Posted by Maris on 9th Oct 2023
Top Lists The Best Of Scotland’s Natural Beauty
Scotland is filled with natural beauty, with heathery Highlands, silvery lochs, clean, secluded beaches, and the highest mountains in the UK.
Travel to one of these sites, which are highly ranked for nature by worldwide travelers, and marvel at the highlights.
Staffin, Highlands
Staffin is a settlement on the eastern end of Skye with a cluster of white buildings (some of which are delightfully decorated with black spots). The environment area is well known for the Quiraing, an escarpment of otherworldly rock formations going back to the Jurassic period and part of the Trotternish peninsula. And Staffin is the beginning point for the circular hiking trail that takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the area. On a clear day, walkers can see the Outer Hebrides and the Scottish mainland in the distance, framed by royal blue seas and foreboding pinnacles, cliffs, and buttresses. Even on a rainy and windy day, the rolling, tussock-covered hills and spiky outlines of formations like The Needle, The Table, and The Prison are breathtaking. The best part is that the wild and distant aspect of the landscape ensures that you are always the only persons on the road. The well regarded Achtalean b&b offers stunning coastal views.
Spean Bridge, Highlands
The Commando Memorial, a bronze statue commemorating the fallen in WWII that looks out over Loch and Glen, marks the community of Spean Bridge. But it's the surrounding natural beauty that pulls the crowds. Spean Bridge is a halt along two famous Scottish treks, the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way, but it also offers watersports and rock climbing. Indeed, from the settlement, you can see the northern face of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest peak), as well as Leanachan Forest and the dark contour of the Grey Corries mountain range. After a day of exploring, relax by the fireplace at Tirindrish House B&B.
Gairloch, Highlands
Wester Ross is known for its soaring peaks, misty glens, old Caledonian forest, and broad beaches lapped by black, mirror-like lochs. This moody and breathtakingly gorgeous part of Scotland is located on the west coast of the Highlands, and Gairloch is an excellent base for exploring its 3000 square miles of wilderness. Hike through the hilly terrain, passing by natural treasures such as Loch Maree's silvery strip of water and the famous An Teallach mountain. Charleston home Guest House is located right on the beach, in a historic white stone home surrounded by nature.
Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire
Aberfoyle is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and is about 5 kilometers from the wonderfully tranquil Loch Ard and not far from Loch Lomond. Wild swim in either loch's crystal-clear waters, zipline through the oak forest canopy in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, or trek through Loch Ard forest's blanket of bluebells. The best way to explore the area is on foot; Argyll Forest Park feels magical, with trails winding around moss-covered rocks and dense pine and fir trees shedding tiny shards of light through their branches. 16 miles of paths around Loch Ard cover a variety of terrain, as well as the mythical Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe walk, which is surrounded by stories of fairies and magic. The Lake Of Menteith Hotel is a waterside 19th-century mansion.
Kinlochleven, Highlands
This tranquil village on the eastern banks of Loch Leven is a halt on the West Highland Way and a place of pilgrimage for nature enthusiasts. It is home to Glen Coe, a volcanic valley with black and jagged munros (mountains) and navy blue lochs, as well as Buachaille Etive Mor, a pyramid-shaped peak near the glen's entrance. The mountain-lined Glen Etive is further south, while the Steall Waterfall and the slender Grey Mare's Tail waterfall are just a short walk from the hamlet. Stay at Allengrange B&B for convenient access to Glen Coe and a plethora of hiking routes.