20 Incredible Places to Visit in Scotland – A Photographer’s Travel Guide

BeachesPlaces to visit
Written By James Alroca

Luskentyre Beach

Scotland is a land where dramatic landscapes, timeless castles, and quiet lochs weave together to create a country that feels both ancient and alive. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to uncover more, there are countless corners of Scotland that will leave you inspired.

This Scotland travel guide brings together 20 breathtaking places — a mix of iconic destinations and secret spots — that belong on every Scotland itinerary.

For photography lovers, these locations are a dream. Golden sunsets over lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and turquoise waters will tempt you to keep your camera out all day. And if you fall in love with the views, you can even bring them home — browse my Scotland fine art prints inspired by these very places.

Download free wallpapers here.

Picturesque view of Plockton village with colourful cottages and calm Loch Carron, Scotland

1. Plockton

Known as “the jewel of the Highlands,” Plockton is a picturesque village on Scotland’s west coast with palm trees swaying by the waterfront and colourful cottages lining the bay. The views across Loch Carron are serene and perfect for a quiet evening stroll.

Tip: Visit at golden hour when the light reflects off the calm loch for stunning photos.

Victorian house surrounded by autumn trees reflecting in Loch Ard, Trossachs National Park, Scotland

2. Loch Ard

Tucked away in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Loch Ard is famous for its perfect reflections. Surrounded by lush woodland and framed by Ben Lomond, this is one of Scotland’s most peaceful photography spots.

Tip: Get there early in the morning for mist rising from the water — it’s a photographer’s dream.

Aerial view of Camusdarach Beach with white sand, turquoise sea, and green hills near Arisaig, Scotland

3.

Camusdarach Beach – White Sands and Clear Seas

Located near Arisaig, Camusdarach Beach boasts brilliant white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. On a clear day, you can see the jagged Cuillin mountains on Skye across the sea.

Tip: Bring a picnic and watch the sunset — the beach faces west for incredible evening light.

Aerial view of Clachtoll Beach with turquoise waters, white sand, and rugged hills in Assynt, Scotland

4.

Clachtoll Beach – The Wild Coast

Up in Assynt, Clachtoll Beach feels wild and remote, with soft sand and dramatic rock formations. It’s the perfect stop on the North Coast 500 for a quiet swim or beach walk.

Tip: Explore the nearby Split Rock for one of the most unique coastal views in the Highlands.

Lone oak tree at Milarrochy Bay silhouetted against a dramatic orange sunset over Loch Lomond, Scotland

5.

Milarrochy Bay Tree – Scotland’s Lonely Tree

This iconic lone oak tree stands on the shores of Loch Lomond, a favourite for photographers. Its shape and the changing water levels make every photo unique.

Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for a colourful sky behind the silhouette of the tree.

Dark and moody view of the Cuillin mountains with cascading waterfalls at the Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

6. Fairy Pools – A Natural Wonder on Skye

The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and pools at the foot of the Cuillin mountains. Their vibrant blue-green colour makes them feel almost magical.

Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and capture the pools without people in the shot.

Sunlit peaks and deep shadows across the Quiraing landslip with blue lochs and dramatic clouds, Isle of Skye, Scotland

7. The Quiraing – Scotland’s Otherworldly Landscape

This landslip on the Isle of Skye is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland. Jagged pinnacles and sweeping views make it perfect for photographers and hikers alike.

Tip: The light changes constantly — visit early morning for mist or late afternoon for warm golden light.

View of Edinburgh Castle from The Vennel steps at sunset with warm light on the stone buildings, Edinburgh, Scotland

8. The Vennel, Edinburgh – Classic Castle View

Hidden in the Grassmarket area, The Vennel offers one of the best framed views of Edinburgh Castle. The cobblestone steps and old buildings make it a classic city photography spot.

Tip: Visit at sunrise when the street is empty and the castle glows in soft morning light.

Dramatic view over the village of Elgol with white cottages, lush green cliffs, and the dark Cuillin mountains across the water, Isle of Skye, Scotland

9. Elgol – The Wild Edge of Skye

Elgol is a remote village on Skye with one of the most dramatic coastal views in Scotland. The Cuillin mountains rise sharply from the sea, creating a perfect composition.

Tip: Stay for sunset — the light on the mountains is unforgettable.

Snow-covered Ben Lomond towering over farmland with cottages and grazing sheep in the foreground, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

10. Ben Lomond – A Mountain for Everyone

As Scotland’s most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond is a popular climb offering sweeping views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills.

Tip: The Ptarmigan Ridge route is quieter and perfect for photographers looking for unique perspectives.

Stone exterior of historic Midhope Castle, known as Lallybroch from the TV series Outlander, near Edinburgh, Scotland

11. Midhope Castle – Lallybroch for Outlander Fans

Known to fans of the TV series Outlander as Lallybroch, Midhope Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or filming locations.

Tip: You need a permit to visit — book ahead online to avoid disappointment.

Aerial view of the Silver Sands of Morar with white beaches, turquoise sea, and views to the Small Isles, West Coast of Scotland

12. Silver Sands of Morar – A Coastal Dream

This stretch of coastline near Mallaig is a series of brilliant white beaches with views to the Small Isles. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit on the west coast.

Tip: Visit on a sunny day for the Caribbean-like colours of the water.

Dramatic view of Fairy Glen with grassy hills, spiral paths, and Castle Ewen rock formation under a moody sky, Isle of Skye, Scotland

13. Fairy Glen – Skye’s Enchanted Hills

Fairy Glen is a small, whimsical landscape of grassy hills, miniature lochs, and unusual rock formations. It feels like stepping into a fantasy world.

Tip: Climb Castle Ewen for the best view over the glen.

Moody view of Luskentyre Beach with white sand dunes, tall grass, and turquoise sea under dark storm clouds, Isle of Harris, Scotland

14. Luskentyre Beach – Harris’ Turquoise Jewel

Often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris has vast white sands and shifting blue-green waters.

Tip: Go at low tide when the beach is at its widest for epic wide-angle photos.

Ruins of Kilchurn Castle reflected in the still waters of Loch Awe with mist-covered hills in the background, Scottish Highlands

15. Kilchurn Castle – A Romantic Ruin

Standing on the edge of Loch Awe, Kilchurn Castle is one of Scotland’s most photographed ruins. In still conditions, the castle reflects perfectly in the loch.

Tip: Visit at sunrise for magical mist and soft light over the water.

Sweeping view of Balnakeil Beach with golden dunes, turquoise water, and two people walking along the shoreline near Durness, Scotland

16. Balnakeil Beach – Wild and Windswept

Balnakeil, near Durness, is a vast sweep of white sand backed by dunes. It feels remote and dramatic, with views to Cape Wrath in the distance.

Tip: Visit Balnakeil Craft Village nearby for local art and chocolate.

Vibrant view of Glen Coe with the Three Sisters mountains, autumn colours, and a river flowing through the valley, Scottish Highlands

17. Glen Coe – Scotland’s Most Famous Glen

Glen Coe is the heart of the Highlands, with towering mountains and deep valleys carved by glaciers. It’s one of the most iconic landscapes in the country.

Tip: Stop at the viewpoint near the Three Sisters for a classic Glen Coe shot.

Dramatic view of Buachaille Etive Mòr with storm clouds, lone tree, and rocky foreground with a small waterfall, Glen Etive, Scottish Highlands

18. Buachaille Etive Mòr Viewpoint – A Photographer’s Classic

This pyramid-shaped mountain stands guard at the entrance to Glen Etive. The waterfall in the foreground is one of Scotland’s most photographed scenes.

Tip: Visit after rain for the waterfall to be at its most dramatic.

Golden sand and turquoise waves at Oldshoremore Beach with grassy dunes and dramatic clouds, Scottish Highlands

19. Oldshoremore Beach – A Remote Paradise

Close to Sandwood Bay, Oldshoremore is a quiet beach of golden sand and turquoise sea. Its remoteness makes it a perfect escape.

Tip: Pair it with a trip to Sandwood Bay for a full day of exploring.

Secluded white sand beach of Camas Daraich with turquoise water and rocky cliffs, Isle of Skye, Scotland

20. Camas Daraich – Skye’s Secret Beach

This hidden gem on the Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Scotland, with white sand and views to the Cuillin.

Tip: The walk is about 3 miles each way — wear good shoes and bring water.

James Alroca https://www.jamesalroca.com
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5 Extraordinary Scottish Beaches to Explore in 2025