Camping in the Sutherland Bone Caves
We live in the north-west Highlands of Scotland and regularly spend our free time going on micro-adventures. We usually avoid the busiest times of the year. On a spring break in February, my sister and I loaded up our aging campers with mattress and kids and headed north to Inchnadamph. Our destination was the Bone Caves of Assynt. Wild camping was free, we were comfortably tucked away in the van and woke up to a layer of snow, a blue sky and a beautiful sunrise. We made the walk to the caves and back through an uninhabited valley following the limestone river as it bubbled over the ground and occasionally underground. The weather held for a cool paddle in the sea at Clachtoll, followed by a camping dinner cooked in the bitter cold in the car park at Knockan Crag with its incredible sculptures and geological timeline that the children felt deeply connected to. An unforgettable journey that we may never be able to fully recreate, but that I will never forget.
Marion
From dizzying heights to the coast of Nevis
From the small village of Bracorina, overlooking Loch Morar, it’s a steep walk to a ridge with only lonely lochans, hardy Highland sheep and the odd white-tailed eagle for company. Cross the heights and you’re faced with a steep walk through thickets of ferns to an abandoned farming settlement on the shores of the sea loch, Nevis, overlooking the British Isles’ most remote peninsula, Knoydart. This rewarding, sweaty and intuitive walk captures everything that is magical about this unspoilt corner of Scotland.
Miles Watson
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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An artist’s vision of the majestic Mull
The Isle of Mull is a rugged paradise and on the west coast, on a single track road flanked by the sea, is beautiful Balmeanach. You can book an eight-person farmhouse once occupied by artist Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison), where, appropriately enough, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a sweeping landscape painting. Observe wild deer and birds in the shadows of the Gribun Cliffs, head to MacKinnon’s Cave or gaze out at the Atlantic Ocean from a secluded beach.
Jonathan
Rail and sail to Arran
For me, the best thing about the Scottish wilderness is its accessibility. Glasgow’s early risers can have a late breakfast on the slopes of Arran’s less-climbed Beinn Tarsuinn, watching the CalMac ferry they arrived on make its way back to the mainland, all at 11am and via public transport . Tarsuinn and its equally peaceful neighbor, Cir Mhòr, offer the same impressive views as nearby Goatfell, but with a fraction of the visitors. Intrepid adventurers can spend the night here before packing up the other two islands of Corbetts. Those looking for the comforts of home can enjoy the walk back to civilization from Brodick along Glen Rosa, with its views and secret swimming spots. Train and sail from Glasgow Central with Scotrail and CalMac.
Craig
Mysterious Loch Duich
The hamlet of Ratagan on the shores of Loch Duich offers views over the dark and mysterious-looking loch, while on the other side the Five Sisters of Kintail rise into the sky. It’s idyllic, like getting a huge, warm hug from Mother Nature. Ratagan is a great place to explore all the area has to offer, including the utterly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, which is just a short drive away.
Mhari
Walking in the Wilderness of Wester Ross
Wester Ross is our last ‘great wilderness’, mountains so remote that you have to hike for days to explore them. I was delighted to get a more accessible impression of these looming highlands on the Beinn Eighe mountain route, Britain’s only waymarked mountain walk. Ascending through a forest of Scots pines the landscape opens up to a rougher, rockier terrain before reaching the summit with incredible views. The route down passes lakes and waterfalls. We had dinner at the Badachro Inn, a pub full of friendly atmosphere, delicious local dishes and sea views.
Ami Udeshi
Small but beautiful Eigg
Eigg is a beautiful (small) island, just a few hours by boat from Mallaig. It’s perfect for walking, cycling and swimming (with a seal if you’re lucky). Laig beach is beautiful, with the best sunsets I have ever seen.
Jill
Rest in the Cairngorms
The Spittal of Glenmuick remains a gem in the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside. Walks here cover diverse landscapes, from rugged and wild to calm and picturesque, depending on everything from the time of day to the time of year – nearby Braemar drops to -27 degrees Celsius in winter. A round of Loch Muick is feasible for most; those looking for more can tackle the various Munros that loom above, including the majestic Lochnagar and the dramatic drop to the water below. An early start to enjoy the isolation and tranquility of this special place is recommended.
Bill
Headlands, cliffs and flower meadows, Durness
At the top of Scotland, the day-long coastal walk starts with the ferry crossing from Durness to Cape Wrath, through wildflower meadows, dunes and past sand cliffs. Best of all to go when the tide is out, when you can walk right into the middle of the wide sandy estuary. Around the top you can finish at the Balnakeil craft village, in time for hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain, or continue to beautiful Balnakeil Bay.
Alison
Winning tip: walking in beautiful circles on Kerrera
Take the West Highland line from Glasgow to Oban; Within an hour you can travel through the rolling Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. After a 30 minute walk and a small ferry ride across the Sound of Kerrera… you arrive. As you walk the circular walk around this small island at Kerrera, your walking friends will include wild goats and the occasional seal. Along the way, homemade delicacies await you in the Tea Garden before Gylen Castle rises up in front of you. Pause briefly to enjoy the grand views of Mull and the Slate Islands before strolling back – via Balliemore Farm for an ice cream – to the ferry terminal.
Susie
Use the comments to tell us about your own favorite outings in the Scottish countryside