11 Off-the-beaten-track holiday destinations in Scotland

Planning a holiday in Scotland? Take the road less travelled and discover what Scottish life is like off the beaten path. Beyond the iconic cities and familiar landscapes you’ll be rewarded with picturesque villages, glorious natural scenery, outstanding historic buildings, art-filled galleries, excellent local restaurants and more. 

The following list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.

  1. Retreat to the wild Ardnamurchan Peninsula Lochaber

    Sanna Bay on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula

    At the far western edge of the Scottish mainland, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula is perfect for those seeking solitude. This is a wild and beautiful place, where a single-track road leads through ancient forests. 

    Discover quiet, windswept beaches like the black volcanic sands of Sanna Bay. Hikers can climb Ben Hiant for views across Loch Sunart to the distant isles of Mull, Eigg, and Rum. Continue along the peninsula to the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, passing the haunting ruins of Mingary Castle. 

  2. Stay in the coastal town of Berwickshire Berwickshire, Scottish Borders

    St Abbs Head Lighthouse

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Nestled to the east of the Tweed Valley Forest Park in the Scottish Borders, Berwickshire is perfectly situated for a relaxing break as it’s just over an hour away from Edinburgh.

    Experience Scotland off the beaten track with quaint towns and villages, such as Eyemouth and St Abbs, and enjoy great outdoor activities including diving, stunning country houses, magnificent birdlife and beautiful sandy beaches sheltered by high cliffs. Sounds like a recipe for a great holiday!

  3. Explore the lochs and mountains of the Cowal Peninsula Argyll

    Loch Restil

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Flanked by Loch Long and Loch Fyne, the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll is a land of beautiful contrasting scenery. Lying at the western gateway to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the area is only a little over an hour by car from Glasgow and offers a tantalising taste of the Highlands.

    Outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers and wildlife buffs will be in heaven here.

  4. Explore Glen Lyon in Perthshire Perthshire

    Glen Lyon, Perthshire

    © VisitScotland / Mat Hay

    They call it the ‘longest, loneliest and loveliest’ glen in Highland Perthshire. Glen Lyon stretches for over 30 miles through this tranquil area. This is the ideal place for a quiet walking holiday. From the ancient village of Fortingall, you’ll pass through mountains alongside the River Lyon. 

    Follow the footpaths at Innerwick car park and discover the centuries-old Glenlyon Church. Heading west beyond Meggernie Castle, you can travel towards the remote hydroelectric dam at Loch Lyon, where the landscape opens out into the Highland wilderness. Don’t miss MacGregor’s Leap, a hidden gorge where a clan chief famously made a legendary escape centuries ago. 

  5. Enjoy a small Scottish island holiday on Cumbrae North Ayrshire

    The Caledonian MacBryne ferry 'Loch Riddon' docked at Great Cumbrae.

    © VisitScotland / Grant Paterson

    The Isle of Cumbrae, also known as Great Cumbrae, is only a 10 minute ferry ride from Largs on the mainland, making this one of Scotland’s most accessible islands. The unspoilt coastline is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers and nature lovers alike.

  6. Hiking in the Cairngorms Aberdeenshire

    Cyclist in Glen Feshie

    The Cairngorms National Park has peaceful forests, hidden lochs, and rarely trodden paths. For a proper hidden gem, head to Uath Lochans near Glen Feshie, following the forest track towards serene pools surrounded by ancient woodland. The summit of Farleitter Crag offers amazing views of this area. You can also explore the nearby River Feshie Trail. 

    Take the Ryvoan Pass from Glenmore to the shimmering emerald waters of An Lochan Uaine, known as the Green Lochan. This gentle route through Caledonian pine forest is alive with birdsong and is said to owe its colour to local fairies! 

  7. Relax in the peace of the Angus countryside Dundee & Angus

    Cyclists explore Corrie Fee, Angus

    © VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

    Scotland holiday destinations don’t get much better than the countryside of Angus! The area stretches out from the city of Dundee, right around the east coast and inland to the lush valleys and soft peaks of the Angus Glens, which consist of five glens with 10 Munros.

    Explore miles and miles of twisting small roads and paths, perfect for walking, cycling and just enjoying the great outdoors. Amongst these beautiful green fields are several towns and smaller villages, all well worth exploring to discover the relaxed pace of life and friendly locals.

  8. Peaceful shores and historic sites in Orkney Orkney

    Brough of Birsay, Orkney

    © Orkney.com

    Scattered off the north coast of the Scottish mainland, the Orkney islands are definitely off the beaten track! Your first trip will probably take you to Mainland, the largest of the islands, and home to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. You’ll certainly want to explore the ancient village of Skara Brae, a remarkably intact Neolithic settlement that reveals what daily life was like in the very distant past. 

    Further along the coast, the dramatic cliffs of Yesnaby rise from the sea, a chance to watch seabirds soaring over the waves. Take the causeway to the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island dotted with Norse and Pictish ruins, a sturdy Stevenson lighthouse, and clifftop lookouts filled with puffins in summer. 

  9. Wander around the lochs of Dumfries & Galloway Dumfries & Galloway

    Loch Ken

    The hilly area of Dumfriesshire offers the best of Scotland’s countryside with a rich mixture of landscapes that change dramatically from rolling farmland, tranquil lochs and woodland to rocky coastline and sandy coves.

    Situated along the shore of the Solway Firth, the area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, but has no shortage of sites of historic and cultural interest for a quiet summer destination.

  10. Cycle the single-track roads of the remote Kintyre Peninsula Kintyre

    The Mull of Kintyre Peninsula at sunset

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    What about a cycling holiday in The Kintyre Peninsula? This is a place where quiet roads meander past dramatic headlands and secluded beaches, and there is even a dedicated route: The Kintyre 66. Begin your journey in Campbeltown, and cycle north along the coast road to Saddell Bay for exhilarating seascapes. Detour to Carradale for harbour views and a chance to spot seals basking in the shallows. Nearby Machrihanish offers golden sands and golf on the Atlantic horizon, and on clear days, the distant outlines of Islay and Jura are visible. 

    You could also take the ferry to the even more remote Isle of Gigha, before pushing on to the peninsula’s tip at Southend, overlooked by Dunaverty Rock. The route is dotted with welcoming tearooms and whisky distilleries if you need to stop for a break! 

  11. Wander the rugged cliffs of Banffshire Banff

    Situated in the north east of Scotland on Banff Bay, the historic town of Banff is separated from the neighbouring village of Macduff by a pretty seve

    © VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

    Miles of rugged cliffs, beautiful sandy bays and fine examples of Georgian architecture await you in Banffshire.

    This wonderful corner of north east Scotland is full of natural beauty and great stories. Get your suitcase out now!

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