Scotland's famous sights are famous for a reason, but the real magic often lies just off the beaten path. Here are some of our favourite quieter spots. Please treat them gently so they stay special.
A Note on Sharing Secret Spots
These places stay special because people care for them. Leave no trace, respect access, and keep them pristine for the next traveller.
The Secret Spots
Steall Falls
Glen Nevis · Waterfall
- How to find it
- Park at the end of the Glen Nevis road, then a 45-minute gorge walk to a wire bridge
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- GPS
- 56.7843°N, 4.9791°W
Bealach na Bà Viewpoint
Applecross Peninsula · Mountain Pass
- How to find it
- Single-track road from Tornapress
- Difficulty
- Easy once you are there
- GPS
- 57.3994°N, 5.7254°W
Sandwood Bay
Sutherland · Beach
- How to find it
- Park at Blairmore, then a 4-mile walk each way. Wild camping permitted
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- GPS
- 58.5521°N, 5.1354°W
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Near Ullapool · Gorge & Waterfall
The Falls of Measach drop 46m, viewed from a Victorian suspension bridge.
- How to find it
- Off the A835
- Difficulty
- Easy
- GPS
- 57.7446°N, 5.0446°W
Smoo Cave
Durness · Sea Cave
- How to find it
- On the main road. Free outer chamber, boat trips April to September
- Difficulty
- Easy
- GPS
- 58.5703°N, 4.7255°W
Clashnessie Falls
Assynt · Waterfall
- How to find it
- From Clashnessie Bay, a 10-minute path
- Difficulty
- Easy
- GPS
- 58.1615°N, 5.3334°W
Glen Etive
Off Glen Coe · Glen & Viewpoints
- How to find it
- Turn off the A82 at the Kingshouse Hotel, then a 12-mile single-track road
- Difficulty
- Easy (driving)
- GPS
- 56.5865°N, 4.9653°W
Achmelvich Beach
Assynt · Beach
- How to find it
- Follow the signs from Lochinver
- Difficulty
- Easy
- GPS
- 58.1581°N, 5.3293°W
Duncansby Stacks
John o' Groats · Sea Stacks
- How to find it
- Drive to Duncansby Head lighthouse, then a 20-minute clifftop walk
- Difficulty
- Easy
- GPS
- 58.6464°N, 3.0234°W
Tips for Exploring Secret Spots
- Respect the secret and share responsibly
- Check access before you go
- Be weather-wise
- Carry offline maps
Finding Your Own Hidden Gems
- Use OS Maps
- Follow single-track roads
- Talk to locals
- Explore side glens
- Walk a little further than most people do
Why Campervans Are Perfect for Hidden Gems
A campervan gives you flexibility, early access before the crowds, and the ability to reach and stay near remote places. That freedom is exactly how the best hidden gems are found.