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Yes, Scotland has a pair of vibrant cities, loads of historic monuments, numerous castles, and gobs of golf courses. But the country is also home to some of the prettiest countryside you could ever imagine. Whether you like to hike, watch birds, or just hunt for perfect photographic backdrops, take in as many of these top nature spots as you can.
Ardnamurchan Peninsula
Remote but reasonably easy to reach (in contrast to Knoydart, further north), this picturesque western Highland peninsula forms the most westerly region of the entire British mainland. There are wind-swept beaches and tide pools, with plenty of opportunities for hiking.
West of Fort William.
Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
It's rare to find a hike of such natural beauty in any city. But Edinburgh is no ordinary metropolis. You can walk to the top of Arthur's Seat or cheat and drive to the park — either way, you find plenty to soak in, especially the views.
At the foot of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
Cuillin Hills
These dark, brooding hills make a stunning backdrop on the Isle of Skye. However, you might want to also get out and hike around a bit of the region, too. Some of the trails are easy, but don't attempt to climb the peaks unless you're an experienced hiker.
Isle of Skye, the Hebrides.
Fingal's Cave
Near Mull, the rock formations and cathedral-like columns of Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa were enough to inspire Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture. In addition to the geological beauty, the puffin colony here is a bonus.
Staffa, the Hebrides.
Glen Coe
This lovely Highland valley runs some 16km (10 miles) and is fairly breathtaking every bit of the way — even though it's best known as the site of a 17th-century massacre. You can climb Ossian's Ladder, a trail up the hillside, or other equally strenuous paths on your own — or opt for a more moderate ranger-led hike.
Between King's House and Ballchulish, the Highlands.
Inverewe Garden
Maybe listing this as a natural attraction is cheating a bit, because Scotland's many marvelous gardens aren't exactly natural attractions so much as man-made wonders. But no matter how it came to be, Inverewe Garden is one of the loveliest gardens in the country, showing off some glories of nature: towering trees, flowering shrubs, and almost tropical species that survive thanks to the warming North Atlantic flow from the Gulf of Mexico.
Near Poolewe, Wester Ross, Western Highlands.
Loch Lomond
This is listed here largely because it is so accessible. Only a 45-minute drive north from Glasgow puts you at this excellent body of fresh water. The pretty scenery is best seen by a boat tour, but plenty of spots along its shores make for good picnic stops, as well. Coming here allows you to get a taste of the Highlands without straying too far from the big city.
Northwest of Glasgow, West Dumbartonshire.
Loch Ness
Monster hunting aside, this huge loch in the middle of Scotland is a lovely natural wonder. Deep, dark, and brooding, it's little wonder that people believe Loch Ness hides a legendary beast. The best way to see it is by boat.
Between Fort George and Inverness, Central Highlands.
Sands of Morar
Between Arisaig and Mallaig on Scotland's beautiful West Coast, the beaches of Morar are so spectacular that they've been used in several movies, most notably Bill Forsyth's Local Hero. The light is magical in the evenings, especially during summer when the sun slowly sets in the northwestern skies.
Road to the Isles, Western Highlands.
Sandwood Bay
Within the nature conservation area of the Sandwood Estate, this beach is the most pristine on the Scottish mainland, in part because you'll need to walk for about 90 minutes from the nearest road to reach it.
Near Blairmore, Sutherland, Northwest Highlands.
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