Discover Scotland’s Natural Wonders
If there’s one thing Scotland is not short of, it’s natural beauty. Vast lochs and mighty peaks are as Scottish as haggis and whisky, and we love nothing more than heading out into the wilds and marvelling at the beautiful scenery, especially during the spring.
With many natural wonders spanning the length and breadth of the country, choosing exactly where to visit on a single trip is no easy feat.
So we’ve put together a guide to some of the best for you to visit. This list is by no means definitive, but it should serve as a useful guide if you’re planning a trip to Scotland.
5 Top Natural Wonders in Scotland
Read on to find out more about some of the most breathtaking natural sights in Scotland to visit this Spring.
1. Loch Lomond
Beautiful Loch Lomond is a must on any trip to Scotland. It’s the largest freshwater lake in Britain and the views over the loch and its islands are simply breathtaking. It is found in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park which is an area of natural beauty.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could take part in activities like boat rides and various water sports. But you don’t need to be active to enjoy the loch – a gentle walk along its shores while stopping for a picnic is a great way to enjoy it.
An easy and convenient way to visit Loch Lomond during your stay in Scotland is to join a tour where you will also learn more about its history. Your tour guide will be able to point out Ben Lomond which is the most southerly Munro. A Munro is a mountain in Scotland that is over 3000 feet (914 metres).
The Hairy Coo’s 2-Day Loch Lomond, West Highlands, Glencoe and Oban tour, is a perfect choice if you want to see Scotland’s natural beauty and in particular, Loch Lomond.
2. The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and unlike the other Scottish Islands, you can reach it by crossing a bridge rather than taking a ferry. At 50 miles long, it is impossible to see all of its stunning beauty in one day so it is worth spending a few days here if you can. A few of its best natural highlights are the Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin mountain ranges, the Fairy Pools, The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.
The mesmerising Fairy Pools are naturally formed pools of crystal-clear water against the rugged backdrop of the Black Cuillin. People visit these pools from all over the world, and while admiring them for their beauty is enough for most people, don’t pass up the opportunity of a quick dip if you’re feeling particularly brave.
If you are feeling energetic, make sure you visit the Old Man of Storr. It is a 55-metre high pinnacle of basalt rock on the Trotternish Ridge. At 3.8km, the Storr trail is suitable for most fairly fit people. It is a stunning walk with views across Skye where you are bound to take many photographs.
The Hairy Coo has a 3-day tour and a 5-day tour from Edinburgh that visits Skye and many of these fabulous natural wonders.
3. Fingal’s Cave
Located on the tiny Isle of Staffa in the Hebrides, Fingal’s Cave is one of the best examples of Scotland’s dramatic natural scenery.
The island itself has been an inspiration for writers and artists for generations, including famous names like Wordsworth and JMW Turner. And when you arrive, you’ll see why.
Take a boat trip out to sea to admire the dramatic basalt columns in all their glory, and keep an eye out for basking sharks and dolphins. At low tide, you can venture inside Fingal’s Cave, also known as the Cave of Music, where you can enjoy a close-up view and discover the incredible natural acoustics.
4. Ben Nevis
As Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis is the perfect destination for adventurers seeking a challenge.
There are several hikes to choose from, and while some are more difficult than others, you’ll want to be in reasonably good shape if you intend to reach the summit.
You’ll feel like you’re at the top of the world when you reach it, and if the weather is clear, the beautiful views make all the effort to get to the top worthwhile.
If mountaineering is not for you, you will still get the opportunity to see Ben Nevis on many tours of Scotland.
5. The Cairngorms National Park
The largest national park in the UK is arguably at its most beautiful during spring, where you will wander into a land of vast landscapes filled with beautiful forests and picturesque lochs.
Aside from admiring the views, there’s no shortage of things to do while you’re here. Enjoy activities like hiking and cycling, or simply walk through the pine forests and along the riverbanks, taking in the stunning scenery as you go. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the local wildlife including golden eagles and reindeer.
This is another popular area for tours. You can sit back and watch the scenery while your tour guide tells you all about the area and its fascinating history.
Discover Scotland’s Wild Beauty This Spring
Scotland is an amazing place to visit at any time of the year, but spring is one of the best seasons to plan a trip. The natural wonders we’ve covered in this guide are just the tip of the iceberg, but they give you a great starting point during your trip.
So take your pick and try to see as many as you can while you’re here as you enjoy the unmatched beauty of Scotland.
If you would like a private tour of Scotland to visit some or all of these beautiful places, please get in touch with us at The Hairy Coo.