8 Scenic natural wonders

Skye is a truly magical place that has countless unforgettable views to enchant you. Don’t miss the Quiraing, a massive landslip on the northernmost point of the Trotternish ridge – it’s a simply stunning place, defined by cliffs, sweeping hillsides and awesome pinnacles and looks strangely supernatural. Take a walk to the cinematic Old Man of Storr – an impressive and unique rocky crop. This pinnacle proudly stands at around 160 ft (49 m) tall and is surrounded by several slightly smaller pinnacles – a true icon of Skye, that can be seen for miles around. And don’t miss the Fairy Pools – beautiful cascading waterfalls and various pools filled with crystal clear water from the Cullin mountains. 

Famous for its miles of white sands and the gorgeous green-blue waters, Luskentyre Sands is a little slice of heaven on earth. Submerged at high tide, it becomes part of the Sound of Taransay that looks out to the Isle of Taransay. 

Situated on the Isle of Harris in the north-west of Scotland, this perfectly curved crescent of fine shell sand is reminiscent of an exotic beach. Lapped gently by azure water and backed by sand dunes with grass that ripples in the wind, Luskentyre certainly knows how to mesmerise its visitors. The slopes of Ben Luskentyre dropping down into the water and the backdrop of the North Harris hills across the sound only add to its remarkableness. 

Located near Melrose in the Scottish Borders, Scott’s View is a scenic viewpoint that has been popular for centuries. Overlooking the beautiful rolling Eildon Hills to the west, and rolling farmlands and woodlands to the south, it’s little wonder that it’s said to have been one of the favourite places of Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish 19th century writer, to come, reflect and take inspiration for his work. Add to this the meandering River Tweed immediately below and it only takes one visit to understand what enthralled the poet about this place.  

The proximity of the viewpoint to Melrose, St Boswells and Kelso makes it an easy stop if you are based in those towns or just traveling in the area to explore the various abbeys. 

Shaped millions of years ago from some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic strata in the world, the famous pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mòr guards the entrance to the famous Glen Coe and the nearby beautiful Loch Leven. Together with the Three Sisters, this complex mountain range forms a magical land that looks straight out of a storybook. 

This place attracts and stuns visitors from all over the world, and Glen Coe is often cited as one of the top views in the UK. Visit for yourself to see the sheer scale and grandeur of the surrounding landscapes and learn about the area’s turbulent past. 

This little hamlet is a magical spot but easy to overlook. Standing at the most westerly point of North Ayrshire, near West Kilbride, Portencross boasts superb coastal views, taking in the island of Great Cumbrae to the north, Little Cumbrae and Bute to the north-west, and the Arran to the west.  

As you wander through the picturesque sandy expanse of Portencross Beach the most striking feature is the remains of Portencross Castle. This important ancient monument which dates as far back as the 14th century stands right on the shoreline only a few feet above the high-water mark.

It is a truly is an impressive site, and the panoramic views of the nearby islands are simply spectacular. 

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest constructions and probably the most instantly recognisable of all Scottish castles. Standing 250 feet (75 m) higher than the surrounding terrain on the flat top of an ancient extinct volcano and commanding excellent views in every direction, it can be spotted from miles away. 

This favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens has been meticulously restored to its original Renaissance glory. Explore the stunning grounds and gardens, the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, the castle exhibition, Regimental Museum, Tapestry Studio and more. You certainly won’t be lost for things to do here. The location, architecture, historical significance and commanding views combine to make Stirling Castle a grand and memorable visit. 

Fingal’s Cave on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa in Argyll is perhaps the best known of all the caves in Scotland, and one of the best examples of volcanic basalt columns in the world.

Looming 227 ft (69 m) tall over the ocean, this visually astounding geometric sea cave has been formed completely from hexagonal columns of basalt, shaped in neat six-sided pillars, that make up its interior walls. It was created some 60 million years ago by the very same ancient lava flow that created the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, which is directly across the sea.

Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott, amongst others, and take a cruise boat to Staffa and the breathtaking Fingal's Cave, where you can enjoy puffin spotting in summer, and listen to the astonishing acoustics of the cave, which inspired Mendelssohn to compose his Hebrides Overture.

Similar places: : Smoo Cave near Durness, Bass Rock in North Berwick, St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides

The Sisters, three steeply-sided ridges – Beinn Fhada (Long Hill) on the east, Gearr Aonach (Short Ridge) in the middle and Aonach Dubh (Black Ridge) on the west – were shaped millions of years ago from some of the oldest sedimentary and volcanic strata in the world. To this day, they attract and stun visitors from all over the world. Visit for yourself to see the sheer scale and grandeur of the surrounding landscapes and learn about the area’s turbulent past.

Dominating the valley’s skyline, the Three Sisters – with many ridges and subsidiary peaks – are a true mecca for keen walkers. Together with the famous pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mòr that guards the entrance to the glen and the nearby beautiful Loch Leven, this complex mountain range forms a magical land that looks straight out of a storybook. It’s no wonder Glen Coe is often cited as one of the top views in the UK.

Protect Glen Coe and be a responsible tourist by visiting an alternative destination. Take a look at these similar places: Ben Nevis in Fort William, Schiehallion near Pitlochry, The Cobbler in Arrochar Alps