Scotland tops poll of world’s most beautiful countries by Rough Guides – here’s why
Here are five stunning sights in Scotland that make it worthy of the top spot.
When you think of the world’s most beautiful countries, New Zealand, Canada or South Africa might spring to mind. But what about Scotland?
Rough Guides asked its readers to vote and the “wild beaches, deep lochs and craggy castles” of the Scottish highlands were found to be the among the most spectacular sites in the world.
It beat Canada, New Zealand, Italy and South Africa, which filled the next four spots. But the UK did remarkably well in general, with England coming in at number seven and Wales in 10th place. They were ahead of Switzerland, Norway and Vietnam in the top 20.
To celebrate this accolade, here are some of Scotland’s prettiest sights to visit.
St Kilda
The islands of St Kilda are a World Heritage Site and the most remote part of the British Isles, west of the Outer Hebrides. These days the islands are uninhabited but St Kilda is home to the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins and nearly one million seabirds. You can however brave the stormy waters and sail to what National Trust Scotland calls the ‘islands at the edge of the world’.
Luskentyre Sands, South Harris
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d somehow ended up in Canada if you visit the vast beaches of Luskentyre Sands. In this unspoilt wilderness you’re likely to get the endless white beaches and green-blue water all to yourself – if you don’t mind the cold. The area is great for hiking, mountain biking and just generally getting away from it all.
Fingal’s Cave, Staffa
On another uninhabited island, Staffa, lies the famous Fingal’s Cave. The volcanic island has many caves but Fingal’s has hexagonal rock columns rising out of the sea that create amazing acoustics inside – the reason why it’s known as ‘the cave of melody’. The unique structure was formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago and everyone from Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth to Pink Floyd have marvelled at the other-worldly sight.
The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
Near Glenbrittle, at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, is the crystal clear blue water known as the Fairy Pools. The vivid blue and green icy waters are what attracts travellers and brave wild swimmers to this secluded spot. To get there you need to park at Glenbrittle and take the clearly marked 2.4km path to the ponds.
Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland’s most recognisable castle, Eilean Donan dates back to the 13th century and sits where three lochs meet, overlooking the Isle of Skye. Alexander II established the castle to help protect the area from Viking invasion (although Bishop Donan first had a monastery there in 634AD) and since then it’s gone through many renovations. Now you can wander around the castle, stay overnight and even get married there.
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