Hidden Gems in the Scottish Highlands You Must Visit georgina, February 28, 2025March 4, 2025 The Scottish Highlands are packed with cinematic landscapes, winding roads that disappear into the mist, and lochs so deep they swallow stories whole. While spots like Glencoe and the Isle of Skye dominate travel itineraries, there’s a whole other world waiting beyond the guidebooks. If you crave adventure and solitude, these hidden gems in the Scottish Highlands will take you off the beaten track and straight into the heart of the Highlands. 1. Sandwood Bay, Sutherland – The Most Remote Beach in Scotland If paradise exists in Scotland, it might just be Sandwood Bay. This wild, pink-hued beach, accessible only by a 4-mile hike, is one of the most secluded and jaw-dropping locations in the Highlands. Fringed by towering cliffs and watched over by the lonely sea stack of Am Buachaille, it’s a place where the Atlantic crashes in with unrelenting force. There’s no road, no development—just sand, sea, and stories of shipwrecks and ghostly mariners. How to get there: Park at the Blairmore car park and hike 4 miles to the bay. Best time to visit: Sunset, when the sky is ablaze and the beach is eerily empty. Pro tip: Bring a tent and wild camp under the stars—just be mindful of Leave No Trace principles. 2. The Bone Caves, Inchnadamph – Scotland’s Hidden Prehistoric Past Scotland wasn’t always home to just deer and Highland cows. These ancient limestone caves were once the den of polar bears, lynxes, and even wolves. A short but striking hike leads to the Bone Caves, where remains of these prehistoric creatures have been found. Standing at the entrance, gazing at the rugged expanse of Assynt, it’s easy to imagine a time when Scotland was wilder than it is today. How to get there: A 2.5-mile return hike from the Bone Caves car park on the A837. Best time to visit: Spring or autumn for cooler weather and fewer midges. Pro tip: Bring a torch to peer inside the caves—they go deeper than they first appear. 3. The Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie – A Woodland Walk with a Touch of Magic Scotland is steeped in folklore, and the Fairy Glen is one of those places where myths feel more like reality. This enchanting forest trail, filled with tumbling waterfalls and mossy rocks, leads to an almost mystical glade. Legend has it that the fairies blessed this spot with eternal beauty—though we suspect the magic comes from the sheer tranquility of the place. How to get there: A short walk from the Fairy Glen car park near Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. Best time to visit: Early morning for complete solitude. Pro tip: Stop by the nearby Rosemarkie beach for dolphin spotting at Chanonry Point. Final Thoughts on these Hidden Gems in the Scottish Highlands Scotland’s best spots aren’t always the most obvious. Step off the tourist trail and explore these hidden gems in the Scottish Highlands—you won’t regret it. Ready to plan your trip? Check out our Essential hit list for wild camping to make the most of your adventure! Hidden Gems GuidesScotlandScottish HighlandsTravel Tips