Fiona Outdoors logo My independent guide to the best of Scotland outdoors

Experiencing the diversity of Scotland

Written by Fiona

February 03 2025

It’s no surprise that more than four million international tourists visited this country in 2023 alone. Its rich history, natural beauty and culture always ensure that people from all walks of life have something to enjoy.

There is a wide range of activities to experience, whether you enjoy the great outdoors and want to go hiking, mountain biking or kayaking, as well as more cultural outings, such as visiting a castle or whisky distillery. If it’s a wet weather day maybe a bit of horse racing betting – a tradition in some areas of Scotland – would be fun to try. Actually, now, with an odd calculator, you can determine the likelihood of specific outcomes and make your horse racing experience even more fun. .

There’s just so much to discover in Scotland, and reading this article will really help.

Natural wonders

If you have watched films The Wicker Man or Prometheus, you may have noticed scenic depictions of the popular Old Man of Storr. This iconic feature forms part of the extended Trotternish area of the Scottish Isle of Skye. For those who love hiking, the Storr offers a network of rough paths and steep rocky sections to explore.

Another great natural attraction is Fingal’s Cave, located on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The visually stunning cave is thought to date back more than 60 million years and looms some 230ft over the ocean. You will ned to book a boat tour to reach Staffa.

Harris, in the Outer Hebridean island chain, is home to Luskentyre Sands, which is popular for its long miles of white sands and neighbouring azure waters. It’s a great place to go for a stroll or take a dip in the sea.

More great wonders in Scotland

The Hidden Valley in Glencoe requires some uphill hiking on a rough path but the rewards are a superb setting right at the heart of a superb mountain scenery. For history buffs, it’s believed that in times past that the MacDonald clan used the area to hide their stolen cattle and ill-gotten gains.

Scotland also boasts numerous opportunities for kayakers. A vast coastline with a wide variety of terrain, from high cliffs, to sandy coves, to stone arches, to long sea lochs, offers an amazing environment.

For example, the Summer Isles, in the far north-west of Scotland, allow you to paddle in turquoise waters around many small isles.

In the northwest Highlands, you’ll also encounter Loch Maree, which ranks as the fourth largest freshwater loch in the country. Nature enthusiasts will find fascinating sights at this location, including an area of ancient Caledonian Forest, which many people believe is more than 10,000 years old.

Final words

It’s true that Scotland has a lot of options to explore. Here, we only mention a few, as touring around the country could really help you discover a lot more.  

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