A Scottish Tour Guides 5 secret, hidden gems to visit in the Highlands of Scotland
Derek McCreadie
Head Experience Creator &
Scotland Tour Guide
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Discover 5 secret, hidden Gems to visit in the Highlands of Scotland by a professional, Scottish Tour Guide
How would you like to find those secret, hidden gems in the Highlands of Scotland, the ones off he beaten track, the unique and quieter locations that most tourists don’t get the chance to visit?
Everyone knows the famous spots to visit in Scotland, as evident as that sentence sounds. For instance the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. These are all places everyone has either been to or heard of, and quite rightly so, have a prestigious status associated with them.
So the question being asked is “are there any secret, hidden gems to visit in Scotland?”.
The answer, yes. Plenty of places around Scotland still hold that secretive sense of wonder, because their more inaccessible, more out of the way and away from the main tourist attractions.
We’re about to explore 5 hidden gems, quieter places, more unique and remote locations in the Highlands of Scotland, but remember, they’re a secret, so keep this to yourself!
Travel to 5 Secret Locations Found in the Highlands Of Scotland with our fantastic Tour Guide Derek
1 - An Ancient Secret - 5000 year old Standing Stones
Secret, hidden gem number one is the Standing Stones and Neolithic History of Kilmartin Glen.
If you ever decide to travel and saunter through the West Coast of Scotland, then Kilmartin Glen has to be included on your bucket list. It is one of the most densely packed ancient history locations in the country.
A personal favourite is Dunadd Fort. Hiking up the hill to what is now the ruin, this incredible location was once the centre of a powerful kingdom that stretch across from Ireland and cover much of the West Coast of Scotland.
A site where kings were crowned using the coronation stone, which still has a footprint visible today. If the king's foot fitted the imprint, it is then believed he had the right to rule.
In today’s shoe size, it’s roughly about a size 6 UK (US 6.5, Euro 39). I’m a size 10, so does that mean I win control of the whole of the west coast & the country or…?
2 - A True Hidden Wonder - Walk at Loch Lomond National Park
Secret, hidden gem number two is the beauty of Balquhidder Glen in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
This next stop has to be my favourite stop we have on any day tour. I have been to a lot of places around Scotland, but this location always plucks at my heartstrings, no matter what time of year or the weather. It’s truly hair-raising and magnificent.
I really do struggle to describe how beautiful this spot is, but to tell you the truth no words can accompany its elegance. Balquhidder Glen found in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is definitely a well-kept secret.
The site of Robert “Rob Roy” MacGregor’s burial, the stunning landscape of the Highlands of Scotland boasts its status when you take a short walk in the forest to reveal the scenic views out over Balquhidder Glen.
I am a bit biased, growing up on the southern end of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, it will always hold a special place in my heart, but trust me, Balquhidder Glen completes and satisfies that craving for a wild & wondrous highland scene.
3 - A Place of Tranquillity - Highlands Waterfall Walk
Secret, hidden gem number three is the woodland walk and waterfalls of the Hermitage in the Highlands of Scotland
Travelling north, just before you enter the Cairngorms National Park, there are a few secret locations along the way which you can easily miss. The Hermitage is one which shouldn’t be avoided.
The magical experience in this beautiful location is the woodland you explore. The GIANT trees are one of the main attractions walking through the enchanting forest.
With the River Braan providing the background music, the stroll through woodland will mend & heal any soul looking for that break away from reality. No wonder this place was used by the Dukes of Atholl as their private getaway.
Black Linn Falls is another main attraction of the forest float. The thunder of these incredible tumbles can be heard from a distance on the approach.
Autumn is personally my favourite time of year to visit this captivating landscape, with the vibrant colours of the trees adding to the natural show of wonder.
4 - Quiet Walk in Highlands of Scotland - Nature Reserve
Secret, hidden gem number four is the Nature Reserve walks just outside the Cairngorms National Park
A close contender for my favourite stop we visit on any of our day tours is the majestic mountainous Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve (pronounced Craig Meggy). Located in the heart of the Highlands of Scotland, it truly encapsulates the meaning of wilderness.
Another location with a fascinating woodland, but with more of an ancient sense around it, the ancient alder trees deliver the character of some old enchanted creatures which manage the woodland.
The views from the viewpoint over Loch Laggan, with Ben Nevis being visible on a clear day. Creag Meagaidh is the mountain located to the north of the reserve and the lower slopes of the massive mountain are part of the important work being carried out here.
What this incredible place so interesting is the green initiative project which has been taking place there for some years now, and will continue for many more. The goal is to spread native woodland across the landscape again, which has been very successful thanks to one important element, nature is in control.
5 - A Poetic Landscape - Woodland & Waterfalls Walk
Secret, hidden gem number five is the gorgeous Birks of Aberfeldy Woodland walk and Waterfalls in Perthshire
Inspired by what he saw that day, the famous Scottish poet Robert “Rabbie” Burns sat on the rock directly across from the falls and wrote an elegant song about this beautiful location.
The Birks of Aberfeldy are a real hidden gem for the persons chasing the enchanted. Listen above to the twittering birds and follow the flowing river from high above through the birch and the braes.
Before you know it, you’ll cross the bridge to take in the folding waters over the black stone, which is glistening happily in the afternoon sun poking through the tree canopy.
-
Bony lassie, will ye go,
Will ye go, will ye go;
Bony lassie, will ye go
To the Birks of Aberfeldy.
Now Simmer blinks on flowery braes,
And o'er the crystal streamlets plays;
Come let us spend the lightsome days
In the Birks of Aberfeldy.
The little birdies blithely sing
While o'er their heads the hazels hinge,
Or lightly flit on wanton wing,
In the Birks of Aberfeldy.
The braes ascend like lofty wa's,
The foamy stream deep-roaring fa's,
O'erhung wi' fragrant spreading shaws,
The Birks of Aberfeldy.
The hoary cliffs are crown'd wi' flowers,
White o'er the linns the burnie pours,
And rising, weets wi' misty showers
The Birks of Aberfeldy.
Let Fortune's gifts at random flee,
They ne'er shall draw a wish frae me;
Supremely blest wi' love and thee,
In the Birks of Aberfeldy.
Bony lassie, will ye go,
Will ye go, will ye go;
Bony lassie, will ye go
To the Birks of Aberfeldy
I did slip into verse describing this location, but you’ll soon learn that the Birks of Aberfeldy have that effect on you. It’s very difficult not to be inspired by them.
It truly is a magical spot and fills the soul with wonder.
Share with us below, your Secret Hidden Gems in the Highlands of Scotland. What made them special to visit?
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.
Let us know if you have ever visited any of the locations, or if you have your own suggestions for a hidden gem in the comments below.
All of the above locations are part of at least one of our day tours from either Glasgow, Edinburgh or Balloch in Loch Lomond. So if your thinking about a spring adventure soon you can have a seek peak at our tours here!
