Need to get away from it all? We’ve got the perfect off-the-grid weekend plans in Scotland.

Sometimes life can get incredibly overwhelming and the only vacation that would actually feel like a vacation is a complete cutoff from reality and the world. Often, the most refreshing experiences are those where we are able to get as far away from the noise and chaos of existence as we possibly can. Luckily, if you’re in want of that kind of trip, a weekend away in Scotland might just be the perfect solution. Scotland has so much to offer, from breathtaking scenery, to wide open spaces, and an incredible variety of outdoor activities that will help you disconnect from civilization, even just for a moment.

The misty Scottish Highlands

- © Sharique Qureshi / Shutterstock

Glen Dye

This stunning and remote glen is located right between Dundee and Aberdeen. It isn’t a very popular spot, so you won’t be overwhelmed by tourists while you’re there, but the area offers some showstopping scenery and truly beautiful fauna and flora. Especially on a misty morning, there’s something undeniably magical about the place.\ Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages offers a wonderful array of different off-grid activities visitors can take part in to reconnect with the spectacular surrounding nature. They plan, among other things, guided forest walks where visitors take part in a beautiful woodland walk, getting to know the area and learning about plants and foraging. Why not try their Cold Water Therapy experience to see the benefits of exposing the body to the cold and to practise some breathwork? Many of their other wild and bushcraft experiences focus on getting participants acquainted with the great outdoors and getting them to challenge themselves and familiarise themselves with a new, peaceful environment.

You can also try some of their fantastic yoga or wellness classes to take the time to meditate and practice breathwork. Most classes run for around three hours and are open to both guests of Glen Dye cabins and external visitors. Another fantastic option to disconnect is to take one of their arts and crafts workshops. Glen Dye offers many of these and you can find out all about them on their designated webpage. Connecting with your creative side and channelling that in an arts and crafts course can be extremely soothing and helpful for anyone looking to destress and find some inner peace. 

Visitors can also stay at their cabins and cottages to get the full Glen Dye experience. Find out more about this on their website

Walking Cape Wrath

The most north-westerly point in Britain, Cape Wrath is an awe-inspiring destination that feels lightyears away from civilization. Cutoff from any kind of hustle and bustle, Cape Wrath is a striking site that is perfect for anyone in need of time to clear their thoughts and recharge their batteries.

The main thing to do on Cape Wrath is hiking. TheCape Wrath Trail is famous for its incomparable views of the Scottish Highlands, spanning all the way from Fort William to the Cape. If you have time, this is a wonderful challenge to take on at some point in your life, but if you’re only trying to get away for the weekend, try walking the Sandwood bay to Cape Wrath portion of it. Covering a distance of about 12.5km, the hike usually takes anywhere from 3.5 to 4.5 hours to complete. The walk is pathless and with a couple of obstacles like fences to climb, but the real star of the walk are the exquisite coastal views. Please bear in mind that Cape Wrath is an active Ministry of Defence training site that is often used for firing exercises. You need to check the MOD website ahead of time to be sure the Cape is not closed off for exercise, sometimes notice doesn’t come until barely 24 hours beforehand.    

You can get to Sandwood bay by walking from the nearest car park at Blairmore. This is the closest visitors can get to the beach by car. Cape Wrath is connected to Keoldale (about 4 km from Durness) by a private minibus and ferry service. The service is seasonal and is dependent on tidal times and MOD firing schedules, so please be sure to check these ahead of time

Go for a Wild Swim in Loch Caoldair

There’s something so irresistibly freeing about going for a wild swim in a quiet and deserted Scottish Loch. The country’s open access laws make the freshwater Lochs an ideal destination for any wild swimmers. Located in the western edge of the Cairngorms, Loch Caoldair is a haven of beauty and tranquillity as it is often overlooked by tourists. Truly an ideal spot to disconnect from everything for a little while and reconnect with nature and the breathtaking environment. There are also many waterfalls nearby that only add to the magic of the Loch’s atmosphere.

The Loch is only a mile away from the road, and about three miles from Laggan village. Camping around the Loch is also very common. The surroundings are also ideals for exploring the forest and going on various walks to take in the scenery. As with any water-based activity, please be sure to be safe and mindful of your environment. Find out more about water safety here

Where to stay

There are a couple of hotels we love for an off-the-grid weekend. Seasyde House in Errol is the first of the two. We love its charming rustic atmosphere and decor that truly lends itself to relaxing. The staff are so kind and the breakfast is simply out of this world. The surroundings are calm and beautiful, perfect for a weekend spent basking in tranquillity.

ALTIDO Seasyde House - Historic Stately home in Perthshire Scotland
booking.com

ALTIDO Seasyde House - Historic Stately home in Perthshire

A lovely hotel located in Errol, Scotland.
From
£185 /night
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Another hotel we love is Schloss Roxburghe in Keslo. The grounds and facilities are impeccable and the overall atmosphere of the hotel is perfect for a three-day escape. There is even a golf course on the estate!

SCHLOSS Roxburghe, part of Destination by Hyatt Scotland
booking.com

SCHLOSS Roxburghe, part of Destination by Hyatt

A lovely hotel located in Kelso, Scotland.
From
£141 /night
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by Val HANCOCK
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