Scotland is regarded as the most ruggedly beautiful of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. It is known for its rich, interesting history, impressive mountains, majestic castles, foggy lochs, and fabled creatures. Similar to its southern neighbor, England, it has its fair share of super mario bros large cities, including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow. However, if you know where to look, you can also find a plethora of little jewels dotted throughout the glens and valleys of its breathtaking environment.

These are the small towns in Scotland you should include on your next trip to the United Kingdom, whether you're looking for the best whisky (which has been distilled here since the 15th century and is always spelled without a "e" to distinguish it from the American stuff) or just need a break from the grind in some spectacularly romantic surroundings. itinerary. (A sporran and kilt are optional.)

Fort Augustus was built as a military outpost near the southwest corner of Loch Ness in the 18th century, but it is now the center of a conflict that is altogether different: the war to establish Nessie's existence. Come here to take a trip on the most well-known of all Scottish lochs while looking for clues to the existence of the cryptozoological monster. Later, see the town's 19th-century monastery and the Clansman Centre to learn about Highland culture. A great starting point for vehicle journeys into the picturesque, heather-covered mountains of the Scottish Highlands is Fort Augustus.

Killin, where you can go sailing and kayaking on gorgeous Loch Tay, is a popular destination and is a short drive from Stirling's historic center. The Falls of Dochart, a series of waterfalls at the western end of the loch, are also located there. In the summer, people relax on the rocks there with a beer or a picnic. The town is home to a number of excellent lodging and dining options as well as the intriguing Breadalbane Folklore Centre, which is devoted to local myths and stories. The remains of Finlarig Castle provide additional viewing options and a chance to witness a typical Scottish longhouse. Beinn Ghlas, a neighboring mountain, offers wonderful hiking that is also highly recommended.

Tobermory, the scenic capital of the Isle of Mull, is well known for its single malt whiskey, colorful buildings, and gorgeous fishing harbor, one of Scotland's most lovely. The journey to this charming hideaway in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, which takes 35 minutes by ferry from the mainland (Kilchoan), is all part of the trip. An alternative is hiring a private water taxi. Once you get in Tobermory, you may tour a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and historic inns. Just make sure you leave without purchasing one of the town's famed ceramic water jugs from the Tobermory Distillery (and a bottle of whisky to go with it, naturally).

Braemar is a charming little hamlet with a distinguished setting and significant royal ties. To begin with, Balmoral Castle, the late Queen Elizabeth's cherished Scottish getaway, is nearby and accessible to the general public when it's not being used as a residence. Second, Braemar is the location of the famed Braemar Gathering, a traditional Highland Games competition that takes place in September and has been visited by the British royal family since the 1840s (it also provides vacation homes for rent within the grounds). For those interested in researching the origins and regulations of some of the oddest Scottish games, there are two historic castles to visit as well as the Highland Games Centre.

It's no coincidence that bucolic Plockton, with its endearing cottages around a picture-perfect bay, resembles a scene from a movie. The Wicker Man, a 1973 horror classic, and Hamish Macbeth, a renowned British drama series, both used this idyllic locale as their setting.

Surprisingly, tropical palm trees fill the shoreline in this sunny region of Scotland's western coast because to its distinct microclimate. You can also hire sea kayaks from here or go on wildlife-spotting excursions to see seals and otters. The Kyle of Lochalsh railway line, one of the most spectacular train excursions in the UK, is located just south of Plockton.