5 Lesser-Known Destinations in Scotland

31st January 2025

Exploring Scotland’s lesser-known destinations offers a chance to experience the country’s beauty and culture away from the crowds. These hidden gems, often tucked away in serene corners of the nation, provide a more intimate connection to the landscapes and local communities.

From expansive coastlines and beaches to picturesque villages and quiet glens, these places invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in their charm. Experience memorable adventures, whether it’s through scenic walks, authentic local cuisine, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, we provide inspiration in this article.

Morvern

The Morvern Peninsula is a hidden gem on Scotland’s west coast, offering rugged beauty and a tranquil place to escape to. A visit to the Nc’Nean distillery is a highlight, where their passion for sustainability meets vibrant innovation in the making of their organic whisky. Perched on the edge of the mainland, the distillery enjoys incredible views across the sound of Mull. The building was designed so that you can experience these views from various locations on the tour.

In nearby Lochaline, The Whitehouse Restaurant provides a culinary delight, serving seasonal and locally sourced dishes that celebrate the area’s natural larder. Freshly caught seafood is abundant in the surrounding waters, which the restaurant takes full advantage of.

Wildlife in this area is everywhere. Eagles can be spotted in the skies, and otters along the shore, while marine life is often seen off the coast. Private tours from Lochaline can be arranged, where expert guides will take you around the peninsula to see these rare animals in their natural habitat.

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway, located in the southwest, is one of Scotland’s most under-rated regions. Glenapp Castle offers the perfect base to explore the area, with its opulent rooms and exceptional dining. A stay here is an exquisite experience; the grounds can be explored at your leisure before unwinding in the sumptuous interiors of the castle.

The region is renowned for its Dark Sky Park, one of the best places in all of Europe to stargaze due to its extremely low levels of light pollution. Clear nights reveal a dazzling canopy of over 7000 stars that are visible to the naked eye. If solo stargazing isn’t your thing, there are often organised group events in the forest park for a guided experience.

Enjoy a low-carbon day out in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. This area has been recognised for its important natural ecosystem, which features wetlands, peatlands, woodlands and more. The area is perfect for walkers and cyclists to explore and appreciate the nature around them, whilst protecting it for future generations.

East Lothian

East Lothian, often referred to as Scotland’s Golf Coast, is a haven for golf enthusiasts with its world-class courses such as Gullane and North Berwick. Whilst in the area, we recommend taking a trip to Bass Rock. This rocky island is home to the world’s largest colony of Northern Gannets. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the island and its wildlife, with seals and other marine life often being spotted from the boat on the journey.

East Lothian is also a paradise for food and drink lovers. The Bonnie Badger is the perfect retreat for those seeking a warm welcome and an exceptional dining experience. Owned by renowned chef Tom Kitchin, this stylish gastropub and hotel have beautifully designed rooms with a cosy and luxurious ambience. The highlight, however, is the food – where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients are used to create a delicious showcase of modern Scottish cuisine.

For those keen to sample expertly crafted spirits, a visit to the NB Gin Distillery is a must; In 2015, they were voted “best-tasting gin in the world”. Their ‘ginspiration’ tours allow you to learn about the gin-making process from their team of award-winning experts before sampling a range of their spirits in their lounge area.

Shetland

Shetland is a captivating destination where rugged beauty and rich traditions create an unforgettable experience. The Fair Isle, renowned for its beautifully intricate knitwear patterns, should be on every crafter’s bucket list. We can arrange a private stay where you learn to knit the iconic patterns of Fair Isle from locals who have dedicated their lives to keeping the skills and practices of their ancestors alive.

As well as knitting, Shetland ponies are an iconic symbol of the archipelago. They can often be spotted grazing on the windswept hills and moors of the islands. This small but hardy breed has been native to Shetland for at least 4,000 years.

For those seeking tranquillity, Shetland’s wilderness provides the perfect escape to be surrounded by untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether exploring the dramatic coastlines or immersing yourself in each island’s unique culture, Shetland promises an adventure like no other.

Coigach & Assynt

Coigach and Assynt is a truly rugged land in northwest Scotland, perfect for lovers of the outdoors. From prehistoric mountains to pristine empty beaches, this area is the place to be if you like to roam freely. A walk (and at times, scramble) up Stac Pollaidh is a fun afternoon activity. It is a small hill yet its summit’s rocky crags offer a strong challenge for keen hikers.

Achmelvich is a stunning white sand beach with turquoise waters. Wherever you look there is something incredible to see; Suilven towering above the landscape inland, and unobstructed views out to sea in the other direction.

This remote and wild area has a few culinary surprises in store. Am Furan Bar, near Achiltiebuie, serves up everything from hand-dived scallops to locally caught lobster and langoustines, while the Lochinver Larder is famous for its insanely good, handmade pies, with innovative flavour combinations.

If you would like to visit any of the places mentioned above as part of your trip to Scotland, get in touch with Away from the Ordinary today.