Scotland is acclaimed for its many wild places amid a diverse and stunning landscape. Now a book called the Wild Guide Scotland reveals hundreds of places to enjoy a wilder adventure.
Authors Kimberley Grant, David Cooper and Richard Gaston have searched out a wealth of gems to visit across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
The inspiring guide covers the best of the Highlands and Islands with tips on how to get there and what to see.
Buy the book from www.wildthingspublishing.com, priced £16.99. I published this article in the Sunday Mail. Read the 10 great wild places below.
10 of the best wild places to visit in Scotland.
Sandwood Bay.
1 Sandwood Bay
Where: Sutherland
Access: From Kinlochbevie head towards Oldshoremore and follow the road for half a mile past the turning to Polin.
There is a John Muir Trust car park and signs towards the walking trail to Sandwood Bay.
Wild gem: On of Scotland’s most remote but iconic wild beaches, Sandwood Bay requires a walk of some three miles or more to reach.
The rewards include a huge sweep of white-pink-hued sand backed by a broad belt of rolling dunes.
There are also magnificent cliffs and a striking sea stack in the bay.
2 Sanna Sands
Where: Ardnamurchan Peninsula
Access: Follow the B8007 west from Kilchoan towards Portuairk and turn right after a mile. There is a car park at the road end.
Wild gem: Sanna Sands is a stunning bay located at the tip of the British mainland’s most westerly peninsula and boasts great views of the Small Isles.
The clear waters lap a series of coves and rocky islets.
Abhainn Deabhag at Plodda Falls. Pic credit: Nilfanion
3 Plodda Falls
Where: Highlands
Access: From the A831 on the south side of the river in Cannich take a minor toad to the village of Tomich. A rough five-mile forest road takes you to a car park signed for the falls.
Wild gem: Plodda Falls tumble 40m over high rocks surrounded by huge Douglas Fir trees.
There is a viewing platform for those who want to simply stand and take in the spectacle.
Wild swimmers also come to the falls to take a dip in the large pool beneath.
Talisker Bay. Pic credit: Klaus-Martin Hansche
4 Talisker Bay
Where: Carbost, Isle of Skye
Access: As you enter Carbost from the east on the B8009 you’ll bear left up a hill to Talkisker. Take first right and continue three miles to reach parking and a track “to beach”.
Wild gem: The dramatic silver bay with a waterfall and huge purple rock pools is a picturesque sight.
Wild swimmers enjoy the delights of the cool water and calm rock pools.
Fairy Glen on Skye. Pic credit: Pelle Sten
5 The Fairy Glen
Where: Uig, Isle of Skye
Access: Just south of Uig, turn eats of the A87 before a bus stop to join a minor road that heads uphill. After a mile is a car park.
Wild gem: A strange and magical landscape has been formed by an ancient landslip.
It comprises many grassy cone-shaped hills, lochans and natural rocky towers. The most prominent of the towers is called Castle Ewen.
6 Eaval
Where: North Uist, Outer Hebrides
Access: From the A867 east of Clachan, turn right on to a minor road signed for Loch Euphort. You can park five miles along this road.
Wild gem: The highest hill on North Uist is just 347m but it’s surrounded almost entirely by water.
The ascent is steep and pathless but the hike is well rewarded with wonderful views over the maze of lochans that dominate the Uists.
7 An Steall Waterfall
Where: Glen Nevis, Highlands
Access: From Fort William take the road that winds along Glen Nevis to the Upper Falls car park at the end. From here you’ll see a walking trail.
Wild gem: The walking trail heads into the glen where you’ll discover one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Scotland.
The 1200m backdrop adds drama to a wobbly river crossing on a wire bridge.
8 Quoyness Cairn
Where: Sanday, Orkney Islands
Access: From a corner on the B9069 just south of KW17 2BL, follow a rough track to parking.
Wild gem: Avoid the crowds of the most popular Neolithic Orkney sights and enjoy a more original experience on the Island of Sanday.
The 5000-year-old chambered burial chamber is well preserved and is an atmospheric place to literally crawl inside history.
9 Broch of Mousa
Where: Sandwick, Shetland
Access: Mousa is reached by boat from Sandsayre pier. It offers regular trips but you should call ahead to check.
Wild gem:
Shetland boasts a rich Pictish heritage and features some of the best examples of Iron Age brochs, or forts.
On the small island of Mousa the broch is home to thousands of storm petrels and for the best sighting of them it’s worth visiting by night.
10 Puck’s Glen
Where: Cowal Peninsula
Access: Take a ferry from Gourock to Dunoon and then follow the A815 north. A car park is found 300m north of Rashfield.
Wild gem: Follow a walking trail with many steep stone steps through the enchanting deep gorge known as Puck’s Glen.
The high, rocky walls are covered in moist undergrowth while a canopy of dense trees adds darkness and mystery to the location.
Wild Guide Scotland is available from www.wildthingspublishing.com priced £16.99.
Pic credit: Pics from the book unless otherwise credited.