10 Breathtaking Hidden Gems in the Scottish Highlands you Won't Find in Guidebooks
If you are visiting the Scottish Highlands, you should be prepared for beautiful landscapes wherever you go. From striking mountains, shimmering streams and lush green plains, you will be spoiled when it comes to photogenic spots.
Whether you’ve come to walk in the rural natural landscape or to take in the culture of Scottish glens and villages, there are endless hidden gems waiting to be found.
In this blog, we’ll cover our favourite little-known spots.
Orban
This quintessential Scottish harbour town deserves a visit if you are in the area. It is filled to the brim with independent shops, seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. It is also home to the Orban Distillery, which is one of Scotland’s oldest and smallest working whisky distilleries.
This busy harbour is a fantastic gateway to neighbouring isles.
Lost Valley, Glencoe
Located in Glencoe, The Lost Valley - or Hidden Valley - is an essential stop off. It is a dramatic hanging corrie nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands. It has been voted the most romantic glen in Scotland.
If you wish to hike through the valley, be sure to come prepared. You will need good shoes as the path is steep and uneven. It is 2.5 miles long, making it a 2–3-hour hike.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Portree is an incredibly picturesque town, filled with pastel-coloured houses surrounding a picture-perfect harbour. It is the capital of the Isle of Skye.
The town is well known for its fantastic food, dramatic landscapes and top-quality accommodation.
The Enchanted Forest
If you are looking for something different, the Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry provides a beautiful light show, set in the lush Autumn woodland. Set to a narrative, you will be treated to performances by aerial artists, pleasing soundscapes and clever water projections. This show is fantastic for kids.
Blair Castle, Pitlochry
Also in Pitlochry, Blair Castle is a fairytale castle dating back to 1269. Explore stunning gardens and three floors of castle.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
If you enjoy wild swimming or love watery snapshots, the Fairy Pools is a must. You’ll have to brave the cold weather if you decide to swim though.
Corryvreckan Whirlpool
Between the islands of Jura and Scarba, Corryvreckan is a nine-metre-wide whirlpool. It is the third largest whirlpool in the world.
You may also see local wildlife such as dolphins, porpoises, seals, minke whales and golden eagles.
Devil’s Pulpit or Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire
This mysterious gorge is made of red sandstone that gives the water a red tint. It is believed to have been used by Druids for their rituals in the past. This earned it the nickname ‘Devil’s Pulpit’
Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis
Similar to Stonehenge, these standing stones were put up in 2900-2600 BCE. It is thought to have been used for rituals during the Bronze Age.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber District
This 21-arch railway bridge on the West Highland Line is famous for many Hogwarts Express scenes in the Harry Potter films. Visit for magical scenery, including iconic steam trains if you visit at the right time.
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