Best 5 of the Most Beautiful Places in Scotland

Lonely Planet once mentioned it as one of the must-see countries to visit and if you’re a regular reader of this blog you will know how much we love the place. Yes parts of it can be remote, yes a trip here needs a little planning but Scotland (especially the Highlands) is where you’ll find some of the best natural scenery in Europe, if not the world. From its grand historic capital to its picture-perfect lochs, here are 21 of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland…

1. Glencoe – a jaw-droppingly beautiful valley and one of the best places to visit in Scotland

If you were to pick a place that represents Scotland’s wild natural beauty at its finest then many would choose Glencoe. It’s an ancient volcanic glen with a grim history and breathtakingly beautiful scenery – the valley is flanked by imposing velvety-green peaks so tall that their tops are often shrouded in grey misty clouds.

It was also the site of the infamous Glencoe massacre where in 1692 the MacDonald clan was ruthlessly slaughtered by the government in power at the time. It’s a sixteen-mile drive from Fort William and although it will probably be raining when you arrive, this will only add to its mysterious atmosphere.

2. Isle of Skye – once voted one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world

Once voted the fourth best island in the world (by National Geographic magazine) the tranquil and stunningly beautiful Isle of Skye – part of the Hebridean islands located off the northwest shore of Scotland – offers particularly beguiling scenery.

This is where the waves of the turbulent Atlantic sea crash against the rough and rugged shores, towering sea cliffs, and long sweeping sandy beaches. Inland scenery doesn’t get any less dramatic with formidable mountain ranges, boggy moorland, and vast expanses of barren wilderness punctuated with tiny lochs and pretty villages.

3. Edinburgh – Scotland’s fine and majestic capital

Scotland’s proud and grand capital easily deserves a place on this list. One of the UK’s most visited tourist destinations (after London) this city mixes old-world charm and historic architectural grandeur with a dash of the contemporary thrown in for good measure. It’s orientation probably helps too – Edinburgh’s skyline is dominated by the castle which sits atop a craggy volcano, gazing down over the city.

For other city highlights head for the labyrinthine of beautifully preserved medieval cobbled streets which make up the Old Town, Prince’s Street (Scotland’s most famous shopping street) and the spooky – and supposedly haunted – series of underground chambers otherwise known as the ‘vaults’. If you’re planning a longer stay check out our post on cool and unusual hotels to stay in Edinburgh.

4. Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the British Isles and a popular beauty spot

Standing at 1,344 metres, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the United Kingdom and is the mountain that all visiting climbers want to conquer. Many base themselves at nearby town Fort William to give them a few days to explore the imposing peak and its tranquil neighbour, Glen Nevis.

Both places offer scenery of outstanding beauty – Glen Nevis is one of the best examples of a glaciated valley in Scotland with cascading waterfalls, a dramatic gorge and bracken-covered slopes and Ben Nevis, once climbed, offers some the best views in the country. If you are considering tackling the climb just make you go fully prepared, check the weather conditions before you go, and allow for a full day’s climbing.

5. Glenfinnan Viaduct – the scenic railway viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is now one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland thanks to it starring in many a Harry Potter film. Attracting thousands from all over the globe, it’s a beautiful railway viaduct built in 1901 with a curving, 21-arch span, on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire. A Jacobite steam train also runs from here all the way to Fort William and Mallaig in summer months with regular trains available the rest of the year. As well as being visually striking with truly stunning surroundings (the railway overlooks beautiful Loch Shiel), it’s also a special place with a very unique atmosphere!