The Highlands of Scotland are a major draw for tourists from around the world. If you’re fortunate enough to live in the UK, then a trip to this part of the country is within relatively easy reach. Best yet, you can reach it without resorting to air travel, which might make it a great option for holidaymakers looking to shrink their carbon footprint.
Let’s take a look at how you might devise an ethical, eco-conscious tour of the region. In this regard, there are four main points worth making.
Choosing eco-friendly transportation
We’ve already mentioned how cutting out aviation can vastly reduce the environmental cost of any given holiday. But you can push down your emissions even further with the help of the right vehicle.
Electric cars are increasingly viable, thanks to the growth of EV charging hubs, brought about by companies like Muirhall Energy and its new division, Greenwheel Electric.
Other options for travel include rail and bus, as well as going self-propelled by bicycle or hiking. If you do decide to travel by car, however, it’s worth making sure that your car insurance is up to date. In the UK, it’s a legal requirement.
Selecting sustainable accommodation
Your choice of accommodation will matter just as much as your choice of transportation. Fortunately, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available in the Highlands. These include caravan and camping parks like Witches Craig, in Stirling. Green self-catered lodges, eco hotels, and B&Bs can all be great options.
Engaging in responsible tourism activities
Once you’ve arrived at your destination and settled on a place to stay, you’ll want to pick out a few choice activities. In the Highlands, the best ways to spend your time enjoying the landscapes. Visitng the coast is also a gret option. keep you eyes peeled for wildlife wherever you go, too.
You might look for activities whose proceeds are invested in conservation. Or, you might simply pick a trail and start hiking.
If you’re going to be moving through the countryside in Scotland, you’ll want to abide by a few basic principles. These will help to minimise your impact on the environment around you, and they’re summarised in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. These involve taking responsibility for your own actions, and leaving the environment in the state in which you found it.
Supporting local and sustainable businesses
As you travel through the Highlands, you’re sure to come across businesses that share your commitment to sustainability. These might include small cafes, shops, and marketplaces. You might also visit parts of the country that impose a tourist levy since this money might be used to prop up local businesses and protect the region through which you’re travelling.
