Bennachie Hills
© VisitAberdeenshire
Aberdeen
The northeast coast of Scotland might be known for its proximity to the sea, but it’s also a great region to lose yourself in picturesque countryside. Head up north from the city to the Moray Speyside portion of Aberdeenshire to see golden fields against the backdrop of iconic coastline, or amble down just 20 minutes south on the train to the farmland around Stonehaven for some equally pretty views of tractors ploughing the fields with the North Sea churning behind. Just further down the road is Laurencekirk, where the beauty of the countryside inspired author Lewis Grassic Gibbon. If you’re more royally inclined, venturing out west is definitely for you. Follow the winding River Dee as it passes through countryside dotted with fields, farms and ancient castles. Autumn is the best time of year to wander through this part of the world at sunset, where the golden gloaming light of Royal Deeside is hard to beat.
Dramatic skies over Glen Isla
Dundee
The city of Dundee is a cultural hub with art, design and engaging museums to discover. But it’s also a convenient base to delve into the countryside of the wider region, which is world-renowned for its soft fruit and jam production. If you’re in the area in the sunny summer months, it’s a must to visit one of these fruit farms where you can pick your own plump strawberries, raspberries and even Tayberries – a fruit created in the region and named after the River Tay! If you’re looking for a more extreme landscape in this part of Scotland, then catch the bus from Dundee up to the Angus Glens for some dramatic walks amongst deep blue-green hills, wild heather and unspoiled moorland.
Clatto Reservoir, part of the Pilgrim Way
© Fife Council / Damian Shields
Dunfermline
Dunfermline is Scotland’s newest city, centrally located in the historic Kingdom of Fife. From here, why not step into an adventure on the Fife Pilgrim Way? Follow the route that traverses the diverse landscapes of the Fife countryside - including wildflowers, forests and pasture fields - from Culross to St Andrews on a spiritual journey of your own. Pilgrims throughout history used to stop at Dunfermline Abbey to visit St Margaret’s shrine, before continuing on to visit the remains of St Andrew in the town named after him. The countryside remains largely unchanged so you can really slow down, take in the sights and connect with the past.
John Muir Country Park
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, but it’s surrounded on all sides by farmland and countryside. Midlothian, West Lothian and East Lothian each have their own unique character and can be easily reached from the city by public transport. Travel inland to experience the fascinating history of the countryside around Edinburgh, dotted throughout with stately homes and castles that hint at the wealth the proximity to the city brought to the Lothians. Catching the train through East Lothian lets you watch the landscape unfold, with gentle hills, shimmering sea and honey-coloured fields of wheat and grain. If you’re looking for quintessential farmland, rich history and the chance to sample fresh produce, then a trip to the Scottish Borders is also very doable from Edinburgh, just an hour away by train or car and a convenient stop if you’re travelling up from England.
Drumlanrig Castle grounds, part of the Queensberry Estate
© Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields
Glasgow
Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow is a vibrant place full of friendly people and trendy spots. It’s an ideal part of Scotland to get a taste of the nearby countryside, with excellent public transport connections and routes to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Ayrshire, Argyll & The Isles and Dumfries & Galloway. Experience a welcome contrast to the buzz of city life with a tour around a working farm in one of these expansive regions, including visiting dairy cows in pasture in the south of Scotland, getting a taste of crofting life on the islands or deepening your knowledge of the farmland that inspired Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard. For a city known for its industrial heritage you’ll be surprised at the immediacy of the surrounding countryside – it even has a country park in the heart of Glasgow where you can see Highland cows!
Plan a trip to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The walk to Grey Mare's Tail and Mamore Lodge, Kinlochleven
Inverness
Inverness is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Scottish Highlands’, so if you’re looking to discover some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and countryside it’s not a bad place to start! Inverness is an access point for onward journeys all around the wild and remote corners of Scotland for adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in nature. The countryside here can be incredibly varied and inspiring, with high mountain peaks, gleaming lochs and expansive moorland stretching all the way up to the far north of the country. The Flow Country in Caithness & Sutherland has recently been announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering the chance to find out more about the diverse habitats and wildlife that thrive here.
Scottish Lavender Oils fields
Perth
Located in the heart of Scotland, Perth sits alongside the silvery River Tay, amid some stunning countryside scenery. If you’re basing yourself in the city, make sure you don’t miss the chance to see some of the surrounding countryside with lots of walks that take you through its famous forests and ancient trees. Visit in the autumn to soak up the riot of colours that the change of season brings and visit one of its many productive farms offering insights into farming life and sustainable Scottish produce. It’s also home to Scotland’s Lavender Farm, covering fields in a splash of brilliant purple in the summer.
Sheep at Lennox of Lomond farm
© Go Rural / Craig Stephen
Stirling
With its handy location in the middle of the country, a city break in Stirling enables you to travel quickly around lots of Scotland. It sits in an expansive valley with views for miles around. The valley is also prime farmland, so you know a trip to the nearby Stirlingshire countryside will be full of pastoral fields, trees, rivers, hills and cute animals. Some of the farms are as little as 10 minutes’ drive from the city and are very doable as a short day trip to get some fresh air. They farm bountiful livestock and crops in land associated with legend and history, from William Wallace to Robert the Bruce. Embrace countryside living no matter the season with lambing experiences in the spring, sheepdog trials, pumpkin picking in autumn, delicious local produce year-round and cosy craft workshops and activities taking place throughout the winter.
