Once I Saw What Scotland's Been Hiding, I've Become Insanely Jealous

July 17, 2014

Once you step foot here, you might never leave. Here are 15 reasons why Scotland should be on your bucket list...

1. The Quiraing

Robert White

The Quiraing is a landslip on the Eastern face of Meall na Suirmach on the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge. It’s the only part of the slip that is still moving.

2. The West Highland Line train passing the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Daniel Korzhonov

This legendry train is also known as the Hogwarts Express Train, as it was used in the Harry Potter movies. The line winds through gorgeous settings, including highland valleys and besides lochs.

3. Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Scotland

Kenny Barker

Kilchurn castle sits on a rocky peninsula on the northeastern end of Loch Awe. During periods of higher than usual levels of water, the site becomes an island.

4. Rannoch Moor in the valley of Glen Coe

Michal Vitasek

This large expanse of boggy moorland, west of Loch Rannoch, is notable for its wildlife.

5. Trotternish Ridge

Georg Scharf

As one of the finest ridge traverses in Britain, Trotternish Ridge offers some unsurpassable views.

6. Fingal’s Cave

Michael W.

This sea cave can be found on the uninhabited island of Staffa. Its unique structure is formed by hexagonally jointed basalt.

7. Bluebell Path in Perthshire

David Mould

A stunning bluebell path can be found in Perthshire. In the spring, the woodland floor turns into a carpet of blue.

8. Isle of Skye

Natalia Eriksson

The Isle of Sky is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Its rocky slopes provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country.

9. Dunnottar Castle

Daniel Korzhonov

This ruined medieval fortress lies on a rocky headland on the north east coast of Scotland. The ruins span over 3.5 acres and are surrounded by steep cliffs that drop into the North Sea.

10. Finnich Glen

Ann-Marie Westwood

Also known as the Devil’s Pulpit, Finnich Glen is about 30 minutes away from Glasgow. According to local lore, the gorge used to be used by druids as a secret meeting place.

11. Loch Chon

Sebastian Logering

This freshwater loch lies to the West of the village of Aberfoyle. It’s fed by several small streams.

12. Kilt Rock

Andy Lee

Kilt rock is sea cliff in east Trotternish that, as its name suggests, is said to resemble a kilt.

13. Fall in the Scottish highlands

Sorin Rechitan

Gorgeous fall hues color the land in the autumn, tinging the Scottish highlands with oranges, yellows, and reds.

14. Scenic bridges straight out of a fairy tail

Angus Clyne

There are many rustic-looking bridges in Scotland that seem like they jumped straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.

15. Rock formations on the island of Staffa

Andrew Barton

6 miles west of Isle of Mull lies the breathtaking island of Staffa, which features great basalt columns and deep caves.

Via Imgur

Yup, Scotland is officially added to my bucket list.