Natural Crafts Scotland

Glen Coe: the object of all reveries and the showcase of Scotland to the world, the Glen Coe Valley has not finished marvelling. Of volcanic origin, its biscornuous mountains make it a magnificent region, often considered, rightly, as the most beautiful glen of the country. It stretches for 16 km and is entirely covered by the A82. To the east, it is preceded by the immense Moor Rannoch and its endless moorland expanses. To the west, it flows into Loch Leven, in the small village of Glencoe. It is a sanctuary adored by nature, hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Much of the area is owned by the National Trust and it is recommended that you drop by the visitor centre or visit their website (www.nts.org.uk) for route ideas, or even guided walks organised by localrangers. The West Highland Way passes through here and climbs the famous Devil's Staircase, one of the most eagerly awaited moments for hikers for its great beauty, but also its challenge. Further west, the Three Sisters are among the most photographed peaks in the country: Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh. Stop at the parking lots for breathtaking views. However, it hasn't always been time to party in the glen, far from it. The year 1692 is forever remembered as the darkest day in its history. At the end of the Glorious Revolution, the MacDonalds of Glencoe, who were devout Jacobites, were slow to swear the new oath to King William, but they did so anyway. Some time later, while they were billeted with men of the Campbell clan under Scottish hospitality, they received royal orders to execute their hosts. On the morning of February 13 and after several days at their table, they slaughtered 38 of the MacDonalds and left 40 women and children to freeze to death after burning down their homes. This dark event became a major fact of Scottish history and clan culture.

Glen Etive: South of Glen Coe, the huge Glen Etive is less well known than its neighbour, but this tends to change since its appearance in the final scenes of James Bond: Skyfall. It can be reached before the eastern entrance to Glen Coe from the A82. Almost 20 km long, it offers the best of Lochaber: magnificent mountains, waterfalls, forests, beautiful wildlife, a few hiking trails, before ending on the banks of the romantic Loch Etive, which flows to the outskirts of Oban.

The Cuillin Mountains are among the most breathtaking and unmistakable in the country. Their spectacular ascent is often a consecration but requires rigorous preparation, excellent orientation and considerable effort. There is no real path to climb there, so that some passages are almost like climbing. However, some routes are easier to climb if you have the will and a good map.

It is up there, in this Scottish Wild West, that you find the soul of the Highlands. You won't necessarily have time to do the whole itinerary, but choose at least one section to capture the infinite grandeur of this small country. You are free to shorten them, cross them or modify them. Some are much longer than others and will probably require to be cut in two days. In any case, a good map will be the key to your success.

From Kyle of Lochalsh to Loch Torridon: the first stop is Plockton, an idyllic little village where pretty houses are lined up facing a bewitching and wooded bay. It announces the beginning of Loch Carron, which the road follows until the village of Lochcarron, a long open street on the banks, where beautiful photos can be taken. The road then climbs on the heights, to reach Ardarroch and plunge into the heart of the Appelcross peninsula, as beautiful as wild. At Tornapress, you can cut off towards Shieldaig and cross sublime and deserted stretches of wide open spaces, surrounded by peaks, or continue towards Applecross via the Bealach na Ba pass. The scenery will be all the more magnificent as you climb. Don't hesitate to turn around and look back as you gain altitude over Loch Kishorn in the foreground and Loch Carron in the background. You will then enter an absolutely fairy-tale-like place with the threat of a canyon, while the road winds its way to a breathtaking view of the Cuillin of Skye. It then descends to the coast, along high moorland covered plateaus. The rest of the route to Torridon follows the charming coastline, which has only the island of Raasay and the Trotternish Peninsula as neighbors.

Loch Torridon to Gairloch: Loch Torridon (split between Loch Torridon and Upper Loch Torridon) is definitely one of the most beautiful and amazing in the country. But the powerful Glen Torridon which follows reminds us that we are in the Highlands, with its imposing walls of black mountains, as beautiful as dramatic. The road forks at Kinlochewe to follow the admirable Loch Maree, which is full of charm and strangely shaped landforms. The area is a nature reserve and you will find the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre just before the loch (www.nnr.scot), then a parking lot on its shores with self-service documentation on possible walks in the area. The path then continues quietly to Gairloch.

From Gairloch to Lochinver : the section towards Poolewe is quite typical of the west coast but it is on the heights of Loch Ewe that the show is perfectly dazzling. The panorama on this small sea and Ewe Island is unforgettable, especially at sunset. The Guinard Bay to follow is also very romantic and the Little Loch Broom has impressive waterfalls at the Ardessie Waterfalls. The road then leaves the coastline and announces a return to the heart of the Hilghlands, once again entering deep glens . Before turning onto the A835 for Loch Broom and Ullapool, you may want to stop at the Falls of Measach. You then have two options for getting to Lochinver: the coast and the land. The coastal route turns at Drumrunie and follows two lochs, passing close to Stac Pollaidh (613 meters), a curious mountain with a Wild West feel. It then zigzags to its destination between water and rock. The path across the land remains on the main road, the A835/37. It is just as sumptuous and has the advantage of gaining more altitude, between the plains and the northern behemoths, such as Suilven (731 m), Quinag (808 m) and Cul Mor (849 m), in the distant shadow of the colossal Ben More Assynt (998 m). Just before turning onto Loch Assynt, it crosses the very photogenic ruins of Ardvreck Castle. If you are short of time, you don't have to make the detour to Lochinver and you can go north without passing by the coast.

From Lochinver to Durness: you can either retrace your steps to catch up with the A894 or follow the coastline along the B869. If you choose the latter, you can eventually pass by the Point of Stoer and hike to its impressive stack, the Old Man of Stoer. You will catch up with the main road shortly before Unapool and Eas a' Chual Aluinn, the highest waterfall in Britain (200 m) is not far from here, but requires a long and tough 10 km round trip walk from Loch na Gainmich. You will then walk along the beautiful waterfront dotted with lochans (small lochs), via the small bay of Scourie and Laxford Bridge. The final stretch between Rhioconich and Durness is delightful with its vast meadows bordered by mountains to the east. In this area, if you have some time, don't miss the enchanting Sandwood Bay, which is often on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. You'll need to take the B801 west to Blairmore, where a small parking lot and toilets mark the start of the path. It's a 13 kilometers walk there and back, to reach a breathtakingly beautiful beach, whose white sands are encircled by cliffs and watched over by a majestic stack to the south (www.johnmuirtrust.org).

The Trotternish Peninsula is a postcard setting, a picture of the epinal of Scotland as you dream of it. Its reliefs look like the Wild West and erosion has created a spectacle of another world, populated by high rocky plateaus and natural monoliths. It lies to the north of the island, accessible by road, on the A87 and A855, which go around it. Several spots are to be discovered:

The north-west: Fairy Glen is a nice stopover to start your escapade on Trotternish. Follow the "Sheader & Balnaknock" road from the A87 at the southern entrance to Uig, where you will drive 2.5 km through a green valley that bears its name. Further north, Duntulm Castle is situated on the site of the same name. This ruined castle was built in the 14th century and became the seat of the MacDonald of Sleat in the 17th century. Not much remains of it, but it is still very photogenic. A little further up, Rubha Hunish Point is the northern end of the island. A path leads there between Duntulm and Kilmaluag. On the A855, at a phone booth, follow Shulista and park in the small car park. The path starts a little further to the left, just past the cattle gate. It is about 7 km round trip. The closer you get to the coast, the more impressive the view of the cliffs and the Outer Hebrides.

The Quiraing: these magnificent rocky plateaus overlooking Staffin Bay are the result of a landslide of volcanic origin. The Earth has done an extraordinary job there. The best way to enjoy it is to take the signposted Staffin via the Quiraing road from the A855 at the north exit of Uig and climb the peninsula's heights until you reach a small car park where the view is stunning. From here there are several hiking trails along the ridge lines along the Trotternish Ridge.

Kilt Rock: 2.5km south of Staffin on the A855, there is a car park on the coast at a loch. This is the vantage point of Kilt Rock, where the Mealt Falls, a superb waterfall, cascades down from the cliffs into the sea. In the summer, the place is overrun but the spectacle is definitely worth a stop.

The Old Man of Storr: this is the most famous old man in Skye! This 55 m long natural monolith stands proudly at 137 m above sea level. It is the undisputed icon of the island. It can be reached from a car park 11.5 km north of Portree and 16 km south of Staffin on the A855. Count about 4 km for the round trip, via a rather simple and visible route.

The beautiful Glen Brittle Valley is as magical as it is popular. It is also home to the world famous Fairy Pools, a succession of small waterfalls and natural pools with stunningly blue translucent waters. Much appreciated by photographers for their beautiful colours and their tropical aspect, they have become a real must-see during a stay in Skye. Come early enough or late enough to avoid the crowds and the further you go, the less people will come. Count 6-7 km round trip for the whole itinerary.

Sealife Adventures has been operating in Oban Bay for over 30 years. The company offers sea trips to discover the incredible nature of Scottish waters. Each option includes a passage through the Corryvreckan whirlpool and you may see rare birds, dolphins, whales, basking sharks and seals. The boats are accessible to people with reduced mobility and children of all ages. You will be provided with free hot drinks and snacks on board, as well as binoculars, so you won't miss out on the show.

Inverawe has many attractions. There's something magical about the road alone! Once your vehicle is parked, several choices are available according to your desires: discover, through the museum area, how salmon are smoked, learn about fishing techniques, go for a walk following the proposed circuits (short walks) or taste smoked salmon on the spot in the café and shop area. In any case, don't leave on an empty stomach, it would be a shame!

This site invites you to discover hydroelectricity, on the very site of a dam. Several exhibits allow those curious about science and technology to understand how the Pitlochry Dam, which produces electricity for 15,000 homes, works. It is also a site for discovering the life of the salmon and sea trout that have the difficult task of bypassing the dam. The salmon ladder, with its 34 pools, allows them to pass safely.