Self-paced wellbeing

Discover ways to engage with Scotland’s historic sites at a pace that suits you and your wellbeing.

Wellbeing care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is how we experience Scotland’s historic sites. Whether you’re looking for quiet reflection, mindful movement or an immersive journey into history, discover ways to engage with heritage at your own time and pace. 

What to expect

Browse recommendations below to find your own way to connect, or you can explore guided wellbeing activities.

If you need more inspiration, discover more ideas in our crowdsourced exhibition where visitors share how historic sites have benefited their wellbeing. You too can also get involved and share your experience with us.

Self-guided walks

Walking is an excellent way to move the body and explore hidden corners across Scotland; such beauty and tranquility can really refresh and restore the mind and soul. Whether you enjoy walking alone with your own thoughts or as part of a group, why not explore these curated routes.

Click on each photograph below to learn more and to download the map and guide. 

Silhouette of the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar Heart of Neolithic Orkney The guide has a photograph of two guides looking at a landscape, one with binoculars. Blackness Castle The guide shows two rangers talking, one of whom is holding a bird book. Linlithgow Peel A ranger shows a member of the public a beautiful flower that grows in Holyrood Park Holyrood Park The photograph shows two individuals beside a tree looking over Holyrood park Linlithgow and Holyrood bird feeding

Trails from our experts

Who better to suggest the most restful walks and peaceful spots than those who know our historic sites best. Our very own Historic Scotland staff share their top recommendations to help you explore hidden corners, stunning viewpoints, and reflective spaces across Scotland. 

Doune Castle trail

Join Suzee (a Roving Steward at Historic Scotland) and their black lab Bracken for a walk around the grounds behind Doune Castle and get their top tips for taking time out and looking after one's wellbeing. 

If you visit today, not only would you be walking in the footsteps of rulers of the past but also of fictional figures of the screen. Doune Castle has become a popular location for shooting films and TV series, and has been featured in Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. 

If you visit, take the opportunity to get our digital audio guide with Terry Jones (Monty Python) and Sam Heughan (Outlander) which is included in your ticket price. You will need your own mobile device for this.

Download video transcript

Ring of Brodgar trail

A field of wildflowers with a historic monument in the background Step 1: Start your self-paced walk A small metal sign is attached to a large stone and directs travellers to the Stones of Stenness Step 2: The path to the Stones of Stenness In the foreground is a meadow with wildflowers and in the background are the stones of Stenness Step 3: Path to the Ring Of Brodgar A close up photograph of Red Clover flowers which are bulbous and violet in colour Step 4: Stop to admire the Red Clover flowers A view of a large wildflower meadow with the Stones of Stenness in the background Step 5: Enjoy the wildflower meadow A close up of Ragged Robin flowers which are pink in colour and have long petals. Step 6: Spot the Ragged Robin flowers View from a grassy path into the wildflower meadow Step 7: Follow the path to the Ring of Brodgar An individual sits on a bench on the left hand side. They look out over the water with binoculars. Step 8: Relax at our lochside bench A heathery path in the foreground leads up to standing stones in the background Step 9: Path up to the standing stones Tall standing stones in the sunshine with a blue sky above Step 10: Explore the magic of Stenness A grassy path leading the eye down to the end of the path. Step 11: Making your way back to the start

Get colouring

Calling all kids (big and small) to take some time out of the hustle and bustle, and to enjoy a moment of creativity. What better way to be present in the moment and let your mind slow down than some colouring in.

Click into each image below to download and print our free sheets:

Black and white colouring sheet inspired by illuminated manuscripts. Colouring A-Z Black and white outlined drawing of a unicorn to be used for colouring in. Colouring In Unicorn Black and white design of a stained glass window in a gothic style. Colouring In Stained Glass Window Black and white illustration of a castle created for colouring in. Colouring In Castle Black and white illustration of a crown. Coloiring In Crown Black and white illustration of St Serfs church and the stone carved Dupplin Cross Colouring In St Serfs And Dupplin Cross Black and white illustration depicting medieval nobles watching a jousting competition. Colouring In Jousting A black and white illustration of Arnol Blackhouse with Gaelic labelling which is used as a colouring sheet. Colouring In Arnol Blackhouse Gaidhlig

Browse our blogs

Each person's experience of wellbeing is entirely unique to them and, therefore, there are many different ways in which to improve it and inspire others. We've curated below a range of blog posts written by Historic Scotland staff and guest authors as they consider what wellbeing means to them and how the historic environment has contributed to it. 

Click on each image below to learn more and link off to the full blog post. 

An illustration by Morag Edward of dolphins swimming in the sea with Fort George in the background. The Power of Water: Sailing to the Historic Highlands An aerial photograph of a garden. The photograph has an overlay of an illustration showing figures enjoying a trail. Scotland's Secret Gardens A black and white archive photo of a cycling rally in 1910. There are men and women in the group and a range of ages. A History of Scottish Cycling in Pictures The standing stones of Calanais The Summer Solstice in Historic Scotland A photograph of the landscape of Holyrood Park in Edinburgh, with flowers in the foreground. A Women’s History Tour of Holyrood Park A photograph of a ruined abbey with a graphic overlay that says 'celebrating neurodiversity'. Power in peace: visiting historic sites as an autistic person A photograph of three young women in outdoor wear standing outside a bothy. Escaping into history: using Scotland’s heritage to boost your wellbeing

Get inspired

Browse our crowdsourced exhibition to find inspiration from those who experience wellbeing benefits from the historic sites in our care. 

Browse our crowdsourced exhibition

Disclaimer

All recommendations within Historic Places, Breathing Spaces is designed to supplement your own wellbeing programme and toolkit and does not constitute medical advice on the part of Historic Environment Scotland.