Scotland has long been the preserve of travelers in the know, but more recently it’s morphed into one of the great global bucket-list destinations, with its rising popularity resulting in a $5 billion tourist economy (and growing!).
And it’s not hard to pinpoint the appeal when you begin to appreciate its ability to stir something elemental in visitors, thanks to its vast landscapes and layered history that’s impossible not to fall head over heels for. From island-dotted lochs to sweeping moorland and sugarloaf peaks, Scotland is a country that rewards those willing to get off the beaten path a little and go beyond the best things to do in Edinburgh and Glasgow, wonderful as they are.
The following seven beautiful places in Scotland celebrate the country at its most transportive, each offering its own blend of history, wildlife, and raw, northern beauty.
Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond
Beautiful at any time of the year, Inchcailloch is particularly spectacular come spring, when the whole island is awash with bluebells dancing under dappled light. Set in the heart of Loch Lomond, this small island feels both accessible and wonderfully removed. It was once the burial ground of Clan MacGregor, and the ruins of a church still sit tucked within the undulating ancient woodland. Legend has it that one funeral was so fueled by whiskey in this sacred spot that the mourners forgot to bury their dead. When the final farewells drew to a close in 1947, visitors naturally decreased, and in their wake, wildlife flourished. From reports of a white deer to sightings of extremely rare capercaillie birds, if you go slow and tread carefully, you’re almost guaranteed to spot glimpses of animals.
The main path leads from the landing jetty up to the island’s summit, where expansive loch views unfold, before descending to a peaceful beach. Here you can camp (with a permit) to have the place nearly completely to yourself in the warmer months, waking up to the mirrored water and hazy neighboring islands appearing out of the mist to the backing notes of birdsong.
Reaching the island is all part of the fun too, requiring you to hop aboard a vintage, slickly varnished wooden boat at Balmaha and schedule a pick-up time for the way back. Before or after a trip, the Oak Tree Inn makes for a lovely place to enjoy a drink and some pub grub, or the particularly adventurous might enjoy taking on the steep but spectacularly rewarding Conic Hill, which offers views which rival any in the Trossachs.
