First trip field guide
The best places to see Scotland clearly
Seven classic destinations, reworked around the exact viewpoints, access details and light that make each stop worth your time.
The old version of this guide named good destinations. This field edition goes one step further: it identifies the viewpoint, the effort and the best reason to stop.
01 · Edinburgh & the Lothians
Calton Hill
A short climb delivers one of Europe’s great city prospects and a particularly strong sunset angle over Princes Street and the Old Town.
02 · Fife
St Andrews West Sands
West Sands trades Highland drama for immense coastal space, shifting light and a clear walkable horizon beside the home of golf.
03 · Isle of Skye
The Quiraing
The Quiraing is the defining high viewpoint of northern Skye. From the upper path, the eye travels over ancient landslip formations to Staffin Bay and the mainland beyond.
04 · Inverness & Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness
The classic Loch Ness scene combines the ruins of Urquhart Castle with a deep, uninterrupted view along the Great Glen.
05 · Inverness & Loch Ness
Inverness Castle Viewpoint
A compact urban viewpoint that makes sense of Inverness at a glance, tracing the river through the city toward the Great Glen.
06 · Edinburgh & the Lothians
Arthur’s Seat Summit
Arthur’s Seat turns a city break into a genuine hill walk. The summit opens a 360-degree view across Old Town, Salisbury Crags and the coast.
07 · Glencoe
Three Sisters of Glencoe
One of Scotland’s most immediate mountain views: pull in from the A82 and the full wall of Glencoe rises directly across the glen.
