13 Iconic Scottish views

An epic coastal viewpoint with a Scottish castle in the mix – what more could you ask for?! Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, and the clifftop setting in Aberdeenshire is sure to inspire.

How to get here: Drive to Stonehaven on the A90, then follow signs to Dunnottar Castle. From Stonehaven town, it’s a scenic 20-minute walk along the coastal path. Public buses run from Aberdeen to Stonehaven, and the castle is clearly signposted from the town centre.

Stroll along the soft sands of Ayr beach and enjoy the same view that Victorian families once marvelled at. See Arran rising up out the sea from across the water and look out for distinctive Ailsa Craig, an ancient volcanic plug in the Firth of Clyde that is home to 36,000 pairs of gannets (that's 72,000 gannets in total!).

How to get here: from Glasgow bus station, you can hop on a bus, or from Glasgow central train station you can grab a direct train, both of which will take you to Ayr, then it’s just a 10 minute walk to Ayr Beach. Both options take roughly 1h 30m.

Edinburgh is viewpoint central, but there are few better ways to see the city than hiking up Arthur’s Seat. Dominating Edinburgh’s skyline, Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano offering panoramic vistas and a must-visit for big picture views.

How to get here: Walk from the Royal Mile or Holyrood Park in central Edinburgh. Multiple paths lead to the summit, with the easiest starting from the Scottish Parliament. The walk to the top takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on fitness!

A truly impressive feat of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a bridge you can't help but stop and admire. The Forth Bridge was opened in 1890 and stretches for 2.5 km between the towns of North and South Queensferry. Further west you'll also see the Forth Road Bridge (opened in 1964) and the Queensferry Crossing (2017) - three bridges that span three centuries.

How to get here: from Edinburgh Waverley you can take the 20 minute train journey to South Queensferry (Dalmeny Station) or North Queensferry. You can hop on one of the bus services from Princes Street in Edinburgh that will take you to North and South Queensferry too. By bus the journey takes roughly 45 minutes. Once you’re here, head to the Albert Hotel in North Queensferry. This viewpoint is from Main Street, looking past Battery Road, just outside the hotel.

Oban is often associated with the seaside, but it is also surrounded by rolling hills. Pulpit Hill provides stunning views over Oban Bay and the nearby islands, including Mull and Kerrera.

How to get here: In central Oban, follow signs for Pulpit Hill from the main streets. It’s a short, steep walk from the town centre, and the viewpoint is easily accessible for most visitors.

The highest peak in southern Scotland, The Merrick rewards hikers with electric views over Galloway Forest Park and the Solway Firth. This is an absolute hidden gem in the Dumfries & Galloway area, well worth the trip.

How to get here: Drive to Bruce’s Stone car park near Loch Trool. The hike to the summit is about a 7-mile round trip. Public transport is limited, so driving is recommended. The trail is well-marked but requires good fitness.

Set on the east side of Elie Ness overlooking Ruby Bay, Lady’s Tower was built in 1770 for Lady Janet Anstruther as her private changing room and retreat after her sea swims. No doubt she enjoyed the views – and the peaceful surroundings! Local legend says she sent a bell ringer through Elie to warn villagers away before her daily dip, ensuring privacy for her swim and relaxation.

How to get here: Drive to Elie in Fife and follow signs to Ruby Bay. Lady’s Tower is a short walk from the village, visible from the coastal path. There’s no public transport directly to the tower, but Elie is served by regular buses from nearby towns.

Not everyone will arrive in Barra by plane - you can also catch the ferry from Oban and South Uist or drive from Vatersay - but the view from above is simply incredible. Marvel at the crystal clear waters and paradise island just before you touch down on Traigh Mhòr beach - the world's only beach runway for scheduled flights. An unforgettable experience.

How to get here: book your flight from Glasgow to Barra Airport.

Resembling the tip of a bow, Bow Fiddle Rock juts out of the sea on the stunning coastline between Portknockie and Cullen. Made up of a hard rock called Cullen quartzite, Bow Fiddle Rock's distinctive sloped sides were caused by the impact of two ancient continents colliding hundreds of millions of years ago.

Advice from the photographer: "A rare occurrence takes place for around a week twice a year. If you visit during May and August you may be lucky enough to catch the sun rising through the arch of the Bow Fiddle Rock!"

How to get here: the fastest route to Bow Fiddle Rock is from Portknockie. Bus 35, which passes Dyce, goes directly from Aberdeen to Portknockie. From here, make your way to the well-marked coastal footpath which leads to the rock. 

Offering exquisite panoramas of a sea loch framed by rolling hills, Loch Carron viewpoint is a must for photographers and nature lovers. Remember to heed the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and wear sturdy footwear in this part of Scotland.

How to get here: Take the train from Kyle of Lochalsh or Inverness and get off at Stromeferry station. From there, it's a 25-minute walk uphill along a single-track road with no facilities. The viewpoint is signposted ‘South Strome’ and is near Strome Wood, which offers a pleasant walking route. 

If driving, follow the A890, stopping at Attadale Gardens along the way, and continue on to Lochcarron, Inverness, or visit nearby Plockton.

Shining its beacon from the perilous cliffs of Sumburgh Head, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is perched 91 metres above sea level and boasts incredible views out across the North Sea. Constructed in 1821, the lighthouse was designed by the renowned lighthouse architect Robert Stevenson (grandfather of author Robert Louis Stevenson). Marvel at the huge colonies of seabirds, including gannets and puffins.

How to get here: fly from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen to Sumburgh, or head to Aberdeen Ferry Terminal to catch the ferry from Aberdeen or Orkney to Lerwick.

This vast expanse of pristine sand is one of Scotland’s most iconic beaches. Beloved by surfers, families, snorkellers, birdwatchers, horse riders and even the odd gemstone hunter, Lunan Bay is a captivating backdrop for an array of activities. It even has its own castle, a red sandstone ruin from the 12th century keeping watch from the grassy bluff.

How to get here: from Dundee train station, grab the train service to Arbroath where you can hop off and grab the bus to Braehead of Lunan to start your trip to Lunan Bay. The journey takes roughly 1h 20m.

Known locally as the “Mirrie Dancers”, Orkney is one of the best places in Scotland to witness the celestial phenomenon of the Northern Lights due to low levels of light pollution. It is also one of the most atmospheric with ancient sites, serene lochs, and other stunning locations from which to observe this natural wonder.

How to get here: you can travel from Inverness or Aberdeen to Orkney. From Inverness, hop on the X99 bus service to Thurso where you can catch the ferry to Orkney. The journey takes approximately 7h 30m. Similarly, you can take a direct ferry to Orkney from Aberdeen, which takes roughly 6h 50m.