If you are craving an escape from your ordinary life to discover a little wilderness and beauty, the UK is the perfect place to be. Then, as soon as we are allowed to travel further still, there are plenty of other places dotted around the world that are also worth a mention for their remote beauty spots.
If the global pandemic has taught us anything it’s how important it is to be outdoors and these isolated beauty spots in the UK and beyond offer just that.
Here is some isolation inspiration for your next holiday (when Covid travel restrictions allow).
Lundy Island, Devon
Lundy Island is owned by the National Trust and sits 12 miles off the coast of Devon. It is therefore far enough from the mainland to create a feeling of isolation. However, the island itself is not very large as it is only three miles long so it’s easy to explore in a day. But as the day trippers leave you can easily feel alone on the island.
The best things to do on the island are rock climbing up the Devil’s Slide, fishing, diving, and looking out for the local wildlife, such as dolphins and puffins.
Isle of Harris and Lewis, Scotland
From one island to another. The name may fool you into thinking that Harris and Lewis are two separate islands, when in fact they are two parts of the same island chain. This misleading naming of the island simply reflects its diverse nature.
Harris and Lewis has every terrain possible from moorlands to sandy beaches to mountains and the weather can be just as unpredictable, which can put some people off. But if you’re willing to brave the weather then you’ll be blessed with beautiful scenery.
There beaches are fabulous and there are many quiet walking and cycling routes to explore, too.
High Force, Forest-in-Teesdale, Durham
Uncover the force of nature at High Force, which is literally what it says on the tin: A high-force waterfall. It is described as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England and rocks in the area indicate that it’s been around for over 300 million years.
The river starts as merely a trickle in the North Pennines before it grows and ends up at a 21-metre drop. Meander along a pretty woodland walk before feasting your eyes on this beautiful site.
While you’re there why not explore the surrounding area of the North Pennines, which has been declared as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Bardsey Island, Wales
This small and wild Welsh island is located only a couple of miles off the Llŷn Peninsula. The best thing about this island is that not many people have heard of it. It is an untapped natural beauty spot waiting to be explored.
With minimal residents and facilities, you will feel like you’re surrounded by wilderness and nature. One facility they do have is a sanctuary for migrating birds, which has everything from puffins to terns.
That sums up some of the best remote beauty spots in the UK and now it’s time to turn our gaze further afield to see what the rest of the world has to offer.
Madagascar
If you’re looking for a sunny and secluded escape then look no further than Madagascar. It’s the fourth biggest island in the world and also one of the most remote – being 8897 miles from Toronto, 5618 miles from London and 6275 miles from Sydney. But it’s definitely worth travelling that distance to see it.
Madagascar is one of the wildest and most biologically diverse places you can visit. It has everything from limestone karst formations to white-sand beaches to animals that you can’t find anywhere else. One species that stands out is the lemur.
Around 90% of this endangered species can be found on Madagascar, so it would be a shame to visit the island without ever seeing them in their natural habitat.
Supai, Arizona
It may be surprising to find a place in America on this list, but Supai is one of the most remote places to visit. Situated at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, this secluded village is part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation and is a bit of a hike for anyone wanting to visit as there a no roads leading to it.
This lack of accessibility is why it is the only place left in America to have its mail delivered by mule. But it is worth the trek as it is the best base to explore some unique and beautiful waterfalls, most notably the Havasu Falls, which is arguably one of the bluest waterfalls you’ll ever see.
Deception Island, Antarctica
Last, but by no means least, is Deception Island located near the tip of Antarctic Peninsula. Not only is it an isolated island, it’s also located in the furthest reaches of the world. It’s therefore very secluded.
The island was first discovered in 1820 by Nathanial Palmer, which means humans have been exploring and visiting this island for 200 years. One of the most interesting features of Deception Island is that it’s made out of a volcano’s caldera, which is what gives the island its distinctive, cauldron-like shape. The caldera was also created by one of the biggest eruptions to take place in Antarctica. Hopefully, no one was there at the time.
Spewing molten lava hasn’t scared away the local residents as it is still home to a variety of wildlife. One thing the Deception Island isn’t short of is penguins. These penguins have proven to be very photogenic, with a little help from their beautiful backdrop. That’s why Deception Island has often been dubbed as a photographer’s paradise.
From Antarctica all the way to the UK these are some of the most beautiful and remote destinations that the world has to offer. Now all that is left to do is go and explore them.
