Home scotland 10 Outstanding Nature Wonders in The Scottish Highlands That Will Make You Overwhelmed

10 Outstanding Nature Wonders in The Scottish Highlands That Will Make You Overwhelmed

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Cairngorms-National-Park
Cairngorms-National-Park

Mother Nature is a gifted architect who has bestowed the Scottish Highlands with an enormous range of breathtaking natural landmarks. We’ve compiled a list of the Scottish Highlands’ top natural wonders based on their rarity and extraordinary natural beauty to aid you on your travels.

1. Ben Nevis

When it comes to serious British mountain climbing, Ben Nevis is the place to be. After all, it is the highest peak in the entire United Kingdom. This enormous peak, which rises 4,412 feet above sea level, is a component of the Three Peaks Challenge, which entails ascending Nevis, England’s Scafell Pike, and Wales’ Snowdon, all in the course of a single 24-hour period.

Ben-Nevis
Ben-Nevis

The two primary routes up Ben Nevis are appropriate for different levels of walkers and climbers. The peak was ascended for the first time in 1771 and is a member of the Grampian range. Some 125,000 individuals still make the climb annually in modern times.

2. Loch Ness

Freshwater lake Loch Ness is recognized across the world as the purported home of the fabled, dinosaur-like Loch Ness Monster, more commonly referred to as Nessie.

loch-ness
loch-ness

The Scottish Highlands’ largest lake, Loch Ness, spans over 23 miles and reaches depths of more than 650 feet. It is located south of Inverness and is a popular destination for tourists that travel to Scotland. In a few days, you could traverse Loch Ness on foot or by bicycle, but if time is of the essence, you may take a boat excursion to go Nessie-hunting on your own.

3. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

There are lots of outdoor activities available at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, both on land and in the water. The largest loch in Scotland is a great place to windsurf, paddleboard, kayak, and canoe. Milarrochy Bay on the loch’s eastern shore and Duck Bay are the ideal locations for this water sport (west shore).

Loch-Lomond
Loch-Lomond

To the east of Lake Lomond are the Trossachs, home to expansive glens and forests. Scottish bluebells and other wildflowers cover the landscape in the spring. If you enjoy trekking, head to the top of Ben Lomond for sweeping views of Loch Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, and the nearby islands.

4. Loch Shiel

In the Scottish Highlands, Loch Shiel is located around 24.5 miles southeast of Fort Williams. As you may see white-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, and black-throated divers around the loch, it’s an excellent location for wildlife viewing cruises.

Loch-Shiel
Loch-Shiel

Several movies, such as the Harry Potter and Highlander series, use shots of the lovely freshwater loch. The 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct may potentially be crossed by the Jacobite Steam Train. Leading performers from all over the world perform chamber music at the Loch Shiel Spring Festival, which is held in May.

5. Glen Affric

More than 30 miles of Caledonian pinewoods can be found in Glen Affric, along with lochs, moorlands, and mountains. There are wildcats, capercaillies, ospreys, and golden eagles in this national forest reserve.

Glen-Affric
Glen-Affric

Throughout the summer and spring, mountain bikers, hikers, and climbers frequent the valley. The trees and moors’ shifting hues can be seen in the autumn. Glen Affric is close to Cannich, a little community 33 miles southwest of Inverness. Experienced hikers frequently attempt the 8-day Glen Affric Trail, which departs from Inverness and travels west along Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit.

6. Cairngorms National Park

The scenic lochs, thick woods, and Munro mountains with summits above 3,000 feet are all features of the Cairngorms National Park. It provides a wide range of outdoor activities, such as cross-country skiing in the winter and year-round hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Cairngorms-National-Park
Cairngorms-National-Park

Hike into the woodlands to see majestic waterfalls, old-growth trees, and local wildlife like red squirrels and ospreys. A must-see is Loch Morlich, which has a yacht club and a center for water sports that rents kayaks, sailboats, and windsurfing gear.

7. The Old Man of Storr

Just north of Portree, the angular basalt rocks of the Old Man of Storr protrude impressively from the Trotternish Ridge. One of Skye’s most well-known picturesque locations is this viewpoint, which rises 164 feet toward the skies above. You’re not the only one who thinks it would be difficult to climb. Up until 1955, when Englishman Don Whillans took on the pillar, the peak had not yet been scaled.

Old-Man-of-Storr
Old-Man-of-Storr

Although Storr is clearly visible from the road below, it requires closer examination to really understand its size. The finest introduction to the landscapes on Skye is the 2.8-mile round-trip stroll from the road, which climbs about 300 yards to provide vistas across the Isles of Rona and Raasay in the east.

8. Torridon Hills

The Torridon Hills are a group of impressive mountain peaks in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands. The majority of them are referred to as Munro mountains since they are 3,000 feet tall and encircle the settlement and glen with the same name.

Torridon-Hills
Torridon-Hills

There are numerous walking pathways in the vicinity that give breathtaking mountain views as you travel. The Liathach trek, a 7-mile hike along the ridge of the Torridon mountain, is suitable for hikers of average skill. The Upper Loch Torridon is a great place to go kayaking and canoeing, and there are lovely coastline walks on both sides of the freshwater loch as well.

9. Loch Maree

The largest freshwater loch in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands is Loch Maree. There are more than 60 wooded islands there that you can visit by renting a boat. Eilean Sùbhainn, the largest island, is large enough to have its own tiny lake and island. An eighth-century chapel’s remnants can be seen on Isle Maree.

Loch-Maree
Loch-Maree

Several uncommon creatures, such as sea eagles, golden eagles, black-throated divers, and red deer, can be found in Loch Maree. Birdwatchers can see crossbills, tree pipits, and siskins during a walk through the woods that begins near the loch’s edge. The Beinn Eighe Natural Reserve, which lies southeast of Loch Maree, offers hiking trails with fantastic loch views.

10. Faskally Forest

On the northern shore of Loch Faskally in Perthshire, there is a forest that covers around 61 acres. There are 23 species of trees here, including Douglas fir, oak, and wild cherry, all of which date back to the 19th century.

Faskally-Forest
Faskally-Forest

A simple, 30-minute walk around Loch Dunmore can be found by following the Dunmore Trail, which also passes a boathouse and a wooden footbridge. An easy hike that passes by Loch Faskally and the Faskally House is the Foresters’ Trail. Autumn is the finest season to visit the wooded areas since the trees are covered in vibrant red and gold colors.

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