Braemar, Cairngorms National Park
VisitScotland / Mat Hay
Scotland's National Parks and natural heritage sites
Venture into the wild heart of Scotland, where ancient landscapes, wild beauty and unforgettable adventures await.
Scotland’s National Parks
Hear birdsong echo through ancient forests, breathe in the fresh mountain air and discover landscapes that inspire adventure in our National Parks.
Cairngorms National Park
Vast and untamed, the Cairngorms is a place of soaring mountains, hidden glens and ancient pine forests. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, spotting rare wildlife or exploring welcoming Highland communities, there's always something new to discover.
Explore Cairngorms National Park
The Watchers at Corgarff, Cairngorms
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Unwind among clear lochs, peaceful woodlands and rolling hills in Scotland's first National Park. From gentle waterside strolls to exciting outdoor activities, it's a place where nature truly invites you to slow down.
Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Loch Drunkie, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Scotland's National Nature Reserves (NNRs)
Step into some of Scotland’s most treasured natural spaces, where you can connect with thriving wildlife and spectacular landscapes, while helping to protect the precious habitats that make these places so special.
Loch Leven during sunrise, Perth and Kinross
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Feel the salty sea air on your skin or unwind beside the calm waters of a peaceful loch. Scotland’s National Nature Reserves offer an escape into some of the country's most loved landscapes. These featured reserves are just a glimpse of the remarkable wildlife, natural beauty and unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.
Beinn Eighe, Highlands
Britain's first National Nature Reserve, renowned for its ancient pinewoods, rugged mountains and spectacular Highland scenery.
Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber
A dramatic landscape of mountains, waterfalls and ancient woodland, offering some of Scotland's most impressive upland scenery.
Loch Leven, Perth & Kinross
One of the UK's most important wetland reserves, attracting thousands of migratory birds and wildlife enthusiasts throughout the year.
Invereshie & Inshriach, Cairngorms
Home to recovering native woodland and rare species, offering a glimpse of Scotland's wild natural heritage within the Cairngorms.
Forvie, Aberdeenshire
One of the largest sand dune systems in the UK, supporting a rich variety of coastal wildlife and breeding seabirds.
Knockan Crag, north-west Highlands
Particularly fascinating for geology enthusiasts, with trails that help tell the story of how Scotland's landscape was formed.
Sunrise on Loch Leven Nature Reserve, Kinross
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Highlands
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Puffins, Isle of May
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Fingal's Cave, Isle of Staffa
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
St Abbs, Scottish Borders
© VisitScotland / PRImaging
St Abbs Head Lighthouse during golden hour, Scottish Borders
© @howden_j
UNESCO Global Geoparks
Discover landscapes shaped over millions of years. Geoparks are places of exceptional geological significance, where you can explore remarkable natural features and uncover the forces that have carved, shaped and transformed our planet.
Isle of Arran UNESCO Geopark
From volcanic eruptions to glacial landscapes, discover the wildlife, biodiversity, and archaeological heritage.
UNESCO North West Highlands Geopark
Stretching over 2,000 square kilometres in the far corner of mainland Scotland, the geopark is a spectacular example of different rock geologies.
Geopark Shetland
Ancient geology, archaeological treasures, Viking heritage and wildlife tell a story spanning billions of years.
UNESCO Biospheres
Explore these special places where people and nature thrive together. Discover these world-class landscapes and experience firsthand the balance between communities, wildlife and the natural environment.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
Untouched coastlines, deep forests and historic rural communities wait for you in the south west of Scotland.
Wester Ross Biosphere
Dramatic mountains, rich biodiversity and a strong connection between people and the land are at the heart of this biosphere.