Hidden Scotland (Hidden Secrets - Countries or Regions)

Product Information

Beautiful Achmelvich Beach looks across the bay to the coastal village of Lochinver with the islands of Lewis and Harris just offshore.This is a beautiful sheltered beach on the rural west coast.… A small chapel was built on the island in the 7th century, however, it was burned and rebuilt in the 16th century. Located on the north-west coast, Handa Island is a good off-beat excursion if you’re driving the North Coast 500. The Isle of Jura is a landscape photographer’s dream and a hiker’s paradise. The Paps of Jura is the most popular area for ramblers and the island offers unlimited freedom to roam and wander which is a truly wonderful and unique experience and an opportunity too good to miss. Jura’s distillery opens its doors to visitors by appointment and certainly does not disappoint.

All that exists in the area is the Corrour Station House, the UK’s remotest restaurant which also offers accommodation, directly next to the train station; an award-winning eco-hostel located at the bottom of the loch, and the Corrour Shooting Lodge which offers luxury accommodation. While Glencoe is a tourist hotspot, not many people know about the wee island Eilean Munde- the ‘’graveyard island.’’ The bothy is equipped with one bedroom that sleeps up to 6, and a common area with a fireplace.There are abundant wild camping opportunities outside too. This beautiful beach is a genuine hidden gem. It lies in a remote part of East Lothian at the mouth of the Firth of Forth. The beach is in private ownership and there is a small charge to access…Imitate the magnificent trees that speak no words of their rapture, but breathe largely the luminous breeze.”

West Lothian isn’t known as a tourist hotspot, however, it offers plenty of non-touristy things to do in Scotland, including many interesting historical attractions. Invergarry Castle is one of my favourite Scotland off the beaten path castle ruins. I may be biased because it is the castle of my Scottish clan, Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry, but I can safely argue it’s the location and history of this castle that makes it special. Camban bothy offer shelter on the Cape Wrath Trail in the Cluanie to Morvich section 3. Cairnpapple Hill, West Lothian

I once wild camped next to the falls; listening to the powerful waterfall through the walls of my tent is one of my fondest memories. Jedburgh Abbey is a spectacular abbey that was often fought over due to its ties to royalty and proximity. It served the royal castle in Jedburgh; part of the abbey church where Alexander III of Scotland and Yolande de Dreux were married survives to this day.

Melrose Abbey is where Robert the Bruce’s heart is buried. Why only his heart? When he died he demanded his heart be removed from his chest and taken on crusade. It is said his heart was thrown at an enemy in battle, recovered and hidden for many years before it was rediscovered and buried at Melrose Abbey. Rather than swimming, just relax and enjoy the view of the crystal clear water. This beach is a slice of heaven and remains firmly on my list of the best beaches in Scotland. We meet with our guide Grahame and morning visit to an ancient loch dwelling on Loch Tay and see what life was like in the area in the early Iron Age, it’s a great insight.Next we venture onto one of the valleys most notable stone circles.Grahame will explain its astronomical alignments and the significance of its siting.To end this wonderful journey we visit an award winning artisan chocolatiers for a sample of their delicious hand crafted chocolates, there is a small interesting museum relating the history of their single origin chocolate which comes from a South Atlantic Island. Alexander, 5th Lord Livingston, was guardian of Mary Queen of Scots when she was a child. Queen Mary’s marriage agreement to Francis II was also signed at Callendar House. Found on the north east edge of Forres Suneo’s Stone is a perfectly preserved Picto-Scottish stone that stands at an imposing 6.5m high. This undiscovered Scottish landmark is the largest and most beautiful of the numerous carved stone artefacts that have survived through the centuries from Scotland’s medieval period. Sueno’s Stone From the modest parking lot, it is a short walk to reach the hill, which has lovely views of Edinburgh and on a clear day you may even spot the Isle of Arran. On the St Ninian’s Isle in the Shetland Island in the very north of Scotland can be found the 500m long shandy St Ninian’s Tombolo which is certainly one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. This beautiful active sand Tombolo is the largest of its kind in the UK and is a truly unique geographic feature that is photogenic and memorable.

There are just two ways to reach Cape Wrath Lighthouse- by foot, either by hiking north on the Cape Wrath Trail; or by ferry/ Cape Wrath Minibus that departs the west side of the Kyle of Durness.

If you’re looking for something extra special, a luxury log cabin is a perfect choice. Settle in and enjoy complete comfort with everything you could ever need in elegant surroundings. Ideal for a special occasion with family or friends, these cabins provide an idyllic setting for a luxurious break – with a little ‘wow’ factor thrown in.