If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Scotland off the beaten path, you’re about to discover some of the best hidden gems that no one knows about. I’ve been living in Scotland for six years now and I feel it is my duty to encourage travellers to get off the tourist track that has become Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye to Inverness and back again. In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favourite secret places in Scotland.
One thing I always recommend to anyone visiting Scotland: head off the beaten path!
Scotland has such a long history that as a result, the landscape contains a profusion of stories. You only need to venture to Orkney to see Skara Brae, a 5000+ year-old Neolithic Village to see proof of this living history!
Scotland has hundreds of stunning beaches and islands, dozens of battlefields, thousands of castles, palaces, and abbeys- there is so much to explore that even after six years I’m still discovering amazing gems tucked away unnoticed, even by locals!
If you add just one of these non-touristy things to do in Scotland to your itinerary, you’ll experience a part of Scotland that many travellers do not.
Not all of these places are easy to reach. Some require a hike or a paddle to reach them. Others require you to hire a car and drive for miles. But the difficulty in reaching them makes visiting them all the more special. Nothing good comes easy!
I’ve marked each of my Scotland off-the-beaten-path destinations on a map to make finding them easier.
Here are 21 of my favourite secret places in Scotland. I hope you feel inspired to visit!
>> Planning a trip to Scotland? Be sure to read my ultimate guide
Scotland Off The Beaten Path: 21 Best Places to visit in Scotland
1. Loch Glencoul, Assynt
Hidden gems Scotland: Loch Glencoul and the bothy in the distance
Loch Glencoul and the bothy that sits at its head is one of my favourite secret places in Scotland. You can gaze out to the loch from the parking area at Kylesku Bridge, but the best views of the loch are from Glencoul bothy.
A trip to Glencoul bothy is suited to the adventurous. To get to the bothy you need to hike from Inchnadamph or Kylesku through some of Scotland’s roughest unmarked terrain. If you go via Inchnadamph you’ll have the chance to see Britain’s highest waterfall, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. You can also reach the bothy by sea kayak or boat- Kylesku Boat Tours have a tour of this area.
The effort is worth it, however. There are some fabulous bothies throughout Scotland, but the location of Glencoul bothy makes it all the more special, nestled between craggy mountains with some of the best views of Loch Glencoul at sunset.
The bothy is equipped with one bedroom that sleeps up to 6, and a common area with a fireplace. There are abundant wild camping opportunities outside too.
You can also spot common and grey seals in this area.
If you intend to visit the bothy you may need to contact the estate first. You can read more about that here, and always adhere to the bothy code when visiting bothies.
It’s a truly special feeling being in an area of Scotland so few people see.
2. Cluanie, Scottish Highlands
Camban bothy offer shelter on the Cape Wrath Trail in the Cluanie to Morvich section
Many people drive right by Cluanie in favour of reaching Eilean Donan Castle or the Isle of Skye without realising this hidden gem.
Cluanie has some of the best hiking in Scotland that is very much off the beaten track. The section from Cluanie to Morvich on the Cape Wrath Trail is one of Scotland’s most spectacular trails.
Loch Cluanie is located nearby. One of the best viewpoints of the loch is via a 4×4 track that leads up the hillside. I also once discovered a large herd of wild deer from this viewpoint!
The track is mainly used by walkers on the Cape Wrath Trail, so you can park somewhere safe at the bottom of the track and walk up.
The Cluanie Inn is one of the best pubs in Scotland and a great place to stop for a bite to eat and take in the gorgeous scenery. It’s a nice place to grab a bite to eat or a dram (if you’re not driving).
Read more: Overtourism in Scotland and where to go instead
3. Cairnpapple Hill, West Lothian
Cairnpapple Hill – one of the best hidden gems Scotland has
West Lothian isn’t known as a tourist hotspot, however, it offers plenty of non-touristy things to do in Scotland, including many interesting historical attractions.
Most people tend to whizz past West Lothian on their way to Glasgow or the highlands, but I highly recommend stopping at Cairnpapple Hill, an ancient burial and ceremonial ground that dates back 5,500 years!
While many travellers flock to Inverness to see Clava Cairns, very few realise Cairnpapple Hill is located a short drive from Edinburgh.
From the modest parking lot, it is a short walk to reach the hill, which has lovely views of Edinburgh and on a clear day you may even spot the Isle of Arran.
While there aren’t any standing stones here, the henge is nevertheless enthralling. The best time to visit Cairnpapple Hill is during March- October so you can see inside the cairn.
It is truly one of the best hidden gems Scotland has to offer.
Read more: 50+ places on my Scotland bucket list
4. The Four Border Abbeys, Scottish Borders
Melrose Abbey
Visiting the Four Border Abbeys in the Scottish Borders makes for a wonderful day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The abbeys were all established in the 1100s and have spectacular architecture.
Many think the majority of Scotland’s history lies in the highlands, but it is really in the Scottish Borders. It makes perfect sense, as ancient armies would take the route through the Scottish Borders to reach Edinburgh or Stirling, resulting in skirmishes and a lot of activity taking place.
Many important Scottish figures also chose the Scottish Borders as their final resting place.
Melrose Abbey is where Robert the Bruce’s heart is buried. Why only his heart? When he died he demanded his heart be removed from his chest and taken on crusade. It is said his heart was thrown at an enemy in battle, recovered and hidden for many years before it was rediscovered and buried at Melrose Abbey.
A plaque commemorating the mighty Scottish King marks its burial. Alexander II of Scotland is also buried here.
Built in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey is considered one of the most beautiful abbeys in Scotland and is also the site where Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott is buried. A magnificent ruin survives despite the abbey being set on fire three times!
Jedburgh Abbey is a spectacular abbey that was often fought over due to its ties to royalty and proximity. It served the royal castle in Jedburgh; part of the abbey church where Alexander III of Scotland and Yolande de Dreux were married survives to this day.
It was fought over between the Scottish and the English during the Wars of Independence (1296-1356) and again in the sixteenth century. As a result, it suffered a lot of damage. The ruin gives an insight into just how remarkable this abbey would have been.
The fourth abbey, Kelso Abbey was founded by monks invited by King David I. Like Jedburgh Abbey, it suffered from English invasions, and not much of the abbey remains. It is still worth visiting as the church ruin is one of the greatest examples of Romanesque architecture in Scotland.
Read more: Hidden Gems in the Scottish Borders
5. Falls of Glomach, Scottish Highlands
Falls of Glomach
The Falls of Glomach is one of the tallest waterfalls in the United Kingdom, standing at 113 metres. This area is also one of the wildest places in Scotland.
I once wild camped next to the falls; listening to the powerful waterfall through the walls of my tent is one of my fondest memories.
To reach the Falls of Glomach you need to hike for three hours from Morvich. You’ll follow a stalker’s path through Bealach na Sroine, which means ‘the pass of the nose.’
When you reach the falls, there is a warning sign before the path that leads down to the gorge for closer views. Only attempt the path if you’re an experienced hiker, as it is rough and slippery, sometimes requiring a scramble.
Read more: 25 tips for sustainable tourism in Scotland
6. Bealach na Bà, Applecross
Bealach na Bà
Bealach na Bà was a nail-biting experience yet one of the most beautiful passes I’ve driven through.
It is the third-highest road in Scotland at 626 metres, thus not for the faint-hearted!
If driving from the east, the pass will take you to Applecross, a peninsula which is home to just a few hundred people.
There is a car park at the top of the pass so you can get out and enjoy the views.
Read more: 50 Travel Tips For Scotland
7. Handa Island, Inner Hebrides
Birds on the sea cliffs of Handa Island
Located on the northwest coast, Handa Island is a good off-beat excursion if you’re driving the North Coast 500.
Handa Island is a bird sanctuary and one of the best birdwatching sites in Scotland. Some of the birds you’ll see on Handa island include puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and great skuas.
One of my favourite memories of this island is lying down and watching the thousands of birds nesting on the cliffs. It’s an experience that makes you stop and live in the moment.
It only takes 3 hours to walk the circumference of this tiny island, making it a perfect half-day activity if you’re in the area, or a full-day trip from Inverness.
To reach Handa Island you must go by ferry, or rather, a small speedboat which the Scots like to call a ferry. The ferry takes just 10 minutes, and after taking part in a short educational talk, you’re free to explore the island by yourself.
8. Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Scottish Highlands
Views from the top of The Mountain Trail
The Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is Britain’s first National Nature Reserve, and a nature lover’s playground.
There is diverse wildlife in the nature reserve, including golden eagles, pine marten, and crossbills.
I recommend hiking The Mountain Trail, Britain’s only waymarked mountain walk, which takes you through Scots pines and a scramble up quartzite rocks to reach panoramic views of the nature reserve.
This walk offers amazing views of my favourite mountain, Slioch. You’ll also see Loch Maree and the ridges of Beinn Eighe.
Planning A Trip to Scotland Course
Are you planning a trip to Scotland? Make sure you sign up to my Planning A Trip to Scotland course! I created this course with Lonely Planet author Kay Gillispie, and between us there’s not much we don’t know about Scotland. We have made over 70 short videos that cover every aspect of travelling to Scotland and cover topics such as how to get there, things to do, favourite hidden gems, travelling to the Scottish islands, how to travel using public transport, and so much more. We’ve poured all our knowledge and expertise into a fun, easy-to-understand course that we know you’ll love 💜
9. Glen Feshie, Cairngorms National Park
Scots pinewoods in Glen Feshie
Glen Feshie is a wildly beautiful glen that has inspired some of the United Kingdom’s greatest artists. From its enchanting Scots pinewoods to the River Feshie that flows through the glen, it’s easy to understand why.
The glen that Sir Edwin Landseer was referring to in his famous painting ‘The Monarch of the Glen’ is actually Glen Feshie!
Landseer spent some time visiting his friend that owned a house in the glen. All that is left of the house now is the chimney, which can be spotted in the open area near Ruigh Aiteachain bothy.
Glen Feshie has also been used as a filming location for various television and film including Mary Queen of Scots, The Queen, and Netflix series The Crown.
Today Glen Feshie attracts hiking enthusiasts.
To reach the glen you must walk and ford a few rivers. The effort is well worth it.
10. Loch Ossian, Rannoch Moor
Loch Ossian
Loch Ossian in Rannoch Moor is one of the wildest places in Scotland you can reach by public transport.
I spent a weekend at Loch Ossian with a friend where we went hiking and had some much-needed time to disconnect from our phones and relax in nature. Loch Ossian itself is surrounded by munros and hiking trails suitable for all levels, making it the perfect base for lovers of the outdoors.
To get here there is a direct train that leaves Glasgow and takes three hours to reach Corrour station, the most remote train station in Scotland. It is then just a 20-minute walk via a shingle track to reach the loch.
All that exists in the area is the Corrour Station House, the UK’s remotest restaurant which also offers accommodation, directly next to the train station; an award-winning eco-hostel located at the bottom of the loch, and the Corrour Shooting Lodge which offers luxury accommodation.
A scene from the cult-classic Trainspotting was also filmed at Corrour station.
11. Invergarry Castle, Scottish Highlands
Invergarry Castle
Invergarry Castle is one of my favourite Scotland off-the-beaten-path castle ruins. I may be biased because it is the castle of my Scottish clan, Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry, but I can safely argue it’s the location and history of this castle that makes it special.
The ruin of Invergarry Castle is now located within the grounds of the Glengarry Castle Hotel and on the bonnie banks of Loch Oich.
Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the castle twice and supposedly rested here after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. The castle was partially blown up shortly afterwards by the Duke of Cumberland and his English troops in 1746. The castle didn’t completely yield, however, as you’ll see from the impressive ruin it is today.
Invergarry Castle is particularly beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
12. Ruthven Barracks, Kingussie
Ruthven Barracks
The Ruthven Barracks is quite a sight- and I’m surprised it’s not very well known. Maybe it’s because many people pass it unknowingly, as the A9 (which connects Inverness to Edinburgh) bypasses this striking ruin.
The Ruthven Barracks was once used by the English to control the Scottish Highlands. It was situated on General Wade’s Military Road, a road that ran through the highlands in the mid-18th century to bring order to the Highlands during the time of the Jacobite Rising.
Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army successfully took control of Ruthven Barracks during the 1746 Jacobite Rising, however, when they lost the Battle of Culloden, they eventually deserted the place.
Today Ruthven Barracks is a beautiful ruin located near the town of Kingussie. The ruin is free to visit, and an excellent place to stop if you are driving from Edinburgh to Inverness or vice versa.
13. Singing Sands, Islay
Singing Sands, Islay
The Singing Sands beach on Islay is pure magic. The beach gets its name because if you rub the sole of your shoe against the sand, it makes a singing noise.
This is due to the silica content in the sand and the weather conditions.
This beach is also a lovely place to have a picnic or sunbathe on a nice day. It’s not recommended you swim here as it can be unsafe, but the temperature of the water is probably more than enough to put you off!
Rather than swimming, just relax and enjoy the view of the crystal clear water. This beach is a slice of heaven and remains firmly on my list of the best beaches in Scotland.
To reach the Singing Sands, park at the small carpark located around 50 yards before you reach Carraig Fhada Lighthouse. You will walk around the coast from here- be sure to explore the lighthouse too- it’s the only square-shaped lighthouse in Scotland!
14. Finlarig Castle, Killin
Finlarig Castle, Killin
Not only is Killin one of my favourite villages in Scotland, but it’s also home to one of my favourite castle ruins: Finlarig Castle.
Finlarig Castle is tucked away in the forest at the heel of Loch Tay; it was built by ‘Black’ Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy in the first half of the 17th century. He was an evil man who would hang commoners from an oak tree outside the castle.
There’s also a rumour that the pit located outside the old kitchen was a beheading pit, however, the pit was most likely used as a run-off for excess water.
Covered in overgrown ivy and moss, this castle is a spectacularly beautiful ruin.
Fun fact: Rob Roy once visited Finlarig Castle.
16. Constantine’s Cave, Crail
Constantine’s Cave, Crail
Constantine’s Cave is one of my favourite hidden gems in Scotland. The natural sea cave is named after Constantine II, an early Scottish king who ruled during the 10th century. He was allegedly killed inside the cave in 952 after a battle with the Danes.
Constantine’s Cave is located in Crail, Fife. It’s 4 metres tall, 3 metres wide and 8 metres deep. After excavation, it was discovered the cave had been occupied on and off from the prehistoric period. Roman glass and pottery were discovered, as well as amphorae, iron and bone tools. Several incised crosses and Celtic animal engravings were also found on the walls.
Constantine’s Cave is accessible from the coastal walking path, next to the Balcomie Golf Course.
17. Callendar House, Falkirk
Callendar House in Falkirk
I first stumbled across Callendar House by accident- and boy, what a wonderful surprise! The 14th-century French chateau-style house has an incredible history as being home to one of the richest and most powerful families in Scotland: the Livingstons.
Alexander, 5th Lord Livingston, was a guardian of Mary Queen of Scots when she was a child. Queen Mary’s marriage agreement to Francis II was signed at Callendar House.
There is so much to see inside and outside the mansion’s walls, including 300 acres of parkland and a section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antonines Wall. The informational displays inside the house tell the fascinating story of the Livingston family- they are not to be missed!
Scenes from Outlander were also filmed in the kitchen here.
The best part? Entry to this historical house is free!
18. The Cheese Well, Traquair
The Cheese Well, Traquair
The Cheese Well is a natural spring found on Minch Moor, near the village of Traquair. It is called The Cheese Well due to the custom of travellers leaving small pieces of cheese as an offering to the ‘faeries’ who guarded the spring.
It is said that the faeries would grant you a safe passage if you left them a little present!
Today the site of the well is marked by an engraved stone along the Southern Upland Way. Travellers continue the tradition of leaving gifts to placate the faeries, although coins rather than cheese are usually left in the spring.
19. Cape Wrath
Cape Wrath Lighthouse
Cape Wrath is one of the trickiest to reach hidden gems on the west coast of Scotland. It’s also the most north-western point of Scotland and is marked by the Cape Wrath Lighthouse.
It is truly Scotland off the beaten path as the lighthouse is hard to access: either on foot by hiking the Cape Wrath Trail from Sandwood Bay, or by a combination of a ferry and minibus that departs from the Kyle of Durness.
Only the determined will reach the Cape Wrath Lighthouse, which has a cafe on-site where you can enjoy your hard efforts!
20. Isle of May
The North Horn on the Isle of May
The Isle of May is a magical island located off the coast off the east coast of Scotland.
The Isle of May is Scotland’s oldest bird sanctuary; during the summer it’s home to over 200,000 nesting seabirds. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Scotland to see puffins! Around 90,000 puffins make their nests in burrows and inside cliff faces.
Anstruther Pleasure Cruises operate a ferry that transports you to the island, where you can roam the island for three hours before returning to the mainland.
21. Vatersay, Outer Hebrides
Traigh Shiar
Vatersay is located in the Outer Hebrides, a remote chain of islands off the west coast of Scotland. It is often overlooked by tourists, making it a great island to visit if you’re looking to spend time on a small island with stunning beaches and thought-provoking history.
The twin beaches Traigh a Bhaigh and Traigh Shiar is one of my favourite on the island- grab a sandwich from the Vatersay Hall Cafe or some sweet treats from the Piece of Cake Honesty Box to enjoy while you take in the unrivalled views.
You can walk the Vatersay Beaches Circuit which is a great way to explore the island, taking in Traigh a Bhaigh and Traigh Shiar plus some other lovely beaches.
Book recommendations
Here are some of my favourite books that feature some great hidden gems in Scotland:
- Hidden Scotland by Lauren Maccallum
- Wild History by James Crawford
- The Unremembered Places by Patrick Baker
- Wild Guide Scotland by Kimberley Grant et al
What’s your favourite place in Scotland you’ve discovered?
MY BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR SCOTLAND
Here is a list of travel resources that I always use that save me time and money. For more tips check out my ultimate guide on planning a trip to Scotland.
💜 Planning: If you’re on a budget I highly recommend grabbing my Ultimate Scotland Travel Planning Bundle. It includes an ebook, digital travel planner, and cheat sheets for planning your trip.
💜 Planning a Trip to Scotland Course: If you are looking for help to plan your trip from start to finish, my Planning A Trip To Scotland course is my absolute best resource for creating your itinerary! It includes 70+ videos about every aspect of planning a trip to Scotland.
💜 Booking flights: I use Skyscanner when researching and booking my flights as I find them to have the best deals. I also use Google Flights to compare flights I’ve found on Skyscanner. I always book direct with the airline.
💜 Accommodation: I use Booking.com when booking my accommodation in Scotland. I also have a list of my recommended accommodation in Scotland here.
💜 Travel insurance: I always recommend booking travel insurance for any trip you take. Personally, I use CoverMore– I used to sell this insurance when I was a travel agent and dealt with claims on behalf of my customers frequently and they were really easy to deal with. World Nomads is also another high-quality insurance provider I recommend.
💜 Tours and Activities: I use GetYourGuide whenever I can to book tours and activities. I also recommend purchasing the Explorer Pass if you plan on visiting a few attractions.
💜 Transport: When hiring a car in the UK I always use Celtic Legend. You can save 10% off your car rental by using the referral code WAYFARINGKIWI when you ask for a quote. For train times and bookings I use Scotrail (Scotland’s main network) and I also compare prices with Trainline. For bus travel, I use Megabus for cheap fares.
💜 What to pack: The weather is changeable in Scotland and you can sometimes have four seasons in one day! I’ve written this comprehensive packing list for Scotland that will tell you everything you need to pack, whether you’re travelling from abroad or living locally and you’re planning a day trip to Scotland.
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