Clifftop castle crowned Scotland's 'most beautiful walk' as top five named ahead of summer
Nothing beats a stroll in the summer sun - and Scotland has some incredible spots.
As the sun returns and summer stretches across the countryside, a new study has named the most beautiful walks in Scotland. Dramatic cliffs, ancient forests, and towering waterfalls ranked highly on the list.
The research, conducted by CEWE, one of Europe's leading photo printing companies, set out to discover the country's most picturesque trails, not just for their natural beauty but for their power to inspire unforgettable memories.
Analysing Google review data and star ratings, CEWE identified the most visually striking walking spots using keywords like 'beautiful,' 'stunning,' 'amazing' and 'lovely', all terms frequently used to describe places people enjoy photographing and sharing.
Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, has taken the top spot. With 254 reviews using the word 'beautiful,' the iconic clifftop fortress is steeped in a thousand years of Scottish history and has welcomed figures such as Mary Queen of Scots.
The dramatic views over the North Sea have earned it a 4.8-star Google rating, 68,400 Instagram hashtags, 2,593 TikTok views and over 11,700 reviews.
Second place goes to Faskally Forest near Pitlochry in Perthshire. A favourite for woodland walks, it is home to over 20 different tree species, some more than two centuries old.
Its mix of ancient trees and tranquil trails has attracted 152 'beautiful' reviews, alongside a 4.7-star rating, 500 Instagram hashtags, 776 TikTok views and 920 reviews.
In third is Steall Waterfall, located in Glen Nevis near Fort William. With a 120-metre drop, it is the third highest waterfall in Scotland and one of its most photogenic.
The spot boasts a 4.9-star rating, 100 Instagram hashtags, 500 TikTok views and nearly 2,000 reviews, 137 of which describe it as beautiful.
Other standout walks that made the top ten include the Fairy Pools in Portree, the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, known for its Harry Potter connection, and Loch Katrine, a popular beauty spot in the Trossachs.
One of the most iconic spots on the list is Ben Nevis. The UK's highest peak is not a walk for the faint-hearted, but it had more hashtags than any other stroll in the top 10 and even had a five-star rating.
Whether you're wandering through woodlands or hiking to hidden lochs, these scenic locations are perfect for both outdoor adventure and capturing unforgettable moments.
Petra Felgen, Managing Director of CEWE UK, said: 'We wanted to uncover Scotland's most beautiful walks not just for their scenery, but for the memories they help create.
Rank
Walk
Location
Star Rating
Instagram Hashtags
TikTok Views
No of Reviews
No of Beautiful Reviews
1
Dunnottar Castle
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
4.8
68,400
2,593
11,721
254
2
Faskally Forest
Pitlochry, Perthshire
4.7
500
776
920
152
3
Steall Waterfall
Glen Nevis, Fort William
4.9
100
500
1,995
137
4
Fairy Pools
Portree, Highlands
4.5
106,000
1,500
7,383
127
5
Ben Nevis
Fort William, Highlands
5
293,000
16,800
2,654
123
6
Falls of Acharn
Aberfeldy, Perthshire
4.7
1,000
60
379
117
7
Loch Katrine
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Highlands
4.7
94,900
839
317
113
=8
Ben Lomond
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Highlands
4.9
125,000
441
417
103
=8
Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail
Glenfinnan, Highlands
4.7
92,900
7,000
8,152
103
10
Loch Garten
Cairngorms National Park, Highlands
4.8
5,000
100
190
65
"Whether it's capturing a view from a clifftop or a quiet forest trail, these are the kinds of moments that people love to revisit through photography.'
As part of the campaign, CEWE is also encouraging walkers to make the most of the season by taking their cameras along and turning a simple stroll into a lasting keepsake.
The company is offering a free guide packed with tips on how to capture Scotland's natural beauty and preserve it for years to come.
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