Scotland the best
Breathtaking views
Almost everywhere you look, Scotland has beautiful views, and these are some of the best
Irvine’s View, St Boswells
The full panorama from the Cheviots to the Lammermuirs. This the finest view in southern Scotland. Cross the road from Scott’s View lay-by through the kissing gate, veering left uphill or through the metal gate 80m along the road following car tracks and veer left to the top of the rise. The telecoms monstrosity isn’t pleasant but turn your back on it and gaze across the beautiful Borders to another country... you know, England.
The Summer Isles, Achiltibuie
The Summer Isles are a scattering of islands seen from the coast of Achiltibuie, the lounge of the Summer Isles Hotel, and the terrace of the Am Fuaran Bar, and visited by boat from Ullapool. But the best place to see them and the stunning perspective of this western shore is on that road to Altandhu. Approach
from Achiltibuie, veer left through Polbain, on and through Altandhu, past turning for Reiff and Blairbuie, then 500m ascending inland. There’s a bench and a path 50m to little plateau with many cairns and this one of the ethereal views of Scotland. On same road 500m round the corner, the distant mountains of Assynt.
Elgol, Skye
End of the road, the B8083, 22km from Broadford. The classic view of the Cuillin from across Loch Scavaig and of Soay and Rum. Cruises (Apr-oct) in the Bella Jane (0800 731 3089) or The Misty Isle (Apr-oct. 01471 866288) to the corrie of Loch Coruisk, painted by Turner, romanticised by Scott.
Duncryne Hill, Gartocharn
Gartocharn is between Balloch and Drymen and this view was once recommended by writer and outdoorsman Tom Weir as “the finest viewpoint of any small hill in Scotland”. Turn up Duncryne road at the east of village and park 1km on left by a small wood. The hill is only 470ft, but the view of Loch Lomond and the Kilpatrick Hills is superb.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99