1) Loch Earn Sculpture
No, this isn’t a clever photo editing trick – there really is a mirror covered statue of a man rising out of Loch Earn. The statue was commissioned by a nearby hotel, and is known as ‘Still.’ In 2015, the statue disappeared after 90 mph winds hit the loch. Thankfully, the statue was located at the bottom of the loch, and later reinstated in its original position.
Loch Earn Sculpture
2) The Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a unique rock formation found on the north east coast of the Isle of Skye. The word ‘Storr’ is of Nordic origins, meaning ‘Great Man.’ The rock formation from certain angles resembles the face of an old man.
The Old Man of Storr. Isle of Skye.
3) Sail Mhor
Sail Mhor is a summit located in the remote Northwest Highlands, which is part of a mountain massif known as Benn Eighe. Its name is derived from the ancient Scots Gaelic language, and means ‘Great Heel.’
Sail Mhor. Summit of Benn Eighe.
4) The Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran lies off the coast of Southwest Scotland, and is easily accessible from major population centres such as Glasgow. Arran is often referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’ due to the diverse range of landscapes packed into this small island. The view of Arran pictured below is known as the ‘Sleeping Warrior’ due to its distinctive profile, which resembles an ancient warrior in a state of slumber.
The Sleeping Warrior. Isle of Arran.
5) Blackrock Cottage, Glencoe
Blackrock cottage lies on the edge of Rannoch Moor, in sight of the mountains of Glencoe. This desolate yet beautiful area is a magnet for mountaineers and backpackers. The cottage provides basic accommodation for mountaineers, and can be booked for as little as £8 a night.
Blackrock Cottage, Glencoe.
6) Knapps Loch, Kilmacolm
Knapps Loch lies only about 20 minutes drive from Scotlands biggest city – Glasgow. It’s not located in the most scenic region of Scotland, but this photo nonetheless proves that Scotland is blessed when it comes to natural beauty.
Knapps Loch. Kilmacolm.
7) Sgorr nam Fiannaidh
The very hard to pronounce Sgorr nam Fiannaidh lies at the north end of Glen Coe in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It rises to over 3100 feet, and the Gaelic name means ‘Rocky Peak of Fian’s Warriors.’
Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, Glen Coe.
8) Loch Arklet, Trossachs
Loch Arklet is not particularly well known in its own right, the Trossachs area which it lies is quite rightly on the ‘must see list.’ The Trossachs is an area of outstanding natural beauty, comprising of wooded glens, braes, and peaceful lochs. The area is easily accessible from the major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Loch Arklet, the Trossachs.
9) Ben A’an
Ben A’an is often referred to as a ‘mountain in miniature.’ The popular peak is easily accessible from cities such as Glasgow or Edinburgh. What’s more it is easy to climb, and has an excellent path taking you to the summit.
Ben A’an. The Trossachs.
10) Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is located only 14 miles north of Scotland’s largest city, and not surprisingly as a result, one of the most visited lochs in Scotland. The loch is the largest inland expanse of water by surface area in the UK, and lies in the council areas of West Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire, and Argyllshire. The area surrounding the loch normally becomes busy with visitors in summer – those seeking solitude should head further north.
The Sun Rises over Loch Lomond.
11) Buachaille Etive Mor
This mountain’s name is derived from Scottish Gaelic, and means the ‘Great Herdsman of Etive.’ Whilst not the tallest mountain in Scotland, it is one of the better known thanks to its close proximity to the main A82 road which cuts through the heart of the Highlands.
Buachaille Etive Mor, Glen Coe.
12) Loch Venachar, Trossachs
Loch Venachar is just over an hour’s drive from the city of Glasgow, and not surprisingly is a popular summer destination. The loch is excellent for fishing and is stocked with trout and pike. The surrounding area is dotted with numerous small lochs and forests, making it the ideal spot to escape city life.
Sunset over Loch Venachar.
