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Hidden Scotland: 20 under-the-radar regions to visit

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Scotland is well known for the stunning landscapes around Loch Lomond and the Isle of Skye.

However, if you’re seeking a more ‘remote’ and more off the beaten track Scotland and want to get outside and explore away from the crowds, here is where to escape to on your next trip.

Puck’s Glen, Cowall

1. Cowal Peninsula, Argyll

  • Why Visit: Say hello to Scotland’s ‘secret coast’ – the Cowal Peninsula. Forming part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and sitting on the spectacular Loch Fyne, the Cowal Peninsula stretches from the pretty town of Inveraray to the stunning Ostel Bay – and right out to sea.
  • Must do’s: The fabulous Benmore Botanic Garden, Puck’s Glen walk, a pint at The Coylet Inn at Loch Eck.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 2 hours from Glasgow via A82 and Rest and Be Thankful pass. By Ferry: From Gourock to Dunoon (20 min).
  • Stay at: Portavadie, The Coylet Inn.
  • Plan your visit: Vist the Cowal Peninsula
Glen Affric
Glen Affric

2. Glen Affric, Inverness-shire

  • Why Visit: Amongst the remnants of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Scots Pine forest, discover Glen Affric by strolling along the River Affric, past Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain amongst huge surrounding mountains. Glen Affric is probably Scotland’s most beautiful glen.
  • Highlights: Hike the Dog Falls Circuit and nearby Plodda Falls. The 11-mile circular path around Loch Affric must be one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring walks.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 1 hour from Inverness via A831 to Cannich. Public Transport: Buses to Cannich (Inverness–Beauly–Cannich route).
  • Stay at: Eagle Brae, cedar log cabins on the edge of the glen. Families will love Glen Affric Holiday Park, book a chalet at Caledonian Glamping, stay at Foyers House, book Bearnock Lodge for a big group.
  • Plan your visit: Visit Glen Affric.

3. Assynt, Sutherland

  • Why Visit: One of Scotland’s most geologically significant and scenic areas, known for its stunning and rugged landscapes and incredible mountains.
  • Highlights: Suilven and Stac Pollaidh mountains, Ardvreck Castle, Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. See the puffins on Handa Island and enjoy beaches like Achmelvich and Clachtoll. 
  • How to Get There: By Car: 5 hours from Inverness via A835 to Lochinver. By Bus: Citylink and local buses to Ullapool, then onward connections. Closest Facilities: Lochinver and Ullapool.
  • Stay at: Newton Lodge, the amazing Stone Houses, Westlea Ullapool.
  • Plan your visit: Visit Lochinver and Assynt.
Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan

4. Ardnamurchan Peninsula

  • Why Visit: Mainland Britain’s most westerly point and home to just 2000 people, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula covers just 50 square miles and is beautifully un-spoilt, wild and remote.
  • Highlights: Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, Sanna Bay, and wildlife watching – you will often see dolphins and whales off Ardnamurchan’s beaches.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 3 hours from Fort William via the Corran Ferry and A861. Public Transport: Buses from Fort William to Kilchoan (limited service).
  • Stay at: The Glenuig Inn, Mingarry Castle, Rudh Dubh.
  • Plan your visit: how to visit Ardnamurchan and the West Highland Peninsulas.
Kinloch Hourn Loch Hourn off the beaten track Scotland
Kinloch Hourne

5. Kinloch Hourne and The Knoydart Peninsula

  • Why Visit: Accessible only by boat or hike; described as ‘Britain’s last wilderness’, this is definatley one off the beaten track Scotland destinations which can be called ‘remote’ – Knoydart is only accessible by boat or a 16-mile (26 km) walk in from Kinloch Hourn.
  • Highlights: Inverie village, The Old Forge pub, and Ladhar Bheinn Munro, hike the old coastal path takes you out alongside Loch Hourn to Barrisdale Bay.
  • How to Get There: By Ferry: From Mallaig (25 minutes). By Foot: Multi-day hike from Glenfinnan or Kinloch Hourn.
  • Stay at: No.1 Old Cottage, Kinloch Hourne, Kinlochhourn B&B, Ardgary Farm or Invergarry Hotel.
  • Plan your visitvisit Kinloch Hourn and check out Visit Knoydart for more accommodation on the peninsula.
The Trossachs

6. Secret lochs of the Trossachs

  • Why Visit: Visit the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, near Aberfoyle to discover the park – stroll around Loch Drunkie and Loch Ard – best in Autumn for spectacular colours.
  • Highlights: Loch Drunkie and Loch Chon walking and picnic areas.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 1.5 hours from Glasgow via Aberfoyle (A81, A821). Public Transport: Buses to Aberfoyle; lochs reached by car or bike.
  • Plan your visit: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Sandwood Bay

7. Sandwood Bay, Sutherland

  • Why Visit: Located in the far northwest of Scotland, Sandwood Bay is a remote and untouched beach accessible via a 4-mile walk. Enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery, the pristine beach, and the sense of solitude. One of the best destinations on the famous North Coast 500, a popular drive and destination in Scotland. 
  • Highlights: Four-mile hiking path from Blairmore, sea stack Am Buachaille.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 1.5 hours from Durness via A838. Public Transport: Buses to Kinlochbervie; taxi or walk to trailhead.
  • Plan your visit: Sandwood Bay
The Flow Country

8. The Flow Country, Caithness & Sutherland

  • Why Visit: The Flow Country is the most extensive blanket bog system in the world. Made up of a series of 190,000 hectares of peat bogs and pools, the bog has been growing for nearly 10,000 years. It is also spectacular.
  • Highlights: Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, boardwalk trails, and lookout tower.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 2.5 hours from Inverness via A9/A897. By Train: To Forsinard (Far North Line).
  • Plan your visit: The Flow Country.
View from Dumyat, the Ochills

9. Ochills, Clackmannanshire

  • Why Visit: A striking range of hills rising steeply from the plains between Stirling and Perth. The Ochils are ideal for day hikes and exploring lesser-known Scottish uplands without traveling far north.
  • Highlights: Dumyat gives great views over to Fife, but the highest point is well worth the climb, Ben Cleuch is 721 m. Dollar is lovely, explore the Glen, a deep wooded gorge with waterfalls and the ruins of Castle Campbell.
  • How to Get There: By Car: Around 1 hour from Edinburgh or Glasgow via the M9, exiting near Stirling for the A91. By Public Transport: Trains to Stirling, then local buses (Stagecoach or First) to Dollar, Tillicoultry, or Alva.
  • Stay at: the Brucefield Estate.
  • Plan your visit: Clackmannanshire
Angus Glens

10. The Angus Glens

  • Why Visit: The Angus Glens form the southern edge of the Cairngorms National Park and are among Scotland’s most accessible Highland landscapes. They consist of a series of parallel valleys carved by Ice Age glaciers – Glen Clova, Glen Prosen, Glen Isla, Glen Esk, and Glen Lethnot.
  • Highlights: Corrie Fee, Glen Clova Hotel, Loch Brandy hike, Mount Keen (Scotland’s most easterly Munro),
  • How to Get There: By Car: 1.5 hours from Dundee or 2 hours from Edinburgh via Kirriemuir (A926) Public Transport: Buses to Kirriemuir; limited access beyond by car only.
regions of Scotland
The Machars

11. The Machars, Dumfries & Galloway

  • Why Visit: The Machars is a quiet peninsula in southwest Scotland, projecting into the Irish Sea between Wigtown Bay and Luce Bay. It’s one of the least-visited parts of the country, offering a mix of historic sites, coastal scenery, and small villages.
  • Highlights: Whithorn Priory, St. Ninian’s Cave, and the harbour town of Garlieston.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 2 hours from Dumfries or 3 hours from Glasgow via A75. Public Transport: Buses run from Newton Stewart to Whithorn.
  • Stay at: Gatehouse Luxury Lodges, Corsewall Lighthouse, Arden House Hotel – a lovely country house hotel near Kirkcudbright.
  • Plan your visit: Dumfries and Galloway

12. Isle of Raasay

  • Why Visit: So many visitors make a beeline for Skye, it’s hugely popular! But venture slightly further to reach the remote island of Raasay, for a true island adventure.
  • Highlights: Raasay Distillery, Dùn Caan summit, and Calum’s Road.
  • How to Get There: By Ferry: From Sconser (Skye), 25 minutes. By Road: Drive to Sconser from Broadford (15 minutes).
Paps of Jura
The Isle of Jura

13. Isle of Jura

  • Why Visit: Nestled in the Inner Hebrides of the coast of Islay, the Isle of Jura is a hidden gem with magnificent landscapes and abundant wildlife.
  • Highlights: Jura Distillery, Paps of Jura mountains, and Barnhill (George Orwell’s former home).
  • How to Get There: By Ferry: From Kennacraig to Islay, then short ferry from Port Askaig to Jura. By Air: Flights to Islay, then ferry connection.
  • Stay here: Mrs Leonard’s Cottage, or Braeside Craighouse Jura or the Jura Hotel,
  • Plan your visit: Islay and Jura

14. The Black Isle

  • Why Visit: Easy access from Inverness with coastal villages and dolphin watching.
  • Highlights: Make sure you don’t miss dolphin watching at Chanonry Point or a visit the world famous Glenmorangie Distillery. Feeling energetic? Climb up to the Fyrish Monument. one of the NC500’s hidden gems. Love history? Easter Ross and the Black Isle are famous for their Pictish monuments, so head out on on the Pictish Trail.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 25 minutes north of Inverness via A9. Public Transport: Frequent buses from Inverness to Fortrose and Cromarty.

15. Isle of Gigha

  • Why Visit: The Isle of Gigha (pronounced “Gee-a”) is a small, community-owned island located just off the Kintyre Peninsula’s west coast. Only seven miles long and a mile and a half wide, Gigha offers a mix of sandy beaches and turquoise seas.
  • Highlights: Achamore Gardens, Ardminish Bay, local seafood, the Twin Beaches.
  • How to Get There: By Ferry: From Tayinloan (20 minutes, frequent). By Car: 3 hours from Glasgow to Tayinloan via A83.

16. Glen Tilt, Perthshire

Why Visit: Long glen connecting Blair Atholl to Deeside.
Highlights: River Tilt trail, Falls of Tarf, and access to Beinn a’ Ghlo range.
How to Get There: By Car: 1.5 hours from Edinburgh via A9 to Blair Atholl. By Train: ScotRail services to Blair Atholl station.

Lismore

17. Isle of Lismore

  • Why Visit: Small, green island in Loch Linnhe with historical ruins.
  • Highlights: Achanduin Castle, Tirefour Broch, Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre.
  • How to Get There: By Ferry: From Oban (50 minutes) or Port Appin (10 minutes). By Car: Parking available at ferry terminals; cycling recommended on the island.
Glenelg

18. Glenelg and Glenshiel

  • Why Visit: Most famous for its tiny turntable ferry which takes you over the sea to Skye, Glenelg is isolated, remote, quiet and beautiful. Twinned with Glenelg on Mars (yes really) the peninsula is accessed across the dramatic 1,112ft Mam Ratagan pass and 10 miles of single track road. 
  • Highlights: The Glenelg Ferry, the Mam Ratagan Pass, Sandaig and Camusfeàrna, Gleann Beag brochs, Eilean Donan Castle nearby.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 1.5 hours from Inverness via A87. Public Transport: Buses to Shiel Bridge.
  • Plan your visit: how to visit Glenelg

19. Galloway Forest Park

  • Why Visit: Galloway Forest Park is the largest forest park in the UK, covering over 780 square kilometres (300 square miles) of hills, lochs, and woodland in southwest Scotland. The park’s low light pollution earned it the title of Britain’s first Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in Europe for observing the night sky.
  • Highlights: Clatteringshaws Loch, Loch Trool: Location of the 1307 Battle of Glen Trool, where Robert the Bruce defeated English forces. The Bruce’s Stone viewpoint offers a panorama over the loch, Merrick (843 m) and the Dark Sky Observatory (Loch Doon area).
  • Read more: how to visit Dumfries and Galloway
North Coast 500 Applecross
Sand, Applecross

20. Applecross Peninsula

  • Why Visit: A remote coastal region best known for the Bealach na Bà, a spectacular single-track mountain pass.
  • Highlights: Bealach na Bà pass, Applecross Inn, Applecross Bay and Sands.
  • How to Get There: By Car: 1.5 hours from Inverness via A890 and Bealach na Bà (A896). Public Transport: No regular bus service — private vehicle required.

Is there a remote Scotland?

Describing somewhere in Scotland as being ‘remote’ is a controversial one. Firstly, anywhere could be remote if you live a long way away from it, secondly, there is nothing wrong with living a long way from lots of other people. 

Anyway, this is a travel blog, and it’s purposes is to give advice on the best places to visit in Scotland, and factually, there are some places in Scotland, which as a visitor or a traveller (i.e not a resident of an island, rural area, or farm or croft) it just takes a wee bit more effort to get to for most people.

Call them remote if you must, but however much I’d like to gate keep these places, you must visit the more off the beaten track Scotland!

Kate – Love from Scotland x