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Love Scotland and want to share your stories – why not have a look at all the recent discussions and make a contribution or start a new discussion? Visiting Scotland and looking for some advice – why not ask a question or start a discussion or simply explore all the great content?
Join the conversation today and share your #scotspirit.
Hidden Gems of Scotland
VisitScotlandAmy
Administrator ✪
What’s really great about Scotland is that the good stuff isn’t just in the cities.
Like in Orkney where there’s an amazing stone circle to rival Stonehenge. And you can see the magnificent Aurora Borealis – the Northern lights – come out to play.
There are dolphins that play at the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour, best viewed from the Tory Battery.
And there are even Fairy Pools. (Pretty little waterfalls and colourful rock pools you’ll find in Skye which may or may not have fairies...)
Where’s your hidden gem?
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Rumour has it J.M. Barrie holidayed here as a boy, and that the scenery there inspired Neverland.
This photo was taken years ago in the days before smartphones! I need to go back for a visit...
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Former tour guide and current blether. Edinburgh girl whose
But it wasn't until two weeks ago that despite being pretty much on my doorstep, I discovered the riverside walk through Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. Lovely walk through woodland along to the Lins Mill Aquaduct. I liked the ornate wooden structure that ran alongside the water.
If you are keen on sports, Mabie forest offers some of the world's best mountain biking stretching from the heart of Dumfries and Galloway to the Scottish Borders.
Castle Tioram is a 13th Century ruined castle, former stronghold of the Clanranalds and a great place to visit to immerse yourself in the history of The West Highlands. Situated in Moidart, slightly off the main tourist route, some 40 miles west of Fort William. Well worth a visit if you are in the area. Google for 'Castle Tioram'
I was there last Tuesday actually and it was beautiful! The house has the most stunning marble hall and the grounds have some lovely walks as well.
If I had to limit my 'hidden gem' for someone who didn't have time to travel north beyond the central belt then I'd recommend Finnich Glen/Devil's Pulpit for it's sheer impact and fun (because of the tricky steps down), or the Loup of Fintry waterfall if it were a stunning day.
BUT given the chance to pitch somewhere nationwide, I think my hidden gem would be Oldshoremore beach, not far beyond Kinlochbervie in Sutherland, north west Scotland.
Even on the nicest of days it can be completely deserted. It also has this fantastic bench overlooking it so that you some somewhere to sit and take it all in.
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Oldshoremore looks so beautiful! I've heard a few people talking about this place now. Looks like I'll need get there one day with my tent!
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We crunched our way up the hill to this striking monument from the car park via the Jubilee Path, through the icy and slightly snow-covered ground, in relative darkness, back in February. After a gentle 45min walk we were rewarded with the views seen in my photos below, complimented by a stunning starlight night sky. In the first of my photos from below you'll also see the Alness town lights in the background as well. I recommend you wrap up warm, day or night!
The monument, which can be seen from the roads and had always caught my eye as a child in the back of my parents' car during journeys, was constructed between 1782-83 by locals who were paid by the local Lord (Sir Hector Munro) as a means to provide work for those who had been cleared off their land to make way for sheep and were suffering from a lack of food and funds.
The monument is inspired by a similar construction (the Gate of Negpatam) in Madras, India, which Sir Hector had helped to conquer on behalf of the army during one of his campaigns as a soldier.
I recommend this hidden gem to anyone exploring Inverness-shire and who enjoys a manageable walk, curious monuments and/or night photography. Particularly beautiful in winter when snow-capped. The site makes for an excellent 2 hour round-trip adventure.
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Discovered in October. Such a wonderful place.
You can experience some amazing dark skies at night as there is no light pollution (no streetlights at all!!)
Incredible beeches and lovely people.