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Why you should plan to visit Scotland in winter

If you’re thinking about heading to Scotland for a break this winter, we’re here to help. Considered the low-season, winter in Scotland benefits from fewer people, meaning you can enjoy everything from snow-covered Munros and glistening frozen lochs to cosy pubs virtually to yourself.

Below, we share more top reasons to plan a visit to Scotland in winter.

A snowboarder in an orange jacket and black pants rides down a snowy slope, surrounded by tall pine trees under a clear blue sky. The shadow stretches across the snow.

Hit the slopes

Visiting Scotland in winter offers you the perfect chance to hit the slopes on home turf. The home of Scottish skiing, The Glenshee Ski Centre, is a 3,504ft mountain adventure with the UK’s largest ski lift system. With runs that extend over three valleys and four mountains, it caters for everyone from total beginners to more experienced skiers and snowboarders. Non-skiers can enjoy sledging, winter walking or tucking into delicious food at any of the three mountainside cafes.

The Glenshee Ski Centre is just an hour and twenty minutes drive from Forbes of Kingennie, so it is within easy reach if you want to enjoy a day or two of snow. Plus, you can buy a lift pass and hire equipment on-site, so there’s no need to bring equipment with you or plan ahead.

A calm lake reflects snow-capped mountains under a clear sky, with mist hovering over the forested hills in the distance, creating a peaceful, serene landscape.

Bag a Munro

Although summer offers the best conditions for tackling some of Scotland’s toughest Munros, with the right preparation and equipment it’s possible to bag a Munro or two in winter.

At Forbes of Kingennie, we’re lucky enough to have 10 Munros throughout Angus, so there’s plenty to keep you busy if you’re planning a winter break in Scotland.

The twin peaks of Mayar and Driesh are good winter options, as although both are over 3,000ft high, their gentler slopes mean they are relatively easy to navigate in winter conditions.

As with any winter walk, you must check the weather forecast before setting off and make sure you have appropriate winter equipment, including plenty of layers, hats and gloves, walking poles and crampons.

A modern architectural building with layered design stands beside a waterfront promenade, featuring benches, a railing, and a distant bridge under a cloudy sky.

Get a taste for culture

If your idea of the perfect getaway involves immersing yourself in culture, you’re spoilt for choice on a Scottish winter getaway.

Fire your imagination and creativity at the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s Design Museum. With self-guided audio tours available, you can explore at your own pace. It’s free to enter, although paid exhibitions do run, so be sure to check out what’s on before visiting.

Another great way to get a culture fix in Scotland in winter is by visiting the award-winning Dundee Science Centre. A world of wonder and exploration with six exhibitions, it brings science to life. Tickets start from £6.50, making it an enjoyable and affordable day out for the whole family.

A person in a red jacket and winter gear fly-fishing on a snowy riverbank, with bare trees and a flowing river under a clear blue sky in the background.

Winter fishing

Winter fishing in Scotland is a highlight of the angling calendar. As well as being Grayling season, winter is a great time to catch pike in the River Tay, while salmon season opens in January. But if sea fishing is more your thing, winter is the ideal time to find cod close to the shore in Arbroath, using lug worms, found in the local beaches.

There is also the choice of staying here on the resort and fishing some of Scotland’s most famous trout fishing pools, created by former Scottish National Fly Fishing Champion, Mike Forbes.

Hunker down in a pub

If you’re looking for a cosier escape to Scotland in winter, then make sure you plan a visit to a pub or two. As well as a warm welcome from friendly locals, you can expect roaring log fires, traditional Scottish turns and great whisky!

Silhouettes of an adult and child standing by a calm lake at night, gazing at a star-filled sky with distant hills and soft clouds faintly illuminated in the background.

Stargazing

Winter is one of the best times to enjoy spotting constellations, with long, dark, and still nights offering the perfect conditions for stargazing.

For the best chance of seeing constellations, you need to venture away from light pollution and find a clear spot that offers open sky views. Not only is the resort the perfect place for spotting stars, but there’s also a good chance you might catch a glimpse of The Northern Lights (aurora borealis). Enthusiastic astronomers can visit Mills Observatory in Dundee.

Warm-up at your hut

Perched by the coast in the beautiful county of Angus, our country resort is the perfect place for the whole family to experience Scotland in winter. Our luxury self-catering huts and lodges are exquisitely equipped with creature comforts to ensure they are the perfect place to hunker down and enjoy a much-needed break this winter. Plus, we have everything on-site to make your stay unforgettable. Enjoy the finest homecooked produce in The Scullery restaurant or a tipple or two, in front of the fire at our Cairn O’Mount Bar.

Whatever your winter retreat plans, we can't wait to give you a real Scottish welcome.