Wester Ross, a remote area in the Scottish Highlands, has been named the most peaceful holiday destination in Europe by travel experts. The region was praised for its "dramatic mountain peaks, deep sea lochs, and pristine coastline", as well as its spectacular local wildlife and plant life.
What is a 'stillcation'?
On Monday, August 10, Euronews reported that tour operator Inghams Walking shared a list of Europe's "best destinations for a 'stillcation'". According to the experts, a 'stillcation' is a holiday that prioritises slowing down and being more present instead of following busy itineraries.
Coming in at number one on Inghams Walking's roundup is Wester Ross. Situated in the northwest Scottish Highlands, Wester Ross is sparsely populated and is renowned for its natural beauty and eco-diversity.
Natural beauty and remote location
The region is home to magnificent beaches, sparkling lochs, ancient pinewoods, breathtaking mountains, and more. Notable beauty spots include the Torridon Peaks, Red Point Beach, the An Teallach mountain group, and the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve.
Inghams Walking highlighted the remote location of Wester Ross as one of its best features, giving it a peaceful atmosphere. The experts also singled out the area's heritage, with visitors able to enjoy traditional Gaelic music and take part in various historic activities.
Inghams Walking commented: "Crowned as the 'stillest' destination in Inghams’ survey, this remote region in the northwest highlands of Scotland boasts dramatic mountain peaks, deep sea lochs, and pristine coastline. The region is so remote that Inghams found just 1.6 inhabitants per square kilometre and also found it to have very low light pollution on the Bortle Scale.
"It is the perfect dwelling for a diverse range of local flora, fauna and wildlife, including otters and black-throated loon birds that can be seen in the waters of Loch Maree. Its vast area of high-quality natural landscapes and biodiversity is paired with cultural heritage, where visitors can enjoy Gaelic music and observe traditional activities kept alive today, including Scottish 'crofting'."
Other Scottish destination in top 10
Elsewhere, the Outer Hebrides is the second location in Scotland to be named among Europe's top 'stillest' holiday destinations by Inghams Walking. The island chain, which is also known as the Western Isles, is situated off the west coast of mainland Scotland and features islands such as Lewis and Harris and South and North Uist.
Coming in at number two on Inghams Walking's list is the French Pyrenees in France. Following behind in third place is Abisko in Sweden, while the Engadin Valley in Switzerland and The Dolomites in Italy round out the top five.
Speaking to Euronews, UK-based psychotherapist Eloise Skinner commented: "Being surrounded by natural landscapes removes many obstacles and distractions, allowing us to turn our attention inward and feel a sense of greater connection and calm."
Europe's top 10 'stillest' destinations
- Wester Ross, Scotland
- French Pyrenees, France
- Abisko, Sweden
- Engadin Valley, Switzerland
- The Dolomites, Italy
- Picos de Europa, Spain
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Corsica, France
- Gotland, Sweden
- Kitzbuhel, Austria
