Aaron Sparkes’ top five most beautiful places to visit in Scotland | Aaron Sparkes
As an outdoor enthusiast, it’s probably no surprise that I have a ton of detailed knowledge to share about the best places to visit.
Scotland has everything — historic castles, rare and beautiful wildlife, dramatically rugged and impressive landscapes and fabulous cities. What’s not to love?
Exploring Scotland offers the best of the natural world
Whether you’re looking for splendid isolation or bustling cities, want to immerse yourself in history or experience the wildness of the Highlands, there really is something for everyone in Scotland.
International travellers spent £2.5 billion in the last pre-pandemic year — a figure that is likely to be beaten in 2023. There is something about the spectacular scenery and romantic history associated with Scotland that makes it a key destination for so many people.
For me, Scotland offers majestic scenery to explore and hike through. It offers an outdoor experience like no other, and allows me to do what I love with family and friends.
Narrowing down the five most beautiful places to visit in Scotland is difficult, and I know other people will have their favourites but the following list covers my favourite places to visit.
5 of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland
Knoydart is located on the west coast of Scotland and many people think it’s the most remote part of the mainland. I think this remoteness is why it’s my first choice.
From its mountainous landscape you will see the Isle of Skye opposite and dolphins and whales in the sea. And if you look up you’re likely to spot eagles flying overhead.
The biggest community is Inverie, a village with around 150 residents. Nestled in a sheltered bay in Loch Nevis, Inverie is connected via ferry to Mallaig.
Knoydart has a single coastline road, along which are a few even smaller settlements but all in all it’s incredibly remote with few people and absolutely loads of stunning countryside to explore. I can’t recommend it enough.
2. Lewis and Harris — Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides consist of 15 inhabited and 50 uninhabited islands that are part of the Hebrides archipelago. Separated from the Scottish mainland by the Minch, Little Minch and the Sea of Hebrides, the islands are fabulously remote and offer so much to visitors.
And of the Outer Hebrides (which together have a combined, total population of just under 30,000), my favourite is Lewis and Harris.
Every one of the inhabited islands has its own rugged charm and beauty. For example, Barra is very rugged and its only airstrip is a beach exposed by the tide at certain times, while the Uists are boggy and low-level.
Lewis and Harris are technically two separate islands but in actuality they share the same outcrop of land. On Harris, you’ll find surprisingly sandy white beaches that are reminiscent of those found in much warmer climes.
Over on Lewis, you can immerse yourself in the historical significance of the Callanish standing stones or head to Stornoway.
Stornoway is the biggest town in the Outer Hebrides with a population of around 7,000 people and the wider area around 10,000 people.
3. Ben Nevis and the Caledonian Canal — The Highlands
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK at 4,413 feet and underneath is Fort William, which offers all kinds of outdoor adventuring.
Climbing Ben Nevis is hard work but perfectly possible for anyone who is reasonably fit and well prepared. However, if you don’t fancy that, you can always ride the cable car up Aonach Mor, which is right next to Ben Nevis.
A truly unforgettable place to visit and outstanding for those looking for things to do in the great outdoors.
4. The Cairngorns — Aberdeenshire
From the highest mountain in Scotland to the wildest. The Cairngorns are in their own National Park which is massive, covering 1.748 square miles.
It’s truly wildly beautiful with semi-tundra mountain tops, rocky outcrops and breath taking scenery. Of course, the wildlife is remarkable with all kinds of truly wild species to spot, including golden eagles, ptarmigan and the only herd of reindeer in the UK.
You’ve more than likely heard of Aviemore, as it’s a really famous place for the adventurous with lots to do. Another famous mountain in the park is Braemar, which hosts the Highland Games every year.
5. Edinburgh — Lothian
I was tempted to stick with wild locations only for this list but I can’t not include Edinburgh. It’s a city like no other, surrounded by picturesque hills and immersed in historical significance.
Edinburgh is, of course, the seat of Scottish Government and the host of the world-famous long standing festival. But there’s so much more to Scotland’s capital city.
Every August you can see the Royal Military Tattoo and any time of year you can check out Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the atmospheric Old Town. I’d recommend a ghost tour of the Old Town, taking you around the cobbled, dank underbelly of this historic city.
By day, check out the more elegant and erudite New Town — although this still dates back to the 18th century. It’s a city steeped in the arts, culture and gourmet treats, and should absolutely be visited by everyone at least once in their lives!
Originally published at https://www.aaronsparkes.com on May 5, 2023.
