Scotland is blessed with stunning little towns and villages that are not only welcoming but very pleasing on the eye. On warmer days, they are the ideal places to visit for a wee wander.
With the temperature rising and Scotland already seeing its hottest day of the year so far, it's the perfect excuse to get out there and see them.
From seaside towns ideal for foodies seeking the best fish and chips to historical villages packed with fascinating architecture, they make for a great way to while away the afternoon in the sunshine.
Here are just some of the most picturesque towns and villages we love to visit when the weather is good.
Aberlour, Speyside
Scotland's home of whisky, Speyside, is as welcoming as you might expect, with distilleries always within walking reach.
The ideal trip for any spirits fans (there are also gin distilleries like Avva Gin and Caorunn offering tours and tastings), the region is a great place to discover your next favourite tipple.
And in Aberlour, you have a beautiful example of a picturesque Moray town, with quaint cafes and stunning architecture dotted around its main street.
The home of Walker's shortbread (where you can buy big bags of the offcuts) Aberlour also has a stunning walk down by the river Spey where if you are lucky you might spy the salmon leaping.
Culross, Fife
Instantly recognisable to fans of Outlander, this beautiful little Fife town (pronounced Coo-riss) offers a place where you can step back in time to the Scotland of the past.
Beautiful and unforgettable, there's plenty to do and see including the beautiful Culross Palace, as well as enjoying romantic walks around its quaint cobbled streets.
Killin, Loch Tay
Lying close to the spectacular Loch Tay and offering walks in the nearby mountains of Breadalbane, the lovely village of Killin is best known for the Falls of Dochart, easily viewed from the Bridge of Dochart.
Nearby, you'll find stone circles, medieval castles and even a beautiful nature reserve, meaning there are plenty of activities to keep even the most avid and adventurous family happy
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
The vibrant colours of the buildings in this wonderful little town (the inspiration for the children's TV show Balamory) are matched only by the vibrant colours of the coastal scenery that surrounds the town.
A magical place on the Isle of Mull – which is worth exploring too – it's also one of the best places in Scotland to enjoy the freshest seafood around, meaning if you are foodies it doesn't get much better than this.
Pittenweem, Fife
Recently named the top trending hidden gem for 2022, this charming little fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife is filled with bags of character.
Though there are fewer fisher boats now it is still easily one of the best places in Scotland to get a fish and chips, thanks to its exciting family-run chippies.
Speaking of which, once you've grabbed your prize supper head down to the harbour for the ideal place to watch the sunset, be warned though, you might need to coorie in with your favourite person as you eat.
Brodick, Arran
The ideal basecamp for exploring 'Scotland in miniature', Brodick is a welcoming town with stunning views of Goatfell, the Isle of Arran's soaring peak.
Enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, take on challenging hikes on Goatfell or discover the wonder of whisky with a trip to the island's two exciting distilleries in Lochranza and the newly opened Lagg.
And if you seriously want to impress the family or friends then a trip to the Arran Cheese Shop is a must.
Oban
This popular Scottish seaside town was recently named as one of the UK's most beautiful escapes and the most Instagrammable in Scotland.
And it's easy to see why, with its stunning architecture, the crowning glory of the McCaig's Tower, the whisky distillery which sits at the heart of the town, and of course, the ready access it offers to the stunning islands that dot the west coast.
Plockton, Wester Ross
Recently named by the Times as one of the UK's prettiest places to stay, the picturesque village of Plockton, in the Wester Ross area of the Highlands, can be found in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron surrounded by dramatic scenery.
With a delightful seaside setting, it's hugely popular with artists and photographers with both breathtaking scenery and fascinating wildlife to be found in abundance.
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