Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption The Outer Hebrides gained recognition in accordance with the arrangements of its beaches, distilleries, and the hiking roads of the Hebridean Way
The Scottish Highlands and islands ought to have identified one of the top parts of the world for travellers in 2019.
Lonely Planet has revealed that the region has been rolled among its top 10 “Best in Travel” destinations.
Featuring fifth on the index, the guide described by the Highlands and islands as “one of the wildest, least occupied and most scenic parts of Europe”.
It affords special mention to the North Coast 500 driving route, the North East 250 and the Snow Roads.
‘Glorious natural landscape’
The Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 is a highly-anticipated annual collect of best available travelling destinations, tendencies, pilgrimages and suffers to have in its first year ahead.
It likewise reveals the top 10 fields, countries, metropolis and best value places to visit in 2019.
Piedmont in Italy, best knows we being residence to Leonardo Da Vinci, topped the “Best in Travel” list, followed by the Catskills in the USA, Northern Peru and the Red Centre in Australia.
Image copyrightLonely PlanetImage caption The Glenfinnan Viaduct in the west Highlands, induced famous by the Harry Potter films, is highlighted in the guide
Claiming fifth home, the Scottish Highlands and islands were commended for their “innovative and fast-developing” accommodation sector, ranging from purpose-built campervan parking smudges, to designer cottages modelled on ancient buildings.
Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s editorial director, said: “The wild landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands and islands offer the ultimate escape and visiting the region’s remote areas is now easier than ever thanks to impressive the evolution in accommodation.
“This is a stunning field with so much to give travellers, from its glorious natural scenery and rich history to enviable local food and drink.”
Visitor suffers listed included savouring the region’s sought-after seafood restaurants, enjoying a nature-watching trip-up, and clambering a mountain with the iconic pinnacle of Suilven referenced following the repair and upgrade of its footpath .~ ATAGEND
Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption Lonely Planet recommended visitors to the Highlands and islands clamber a mountain such as Suilven
Also highlighted in the four pages dedicated to the region, the North Coast 500 driving itinerary which has been in comparison with the U’Ss Route 66.
Stretching more than 500 miles, it was developed as a way of bringing visitors to obscured particular regions of the Highlands and making economic benefits to struggling communities.
The distillery experience was also praised by Lonely Planet.
With over 20 distilleries opening in Scotland in the last two years, whisky is experiencing a boom not learnt since the 1890 s.
The guide said: “Whisky is the essence of the Highlands, a thousand years of record and culture distilled.”
Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption Lonely Planet recommended expend “at least three days” exploring the gems of the Outer Hebrides, like the prehistoric Callanish stones in Lewis Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption The guidebook shows joining a nature-watching trip and meeting some of the locals
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said he was “thrilled, though not entirely surprised” to read the Highlands and islands build the prestigious roster.
“This stunning part of Scotland perforates well above its weight on the international stage as a thriving holiday destination for people from both across the globe and the UK, ” he added.
‘Warm welcome’
Highland Council leader, Margaret Davidson, said being preferred as one of Lonely Planet’s top regions was a “splendid accolade”.
She said: “I have always considered it one of the best places to visit not just for our fabulous scenery but also for the range of activities available, our distinct culture and of course the warm welcome for which the Highlands are famous.”
Scotland’s Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “It’s marvelous to insure the Highlands and islands receive acceptance for its breath-taking scenery, record and heritage.
“From its wide range of distilleries and tourist attractions, to its beautiful islands and iconic landmarks, I am sure the Lonely Planet’s support for the Highlands and islands will help to inspire and fascinate the imaginations of brand-new visitors.”
Lonely Planet called Sri Lanka the number one country to visit in 2019, whilst Copenhagen in Denmark was called “capital of cool” as best available city to visit in the year ahead.
Top 10 Regions in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019
Piedmont, Italy The Catskills, USA Northern Peru The Red Centre, Australia Scotland’s Highlands and islands Russian Far East Gujarat, India Manitoba, Canada Normandy, France Elqui Valley, Chile