Many of us love exploring a new town or city and visiting all the local sights. However, often we focus on the well-known tourist attractions, whilst bypassing incredible hidden gems that Scotland has to offer.
Let us introduce you to five weird and wonderful hidden gems in Scotland that our accommodation providers love and that you might have not yet experienced during your Scottish adventures.
Black Grouse Safaris – Corrimony
First off, a must visit is Black Grouse Safaris located in Corrimony – a 10-minute drive from Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness.
Look out for crested tits in the woodland and orchids on the open hill during the summer at Corrimony Reserve. The Reserve is just 5 miles drive from Tomich Holidays Cottages & Lodges or a fantastic 45-minute stroll through the Guisachan Estate. Tomich Cottages & Lodges offer lovely, welcoming accommodation in the midst of a Victorian Highland Farm, complete with a heated swimming pool and Wi-Fi. Not only that, you can also enjoy stunning forest scenery, lochs and waterfalls just a few minutes walk from your door when staying in their Woodland Lodges nearby. It’s a great location to act as a base for Loch Ness, walking and the accommodation is pet-friendly too so you can bring along your furry friends to enjoy the experience!
Clashnessie Bay
If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet during your holiday, Clashnessie Bay is a great place to visit! This small, sandy beach is a real hidden gem due to it being so untouched and clean. It also has a mild microclimate, due to it being located close to the Atlantic Ocean Gulf Stream.
Clashnessie Bay is famous for its ever-changing weather and water colour as it can change from a tranquil turquoise colour to white foamy waves. Just a short drive away from the bay is Waterloo House who offers beautiful accommodation that boasts stunning, panoramic views of the 5 peaks of Assynt. This property is in the perfect location to take advantage of the many excellent trails to explore, rivers to see and not to mention the abundance of wildlife and natural beauty and views around every hill and glen!
Buchanty Spout – River Almond
If you are an avid fishing man or woman, or simply have an interest in fishing, then Buchanty Spout will be right up your stream, we mean street… On the River Almond lies stunning waterfalls and rapids, where the river cascades over a narrow gorge. This is a fantastic place to view and even fish for salmon, particularly in September, as they make their way up the river and enjoy leaping up the waterfall! Find Buchanty Spout 8 miles north of Crieff, less than a 20-minute drive from Cloag Farm Cottages. These holiday cottages offer you the opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside – what’s not to love?!
The Gruffalo Trail, Ardkinglas
“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood” – now it’s time to let your imagination run wild by visiting The Gruffalo Trail in Ardkinglas.
This is the perfect place to visit with the whole family. Everyone, even big kids at heart, can enjoy the woodland gardens whilst discovering the mouse, fox, owl and Gruffalo from Julia Donaldson’s much-loved stories. Find the trail in Cairndow, Loch Fyne, just a short 20-minute drive from Mansefield House that offers a fine Grade B listed Victorian house that’s full of character and original features. This home is well suited to families with young children while also suiting groups of friends. Mansefield House is pet-friendly and ideally situated for enjoying fantastic walks, fishing, sailing and much more!
Real Farm Driving, Dumfries
Now for something completely different, one you may have never heard of before but one that would be great to say you’ve tried! Introducing – RealFarmDriving – drive a tractor, quad bikes or a 4×4 and get to see how a real farm works while also having great fun! Perfect for families with children 12+ to have a fun-filled family day out. All of this is provided by Kirkwood Cottages, Dumfries who offer fantastic accommodation alongside these great activities. Rural, yet accessible, you can enjoy Kirkwood farm’s natural beauty: rolling hills, oak woods and lush pastures. The ideal place to enjoy plenty of peace and quiet, walks with the family or romantic walks with your loved one and even a spot of salmon fishing – a great activity for Autumn!
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