If you plan to visit Scotland in July, it is a fabulous time to travel, and there is still enough time to plan your itinerary. While it may not be the cheapest time to travel to Scotland, it certainly is the best time to visit, and like everything, you have to travel when you are free. During our so-called “hotter” months in Scotland, we often have many guests staying with us who are escaping far hotter Summer temperatures where they live and enjoying the more excellent Scottish Summer.

For those wondering when is the best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges, that is one concern; you do not need to worry if you are staying with us, as, luckily, we do not see any midges here, so please rest assured! A rule of thumb I was told a long time ago was that west of the A9, you will find midges, but not east of the A9. The A9 is the main north-south highway that many of you will drive on at some stage during a visit to Scotland.

So, back to where and what to visit. High on everyone’s visit list is always Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, one or more distilleries, a lovely beach, Balmoral Castle, some good shopping, and some good Scottish food. You can do all that and so much more when staying with us, and we are always happy to create an itinerary that suits you.

Remember, all our rates include our fabulous breakfasts. I mention breakfasts because, as part of your July planning, you may be out walking more than usual, requiring a good breakfast.

Recently, our guests have been climbing Cairngorm Mountain and walking The Dava Way, Hopeman to Lossiemouth, and Portknockie to Cullen. That means we have dolphin spotters and mountain men staying with us, keen to see as much Scotland as possible.

Everyone loves the environment at Blervie so much, and we are constantly asked for evening meals. We are keen to feed as many of you as possible throughout the Summer and will be doing our best on this matter.

Of course, we still have several preferred restaurants, and we are happy to recommend that they consistently provide a great dining experience and some sensational views. Still, we equally understand that it is essential sometimes to dine in. An all-around favourite is always The Kimberley Inn down at Findhorn, but the sea views and walking on the beach must be done.

With a house full of international guests keen to see bonny Scotland and trace their ancestral links. Of course, this means visiting one of the many Highland Games that happen throughout the summer months. At least this year, we are fortunate to see the return of many Highland Games, not least of all our local Highland Games, in Forres on the 6th of July.

This is also the start of the season for the many agricultural shows that are an essential part of the Highland calendar, such as the Nairn Farming Show. So, if you want to learn more about farm life and get close to the stock you would typically see in the fields, stop in and contact some locals, equine, bovine or human.

With our beautiful Summer weather and extended daylight hours, Scotland presents an excellent opportunity to turn back time and drift into another era. Evening beach walks and daylight river walks high above a river gorge. Just as much fun is an evening stroll from the house in the evening; the birdsong is incredible, and listening to the owls is relaxing.

Many guests enjoy flying their drones above the house and recording more of their trip. Having been exploring all day, they find the long July evenings perfect for this.

Meander through some of our superb forests, admiring the different hues of green—almost impossible to count. Visit another distillery—whisky or gin—we have both. If you are a cyclist, bring your bikes with you—we have plenty of off- and on-road routes. Take a Boat trip to view wildlife or castles.

See how many Castles you can visit during your stay in Scotland. Pack up a picnic and take a scenic day trip. Great day trips include a day down to Balmoral Castle on the Snow Roads. If you are adventurous, you can drive the Bealach na Bà over to Applecross. Part of the NC500 route, this pass is a winding single-track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula with views over the water to Skye and possibly not a drive for the faint-hearted.

Buddy’s Guest Blogger Spot

Last month, Rosie Horse talked about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the opportunity to walk, cycle, or horse ride wherever you wish. I thought it was an excellent opportunity to back her up and explain how this right to roam gives you a real chance to roam. Recently, my Mum and I went on a long, quietly isolated ramble following a local river.

With narrow bridges to cross, quiet meadows, woodland glades, tumbling waterfalls, and a superb ruined Castle, all on isolated routes, it is a dream come true for those who want to get lost in the Scottish Countryside and gives you a feel of days gone by.

Please feel free to ask me for advice on some of my favourite walks, or let me know in the comments if there are certain things you want to see while walking or cycling, and I am happy to make suggestions.

Ask me nicely, and I could show you the way.

With all that in mind, don’t forget that planning and booking your stay in advance is a good idea if you consider escaping to Scotland this year.

Our 3-night Stays booked directly on this website are always the best value. Our best rates and discounts are always, always, on our website.