Best hidden gem spot in Scotland revealed with fairy pool – but it's not on iconic island
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FAIRY NICE Best hidden gem spot in Scotland revealed with fairy pool – but it's not on iconic island
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AS temperatures rise more folk head outdoors to soak up the sun and get some fresh air.
And Scotland is packed full of stunning places to visit, from beautiful beaches to fantastic forests.
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The Aberdeenshire spot took first place
Credit: ALAMY
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The estate has rolling hills and beautiful purple heather
Credit: ALAMY
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It's great for wildlife spoyting too, like this hen harrier
Credit: ALAMY
Now the experts at Millets have revealed the top hidden gems to tick off while the lovely weather continues.
Scouring data from Tripadvisor, the team pulled together the top undiscovered spots using tips from Reddit, TikTok and travel articles before checking Tripadvisor ratings to find the best ones across the country.
Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets, said: "In recent years, more people have discovered the benefits of spending time outdoors with hotspots like the Great Glen Way and the Isles of Skye becoming increasingly popular.
"We have compiled a list of Scotland's best hidden gems, for those who want to avoid the crowds whilst enjoying the outdoors."
Coming in at number one in the list is Glen Tanar. Located in Aberdeenshire, this is a picturesque glen set within the Cairngorms National Park.
Established as an estate in 1865, it now stretches across more than 25,000 acres of diverse and unspoiled terrain with ancient Caledonian pine forests, rolling heather-clad hills, impressive rivers and farmland that supports a variety of plant species.
There's also loads to do on the estate, including fishing, horse riding and wildlife-spotting as well as cosy cottages to stay in.
And there are some beautiful walks including one to the Fairy Lochan, a romantically named pool of water where you can see damsel and dragonflies in the summer.
Second on the list is Glen Finglas - the largest estate in The Woodland Trust, spanning over 10,000 acres.
Visitors can see reservoirs and waterfalls as well as stunning woodlands in this Trossachs hidden gem, and have described the area as 'well managed, scrupulously clean, well signposted and looked after.'
Hidden gem Scots caravan park with luxury hot tubs that's just five steps from the beach
Huisinis Beach on the Isles of Harris comes in third place.
Celebrated for its idyllic setting, it's nestled at the end of a 12-mile single-track road and opens out to views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It's a great spot for a range of outdoor activities, including surfing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and sailing.
And the area also caters to campervan users, offering electric hook-up points for an extended visit.
HIDDEN GEM TOP 10
HERE is the full hidden gem top 10 with TripAdvisor ratings:
Glen Tanar, Aberdeenshire - 4.9
Glen Finglas, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs - 4.9
Loch Arkaig, Scottish Highlands - 4.9
Huisinis Beach, Isle of Harris - 4.9
Glen Lyon, Perth and Kinross - 4.9
Sandwood Bay, Sutherland - 4.8
The Quiraing, Isle of Skye - 4.8
Taynish National Nature Reserve, Argyll and Bute - 4.8
Beinn Eighe, Wester Ross - 4.8
Sam added: 'If you are visiting any area of the UK this summer, it is important to be prepared.
"And you must also leave any place you visit exactly as you found it. Take any rubbish and equipment, such as camping chairs or wind breaks, home with you and be respectful of any wildlife and other people around you.'
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The stunning pines at Glen Finglas
Credit: ALAMY
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