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According to the Rough Guides ( a British travel guidebook and reference publisher), Scotland was chosen the "most beautiful country in the world"; and, with its various landscape similar to a misty dream, the title seems well deserved.
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Despite its relatively small size, Scotland is the place of quite a unique biodiversity; from the towering mountains to mysterious lochs, the silhouette of castle perched on misty hills to the glaciers and glacial glens (valley), passing through miles of vast woodlands...Indeed, the Highlands well deserve their ranking on your "to-visit" list. Also, to help you during your stay, here is a list of some of the best view in Scotland.
SCOTT'S VIEW, SCOTTISH BORDERS
Hop on the top of the Eidon Hills, hovering remains of an extinct volcano, and as far as your eyes can see you will be surrounded by green areas of woodland nature. Close your eyes and inhale some fresh air.
AN LOCHAN UAINE (THE GREEN LOCH)
Come stand and admire the enchanting and surreal looking, emerald loch; surrounded by dense forest. Legend has it that the king of pixies, sir Dòmhnall Mòr, comeswash his clothes in the water, giving it its beautiful color. If you manage to spot him, please don't forget to curtsy.
SCOTTISH DARK SKY PARK
What a great way to enjoy the lack of ambient sky pollution by stargazing in Europe's first designated Dark Sky Park, also known as one of the world's darkest places: Galloway Forest. Starry sky is beautiful, especially when you can also have access to larges telescopes to lose yourself even more deeply into the beauty of the sky.
ISLE OF ARRAN FROM AYR BEACH
Enjoy a beautiful sunset reflecting on the sea, Ayr beach. Along with the beach, the rising silhouette of the Ailsa Craig island will give you good selfie opportunities.
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THE OLD MAN OF HOY
As it is courtesy not to forget about our great elder, do not forget to say hello to the Old man of Hoy, UK's tallest sea stack. Overhanging the sea from its 449 feet; he might seem intimidating but if you're into climbing, you might induce your aventure spirit to try it out and climb him. We promise he will not mind.
SCOTLAND NATURE RESERVES
Do not forget to visit at least one of the three geoparks in Scotland:
North West Highlands geopark, Geopark Shetland or Lochaber Geopark. Even though the parks are not mainly made for visitors, you can admire Scotland's protected natural heritage and you may get a chill by imagining the wildlife that use to live here by glancing at fossils.
Scotland's unique biodiversity gives place to an also unique wildlife that is to be respected and protected. Actually, around 90, 000 animals, plants and microbe species creates the complex habitats that are the landscape. From plants to animals to fungi, Scotland is home to many species, from which there are some species specific to the scottish ecosystem.
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It might not seem interesting, but it is good to know that the wildlife is very diversified there. For instance, despite the chilly weather, >Scotland is home place of many cold blooded animals such as the common frog & toad, the natterjack toad, the great crested newt (which is a bit more scary but to respect nonetheless) or reptiles such as slow worm (which, surprise, is not a worm but a lizard that can attain the size of the snake and is poisonous so please be careful).
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Scotland's wide ecosystem is also known as the home of some famous mythological creatures. Indeed, considering as the country has history with many mystic tales and legends. Even its national animal is a unicorn; chosen because of its qualities representing the scots - dominant and chilvarous. Also, how could I not mention the Loch Ness monster ? May you believe or not, this story has spilled ink for years now and the loch ness is still one of the most visited places in Scotland.
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Even though Scotland is home to such animals, most wild land mammals have learnt to only come out at night in order to stay safe from the Men hunt's consequences that brought down wolf, bear, elk and lynx. Nonetheless, Scottish lands are still wealthy in terms of mammals, such as cute scottish badgers (whose species is celebrated every May here) or the otters, that gather here from all Europe. And marine mammals are even more numerous, count more that 20 dolphins, whales and porpoises and close to one third of the world population of seals are living in scottish water.
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But, may it be from the top of the mountains to shore of the sea, wildlife is under pressure and suffers climate change, habitats fragmentations and consequences from Scotland's human's activites such as chemical pollution or marine animals getting stuck in fishing nets. So, when you come to revel in Scotland beautiful nature landscape, do not forget to enjoy being respectful; it might not be much but nature will be thankful and will give it back.
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