12 Iconic Scottish Views

Soak up the peaceful vista at Sir Walter Scott's favourite viewpoint. Things to look out for include the fast flowing River Tweed, famous for its underwater residents - huge wild salmon - and the prominent Eildon Hills, which are all that remain of an ancient volcano. Iron Age people and Romans once lived on top of these hills.

How to get there: Follow the B6356 to the viewpoint, near Bemersyde.

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 there: Stroll along Ayr Beach.

Edinburgh Castle, but not quite how we're used to seeing it! Towering over Edinburgh atop Castle Rock, there are countless places in Scotland's capital to admire the castle in all its glory. One of our favourite views is this lesser known gem - from the top of the steps at the historic Vennel, just off the Grassmarket.

How to get there: Walk to the west side of the Grassmarket and climb the steps up the Vennel, located opposite King's Stables Road. When you reach the top, turn around, and voila! One of the best views of Edinburgh Castle you can get.

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 there: Head to the Albert Hotel in North Queensferry. This viewpoint is from Main Street, looking past Battery Road, just outside the hotel.

Standing at 1,491 ft (454 m), Ben A'an is one of Scotland's most popular hills to climb and for good reason - just look at that view! The hill's pointed peak offers stunning views across Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with Loch Katrine stretched out below you. Look out for the Steamship Sir Walter Scott gliding on the sparkling water.

Advice from the photographer: "This is the classic view from the very summit, looking down Loch Katrine. You are only rewarded with this view when you get right to the top (the route up is on the opposite side of the hill) but what a reward!"

How to get there: Follow the A821 to the Forestry Commission car park at the foot of Ben A'an.

Overlooking gleaming Loch Tummel, Queen's View has been popular for centuries. When Queen Victoria visited this spot in 1866 she assumed that it had been named after her, but many believe it was named after King Robert the Bruce's first wife, Queen Isabella. Cast your eyes out in the distance to see the towering Munro, Schiehallion, overlooking the west end of the loch.

How to get there: Follow the B8019 to the Queen's View Visitor Centre, at the east side of Loch Tummel and the Tay Forest Park.

One of Scotland's most instantly recognisable attractions, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was finished in 1901 and has famously starred in several of the Harry Potter movies. There are plenty of places to enjoy views of the viaduct and beautiful Loch Shiel - including the lovely Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail - but this lesser known vantage point is from the lower slopes of towering Beinn an Tuim.

How to get there: Follow the A830 to the Glenfinnan Viaduct car park.

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 there: 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 there: the fastest route to Bow Fiddle Rock is from Portknockie.

At the top of one of Scotland's most famous roads lies this stunning viewpoint. The hairpin bends and breathtaking heights of the Bealach na Bà make it an unforgettable road to drive, and when you get to the top - at a height of 2,053 ft (625.7 m) - you're rewarded with this jaw dropping view of the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye. Look out for the Outer Hebrides in the distance on clear days too.

How to get there: Follow the Bealach na Bà from Tornapress to Applecross. Pull off the road when you reach the large parking area at the top of the bealach. Jump out your car and enjoy the view.

The winding road to Kinlochewe offers one of the most iconic views on the North Coast 500. Looking down Glen Docherty, you'll catch your first sight of stunning Loch Maree, a magnificent fresh water loch dotted with more than 60 islands which contain some of the last fragments of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. At the lochside look out for beautiful black-throated divers slipping under the water.

How to get there: Follow the A832 from Achnasheen to Kinlochewe. The viewpoint is about 1.5 miles from Kinlochewe on the right hand side of the road as you travel from Achnasheen.

Shining its beacon from the perilous cliffs of Sumburgh Head, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is perched 91 m 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 there: Fly from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen to Sumburgh or catch the ferry from Aberdeen or Orkney to Lerwick.