Scotland's nature and outdoors

There’s something to discover every season in Scotland’s nature and outdoors. Feel an autumn breeze and soak up the spectacle of the changing leaves in our forests and woodlands, or watch seals darting between the waves off the coast in the summer. Slow down and reconnect in some of our world-renowned beauty spots.  

Ancient forests and woodlands  

Stretch your legs and feel inspired with a stroll through our peaceful forests, a mix of ancient pinewoods, leafy oak forests and wild native woodland. Look out for glimpses of auburn as red squirrels scamper in the canopy above, or be part of the spectacle unfolding as summer gives way to autumn and the leaves transform the woods with hues of gold, green and burnt orange. Listen to the birds chatter overhead as they emerge after winter in The Trossachs, or feel the warmth of the dappled sunlight as it filters through the trees at Rothiemurchus Forest, perfect for cycling, walking and wildlife spotting. In the autumn, take a deep breath in and savour the fresh breeze as the trees around you transform with fiery reds and yellows in Perthshire and when winter comes, wrap up warm and venture experience the magic of stargazing against the backdrop of a forest known for its exceptional dark skies in Galloway Forest Park.

Take a journey through our forests and woodlands  

Dramatic mountains and hills

Trek through hills covered in vibrant heather, moss and gorse and experience the thrill of scaling some of the UK’s most impressive peaks. Once you reach the top, rest and soak up endless views of the surrounding seas, valleys, glens and lochs below you.  

Ben Nevis – a great option for experienced climbers looking to tackle the UK’s highest mountain. 

Munros – dotted throughout Scotland’s mountainous terrain, get your blood pumping as you challenge yourself to climb these mountains that stand at 3,000 feet and above. 

Beginner routes – try something new with these suggested routes that are a great start to explore the heights. 

Explore Scottish mountains and hills

Tranquil beach locations 

Dotted along Scotland’s expansive coastline you’ll find hidden coves, sandy beaches, rocky alcoves and sheltered bays.  

Sandy beaches - you can find these all over Scotland, such as in the Outer Hebrides. Be transported to another world with soft white sands and clear blue waters and see the changing colours of sky and sea with expansive views at Luskentyre Beach, or watch the sun sink below the horizon whilst you walk along Uig Sands.  

Wild beaches - often found in the Highlands and north coast of Scotland, rugged beaches dot the Scottish coastline. Listen to seabirds circling above dramatic coastlines with dunes, cliffs and crashing waves. Highlights include Sandwood Bay in Sutherland and Sango Sands in Durness.  

Rock and peeble beaches - swap soft sands for pebble shores in the cove that sits beneath the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire, or hear the waves break against the cliffs at St Abb’s Head in the Scottish Borders. 

Sheltered sandy bays – close your eyes and listen to the waves lapping on the beaches along the east and west coast of Scotland. Feel the warmth of the sun in these protected sandy bays including Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull, Elie Beach in Fife and Nairn Beach on the Moray Coast.  

More beaches in Scotland

Dark Sky Parks

During autumn and winter, Scotland offers some of the most impressive night skies. Catch a glimpse of stars, planets, the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights if you’re lucky – be inspired by the ethereal colours dancing across the night sky.  

Galloway Forest Park, Tomintoul and Glenlivet and the Cairngorms are just some of the shining examples of where you can experience this natural phenomenon after dark. 

Find Dark Sky Parks

Learn more about the Northern Lights