10 lesser visited towns
Alison Campsie takes a trip off the beaten track and discovers Scotland’s hidden gems that deserve more attention
Scotland is packed with towns and villages that draw visitors time and tie again, but there are plenty of places that deserve our admiration.
In the North East, MONTROSE, sits sandwiched between the North Sea and The Basin, an estuary where around 80,000 pink footed geese make their home over the winter months and where the sunsets never fail to stun, particularly at this time of year. The town’s steeple dominates the skyline with the High Street made up of narrow-dutch style homes flanked by closes that lead to secluded gardens. The links golf courses give way to the beach with the stunning sands of nearby St Cyrus and Lunan Bay among the best you’ll get.
Head inland to FETTERCAIRN, a pretty village with a distillery that sits at the foot of the Cairn O Mount pass. Dotted with nicely kept estate cottages, a restaurant, a hotel and a handful of country shops, Fasque House, the former family home of Prime Minister Gladstone, sits on its fringes. Head for the Clatterin’ Brig restaurant where you can stop for tea before ascending the narrow mountain road from where the glorious Angus Glens and hills of Deeside unfold all around.
Venture north to LOSSIEMOUTH, and you’ll find yourself at the heart of the ‘Moray Riviera’ which enjoys low rainfall, long sunny days and an invigorating coastal landscape full of marine life, boating culture, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. At the town’s East Beach, you can walk for hours under the big, big skies. You might just feel on the edge of the world.
At the traditional fishing village of CULLEN, you’ll find Sunnyside Beach, a peaceful swimming spot and bowls of piping hot smoked haddock and potato soup thereafter.
Further afield, and STROMNESS in Orkney is a true wonder where the cobbled streets and tight alleys bring together this fascinating harbour town, from where thousands of journeys around the world have been launched. The shops here all carefully curated with island wares, from with the peaceful nature of Orcadians adding to the very amiable atmosphere found here.
Back down in t he mainland and the conservation village of COLDINGHAM in Berwickshire pleases with its pretty cottages and cute streets with Coldingham Bay a popular surfing destination. For those who like to stroll, the Berwickshire Coastal will take you here.
Over to the south west, and you’ll find tranquility rules at CARRADALE on the Kintyre Peninsula. This small harbour still holds a little fishing fleet and gives a great view over the South of Arran and Carradale Bay, where you can take a dip in its shallow waters.
For generations, the South West, with its fast moving light and gentle coastlines, has inspired generations of artists. This is particularly true at KIRKCUDBRIGHT, which offers a jolly mish-mash of medieval, Georgian and Victorian buildings. Broughton House, once home to painter Edward Hornel, has some impressive Japanese gardens to enjoy.
At WANLOCKHEAD, Scotland’s highest village, you’ll find Scotland’s highest altitude pub which is set in the Lowther Hills, an area known for its tin and gold mining with walkers often passing through on Southern Upland Way.
Over at the ISLE OF WHITHORN, one of the most southerly villages in Scotland, you’ll find a unique experience. Once a true island, it has been connected to the mainland since the 19thcentury and enjoys views to the Lake District. Here, you’ll definitely feel like you are walking in new territory – and you’ll definitely be glad you came.