Get back to nature to discover wildlife

Fancy yourself as a bit of a David Attenborough? Then here’s where to see the best of Scottish wildlife up close.

in Dumfries & Galloway isn’t just home to one of the UK’s highest waterfalls, it’s also where wildlife enthusiasts will get a thrill out of spotting rare upland plants, feral goats, peregrine falcons, ring ouzels and, if you’re lucky, ospreys fishing in Loch Skeen! Treat yourself with a trip to the largest National Nature Reserve in the UK:

in Aberdeenshire. In addition to being a haven for birdwatchers, the most breathtaking display comes in autumn when the red deer stags start to rut – experience the roaring and clashing of antlers echoing around the hills. Animal spotters won’t forget

in a hurry! This Highland crofting estate is home to a wide range of wildlife species and charming Highland coos. There’s even the chance to spot seabirds, seals, otters, whales and dolphins with boat trips leaving from Kyle of Lochalsh and Plockton. A trip to in Perthshire provides a fascinating nature spotting opportunity. During not-uncommon wet spells, lucky ramblers will see leaping salmon in the falls beneath the famous Soldier’s Leap. With the leaves falling, you have a greater chance of spotting the elusive pine marten, as well as red squirrels and woodpeckers among the golden forest.