Travelers will find that cities in Scotland such as Edinburgh and Glasgow have a variety of urban attractions to offer. Yet, if you want to experience the actual spirit of the nation, you will need to venture out into the wilderness. Scotland, which has more than 800 islands to its name and makes up 69 percent of the coastline of the United Kingdom, is home to some of the last great wilderness areas in Europe. Here are eight of our favorite distant and secluded areas in Scotland, ranging from the Highlands to the Outer Hebrides and everywhere in between.
Knoydart is located in the Highlands, Scotland
The Old Forge, located on the Knoydart peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, has the distinction of being the most isolated tavern on the mainland of the United Kingdom. This alone makes the area worthy of a visit. There are also accommodations available, and they serve as an excellent home base from which to explore the rugged coastline or embark on a journey to Ladair Bheinn. One of Scotland’s 282 Munros, Ladair Bheinn stands at a height of 1020 meters (mountains over 3000ft). If you decide to make the ascent to the peak, your only possible hiking companions will be bald eagles and red deer.
To get there, either take the ferry from Mallaig, which only allows passengers or walk the 16 kilometers from Kinloch Hourn. The ferry is the only way to get there.
Applecross, which is located in the Highlands
Applecross is one of the few settlements in the area that is significant enough to warrant the expense of replacing a car gasket. The treacherous and well-known Bealach Na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), sometimes known simply as the Bealach, has been the undoing of many a vehicle.
As a reward, you will receive a neat chain of whitewashed buildings as well as a storied retreat known as the Applecross Inn. On the Isle of Skye, indulge in some huge local langoustines before retiring to bed with a view of the Cuillin mountains located in the distance across the water.
The best way to get there is to take the mountain pass from Loch Carron to Applecross, which is the highest road in the UK.
Papa Westray, an island located in Orkney
This magnificent outpost can be found among the Orkney Islands’ most remote regions in the north. It features a shop that is maintained by the community, beaches with pristine white sand, opportunities for hiking, and the impressive prehistoric site of the Knap of Howar.
The journey there is at least half of the fun. With Loganair, you may experience the world’s shortest flight, which is from Westray to Papa Westray. It is shorter than Heathrow Airport’s primary runway in terms of distance. That took approximately forty seconds to complete.
Unst, an island in the Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands are home to the inhabited island that is located the farthest north of the United Kingdom. The inhabitants of the island are fortunate enough to have their very own Valhalla Brewery and a whiskey distillery, which is most well-known for creating Shetland Reel Gin. Other attractions on the island include the imposing Muness Castle and the beautiful beaches. You can take a stroll out to the point that is the most northerly in the British Isles and look out over little Muckle Flugga.
The journey there will require you to take two additional ferries in addition to the one that will take you to the mainland of Shetland.
Foula, Shetland Islands, Scotland
The most isolated inhabited island in the United Kingdom is just incredible. This untamed Atlantic outpost is cast adrift 20 miles to the west of Shetland’s mainland, and it is home to less than 40 people.
While you hike through the hills, the only company you’ll have is from the local birds. There is just one store on this island, and it is managed by Jack, who is the sole student on the island. He does so for half an hour each day after his classes.
In order to get there, you will need to suffer the rough ride on the local ferry (which is hauled ashore after every journey to stop it from being dashed on the rocks). You could also choose to fly from Shetland and take in the breathtaking scenery.
North Rona, located in the Outer Hebrides
North Rona is the most remote island in the British Isles that has ever supported permanent human habitation. It located a whopping 71 kilometers (44 miles) off the coast of Lewis, making it the most isolated island in the British Isles. It is difficult to make the landing by boat; in fact, even the lighthouse serviced by a helicopter. The rough and rocky coastline, however, does eventually give way to a meadow that would cover in grass and wildflowers, serving as a reward along the way.
It’s possible that the local seabirds won’t be happy to see you, so bring an umbrella just in case. If you manage to get past them and make it to the lighthouse, you will be able to relax with a view that no other person has likely taken in for several months.
The best way to get there if you don’t have your helicopter is to book a spot on one of the Northern Light cruises that include a stop at North Rona.
Saint Kilda, Outer Hebrides
St. Kilda is a legendary archipelago that is located more than 64 kilometers to the west of the Outer Hebrides, and many Scottish sailors have a desire to one day reach this legendary destination in their lifetime. The archipelago has two separate entries on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the first is for its human heritage (whose last people abandoned their organic, community-led, and money-free way of life in 1930), and the second entry is for the environmental significance of the archipelago.
The best way to get there is through either Hebrides Cruises or Go to St. Kilda, both of which depart from Skye on speedy RIBs. Go to St. Kilda also includes more than one day spent exploring ashore.
The Outer Hebrides, including the Shiant Isles
The Shiant Islands are often referred to as the “other St. Kilda,” but they are not quite as isolated as that island group because they are located in the Minch Strait between Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Nonetheless, the islands also have a rich and eventful past.
Among the towering cliffs and intriguing sea caves, the only things that are still alive today are ghosts and seabirds. In addition, while humming Mendelssohn’s Hebridean Symphony, you can take in the breathtaking scenery of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Getting there: the most convenient and comfortable method is on the new Glen Etive offered by Majestic Line. In addition, there are day trips that depart from the mainland.