Google the most beautiful places in the world and Scotland will almost always appear. If it doesn’t, close the article and ignore everything you see—they clearly don’t know what you’re talking about.
But if you Google it, you’ll see Time Out, CN Traveller, and Luxury Gold all include Scotland as one of their most beautiful places in the world. For nature lovers, it’s an absolute haven. Even the seemingly random places in Scotland exude natural beauty effortlessly—hiring a motorhome in Scotland and meandering through them all is a nature lover’s dream.
If that sounds like heaven to you, we’ve put together the ultimate nature lovers guide to Scotland so you see the best of it. Read on to find out more.
The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is, by far, one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
It’s the perfect mix of scenery and mythology. Our top three spots would be the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing landslip, and the Fairy Pools. And those are only the top three—there are so many other locations to visit. But we must say, if you see nothing else, the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains are a must-visit.
Stroll around some of the famous spots, and you’re likely to see red deer in the hills, seals on the coasts, and golden eagles in the skies. Visitors also dream of soaking in the natural beauty of the crystal-clear Fairy Pools situated at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains.
There are no fees for nature walks in Skye, but some—specifically for parking at the Fairy Pools—have fees.
Luskentyre Sands
Luskentyre Sands on the Isle of Harris is often referred to as one of the most picturesque beaches on the planet—we agree. And yes, it might not be Mediterranean-style beaches, but we’ll call it the Scottish version of the Mediterranean.
The crescent coastline is covered with white sand and surrounded by turquoise water that could fit in on any tropical island—the Maldives, eat your heart out. Visit the rolling sand dunes and the hilly north of Harris for thebest experiences.
The sandy shores are also often a haven for oystercatchers and curlew seabirds. Seals and porpoises are also always offshore.
There are no charges for entry, and there is space for parking, making it quite convenient for the visitors. This isolated paradise is perfect for anyone wanting to see Scotland’s wild nature up close.
The Cairngorms
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms is the UK’s largest national park. If we had to put a place as our #1 for nature lovers, it would be here. You’ve got rugged mountains, old forests, and sparkling lochs.
If you want adventure, climb peaks like Cairn Gorm or Ben Macdui. Or if you want more relaxed vibes, there are easy walks through the calming forests.
A stroll through the forests means you’re likely to see pine martens, golden eagles, and roaming deer. If you love wildlife, we’d recommend one of the wildlife tours.
You’ll find designated parking spaces at all of the main trails and in the surrounding areas. We don’t think you’ll find it hard to park.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
This is the ultimate guide for nature lovers in Scotland, obviously, we had to mention Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Maybe we lied—this would be our #1 spot for nature lovers. The immense scenic beauty is like nothing else. It is the perfect location for everyone, whether you want to relax or explore!
The best part is the stunning location itself, the biggest loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. Here you can go boating, kayaking, or simply enjoy a scenic picnic at the shore. The hills and mountains overlooking Ben Lomond are also great for hiking—the views from the top are stunning.
Wildlife in this area is remarkable. You’ll see otters, ospreys, red squirrels, and so much more.
The village of Luss is a pretty picture with its beautiful cottages and blossoming flowers. While no admission is charged for the park in some places, there is a fee for parking in the more popular spots like Loch Lomond.
Anywhere that isn’t one of the city centres is a nature lover’s dream—there are so many places we could have included. Scotland is the postcard for stunning scenery; all you have to do is drive for 20 minutes in any direction, and you’ll find something to be in awe of. Hopefully, our guide lets you see some of the best.
