your smaller isles like Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna - there are so many to see with plenty to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice! We’re heading to Orkney early next year and we cannot WAIT!Try your hand at Scots Gaelic
in 1616 Scottish Gaelic was outlawed in Scotland and suppressed further after the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Despite this it’s still spoken by approx 60,000 Scots which really isn’t a lot! It’s under risk of dying out as a language. So why not help keep the language alive by learning even a phrase or two by a fellow Scot or try your hand on Duo Lingo?Bag your first munro
In Scotland a munro is classified as a mountain over 3,000 feet high and you ‘bag’ one by reaching the summit. There are a total of 282 to bag (the tallest being Ben Nevis in Fort William) and let me tell you, bagging your first one will bring you to tears. There’s something so satisfying about reaching the peak of a munro that’ll leave you hooked and wanting more! The first one we bagged was Schiehallion, a slatey/rocky walk toward the end, but the views are absolutely breathtaking. Check out WalkHighlands.com to learn more before going out for your hike!Gain an appreciation for whisky
Whether you’ve tried whisky once and hated it or have never given it a shot, it’s time to gain a deeper understanding about this magical elixir. There are so many variants and flavours in Scotland alone (with over 140 distilleries it’s not hard to see why!) I always reccomend going for an official tasting to learn how to ACTUALLY taste and drink whisky. Two places in Edinburgh I can reccomend to give this a crack are The Whiski Rooms and the Scottish Whisky Experience.Attend an unusual celebration
From the Beltane fire festival to a Loony Dook on New Years day, Scotland is never short of quirky traditions and questionable activities. There’s so much culture to be experienced in just Edinburgh alone (let alone the whole country) and it really gives you a new perspective! Some suggestions for your unusual celebration? Beltane Fire Festival, Loony Dook, Burryman Parade, or go hunting for kale on Halloween
There you have it! 5 things that absolutely MUST be on your Scottish 2023 plans (even some you can do from abroad!) So let me know below which one you’ll be giving a crack in 2023!
If you’re looking for more Scottish inspiration or are ready to plan and book your trip, check out our Scottish Bucketlists here and our Spellbinding Scotland 7 Day travel itinerary!
Til next time,
Gabby