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 north from the city to the Moray Speyside portion of Aberdeenshire to see golden fields against the backdrop of iconic coastline, or take a short 20-minute train ride south 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. During sunset, 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. It’s also a convenient base for exploring 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, be sure 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 embark on an adventure along 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 reflect the wealth and influence 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 base to experience 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’, making it a great place to start if want to discover some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and countryside. 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 designated 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, surrounded by stunning countryside scenery. If you’re basing yourself in the city, be sure not to miss the chance to explore the nearby countryside, with plenty of walks through its famous forests and ancient trees. Soak up the riot of colours through the change of seasons, 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, where fields bloom in a brilliant splash of 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 makes it easy to explore many parts of Scotland. The city sits in an expansive valley with views stretching for miles. The valley is also prime farmland, so a trip to the nearby Stirlingshire countryside offers pastoral fields, trees, rivers, hills, and charming animals. Some farms are just a 10-minute drive from the city, making them perfect for a short day trip to get some fresh air. They farm bountiful livestock and crops on land steeped in legend and history, from William Wallace to Robert the Bruce. Embrace countryside living in any season, with lambing in the spring, sheepdog trials, pumpkin picking in autumn, delicious local produce year-round, and cosy craft workshops and activities throughout the winter.
