Beat the crowds this summer with Scotland's top 12 travel 'dupes'

The Herald Scotland

4 days ago

Step forward the concept of 'destination dupes'. The term was first coined by travel firm Expedia in 2023. It gained traction as social media influencers and bloggers sought out quieter and less expensive locations with wow-inducing scenery.
This idea of 'dupes' – short for 'duplicate' – refers, in general terms, to a more affordable or accessible alternative to a high-end or popular product, aiming to replicate its look and feel.
And it is something that is swiftly catching on within the travel world. There is a growing movement among holidaymakers, particularly the younger generations, who are keen to seek out pastures new away from overcrowded hotspots and well-trodden paths.
In Europe, this has seen Albania dubbed 'the new Croatia' and Plovdiv in Bulgaria being widely touted as a city break substitute for major capitals such as Paris and Berlin.
As for closer to home? Here, we list some of our favourite 'destination dupes' around Scotland, from secluded beaches and island escapes to epic driving routes. A clutch of gems that are well-worth discovering – or becoming reacquainted with – this summer and beyond.
Crail is great - but have you thought about swapping it for the Banffshire coast? (Image: free) Banffshire coast
Dupe for: East Neuk of Fife
With its string of picturesque fishing villages and historic harbours, including Portsoy, Sandend, Cullen, Portknockie, Findochty and Buckie, the Banffshire coast certainly packs in the charm.
Extending some 30 miles (48km) along the Moray Firth from Spey Bay to Cullykhan Bay, it boasts a long list of must-see landmarks, such as Findlater Castle, St Comb's Well, Bow Fiddle Rock and Craigmin Bridge to name but a few.
There are cracking beaches, both golden sands and shingle beauties. Wildlife lovers are in for a treat too, with the area known for sightings of dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, basking sharks and orcas.
Foodies will delight at the cluster of heavenly ice cream shops – Portsoy Ice Cream, the Ice Cream Shop in Cullen and the Ice Cream Cabin in Buckie – to sample as you explore.
Also try: The Rhins of Galloway (see below)
The Great Glen (Image: free) Great Glen Way
Dupe for: West Highland Way
There's no denying the West Highland Way is a bucket list adventure, although, through the summer months, it can feel as busy as Buchanan Street, leading to ongoing concerns about path erosion, particularly in sections around Loch Lomond and Conic Hill.
Superb alternatives include tackling the Great Glen Way, which connects the end of the West Highland Way at Fort William with Inverness, covering 75 miles (120km).
It traverses the Great Glen fault line, following the Caledonian Canal towpaths, forest tracks and drovers' roads, taking in Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.
You can observe Thomas Telford's remarkable feat of canal engineering, Neptune's Staircase, at close quarters and, with a short detour, visit the Clan Cameron Museum in the grounds of Achnacarry Estate, used as the Commando Basic Training Centre during the Second World War.
Also try: The slightly more under-the-radar East Highland Way, which runs 82 miles (132km) from Fort William to Aviemore. And not forgetting the Kintyre Way, Southern Upland Way, John Muir Way, Cateran Trail, Rob Roy Way and Ayrshire Coastal Path.
Seilebost (Image: free) Horgabost and Seilebost, Harris
Dupe for: Luskentyre, Harris
We're not saying to skip Luskentyre, but it is worth remembering that, when it comes to pristine white sands and turquoise waters, this corner of South Harris is no slouch in that department.
Horgabost and Seilebost are neighbours to Luskentyre – often likened to the Caribbean – with the trio of beaches sharing the same photogenic coastal road.
Dotted further along the A859, you will find Nisabost, followed by Traigh Mhor and Scarista. While glorious for a stroll and to enjoy the views, do exercise caution if taking a dip, with reports of visitors getting into trouble in strong currents, particularly around Traigh Mhor.
North Harris, meanwhile, has Huisinis, where the milky-hued sands and azure seas are accessed along a 12-mile (19km), twisting single-track road. Its secluded location means that, at times, you'll only have grazing Highland coos for company.
Also try: St Ninian's Isle tombolo in Shetland and the Orkney island of Sanday which, as the name suggests, abounds with gorgeous sandy beaches and dunes.
Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire (Image: Getty Images)
Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire
Dupe for: The shortbread tin castles
Think Scottish castles and it is likely Edinburgh, quickly followed by Eilean Donan, that springs to mind. If you're an Outlander fan, Doune Castle is probably in the mix too. Not to forget Stirling, Urquhart and Dunnottar.
Yet, a bit like our myriad, lesser-known lochs and lochans, Scotland has no dearth of castles – an estimated 1,500, give or take, at the last count.
Dundonald Castle in Ayrshire is part of the Historic Environment Scotland portfolio. Locals, though, have been pitching in to raise its profile too, with Friends of Dundonald Castle, hailed by VisitScotland as a pioneer for community-run tourism.
The latter organisation has 15 staff and more than 65 passionate volunteers who have helped turn the 14th-century castle into a year-round hub of activity, hosting everything from open-air musicals to ceilidhs. It has an excellent visitor centre with cafe.
Also try: Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries and Aberdour Castle in Fife.
Wanlockhead is Scotland's highest village (Image: JULIE HOWDEN) Mennock Pass, Dumfriesshire
Dupe for: Bealach na Ba, Applecross
If you crave a stunningly scenic stretch of road for a dramatic drive – or challenging cycle – then the Mennock Pass is a sure-fire winner.
Climbing through the Lowther Hills along the B797, from the junction at Mennock to its highest point near Wanlockhead, it packs a punch, ascending to 1,535 feet (468m) above sea level.
Among the highlights is Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead which, in addition to its fascinating background of lead mining and gold panning, can lay claim to the second-oldest subscription library in Europe.
Also try: Mam Ratagan Pass from the A87 at Shiel Bridge to Glenelg, an ancient route used by drovers to take cattle to market.
Glenfinnan can be busy so try somewhere further south (Image: free) Almond Valley Viaduct, West Lothian
Dupe for: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber
You might be wondering what madness is this? Sending you to the farthest reaches of Edinburgh where it meets with the outer fringes of Broxburn, yet the Almond Valley Viaduct is an oft-overlooked engineering marvel.
If you've ever caught the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh, via Falkirk High, Polmont and Linlithgow, you will have likely passed along the top of it.
It might not be frequented by the Hogwarts Express, or 'Harry Potter train' as the Jacobite Steam Train is colloquially known, but the Almond Valley Viaduct is an impressive sight to behold, best appreciated from ground level.
Opened in 1842, it comprises 36 arches and stretches 1.5 miles (2.4km), making it one of the longest in Scotland. Glenfinnan has a mere 21 arches by comparison.
Also try: The Leaderfoot Viaduct over the River Tweed, near Melrose, in the Scottish Borders and the Culloden Viaduct, east of Inverness.
Yesnaby Castle (Image: Getty Images)
The Bunnet Stane, near Gateside, Fife
Dupe for: The Old Man of Storr, Skye
The Trotternish peninsula of Skye is famed for its eye-catching geological wonders, from the Old Man of Storr to the mighty Quiraing and pleated basalt columns of Kilt Rock.
It does, though, much to the chagrin of many locals, become a tad congested around these parts at certain times, especially during peak holiday season.
If quirky rock formations are your thing, then there are plenty of others to check out around Scotland. Such as The Bunnet Stane near Gateside in Fife which, sitting at the foot of West Lomond, can be reached on a 1.6-mile (2.6km) out-and-back trail.
The Bunnet Stane – which arguably looks more like a giant mushroom – is formed from grey sandstone and perches jauntily on an outcrop of calciferous red sandstone. Maiden's Bower, a small, man-made cave at the base, has inspired legends and folklore.
Space at the nearby nearby car parks is limited, so do be respectful. If full, leave and return later – or on another day. Don't park on grass verges or at field gates.
Also try: Yesnaby Castle, a majestic sea stack off the Orkney mainland, which is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset, accompanied by a magical soundtrack of bird calls and the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
Greyfriars Bobby has a rival in Montrose (Image: Getty Images) Bamse, Montrose, Angus
Dupe for: Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh
A jokey comment – reputedly made by a tour guide – that rubbing the nose of the Greyfriars Bobby statue brings good luck, has caught on almost as fast as the Scott Monument being gifted the contemporary, daft nickname of 'the gothic rocket'.
While the latter was a tongue-in-cheek remark, widely credited to travel writer Bill Bryson, the former has seen the bronze memorial to the celebrated Skye terrier, at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row in Edinburgh, sustain repeated expensive damage.
The shaggy dog story of how Greyfriars Bobby sat by his late master's grave is globally renowned. But did you know that Montrose has a statue that commemorates Bamse, a loyal and brave St Bernard who served as the mascot of the Free Norwegian Forces during the Second World War? Paws off his conk, please.
Also try: A life-size statue of Noble, Queen Victoria's beloved collie, can be found on the Balmoral Estate, Aberdeenshire.
Loch Long, Argyll (Image: Getty Images)
Loch Long, Argyll
Dupe for: Loch Lomond
Yep, I know if the sun is shining and, in particular, you live in and around Glasgow, Loch Lomond is like a homing beacon, calling you to its magnificent shores.
Why not make a left at the outskirts of Dumbarton and plump for Loch Long instead? Now, I appreciate that Loch Lomond is a freshwater loch and Loch Long is a sea loch, which is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but if you are going for vibe, rather than salinity, hear me out.
Loch Long, in the west of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, is a fjord-esque finger of water extending 20 miles (32km), from Arrochar at its head to the Firth of Clyde at the most southern tip.
You have the Cowal peninsula on one side and the Rosneath peninsula on the other. The views of the Arrochar Alps, home to Munros and Corbetts alike, are simply sublime. There are ample paths for shoreline and woodland walks. Not to mention decent cafes for pit stops.
Loch Long is brilliant for having fun on, or in, too, be it kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, fishing or wild swimming.
Also try: Neighbouring Loch Goil where the Cormonachan Community Woodlands, with its ancient Atlantic oak and hazel, is designated part of Scotland's rainforest.
Heart 200
Dupe for: North Coast 500
As the moniker alludes to, this 200-mile (322km) circular route showcases the heart of Scotland, taking in the Trossachs and Highland Perthshire, along with cities such as Stirling and Perth.
It can be done clockwise or anticlockwise, with Crieff, Dunblane, Callander, Aberfoyle, Loch Katrine, Strathyre, Loch Earn, Killin, Aberfeldy, Tummel Bridge, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, Pitlochry and Dunkeld, part of its meandering route.
Another epic road trip based within a similar vicinity is the Crieff Cloverleaf, a four-day tour aimed primarily at motorcyclists, which, all in, covers 878 miles (1,413km).
Visualise a clover, with Crieff at the centre and the plant's leaves looping in north, east, south and west directions. It takes in the Cairngorms and the rolling hills of the Borders, as well as roads with picture-postcard coastline, patchwork fields and lochs.
Also try: South West Coastal 300, the Kintyre 66, North East 250 and The Coig, a quintet of touring routes around Ayrshire and Arran.
Rhins of Galloway
Dupe for: Kintyre
This isn't an either/or scenario, rather a suggestion that if you love the wild, rugged beauty of Kintyre, then chances are the Rhins of Galloway will tick many of the right boxes
The hammerhead-shaped peninsula proffers diverse coastline, beaches and archaeological sites, with the Mull of Galloway – the most southerly point in Scotland – home to a RSPB nature reserve and Robert Stevenson-designed lighthouse.
The area's website, run by the Mull of Galloway Trust, variously describes it as 'one of the best kept secrets in the UK' and 'an unspoiled paradise for visitors on the lookout for peace and tranquillity'. I couldn't have put it better myself.
Also try: Ardnamurchan peninsula, Lochaber.
Tobermory harbour on Mull
The Small Isles
Dupe for: Skye
Lying to the south of Skye, each of the main Small Isles – Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck – has its own distinctive personality. Or as the author Alexander McCall Smith put it when talking to The Herald earlier this year, 'these islands are the Hebrides as imagined by central casting'.
There are oodles of fun-packed activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Rum is newly designated as Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary making it a great spot for stargazers, while Eigg and Muck both feature on the recently created Small Isles Snorkel Trail.
Canna is an ornithological dream, providing a haven to some 20,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots, who nest on its cliffs and sea stacks.
All four islands are owned and managed differently: Eigg operates through a community trust; Rum is overseen jointly by a community trust and NatureScot; Canna belongs to the National Trust for Scotland; and Muck remains privately owned.
Also try: Mull with its heart-soaring vistas, mountains, beaches and the colourful Tobermory harbour.