Bagging Munros, wild tenting and mysterious lochs: readers’ favorite wilderness journeys in Scotland

Tenting within the Bone Caves of Sutherland

We reside within the north-west Highlands of Scotland and incessantly spend our free time having micro-adventures. We are likely to keep away from the busiest instances of yr. One February half-term, my sister and I loaded our ageing campervans with mattress and youngsters and headed north to Inchnadamph. Our vacation spot was the Bone Caves of Assynt. The wild tenting was free, we had been cosy tucked up within the van and awoke to a sprinkling of snow, blue sky and a wonderful dawn. We made the stroll as much as the caves and again by an uninhabited glen following the limestone river that bubbled over floor and sometimes underground too. The climate held for a cold paddle within the sea at Clachtoll adopted by a tenting dinner cooked within the bitter chilly on the automotive park at Knockan Crag with its unbelievable sculptures and geological timeline that the youngsters deeply linked with. A memorable journey that we could by no means be capable of recreate absolutely, however I’ll always remember.
Marion

From dizzy heights to the shore of Nevis

From the tiny settlement of Bracorina, overlooking Loch Morar, is a craggy stroll as much as a ridge with solely lonely lochans, hardy Highland sheep and the odd sea eagle for firm. Cross the heights and you’re met with a steep stroll down by thickets of ferns to an deserted crofters’ settlement on the shores of the ocean loch, Nevis, with views out to essentially the most distant peninsula within the British Isles, Knoydart. This rewarding, sweaty and visceral stroll sums up all that’s magical about this untouched nook of Scotland.
Miles Watson

An artist’s view of majestic Mull

The Isle of Mull is a rugged paradise and, on its western coast, throughout a single-lane street flanked by the ocean, is the beautiful Balmeanach. You may e-book an eight-person farmhouse as soon as occupied by the artist Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison), the place, aptly sufficient, your environment give the impression of getting stepped right into a sweeping panorama portray. Observe wild deer and birds within the shadow of the Gribun cliffs, enterprise into MacKinnon’s Cave, or gaze on to the Atlantic from a secluded seashore.
Jonathan

Rail and sail to Arran

For me, one of the best factor about Scotland’s wilderness is its accessibility. Glasgow’s early risers could be consuming a late breakfast on the slopes of Arran’s lesser-climbed Beinn Tarsuinn whereas watching the CalMac ferry they arrived on puff its method again to the mainland, all by 11am and by way of public transport. Tarsuinn, and its equally quiet neighbour, Cir Mhòr, provide the identical spectacular views as close by Goatfell, however with a fraction of the guests. Intrepid adventurers can camp right here for the night time earlier than bagging the opposite two island Corbetts. These searching for dwelling comforts can benefit from the stroll again to the civilisation of Brodick alongside Glen Rosa, with its views and secret swimming spots. Rail and Sail from Glasgow Central with Scotrail and CalMac.
Craig

Mysterious Loch Duich

The hamlet of Ratagan on the banks of Loch Duich supplies views throughout the darkish and mysterious-looking loch with the 5 Sisters of Kintail rising into the skies on the different aspect. It’s idyllic, like receiving an enormous, heat hug from mom nature. Ratagan is a good spot for exploring all the realm has to supply, amongst them the completely stunning Eilean Donan Castle, which is only a quick drive away.
Mhari

Mountain climbing within the Wester Ross wilderness

In Wester Ross is our final “nice wilderness”, mountains so distant they require days of mountain climbing to discover. I used to be delighted to get a extra accessible style of those looming highlands on the Beinn Eighe mountain path, Britain’s solely way-marked mountain hike. Ascending by a forest of Scots pine, the panorama opens to a rougher, rockier terrain earlier than summiting to unbelievable views. The route down passes lochs and waterfalls. We had dinner on the Badachro Inn, a pub filled with jovial vibes, scrumptious native meals and sea views.
Ami Udeshi

Small however stunning Eigg

Eigg is a shocking (tiny) island that’s just some hours on the boat from Mallaig. It’s good for mountain climbing, biking and swimming (with a seal in the event you’re fortunate). The seashore at Laig is gorgeous, with one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Jill

Tranquillity within the Cairngorms

The Spittal of Glenmuick stays a gem throughout the Cairngorms nationwide park and Royal Deeside. Walks right here embody various surroundings from rugged and wild to calm and picturesque, relying on every thing from the time of day to the time of yr – close by Braemar has dipped to -27C in winter. A loop of Loch Muick is manageable for many; these searching for extra can bag the a number of Munros that loom above, which incorporates the majestic Lochnagar and the dramatic drop to the water under. An early begin to benefit from the isolation and tranquillity of this particular place is beneficial.
Invoice

Capes, cliffs and wildflower meadows, Durness

On the prime of Scotland, the daylong coastal stroll begins on the ferry crossing from Durness to Cape Wrath, by wildflower machair meadows, dunes and alongside sand cliffs. Better of all is to go when the tide is out, when you possibly can stroll in the midst of the broad sandy estuary. Spherical the highest you possibly can end at Balnakeil craft village, in time for warm chocolate at Cocoa Mountain, or proceed to the attractive Balnakeil Bay.
Alison

Successful tip: strolling in great circles on Kerrera

Take the West Highland line from Glasgow to Oban; inside an hour you’re trundling by the rolling Trossachs. A 30-minute wander and a wee ferry hop throughout the Sound of Kerrera … you arrive. On Kerrera, as you meander the round stroll that skirts this tiny island, your strolling buddies might be wild goats and the odd seal. Home made delights await en route on the Tea Backyard earlier than Gylen Fortress rises earlier than you. Pause to absorb large views out to Mull and the Slate Islands earlier than meandering again – by way of Balliemore Farm for an ice-cream – to the ferry port.
Susie

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