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

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

Nestled in the south east of the Scottish Borders, Berwickshire is perfectly situated for a relaxing break, just over an hour from Edinburgh.

Experience Scotland off the beaten track with quaint towns and villages like Duns, 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!

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 just over an hour’s drive by car from Glasgow and offers a tantalising taste of the Highlands.

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

They call it the ‘longest, loneliest and loveliest’ glen in Highland Perthshire. Glen Lyon stretches for over 30 miles through this tranquil area, making it 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 from 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. 

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. Its unspoilt coastline is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers, and nature lovers alike.

The Cairngorms National Park has peaceful forests, hidden lochs, and rarely trodden paths. For a true 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. 

For an alternative adventure in the Glenmore area, follow the woodland paths to Loch Morlich, a spectacular mountain-framed lake with golden beaches and clear waters. The circular route around the loch offers tranquil forest sections, panoramic views of the Cairngorm plateau, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

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.

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. 

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.

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! 

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!