It's no secret that Scotland has some of the most incredible scenery in the world with its dramatic highland slopes, ancient ruined castles and remarkable coastline. However many visitors to the UK often still ignore this natural paradise in favor of more famous sites like those in London. Here are some places to remind you that Scotland should never be missed while visiting the British Isles.
Fingal's Cave (Isle of Staffa)
A sight quite unlike anywhere else in the world, Fingal's cave is an incredible scene of natural architecture formed from a flow of lava that created the stunning hexagonal basalt columns. The ethereal atmosphere of this otherworldly island is only heightened by the eerie echoes created from the sound of waves inside the cave, an extraordinary experience that's hard to describe with words.
Stac Pollaidh (Northwest Highlands)
A beautiful representation of Scotland's dramatic highland scenery, Stac Pollaidh is in the far north of the country, near to the city of Ullapool. With its unique shape and rocky summit, the mountain stands out among the numerous dramatic peaks and valleys in the area. From the top you'll get breathtaking views over the Inverpolly Forest and across out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Edinburgh (Lothian)
One of the most picturesque cities in the UK, Edinburgh is full of quaint, historic architecture that leads to the lovely atmosphere of the city. If you only get chance to visit one urban area while exploring Scotland, then make it Edinburgh. From the nearby hill of Arthur's Seat you can get a perfect view over the old historic part of the town and Edinburgh Castle, along with the surrounding countryside and the North Sea.
Old Man of Storr (Isle of Skye)
Scotland's Isle of Skye has some of the most incredible landscape on earth and a perfect example of this is the Old Man of Storr, a unique rock formation in the rocky hills towards the north of the island. The surrounding landscape is stunning and makes for some of the best spots to hike around on the island. It's easy to get there by bus from the main town of Portree or even possible to walk there from the town, albeit it takes around three hours to hike there.
Luskentyre Beach (Isle of Harris)
Even most of the British don’t realize one of the world’s most beautiful beaches is actually in the UK. Luskentyre Beach is found on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides region, difficult to get to, those who do make it here are rewarded with some incredible scenery such as this beach. Its beautiful turquoise waters and long stretches of white sand seem more fitting on a Caribbean island than off the coast of Scotland, but we're certainly not complaining. The easiest way to get there is to take a side trip from visiting the Isle of Skye by catching a ferry from Uig to Talbert. From there it's a short drive or you can take a bus, however be warned they're quite in-frequent.
Fairy Pools (Isle of Skye)
While they're far from the biggest of waterfalls in the country, they make up for it in beauty. The waters here are a lovely turquoise shade of blue and crystal clear, added with the beautiful surrounding scenery and the charming little waterfall makes this another set of picturesque scenery unmissable on a visit to Skye.
Bow Fiddle Rock (Portknockie)
Another of Scotland's many unique sights, this rocky island off the coast of North-east Scotland looks remarkably like the end of a bow used for playing the fiddle. Apart from admiring the spectacular scenery along the coastal walks around here, the area is also known as a popular nesting spot for a range of different sea birds and is great for those interested in bird-watching.
Glen Coe (Highlands)
The main road of the A82 snakes through the highlands of Scotland offering some of the most picturesque drives in the world. It's so beautiful this location is often used for scenes in popular films such as Skyfall where Daniel Craig's Bond is seen driving around the roads of Glen Coe.
Kilt Rock Waterfall (Isle of Skye)
By now you're probably realizing how much we love the Isle of Skye but it's for a good reason, the island has some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland and even Europe. The basalt cliffs that wind round the coast of Staffin are particularly picturesque and the Kilt Rock waterfall is just the cherry on the top of this gorgeous view. While it's difficult to see its full glory from land, it's possible to hire a boat to take you on a tour of the surrounding area, perfect for witnessing the dramatic scenery the island has to offer.
Castle Stalker (Loch Laich)
Scotland is covered with ruined and abandoned castles, remnants from its fascinating history which make for some spectacular scenery, perfect for exploring. Castle Stalker is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the country in the Lynn of Lorn, one of the many National Scenic Areas that span the country. The castle is only available for tours on select days of the week and is often booked so make sure to check in advance.
Conclusion
While these are some of the most popular spots to visit in the fascinating country of Scotland, the rural areas and highlands of the country are vast with countless mountains and beautiful lakes that form many of the best views in the British Isles, impossible to fit into just one article. Discover Scotland yourself and tour the amazing landscape at your own pace through the many hikes and scenic roads that snake around the nation.