Scotland’s 10 Hidden Gems Locals Love (But Few Tourists Know)

Scotland’s got no shortage of iconic spots—Edinburgh Castle, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness… you know the list. But once you've ticked off the big names (or even before), there’s a whole other side of Scotland waiting to be explored.

Ask a local, and they'll probably point you in a totally different direction—quiet glens, forgotten ruins, beaches with barely a soul on them, and wee villages with more charm than you’d expect. These are the places that don’t make every guidebook but stay with you long after the trip is over.

In this blog, we’re sharing some of those hidden gems. Places that still feel a bit secret. Places locals return to again and again. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual tourist trail, this list of the top 10 is for you!

At Scotland’s Wild, our friendly, storytelling guides have led thousands of trips through Scotland. We share history, legends and tales to entice people to visit this incredible country!

We offer various small-group tours (8 people per tour), departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness.

Sandwood Bay, Sutherland

Remote, wild, and absolutely stunning—Sandwood Bay is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the far northwest, you won’t find roads leading straight to it. Instead, it’s a four-mile walk through open moorland to reach the beach… but trust us, it’s worth every step.

What you get at the end is a mile of pink-hued sand, dramatic cliffs, and the sea stack of Am Buachaille standing guard offshore. No shops, no crowds, no phone signal—just the sound of the waves and a real sense of solitude. If you want to see Scotland at its most raw and untouched, this is the spot.

Glen Lyon, Perthshire

Often called Scotland’s “longest, loveliest glen,” Glen Lyon is the kind of place that makes you slow down—literally and figuratively. It’s quiet, peaceful, and a bit off the radar, even though it’s not too far from places like Pitlochry or Aberfeldy.

The glen winds its way through ancient woodlands, rolling hills, and riverbanks dotted with sheep and Highland cattle. It’s also home to the Fortingall Yew, thought to be one of the oldest living trees in Europe—some say over 5,000 years old. Whether you're driving, walking, or just sitting with a flask and taking it all in, Glen Lyon feels like a slice of old, unspoiled Scotland.

The Isle of Kerrera, near Oban

Just a short ferry hop from Oban, the Isle of Kerrera feels like a world away. No shops, no crowds, and barely any cars—just wide open landscapes, coastal views, and the occasional curious goat.

The island is brilliant for walking, especially the circular trail that takes you past dramatic cliffs, peaceful bays, and the crumbling but still striking Gylen Castle perched above the sea. It’s one of those places where you can hear the silence and feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special that few others have found. Pack your walking boots and a picnic, and let the island do the rest.

St. Abbs, Scottish Borders

On the Berwickshire coast, St. Abbs is a tiny fishing village that packs a punch when it comes to scenery. Think rugged cliffs, seabirds wheeling overhead, and a harbour so picturesque it caught the eye of Hollywood (yes, this is where they filmed scenes for Avengers: Endgame).

But even without the movie fame, St. Abbs is worth a visit. The nearby St. Abb’s Head Nature Reserve is a haven for walkers and wildlife lovers, with dramatic coastal paths and panoramic views of the North Sea. It's the kind of place where you can breathe deep, slow down, and just enjoy the raw beauty of Scotland's east coast.

We’ve created a special day tour that visits St Abbs, as well as other special filming locations in Scotland - check it out!

The Hermitage, Dunkeld

Just off the A9 near Dunkeld, The Hermitage feels like a secret world tucked inside an ancient forest. It’s not huge, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. Towering Douglas firs (some of the tallest in Britain), mossy paths, and the rushing River Braan all lead you to Ossian’s Hall, a little 18th-century folly with a big surprise: a window that opens onto the roaring Black Linn Falls.

It’s peaceful, photogenic, and ridiculously easy to get to—yet somehow still feels a bit hidden. Autumn is especially magical here, when the trees turn gold and the forest floor is carpeted with leaves. If you’re in the area, don’t skip it. This is a proper wee gem.

It’s a location we hit up on a lot of our multi day adventures!

Clachtoll Beach, Assynt

Tucked away on the wild west coast of Assynt, Clachtoll Beach is the kind of place that makes you do a double take. White sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic crags all around—it looks like it belongs in the Caribbean, not the north of Scotland. And yet, here it is, quiet and often completely empty.

It’s not just a pretty face either. There’s ancient history nearby (like the remains of an Iron Age broch), and the geology in this area is some of the oldest on Earth. The drive to get here is part of the magic too—narrow single-track roads winding through remote Highland landscapes.

If you want a beach that’s beautiful, peaceful, and far from the crowds, Clachtoll is hard to beat. Bring a picnic, dip your toes in the water (if you’re brave), and just take in the stillness. It’s places like this that remind you how wild and untouched the Highlands really are.

Crovie, Aberdeenshire

Crovie is a tiny, tucked-away fishing village that feels like stepping back in time. Nestled between cliffs and the sea, it’s just a single row of charming old stone cottages — no roads, no cars, just peaceful paths and crashing waves.

This little village has kept its old-world charm, with narrow lanes and a real sense of community. It’s perfect for a quiet wander, some serious coastal fresh air, and maybe even spotting seals bobbing in the water.

If you want a glimpse of Scotland’s coastal life as it used to be, Crovie is a secret worth discovering.

The Wailing Widow Falls, Sutherland

Hidden away in the wilds of Sutherland, the Wailing Widow Falls are a spectacular sight—and well worth the journey. The falls cascade down rugged cliffs into a misty pool below, surrounded by untouched moorland that stretches as far as the eye can see.

The name comes from the eerie, haunting sound the water makes as it rushes down—a sound locals say resembles a widow’s wail. It’s atmospheric, a bit mysterious, and utterly unforgettable. If you’re up for a walk off the beaten path and want to experience Scotland’s raw, untamed beauty, this hidden gem is a must-visit.

Loch Morar, Lochaber

Loch Morar is Scotland’s deepest freshwater loch—and one of the quietest, too. Nestled in the heart of Lochaber, it’s surrounded by wild hills and ancient forests, making it feel like a place that time forgot.

The loch’s dark, mysterious waters have their own legends, including tales of a shy monster lurking beneath the surface. But mostly, it’s a haven for anyone wanting peace, fishing, or just a beautiful spot to sit and soak in the scenery.

There are no bustling tourist centres here, just endless space to explore and unwind. If you want to escape the crowds and find a slice of Highland tranquility, Loch Morar’s got you covered.

Corrie Fee, Angus Glens

Nestled in the Angus Glens, Corrie Fee is a spectacular glacial corrie—a natural amphitheatre carved out by ice thousands of years ago. It’s a bit of a hidden gem for walkers and nature lovers who want stunning mountain scenery without the crowds.

The walk through the corrie is gentle and rewarding, with rocky cliffs rising dramatically on all sides and a carpet of wildflowers in the summer months. Keep an eye out for red deer, which are often spotted grazing in the area.

If you’re after raw, rugged beauty and a peaceful escape into the Highlands, Corrie Fee is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Scotland’s got no shortage of blockbuster sights—but it’s these tucked-away places that really stick with you. The quiet beaches, remote lochs, and tiny villages often tell the real story of the land, far from the crowds and photo ops.

If you're planning a trip and want to see more than just the usual stops, these hidden gems are well worth the detour. And if you're not sure how to fit them all in, we’ve got some great small-group tours (and private ones, too) that venture off the beaten path.

Ready to see a side of Scotland most visitors miss?

Come explore it with us.