The most beautiful places in Scotland

Awe-inspiring glens, castle-topped crags, and culture-rich cities — it’s clear why Scotland is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. But with such variety, deciding where to go in Scotland isn’t easy. So we asked you to share your insights in our “where’s the most beautiful place in Scotland?” survey.

With the results now in, read on to discover the ten most beautiful places in Scotland, as voted by Rough Guides readers in 2022. It’ll also arm you with tips on where to find the best accommodation, whether you’re looking to discover 7 must-visit places in Scotland you’ve probably never heard of or are in the market for 7 uniquely Scottish experiences. There’s a reason Scotland was included in our round-up of amazing traditional dress around the world.

10. Orkney – one of the northeastern coast’s most beautiful places in Scotland

What you love: “The lovely beaches and open scenery” 

Rich in mystery-shrouded Stone Age sites, Orkney is a veritable living museum. The four sites that make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney near Stromness were awarded World Heritage status in 1999. Stromness also happens to be one of the 30 best seaside towns UK. 

The ancient settlement of Skara Brae is a must-visit. Stunningly sited by the sweeping curve of the Bay of Skaill, the remains of this 5000-year-old fishing and farming village are astoundingly well-preserved, and especially beautiful on bright days.

Then there’s the Ring of Brodgar, the monumental Stones of Stenness, and the nearby Maes Howe burial site. Arguably Europe’s most impressive burial chamber complex, Maes Howe’s most extraordinary feature is the way the tomb aligns with the winter solstice sun. That and the runic graffiti left by the Vikings back in the 12th century.  

Alongside loving Orkney’s spectacular scenery and historic attractions, you also mentioned its excellent opportunities for outdoor adventuring, with one respondent declaring Orkney to have “some of Scotland’s best walking routes”. If hikes are your thing, you’ll want to discover 10 great places to go walking in Scotland. 

Where to stay in Orkney

• For cosy stays: The Stromness Hotel by Paymán Club is a comfortable 3-star hotel only a short drive from the Ring of Brogdar and Standing Stones of Stenness.
• For scenic stays: Merkister Hotel sit on the shores of Harray Loch. Family-run for over 30 years it’s home to an award winning restaurant and guests can fish off the hotel pier.
• For family stays: Standing Stones Hotel in Stromness features a restaurant, bar and large, scenic garden. Good sized family rooms are available as well as a range of spacious doubles.

Find more accommodation options in Orkney

What to do in Orkney

If you’re staying in Inverness a 3-day guided tour to Orkney is one of the best ways to explore this fascinating and mysterious area of Scotland.  

Loch Tummel and Tay Forest Park as seen from Queen’s View © grafxart/Shutterstock

8. Bealach na Bà – in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands

What you love: “the rustic, remote beauty” 

Bealach na Bà (“Pass of the Cattle”) is a bona fide bucket-list beauty spot. An exhilarating rollercoaster of a road that connects Torridon to Applecross. In fact, its epic nature earned it a spot in our feature on the world’s most extreme drives, and our overview of the best road-trips in the UK.  

While Applecross may sound like a pretty Cotswold village, its name is a corruption of the Gaelic for “estuary”— Apor Crosan. What’s more, driving Bealach na Bà is certainly no walk in an English country garden.

This former drovers’ route has a 20 percent gradient and countless hair-raising hairpins that make for a thrilling ride while offering jaw-dropping views over to Skye (more on that later). 

If that’s sparked your interest in finding the freedom of the open road, discover more fantastic Scottish road-trips, and read the Rough Guide to the North Coast 500. Bealach na Bà is part of this 516-mile route that takes in everything from stunning coastal scenery and expansive sandy beaches, to rugged mountains and remote villages. 

Talking of which, if it’s seclusion you’re after, check out our guide to the most spectacular remote places in Scotland. Alternatively, if adventure is on your mind, Scotland happens to feature in our overview of where to go for a serious adventure in some of the world’s wildest places. 

Where to stay in Wester Ross

• For active stays: Hartfield House Hostel offers pet-friendly accommodation in Applecross with extensive grounds and covered space for bikes, ideal for cyclists and walkers.
• For budget stays: The Bunkhouse in Applecross offers a choice of single rooms and small dorms and features a shared kitchen and lounge in a scenic, rural location.
• For scenic stays: Applecross B&B features a shared lounge, a garden and a terrace all rooms have private bathrooms with shower and breakfast is full English/Irish or vegetarian.

Explore more places to stay in the Highlands.

What to do in Wester Ross

If you’re in Inverness and short on time, take an Inverness day trip to discover the wonderful wildness of Torridon, Bealach na Bà, Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle.

The brooding River Etive in Rannoch Moor near Glen Coe © Shutterstock

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6. Isle of Iona – a small island in the inner Hebrides

What you love: “it talks to the soul” 

Located less than a mile off the Isle of Mull, with a population of 177, if there’s one word that sums up your feelings about the Isle of Iona, that word is “soulfulness”.  

At just three miles long and a little over a mile wide, it’s been a petite pocket of pilgrimage for centuries. As one of you remarked, the island’s “rich spiritual history set amongst such wild natural beauty leads to a visit that speaks to all five senses on a soul-level”. 

While most visitors come for a day-trip, to truly experience the tranquillity of the Isle of Iona, consider overnighting. It’s home to a host of historic sites, among them Iona Abbey and Dunbhuirg Iron Age fort.

Iona is also blessed with beautiful walks and a stunning coastline, with one of our respondents waxing lyrical about the “turquoise sea and white beaches”. 

Interested in other destinations with spiritual depth? Read our run-down of places to experience awe-inspiring religious ceremonies. And, if you’re seeking the ultimate secluded experience, arm yourselves with our tips for surviving solo travel.

Where to stay in Iona 

• For scenic stays: Iona Pods feature mountain views, 10-minute walk to beaches. The pods are set on a working croft and complimentary WiFi is provided throughout.
• For family stays: St Columba Hotel is set in large gardens in Iona, it offers a restaurant and bar, as well as a range of family rooms and concierge service for guests.
• For cosy stays: Ardoran House is close to Iona Ferry Terminal and features a sun terrace and a private beach area. Iona Abbey is a pretty and easy walk from the guest house.

Discover more places to stay in the Inner Hebrides.

What to do in Iona 

Spend some dedicated time exploring the best of Scotland’s West Highlands with local guides on a four-day tour of Mull and Iona. 

The Isle of Iona is a calm and colourful charmer © yvonnestewarthenderson/Shutterstock

5. Loch Lomond – a lake in southern Scotland

What you love: “the combination of water, mountains, islands and woodland”

At 23 miles long and up to five miles wide, Loch Lomond is Britain’s largest stretch of water. It also presents the very epitome of Scotland’s scenic majesty, as immortalised in the ballad that describes its “bonnie, bonnie banks”. In fact, one of you pointed out that “its banks are called bonnie for a reason”. 

Designated Scotland’s first national park back in 2002, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park stretch from the lochs of the Clyde Estuary to Loch Tay in Perthshire, with Loch Lomond at its heart. 

While the western edge of the loch can become packed with day-tripping coach tours from Glasgow, the eastern side has an altogether more pastoral feel — think wooden ferryboats, and tree-shrouded islands, with excellent opportunities to walk or take a serene boat trip. 

That said, since you happen to be in the general neighbourhoon, a visit to Loch Lomond is a good excuse to discover Scotland’s city of cool: why Glasgow should be your next weekend break with more travel tips from our insider’s guide to Glasgow. 

Where to stay in Loch Lomond

• For luxury stays: five-star Cameron House in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park offers luxurious en suite bedrooms, a golf course, rooftop infinity pool and four restaurants.
• For independent stays: The Coachouse is close to Balloch Castle Country Park and features fully-equipped self-catering units with kitchens, lounge areas and private bathrooms.
• For family stays: Loch Lomond Luxury Lodges in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park offers 1,2 or 3 bedroom lodges with hot tubs, saunas and spa baths.

Find more places to stay near Loch Lomond.

What to do in Loch Lomond

One of the most magical ways to explore Loch Lomond is to take a cruise with views set sail on an island discovery tour around Scotland’s most famous loch.

Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct — one of your deserving most beautiful places in Scotland © Nick Fox/Shutterstock

3. Isle of Harris – the southern part of a Scottish Hebridean island

What you love: “Atmospheric and wonderfully restoring, it’s a total balm!”

Part of the Western Isles, you adored the Isle of Harris (Na Hearadh, from the old Norse for “high land”) for being “tranquil, beautiful, and full of fond memories”, and for its “beyond spectacular” beaches.

In actual fact, the Isle of Harris is connected to Lewis, with the “division” deriving from a historical split in the MacLeod clan. Harris is hillier than low-lying Lewis, with boulder-dappled slopes descending to dazzling white sands and azure waters that make it one of the best islands in Scotland.

Sheltered in a green valley on the narrow isthmus, charming Tarbet is Harris’ largest settlement. The port’s mountainous backdrop is breathtaking, with the town itself attractively laid out on steep terraces. North Harris is especially spectacular, with bulging, pyramidal mountains of gneiss looming over fjord-like Loch Seaforth.

Meanwhile, though the scenery of South Harris is less dramatic, it’s another stunning area, with its west coast boasting some of the finest stretches of golden sand in the Western Isles, which is really saying something. It’s also a big reason Harris was one of your most beautiful places in Scotland.

Where to stay: 

• Best for loch views: Ceol na Mara Guest House. 
• Best for scenic seclusion: Finsbay Lodges.

Find more places to stay on the Isle of Harris.

What to do:

Want to blend a city break with exploring the best of the Western Isles? Take a multi-day trip from Edinburgh or Inverness.

Edinburgh’s stunning cityscape from Arthur’s Seat © S-F/Shutterstock

1. Isle of Skye – our readers’ most beautiful place in Scotland

What you love: “fabulous scenery, hidden lochs, rugged coastline, gorgeous towns, beautiful people” 

With over 18% of votes, the Isle of Skye is your number one most beautiful place in Scotland, drawing enthusiasm for its “vast wilderness and scenery”, and for being so darn “beautiful and wild”. What’s more, our experts selected the Isle of Skye as one of the best places on earth for 2022. 

Though featured in our round-up of the best UK places to visit in spring due to this being the perfect time to appreciate its budding natural beauty, the Isle of Skye is a divine year-round destination. Indeed, a number of you remarked on its varied “scenery and changing weather” throughout the year. 

With its mysterious moors, mountains, cliffs and lochs, Skye is the perfect place to be astounded by nature — there’s a reason it earned a place in our gallery of the world’s best sunset spots. 

It’s a place of enchantment, too, as seen in the Fairy Glen’s landscape of emerald valleys, miniature mountains and babbling brooks, and at the Fairy Pools. Not only are these breathtakingly beautiful, but they’re also one of the best places in Britain for wild swimming

If you fancy exploring the isle of Skye alongside visiting Loch Ness and Edinburgh, our tailor-made Highland Tour might be of interest. Curated by a local expert, it can be fully customised. 

For more information, see our comprehensive guidebook to the Scottish highlands and islands. You might also want to look at a guide to the best Scottish islands. 

Where to stay: 

• Best for beach lovers: The Beach House.
• Best for family comfort: self-catering Rowan Cottage.

Find more places to stay on the Isle of Skye.

What to do:

Book a full-day Best of Skye tour from Portree to explore the Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Glen.  

The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye – your vote for the most beautiful place in Scotland – © orxy/Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to Scotland? Check out the Rough Guide to Scotland. If you travel further in Portugal read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit. For inspiration use our Scotland itineraries or speak to our local experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

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