Without a doubt, Scotland has scenery comparable to several of the world’s most spectacular destinations. Scotland is definitely stunning in its own right, but when you stand in some parts of the beautiful countryside your imagination could take you somewhere else entirely. The country boasts breathtaking vistas similar to those in New Zealand, Sweden and even the Caribbean. Here are just a few of the most beautiful places in Scotland to explore:
Hiking in Glencoe
Reminiscent of a movie set from Lord of the Rings, Glencoe is a gorgeous mountain valley set in the shadow of the Three Sisters mountain range and the cone-shaped Pap of Glencoe. A network of paths criss-cross the valley, allowing you the choice of an easy, meandering route or one which requires a more strenuous uphill scramble.
The Isle of Lewis
On the most northern and most populated isle in the Outer Hebrides, you’ll find the atmospheric, and mysterious Callanish Standing Stones. As with everything in the Hebrides, the standing stones take a bit of getting used to, but they’re worth it. You will take a picturesque ferry ride from the mainland to Stornoway, and then board a bus to the nearby visitor centre.
What’s the Story Balamory?
Made famous as the setting for the children’s television programme Balamory, Mull is a haven of pastel-coloured prettiness. Many of the multi-hued buildings are home to quaint little independent boutiques and tea rooms. Head out to the deep blue of the Tobermory Chocolate Shop and sip on a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate.
Little Known Loch
Less famous than the acclaimed Loch Ness, but no less beautiful, Loch Katrine sits at the heart of the Trossachs Mountain Range. A trip on the Sir Walter Scott steamship is a must. Afterwards stop in at the Brenachoile Restaurant on the pier and enjoy a bowl of Cullen Skink, a thick Scottish broth made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Cullen Skink is guaranteed to warm you up no matter what the infamously fickle Scottish weather throws at you.
Dolphin Watching at Embo
Just in front of Parkdean’s quirkily-named Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame park is one of the world’s most pristine sweeps of sand. Edged by a band of undulating dunes, the beach stretches north from the village of Embo right to the mouth of the River Fleet. Behind the beach, there’s a network of pretty paths. With a bit of luck you will observe bottlenose dolphins across the Dornoch Firth. Combine your caravan holiday with wildlife sightings and relaxing barefoot strolls along soft sand beaches.
The Isle of Eigg
Eigg, another of Scotland’s most picturesque islands, sits just south of the better known Isle of Skye and is home to eagles and Singing Sands, the island’s extraordinary attraction. Footsteps on Singing Sands, a quartz beach, are said to create a sound similar to thousands of little chirping birds.
The Beaches of South Harris
The Isle of Harris offers some of the planet’s most dramatic scenery. You will seldom come across others enjoying the striking views of the mountains and the Atlantic coast sand beach scenery. The island of Taransay, the location where the BBC television series Castaway was filmed, is visible from Luskentyre Beach, At Scarista you can try, or just watch, kite buggying.
Caledonian Forest
Thousands of years ago, vast swathes of Scotland were covered in woodland known as Caledonian Forest. Nowadays only pockets remain, but you can still get a glimpse of what the Highlands would have looked like back then by visitingvisiting Mar Lodge or Rothiemurchus in the Cairngorms. The trees in this area are home to one of the last remaining red squirrel populations and you might be lucky enough to see these little creatures darting among the branches.
Dramatic Ruins
Scotland is understandably famous for its castles, and castle ruins are as equally breathtaking as the ones that have been restored. Dunnottar Castle is strategeously perched atop the cliffs in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. Take in some fabulous seascape views as you trek along the coastal path which begins at Stonehaven Harbour and leads towards the castle itself.
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
As far west as you can go on the British Mainland, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse has been guiding ships through the waters off the coast since 1849. This is a beautiful area to visit in the summer, and the waves crashing down below create a very impressive off-season display.
Scotland, a land of superlatives, has more than its fair share of incredible scenery. No matter how often you visit there’s always a lot more to discover!
Photo Credits
Glencoe – Chris Lewis – Some Rights Reserved
Callanish Stone Circle – Andrew Bennett – Some Rights Reserved
Waterfront at Tobermory Richard Scwejkowski – Some Rights Reserved
Loch Katrine – Paul Lauff – Some Rights Reserved
Dornoch Firth – John Haslam – Some Rights Reserved
Eigg, Rum and Muck Islands – Graeme Law – Some Rights Reserved
Isle of Harris – George Monk – Some Rights Reserved
Red Squirrel at Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus – George Monk – Some Rights Reserved
Dunnottar Castle – Darcy – Some Rights Reserved
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse – Ronan – Some Rights Reserved
Additional Resources
Callanish Standing Stones
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