Scotland is so beautiful to explore, with some world-class cities (like; Edinburgh and Glasgow), and a heap of stunning islands that are so epic to explore. There are some firm favourites, known across the world, but there’s also a lot more to Scotland than just the big-hitting places you’ve already heard about. This is why I wanted to share some of the unique places in Scotland to visit that are a little less obvious!
Whether you’re heading to the Highlands or the Islands, I’m hoping I can introduce a fair few unique places in Scotland that are totally incredible to visit.
Now, when planning you’re trip to Scotland, it’s likely you’ll need a car, this is especially true if you want to get off the beaten track and away from the bigger train hubs that cross certain areas of the country.
You see, once you start heading into the Highlands, or further up north, it just becomes easier to find the top spots in Scotland to visit in a car.
Anyway, I’m totally going off on a new tangent, but you get my drift!
With that in mind, take a look at some of the lesser-known and unique places in Scotland to visit that I hope you’ll love. It really is a stunning country. Have the best time.
1.) Rogie Falls
As you travel out of Inverness stop off at Rogie Falls, a flurry of white-tipped cascades set on the Blackwater River.
If you arrive at the right time you might also get to see some leaping salmon.
Salmon or otherwise, Rogie Falls is a sight you don’t wanna miss out on your Highlands road trip. It was one of the first stops we made when exploring the Highlands and a great little place to spend an hour, or so, walking the trails.
Now, don’t expect Victoria Falls here, it’s much more subdued but the trails and hikes are stunning.
Read more: Scottish Highlands itinerary to follow
2.) Applecross Peninsula
A trip to see the Applecross Peninsula is highly recommended if you are looking for some gorgeous views that stretch to the Isle of Skye. It’s one of the best areas to explore (in my opinion) within the Highlands.
Once here, make sure to stop at Applecross to see the gorgeous beach and prehistoric mounds.
Also, stop off in the little village of Shieldaig and Lower Diabaig that’s just across the loch. The latter is technically not Applecross peninsular, but it’s a great place to stop for lunch.
Pop into the Gille Brighde Restaurant, it’s a family-run and cosy restaurant that’s too good to miss. We loved it here.
Afterwards, make sure to take a drive through the peninsular itself and see Bealach na Ba Viewpoint.
The views from here are stunning, especially on the drive down to Ardarroch. It’s easily one of the more unique places in Scotland to visit on your trip.
Read more: Exploring Diabaig and Shielding
3.) Loch Ewe
One of the most hauntingly beautiful lochs in Scotland, Loch Ewe has vistas over Torridon Hills as well as the Outer Hebrides that are stunning.
It might not be as well-known as some of the other lochs, but it’s gorgeous.
Once here, you can stroll along the misty banks (which happens a lot) of the loch before stopping for a picnic lunch surrounded by some Scottish natural finery.
It’s stunning and one of the more unique places in Scotland to visit when in the Torridon Region.
Read more: Best hikes in Scotland
4.) Ardvreck Castle
Rising majestically from the banks of Loch Assynt are the graceful ruins of Ardvreck Castle.
The ruins date back to the 16th century and at high tide sit on their island that’s incredible to see.
For me, Scotland is ‘castle country’ and Ardvreck Castle is easily one of the unique places in Scotland to visit that isn’t one of the more famous castles.
Read more: Best castles in Scotland to visit
5.) Mellon Udrigle
When you get to Mellon Udrigle you may not believe that you are in Scotland at all. Now, it’s probably only wise to head here if you’re already going to Gruinard Beach or on the A832 road that’s close by. Otherwise, it’s a total detour!
The beach here is made up of pristine white sand next to crystal clear turquoise water which is one of the unique places in Scotland to visit whilst driving around the Scottish Highlands.
Read more: Best islands in Scotland to visit
6.) Oldshoremore
One of the most famous beaches in Scotland, thanks to its gorgeous surroundings, the hamlet of Oldshoremore has a beach that is made up of sandstone that’s well worth a gander!
Just shy of Loch Inchard, it’s a pretty great area to slow down and chill out for a few days. the landscapes here are totally beautiful and well worth soaking up.
Read more: Scottish Highlands itinerary to follow
7.) Smoo Cave
A cave that is part of a larger limestone cliff face, Smoo Cave is not to be missed if you want a bit of an adventure.
After all, the natural beauty of Scotland can’t be missed when you’re heading around the country.
Mow, you can either approach the cave on foot via a small trail that runs past it or float up to the mouth of the cave by boat.
It’s well worth seeing when in the area and easily one of the more unique places to visit in Scotland that’ll impress any geologist!
Read more: Best castles in Scotland to visit
8.) Dunrobin Castle
Known as one of the greatest castles in Scotland, Dunrobin Castle dates back to the 13th century.
Now, there’s no guessing needed here, this place is pretty well-known in Scotland but one of the castles that sometimes gets overlooked by visitors.
What makes Dunrobin Castle interesting is that it’s built in a French chateau style which makes it something of an architectural oddity in Scotland.
Nonetheless, it’s iconic and one of the unique places in Scotland to visit when driving up to the north coast and John o’Groats.
Read more: Best islands in Scotland to visit
9.) Whaligoe Steps
If you are looking for the Whaligoe Steps on your Scottish road trip, you’d be rightly excused for missing them. They’re kind of hidden away and not something that’s overly advertised.
That being said, it’s well worth taking a gander when in the area. Especially as it’s only about 8 km from the centre of Wick.
Now, the concealed stairway dates back to the 1700s. It’s made of over 350 stone steps that can be pretty precarious. So, not silly shoes here! No one wants a fall down this flight of stairs!
Read more: An itinerary to explore the Highlands of Scotland
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