City: Scotland
Top Things to do in Scotland
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Scotland That You Shouldn't Miss
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the United Kingdom (green)
Restaurants in Scotland
1. Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
This beautiful region consists of clear pure water, interrupted by a generous sprinkling of green islands with gently rolling pastures and rugged highland peaks; a perfect place for hiking, bird watching or just communing peacefully with nature.
Reviewed By Andrew-Leakey - Leigh, United Kingdom
Underwhelming parking and track led to the most breath taking view. Stunning place in sunny weather. Then the rain came and we got rainbows. So beautiful. Little stroll around the lakeside to take some further views in. Gorgeous spots all around. Really enjoyed our visit.
2. Aigas Field Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 170 reviews
Please avoid the disappointment of being turned away. Aigas Field Centre is a residential business and not open to passing visitors. Prior booking is always required. The internationally acclaimed and award-winning field centre for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; Aigas is a Highland estate and family home offering unsurpassed hospitality, educational holidays and wildlife experiences to residential visitors from all over the world.
Reviewed By mfhunter
I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
3. Glencoe Lochan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By Shelauch
Beautiful scenery, and we were lucky enough to see it on a very calm day, so the mirror images in the water were terrific. An easy flat walk round the lochan with loads of photo opportunities.
4. Glen Etive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By Krs922v - Balloch, United Kingdom
Whilst staying at the Kingshouse Hotel we took a drive to Glen Etive and kept going until we ran out of road at Loch Etive. Lovely drive with single track and lots of passing places. It's very peaceful at the Loch and the scenery was hauntingly beautiful.
5. Loch Coruisk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Loch Coruisk (Gaelic Coire Uisg/the 'Cauldron of Waters') is an inland fresh-water loch lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Loch Coruisk is reputed to be the home of a water horse. After staying at Dunvegan Castle, Sir Walter Scott visited the Cuillin and Loch Coruisk in 1814 and described it thus: 'Rarely human eye has known A scene so stern as that dread lake, With its dark ledge of barren stone...' The loch is accessible by boat from Elgol or on foot from Sligachan (approximately 7-8 miles distance). It is also possible to walk from Elgol, but one section of the path known as the 'Bad Step' presents some potential difficulties for the nervous or inexperienced walker. The northern end of the loch is ringed by the Black Cuillin, often wreathed in cloud. From the southern end the Scavaig River, only a few hundred yards long, discharges into a sea loch, Loch Scavaig. The loch is nearly two miles long, but only about 400 yards wide.
Reviewed By 389adriang
We took a tour with Misty Isle boat tours to Loch Coruisk and were not disappointed. Loch Coruisk is nestled in the Cullin hills with dramatic scenery all round along with some great wildlife sightings. Definate trip to take, especially in good weather
6. BobCat Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 321 reviews
Alpaca farm with some visitor options (see website for details). Advance booking is essential via our website booking calendar. Weekends are particularly popular and are booked well in advance. We are accepting visitors by appointment.
Reviewed By S143WZkevins
Heard about Bobcat Alpacas from the the great support Bob, Cath & their family of lovely Alpacas give to Marie Curie cancer care Edinburgh. Our visit to the farm was on a cold but sunny Friday afternoon in January. On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Bob & introduced to the Male Alpacas who we would be walking with, Bob introduced our Alpaca friends for the day by name telling us all about their personality & how each furry friend is very different! We partnered for our afternoon stroll with Milo who like all the alpacas is awesome & Bob shares his vast alpaca knowledge in a warm & funny way as we wander in the Pentland hills .I would highly recommend a visit to the farm, it offers a great non commercial afternoon out with lovely Alpacas that benefit from exceptional care & husbandry from Bob & Cath.
7. Finn Falconry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
WE ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE WINTER OPENING AGAIN AT EASTER 2021, WITH ALL THE NECCESSARY PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE, TO PROTECT EVERYONE. ALL EXPERIENCES ARE PRIVATE, PERSONAL AND BESPOKE TO YOURSELVES: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - WE ARE NOT A FALCONRY CENTRE AND ARE EXPERIENCES ARE ONLY CARRIED OUT IN THE AFTERNOON- PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR BOOKING AND FURTHER INFO An interactive, mobile Falconry company, which champions raptor conservation through education and engagement, utilising the power, beauty, agility and grace of birds of prey, providing the following: Hawk Walks; Falcon Experiences; Flying and Static Displays; Weddings; Educational Talks; Photographic and Educational Workshops . Set in the ruggedly, beautiful Argyll countryside.
Reviewed By AmyC945 - Royal Oak, United States
Book this if you stay near Oban. Book this if you have to drive 3 hours. Book this if you even remotely like animals because you can tell Paul really loves what he does and is lucky enough to do it for a living. This was worth it just to be able to see these truly awe inspiring birds of prey in their natural habitat and that they were so gentle and beautiful was unexpected. Paul spent well over 90 min with us, totally on our own.. no other guests. He was patient, so informative and never once did this feel like a lecture about birds. It was more like he and they let us into their little family group for a few hours and we were so so lucky. I know this sounds over done.. it’s not. It was pouring rain at first and I hate rain and did not even care I was so blown away. So great. Do it.
8. Highland Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,157 reviews
Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world's mountains and tundra in our spectacular setting. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area on foot. With everything from wildcats to polar bears don't miss the Highlands' wildest day out!
Reviewed By Z2586KMhelenw
We went here for my 30th birthday and it was amazing, there were so many animals to see and such a large area to cover that we were there all day, also loved the combination of the walk round zones and the drive round safari (you can go on a park vehicle if you prefer). The polar bears and wolves were particular highlights. There were plenty of spaces for a picnic both under cover or out in the sunshine. Would definitely go back!
9. Balmedie Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 609 reviews
A stretch of sandy beach north of the city.
Reviewed By E2338BG - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
A beautiful beach with large sand dunes and amazing views of the north sea with windfarm in the distance. Ideal for a family day out or a sunset walk with a loved one.
10. Loch Maree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By JulieWill - Atherstone, United Kingdom
Stunning scenery with some nice places to eat, there is a good tourist information centre with a nice little cafe and a little shop. There is an old military base not far away ( ask at the tourist info ) with some great views. There are also some nice local beaches.
