Best Viewpoints in Scotland
Scotland is infused with miles and miles of dramatic landscapes, towering mountains and glistening coastal views. With a little planning, you could tour around the best viewpoints in Scotland, Europe, and arguably the world, to witness views that are truly captivating no matter the weather. If it’s grey clouds emerging over a highland loch, amber beams gleaming off an ancient Aberdeenshire castle, or blue skies bouncing off the snowy Glencoe mountains, our patriotic country is home to hundreds of stunning Scotland viewpoints waiting to be discovered.
This list of spectacular Scotland viewpoints and will have everything you need so you can plan your unforgettable adventure. Embark on on a unique Scottish road trip exploring the most beautiful spots in Scotland, discover the tumbling ruins of ancient castles surrounded by dramatic landscapes and glistening lochs, or get a well deserved 360 view of nearby villages, lochs and mountains at the peak of one Scotland’s famous munros.
Viewpoints in the Highlands
The Highlands is without-a-doubt Scotland’s most talked about, picturesque region, that every travel and nature enthusiast needs to visit in their lifetime. No matter where you are situated you will be surrounded by towering mountains, impressive structures and dramatic landscapes.
Where to stay: We have listed the most iconic Fort William, Strathcarron and Glencoe viewpoints. To top the trip off, book a stay at the luxurious Glencoe Inn, surrounded by stunning scenery to make your trip around the Highlands truly remarkable.
1. Glenfinnan Viewpoint, Fort William (Otherwise known as - harry potter train scotland viewpoint)
Image source: https://continuousroamer.com/glenfinnan-viaduct-viewpoint/
Viewpoint type: Historic structure
Parking: Glenfinnan Viaduct car park, £3 entry.
How to get to viewpoint: Sits at the top of Loch Shiel, along the A830. 10-15 minute walk, directions marked by pillars from parking.
2. Three Sisters, Glencoe Viewpoint
Image source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c9/28/01/c92801b0f60f7761c707148a991daeea.jpg
Viewpoint type: Mountain view
Parking: Glencoe visitor centre car park, just off the A82.
How to get to viewpoint: Experience a lovely view of the three mountain peaks from the cafe itself.
See full details on how to find this magnificent Glencoe Three Sisters mountain view here.
Discover our A82 Glencoe Valley - Breathtaking scenic road trip here.
3. Bealach Na Bà, Strathcarron (Directly translating to “pass of the castle”)
Image source: https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/2021/komoot-ride-of-the-month-no1-bealach-na-ba
Viewpoint type: Mountain view
Parking: Carpark in Applecross, just off of the A896.
How to get to viewpoint: Located at Strathcarron IV54 8XF, around a 2hr walk.
4. The 5 Sisters of Kintail, Highland
Image source: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/kintail/Fivesisters.shtml
Viewpoint type: Mountain view
Parking: Ratagan Pass car park
How to get to viewpoint: Car park view
5. Loch Carron Viewpoint, Stomeferry
https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/43/69/2436983_02cdbed1.jpg
Viewpoint type: Loch views
Parking: Found on IV53 8UH, Stromeferry.
How to get to viewpoint: Parking view, with picnic tables.
6. Glen Affric, Cannich
https://www.macsadventure.com/holiday-1106/the-glen-affric-trail/
Viewpoint type: Mountain view
Parking: River Affric Car park
How to get to viewpoint: Short walk across the river
7. Ben Nevis, Fort William
https://www.lovefromscotland.co.uk/climbing-ben-nevis/
Viewpoint type: Mountain view
Parking: Car park by Corpach station, PH33 7JJ
How to get to viewpoint: 15 mins from car park
West Coast of Scotland Viewpoints
With impressive culture, castles, striking islands, towering mountains and glistening lochs, the west coast of Scotland has so many stunning viewpoints to discover. From a gorgeous village view of Tobermory’s picturesque port on the Isle of Mull, majestic loch views from the peak of an Inveraray hill, to the magnificent Inveruglas Pyramid, there is a reason why the west coast is famous around the world for its breathtaking scenery and remote landscapes.
Where to stay: Crerar Hotels has three perfectly situated luxury hotels and inns that allow you to explore the west coast viewpoints in all their glory; each boasting unique character and luxury amenities. Start your road trip at Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, continue to our Oban Bay Hotel, then make your way across the water to our Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, just a boat ride away from Oban town centre.
8. An Ceann Mòr, Inveruglas Pyramid
https://www.seelochlomond.co.uk/discover/inveruglas
Viewpoint type: Loch views
Parking: Visitor centre car park on the shores of Loch Lomond, on the A82 opposite Loch Sloy Power Station.
How to get to viewpoint: Following a new accessible path through the trees.
9. Luss Beach, Loch Lomond
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Loch_Lomond_from_the_pier_at_Luss_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1519886.jpg
Viewpoint type: Loch views
Parking: There is a car park built and managed by Luss Estates, and has 250 car spaces available.
How to get to viewpoint: Luss is a very small coastal village, so there will be several signposts to the beach.
10. Dun na Cuaiche Watchtower, Inveraray
https://www.flickr.com/photos/perkster/26167886996
Viewpoint type: Loch views
Parking: Car parks available at Inveraray Castle or Inveraray Harbour
How to get to viewpoint: The hike to the viewpoint is very well sign posted from the carpark.
11. Loch Katrine from Ben A'an
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b275a555417fc0314b45e7a/1616686017953-6AA826B54WG2FO4PFONV/Climb+Ben+A%27an.jpg?format=1000w
Viewpoint type: Mountain view
Parking: Ben A’an car park, on the southside of the A821.
How to get to viewpoint: Around a 1.5-2 hour hike overall.
12. Tobermory Port, Isle of Mull
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Tobermory_waterfront.jpg
Viewpoint type: Coastal views
Parking: Town parking
How to get to viewpoint: Found at PA75 6NR, short walk from parking availability.
13. Pulpit Hill, Oban
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/1_14/1_14_2l.JPG
Viewpoint type: Coastal town
Parking: Car park at foot of hill
How to get to viewpoint: Around an hour walk on a steep incline.
North of Scotland Viewpoints
Discover remarkable adventures through northern Scotland, exploring unbelievable places like Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire, an ancient castle surrounded by miles and miles of coastal views, or enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Inverness and some of our picturesque beaches with beautiful backdrops.
Where to stay: Crerar has two hotels and inns situated in the most ideal location in the North of Scotland, making it easier than ever to discover the true beauty from these Aberdeen and Inverness viewpoints. Stay at Golf View in Nairn, just a short drive from Inverness, which has stunning panoramic coastal views from its own grounds, or relax in our Thainstone House in Inverurie, near Aberdeen.
14. Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunnottar_Castle
Viewpoint type: Castle ruins & coastal views
Parking: Carpark found at AB39 2TL
How to get to viewpoint: The walk is very well sign posted from the carpark.
Explore a full list of historic Aberdeenshire castles here.
15. Ord Hill, Inverness
https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/04/37/59/4375918_dfb61745.jpg
Viewpoint type: Cityscape
Parking: Ord hill car park, North Kessock, IV1 3YF
How to get to viewpoint: The walk is very well sign posted from the carpark.
16. Castle Viewpoint Inverness
https://www.flickr.com/photos/headphonaught/4951751087
Viewpoint type: Cityscape
Parking: City parking
How to get to viewpoint: Top floor of Inverness castle, free access.
Viewpoints in The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and home to arguably the most beautiful locations, boasting five of the six highest peaks in Scotland. With towering mountain views and glistening lochs, there are countless opportunities for picnicking, hiking, or simply, aweing at the stunning backdrops.
Where to stay: At the far east of the Cairngorms National Park, lies our stunning 4 star Balmoral Arms (formerly Deeside Inn), located in the area of Royal Deeside. Neighbouring the Queen’s second home, Balmoral, you can sleep like royals whilst exploring some of Scotland’s remarkable viewpoints.
17. Queens View, Perthshire
https://d3e6o3xmbgc08e.cloudfront.net/wsimgs/queensview-min_1294094435.jpg
Viewpoint type: Loch views
Parking: Car park
How to get to viewpoint: Short walk, directed by signposts.
18. Loch Morlich, Aviemore
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Loch_Morlich.jpg
Viewpoint type: Loch views
Parking: Car park, £4 for the entire day.
How to get to viewpoint: Beach is right next to the carpark.
19. Loch Muick, Braemar
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/3_19/3_19_2l.JPG
Viewpoint type: Loch views
Parking: Spittal of Glen Muich car park
How to get to viewpoint: Loch Muick walking circuit, around 7.5 miles long.
City Views in Scotland
For those visiting Scotland's two largest cities, we have also configured a list of beautiful cityscapes to explore and discover, whilst still in the midst of the buzzing city life.
20. Edinburgh Esplanade
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/2/view-from-edinburgh-castle-in-edinburgh-scotland-bradley-hebdon.jpg
Viewpoint type: Cityscape
Parking: City centre parking
How to get to viewpoint: Situated at the top of the royal mile.
21. Queens Park, Glasgow
https://www.caingram.info/Scotland/Queens_park/glasgow-university-4.jpg
Viewpoint type: Cityscape
Parking: Street parking nearby
How to get to viewpoint: In the centre of Queen’s Park in the Southside of Glasgow, around a 10 minute walk, with steady incline.
22. The Lighthouse Tower, Glasgow
https://www.flickr.com/photos/headphonaught/4951751087
Viewpoint type: Cityscape
Parking: City parking
How to get to viewpoint: Located in a small lane, off of Buchanan Street, on the top floor of The Lighthouse Tower.
23. Arthurs Seat, Edinburgh
https://www.tripsavvy.com/arthurs-seat-complete-guide-5114002
Viewpoint type: Cityscape
Parking: City parking
How to get to viewpoint: Around a 30 minute incline walk.
24. The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/1a/a9/04/bc/vistas-del-castillo-desde.jpg
Viewpoint type: Historic structure
Parking: City parking
How to get to viewpoint: Climb the vennel steps located in an old town alley.
FAQs
- Which is the most beautiful part of Scoltand?
If you’re looking for the best viewpoints Scotland then we recommend you check out our lists of stunning staycations, mini Scottish breaks, and honeymoons locations, each filled with everything Scotland is known for; acres of enchanting countryside, miles of gorgeous coastal views, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
- Where is the best view in Scotland?
As all our stunning viewpoints in Scotland are truly remarkable and enthuse unique character, it is impossible to choose which is best. However, if you’re captivated by ancient ruins of a tumbling castle, then our Aberdeenshire castle viewpoint is truly stunning to set eyes upon, and the Glenfinnan viewpoint is by far the most popular, where Harry Potter enthusiasts travel from all over the world to sneak a peek at the famous bridge and steam train, surrounded by our beautiful Scottish countryside.
- Where is the most beautiful scenery in Scotland?
Our Glencoe viewpoints are without-a-doubt the most unforgettable, majestic and striking scenery you’ll ever experience in Scotland, the UK, and arguably the world. We have previously created a blog detailing the Glen Etive road and exactly how to find it, which has been described as Scotland’s most beautiful road.
Explore Crerar Hotels & Inns for a luxurious escape, whilst discovering the most stunning viewpoints Scotland has to offer.
Our seven luxury, boutique hotels and inns are situated in some of the most picturesque locations in Scotland, and can be considered viewpoints by themselves, boasting panoramic views across Mull, Oban, Inveraray, Glencoe, Nairn, Aberdeenshire and Ballater.
We have put together the Crerar 450 and Crerar 250 driving routes, so you can tour around Scotland’s most beautiful lochs, towering mountains, coastal beaches and vibrant culture, whilst also experiencing all seven of our 4 and 5 star hotels and inns en-route. Choose Crerar hotels and start planning your unforgettable Scottish road trip, with each hotel and inn offering unique character, great cuisine and memorable experiences.
