Scotland wrecked me in the best possible way. My two weeks exploring beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow left me with memories that hit differently—like that moment on Skye where the landscape was so surreal it felt like stepping into a painting, or the night in a Pitlochry pub where locals insisted I try whiskeys that never leave Scotland.
Trust me, the best places in Scotland demand more than just a quick visit. I fell for the colorful fishing houses of Portree, where the daily catch still arrives on wooden boats, and got lost in the stone streets of St. Andrews, where university students and golf fanatics create an energy you can feel. These 12 Scottish spots changed me, and I can’t wait to show you why they matter so much.
Most Scenic Spots to Visit in Scotland
Looking to uncover Scotland’s hidden gems? From the mystical allure of the Fairy Glen near Uig to the ancient wonders of the Govan Stones in Glasgow, this enchanting country offers a plethora of lesser-known destinations waiting to be explored.
Wander through the historic Roslin Glen near Edinburgh, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Glenshee, or stroll the serene paths of Glen Lyon. Explore the coastal beauty of the East Neuk of Fife, the untamed wilderness of Knoydart Peninsula, or the tranquil shores of Loch Awe. Whether you’re into history, nature, or adventure, here are 12 of Scotland’s most underrated destinations!
1. Loch Glencoul, Assynt
- 📍 Location: Assynt, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🏞️ Remote escapes, 🐐 wildlife lovers, 🥾 solitude seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, spotting wild goats, viewing Loch Glencoul from the viewpoint
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to early September for clearer skies and walkable trails 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Inchnadamph Hotel – Rustic lodge with hearty meals and easy access to nearby hikes
Loch Glencoul feels like it belongs to another time. Tucked deep into the northwest Highlands, it’s one of Scotland’s most isolated sea lochs and home to the country’s tallest waterfall, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. The hike out here isn’t quick, but the stillness and scenery make it unforgettable.
From the ridge above the loch, you’ll spot cliffs plunging into dark water, often with herds of wild goats navigating the rocky terrain below. The area has a rugged, cinematic energy that hits different from the more tourist-heavy Highlands routes.
Few travelers make it out this far, so chances are you’ll have the entire view to yourself. Bring sturdy boots, layers, and your camera as the scale of the landscape is unreal. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way. A true Scottish secret worth the trek.
2. Cluanie, Scottish Highlands
- 📍 Location: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🏔️ Hikers, 🐏 off-grid travelers, 📷 moody landscape chasers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking the South Glen Shiel Ridge, photographing Loch Cluanie, staying in a roadside lodge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for better hiking conditions and longer daylight 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Cluanie Inn – Cozy Highland lodge surrounded by peaks and lochs
Cluanie sits quietly along the A87, a Highland stop most people drive through without realizing what they’re missing. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of Glen Shiel and Loch Cluanie’s shifting waters, this area feels untouched and strangely cinematic, especially during the golden hours.
The South Glen Shiel Ridge offers some of Scotland’s most dramatic hillwalking without the crowds. Mist rolls in and out of the valleys, making every hike feel like a journey through another world. You’ll also spot red deer, Highland cows, and if you’re lucky, golden eagles gliding overhead. The air is crisp, the silence is deep, and the sense of scale is unforgettable.
Cluanie’s remote vibe makes it a top pick for those who want real solitude. Stay overnight and catch the loch at sunset, when the hills reflect perfectly across still water. It’s not flashy or famous, but that’s exactly why it stays magical.
3. Cairnpapple Hill, West Lothian
- 📍 Location: West Lothian, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🏺 History nerds, 🌄 sunrise seekers, 🧘 mindful wanderers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the ancient burial site, sunrise views over the Firth of Forth, learning about Neolithic rituals
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June for mild days and clear sunrise views 🌅
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Court Residence – Modern boutique suites in nearby Linlithgow with easy hill access
Cairnpapple Hill looks unassuming at first, but it holds some of the oldest human history in Scotland. Just a short drive from Edinburgh, this ancient ceremonial site has been a place of ritual, burial, and gathering for over 5,000 years.
What makes Cairnpapple special is the feeling it gives you. Stand at the summit and you’ll see views that stretch from the Pentlands to the coast. Early in the morning, the light spills across rolling hills, creating a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Interpretive signs explain the burial cairns and stone circles, but the best part is how quiet it is. You’ll often have the whole place to yourself. It’s a meaningful stop for anyone curious about ancient landscapes or just craving a beautiful hilltop moment close to the city.
4. The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
- 📍 Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🧚 Nature photographers, 🏞️ wild swimmers, 🚶♀️ day hikers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in crystal-clear pools, hiking the trail near Glen Brittle, capturing long-exposure shots of the waterfalls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for best water clarity and lighter crowds 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Skye Inn – Friendly hotel in Portree with easy access to Skye’s top trails
The Fairy Pools are one of those places that look edited in photos, until you see them in person. Located near Glen Brittle, these vibrant blue-green pools sit at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, forming a chain of waterfalls that feel straight out of a fantasy novel.
The walk to reach them is relatively short and beginner-friendly, but the scenery transforms quickly into something that feels wild and remote. On warm days, people dip into the icy pools, while others take their time capturing slow-shutter photos of the cascades.
Go early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the crowds and catch the pools when the light hits just right. The Fairy Pools might not be a secret anymore, but they still feel like magic when experienced on your own terms.
5. Falls of Glomach, Scottish Highlands
- 📍 Location: Ross-shire, Scottish Highlands, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🥾 Serious hikers, 🌲 remote nature fans, 💦 waterfall seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Reaching the 370-foot waterfall, hiking from Morvich, soaking in panoramic valley views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for safer trails and flowing water 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kintail Lodge – Traditional Highland inn near Morvich with hearty food and trail access
Falls of Glomach is not your typical roadside stop. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Britain, but it takes serious effort to reach. The trek begins from Morvich and stretches across rugged Highland terrain, with rewarding views building the entire way.
The waterfall drops over 370 feet into a misty gorge surrounded by steep cliffs and thick greenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and stare, partly because of its scale and partly because so few people make it out here.
This hike is best for travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Wear sturdy boots, bring snacks, and prepare for a real leg workout. Once you finally reach the viewpoint, the only sounds are water crashing and wind sweeping through the hills. It’s raw, powerful, and completely unforgettable.
6. Bealach na Bà, Applecross
- 📍 Location: Applecross Peninsula, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🛣️ Scenic drivers, 🚗 road trip lovers, 🏞️ dramatic landscapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the winding mountain pass, stopping at the summit viewpoint, exploring Applecross village
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for safer driving conditions and clear views 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Applecross Inn – Coastal inn known for sea views and a relaxed local vibe
Bealach na Bà is one of the most unforgettable drives in the UK. This single-track mountain pass snakes through the Torridon Hills, climbing sharply with hairpin bends that feel more Alpine than Scottish. It’s not for nervous drivers, but the payoff is massive.
From the summit, you’ll get jaw-dropping views over the Isle of Skye and out to the Outer Hebrides on a clear day. The elevation, combined with dramatic cliffs and rolling clouds, makes the entire route feel like an epic scene from a road movie.
Once you make it down into Applecross, the contrast is instant. We’re talking quiet shores, open sky, and a sleepy village that feels far removed from everything. Park the car, take a deep breath, and enjoy the change of pace. This route isn’t just a drive, it’s a full-on experience.
- Read next: 15 Amazing Airbnbs in Scotland
7. Handa Island, Inner Hebrides
- 📍 Location: Inner Hebrides, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🐦 Birdwatchers, 🌿 coastal walkers, ⛴️ ferry adventurers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching puffins on sea cliffs, walking the island loop trail, spotting seals along the coast
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to July for nesting seabirds and calm boat rides 🐣
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Eddrachilles Hotel – Peaceful waterfront retreat with sea views and locally sourced dining near the Handa Island ferry point
Handa Island is wild in the best way. Reached by a short ferry from Tarbet, this uninhabited nature reserve is a haven for seabirds and cliffside drama. Thousands of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nest here, and during peak season the skies are alive with noise and motion.
A loop trail takes you around the island’s edge, offering gorgeous views of steep cliffs plunging into turquoise water. You might spot seals lounging on the rocks below or dolphins passing in the distance. The raw coastal scenery feels both peaceful and powerful.
Bring good shoes and a windbreaker as weather changes fast here, and it adds to the sense of adventure. Handa isn’t flashy, but for those who love nature that feels untouched and authentic, this little island is an absolute gem.
8. St. Kilda, Outer Hebrides
- 📍 Location: Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🧭 Remote explorers, 🐦 wildlife lovers, 🏝️ history buffs
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the abandoned village on Hirta, spotting seabird colonies, viewing sea stacks from a boat
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to August for boat accessibility and active wildlife 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: National Trust Campsite on Hirta – The only visitor accommodation on the island, with pre-booked tent pitches, basic toilets and drinking water
Reaching St. Kilda takes effort, but few places in Scotland feel more otherworldly. Located over 40 miles offshore, this remote island group is only accessible by boat, usually from Harris or Skye. The journey alone is an adventure, but what waits at the end is truly wild.
The main island, Hirta, holds the ruins of a deserted village that was once home to one of the UK’s most isolated communities. Around it, jagged sea stacks rise dramatically from the ocean, swarmed by thousands of seabirds including puffins, gannets, and fulmars.
The silence, wind, and crashing waves create a moody backdrop that makes everything feel larger than life. Visits are weather-dependent, so flexibility is key. But for those willing to chase the horizon, St. Kilda delivers an unforgettable blend of raw nature and human history.
9. Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scottish Highlands
- 📍 Location: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🌉 Scenic walkers, 💧 waterfall lovers, 🍃 nature photographers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Crossing the Victorian suspension bridge, viewing the 150-foot Falls of Measach, walking the forest trail
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for full waterfall flow and trail access 🌲
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Harbour House B&B Ullapool – Charming waterfront guesthouse with sea‑view rooms, free breakfast, and pet‑friendly policy
Corrieshalloch Gorge is proof that you don’t have to hike deep into the Highlands to see something spectacular. Just a short drive from Ullapool, this narrow mile-long gorge cuts deep into the landscape, with the roaring Falls of Measach cascading through its center.
A suspension bridge spans the gorge, giving you a dramatic view straight down into the chasm. Further along the trail, a cantilevered platform juts out over the edge for an even more thrilling perspective. The forest walk is short but full of photo ops and changing scenery.
Because it’s close to the North Coast 500 route, it’s easy to add to a larger road trip. Still, many people miss it on their way north. Stop, stretch your legs, and take in one of Scotland’s most underrated natural landmarks in just under an hour.
10. Bow Fiddle Rock, Moray Coast
- 📍 Location: Portknockie, Moray Coast, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 📷 Photographers, 🌊 coastal strollers, 🪨 geology buffs
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunrise over the sea arch, walking the coastal path to Cullen, spotting seabirds on the cliffs
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to August for longer daylight and wildlife sightings 🌅
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Cullen Bay Hotel – Clifftop property with sea views and direct access to coastal trails
Bow Fiddle Rock looks like something sculpted by hand, but it’s completely natural. Shaped like a violin bow, this sea arch rises sharply from the water just off the coast of Portknockie. Its dramatic form and location make it a favorite among photographers and coastal walkers.
The best view is from the short trail just outside the village, especially at sunrise when light spills over the horizon and lights up the rock face. The trail continues along the coast toward Cullen, with plenty of peaceful spots to pause and take in the sea.
Seabirds nest on the cliffs, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins offshore. It’s an easy stop with a huge visual reward, and yet many travelers miss it while heading toward bigger-name sights. Bow Fiddle Rock is a reminder that the small detours are often the most memorable.
11. The Hermitage, Perthshire
- 📍 Location: Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🌳 Forest lovers, 📸 slow travelers, 🍂 fall color chasers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Ossian’s Hall, walking through tall Douglas firs, watching waterfalls along the River Braan
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November for autumn foliage and misty trails 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Royal Dunkeld Hotel – Historic lodging in town with traditional Scottish charm and nearby nature access
The Hermitage feels like something out of a fairytale. Towering Douglas firs line the path beside the River Braan, and the entire forest seems to hum with quiet energy. It’s especially magical in autumn when the leaves turn gold and orange.
Ossian’s Hall is the main viewpoint, perched over a roaring waterfall and decorated with mirrors and old stonework. The short trail leading there is flat and accessible, making it an easy but impactful walk through one of Scotland’s prettiest woodland spots.
Despite being near Dunkeld and just off the A9, it’s often overlooked by visitors heading to the Highlands. The Hermitage isn’t remote, but it still feels like a hidden pocket of calm. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, a quick nature break, or simply breathing in pine-scented air.
12. Sandwood Bay, Sutherland
- 📍 Location: Sutherland, Scotland
- 🏆 Best For: 🥾 Backpackers, 🏖️ beach dreamers, 🧘♂️ off-grid escapes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the 4-mile trail to the bay, walking the pink sand beach, photographing the sea stack Am Buachaille
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for calmer seas and clearer skies ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Rhiconich Hotel – Simple, remote lodging near the trailhead with hearty meals and quiet surroundings
Sandwood Bay feels like the end of the world in the best way. Reached only by a 4-mile hike, this remote beach is framed by dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes, and a towering sea stack just offshore. The entire area feels untouched and surreal.
The trail in is relatively flat, cutting through windswept moorland and passing peaceful lochans before revealing the wide, empty beach. The sand is a soft pink hue, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the crashing waves and your own footsteps.
There are no shops or crowds here at all, only pure, untouched nature. Bring snacks, water, and a sense of patience as you’ll want time to fully soak it in. For anyone craving solitude and raw coastal beauty, Sandwood Bay is one of Scotland’s most rewarding secret escapes.
- Read next: 8 Best Castle Hotels in Scotland
