No matter how many times I go to Scotland, I always find a new place to explore and I never get tired of it. From bustling cities to The Highlands, there’s so much to see and do.
Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful national parks and reserves in the world. These natural wonders are worth exploring for their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. It’s important to note the distance between these parks and reserves are extensive, so it may be worth enquiring about car hire in Edinburgh before you begin. So, with that said, here are 10 of our favourites!
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, then you’ll want to check out the Lochs Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular – from rolling hills and lochs to forests and mountains, the park has something for everyone.
If you get the chance to visit then you should definitely try to go to the Trossachs Forest for some walking and hiking. There are plenty of trails to take, but I would recommend the one by the Am Faochagach, also known as the “smoke-veiled hill” (I don’t know why it’s called that, but it’s a pretty good name). There’s also a small loch on the trail, and while it may be smaller than the magnificent Loch Lomond, it’s still a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands
The northwest Highlands are brimming with natural beauty. If you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet, then you should check out Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands. These two reserves are located in this area and are well known for their beauty. From bubbling streams to green forests, there is plenty to see here. Beinn Eighe is also a great place to go walking and is also known as the “Yew Forest.”
Beinn Eighe is a nature reserve that’s popular with climbers and walkers – in fact, it was the first reserve in Scotland to be designated as a National Nature Reserve! The reserve is located in the northwest Highlands and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. There are plenty of walking trails to take, and you can even go for a swim in one of the lochs.
Loch Maree Islands is another stunning reserve located in the northwest Highlands. The reserve is made up of 22 islands, and it’s a great place to go for a walk or a paddle. There are also plenty of birdwatching opportunities, as the islands are home to a variety of different birds.
Glen Roy National Nature Reserve
The Glen Roy National Nature Reserve is located in the Speyside region of Scotland. It is known for its stunning landscapes and array of wildlife. From the Glen to the Roy, there’s plenty to see and do here. From the four-hundred-year-old trees to the rainbow of wildlife, this reserve is definitely something everyone needs to see while they are in Scotland.
The reserve is open all year round, and there are plenty of walking and hiking trails to take. If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Glen’s Glen Loch and the Roy’s viewpoints.
You can also go fishing at the reserve as well, which is always fun! The area is home to some of the best trout streams in Scotland, so if you don’t catch anything, then you can always enjoy a nice picnic by the river.
Cairnsmore of Fleet
The Cairnsmore of Fleet is a beautiful National Nature Reserve located in the southwest of Scotland. The reserve is known for its stunning landscapes and array of wildlife. From the rolling hills to the bubbling streams, there’s plenty to see and do here. There’s even a well-known lighthouse located in the middle of the sand dunes. It’s a great place for birding and photography, however, due to the sensitive nature of this part of Scotland it is highly recommended to only travel here with a licensed tour guide.
The reserve is open all year round, and there are plenty of walking and hiking trails to take. If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Giant’s Rock and the Telegraph Tower.
There are also plenty of opportunities for birdwatching here, so if you have your binoculars with you then be sure to bring them along! The area is home to some of the most diverse bird species in the world, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.
Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve
There’s an array of wildlife in the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is popular amongst hikers, with 70 miles of paths to be explored by foot. There are plenty of places where you can stop along the way to enjoy the scenery and take in all the lovely scents that waft through the forest. The nature reserve even has a range of different fishing spots for those who want to try their hand at reeling in a big catch!
The reserve is open all year round, and there are plenty of walking and hiking trails to take. If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll definitely want to check out the old mills and the Yew Tree House. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching here, so be sure to bring your binoculars along! The area is home to some of the most diverse species of birds in the world, so you’re sure to see some incredible sights.
Why Wait?
The natural beauty of Scotland is on full display in its many national parks and reserves. Discover Scotland’s national parks for an outdoor adventure that will leave you breathless! Happy Travelling!
