The North Coast of Scotland
Discover the North Coast of Scotland including Highland, Skye, Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland. Plan a coastal nature trip, staycation or holiday with our curated guide.
Articles
Highland
Comprehensive North Coast 500 Road Trip Planning Guide
(Independent Travel Cats)
SKYE
10 fantastic things to do on the Isle of Skye in springtime
(The Independent)
12 Must Have Experiences on the Isle of Skye
(EarthTrekkers)
Top 10 walks on Skye
(The Guardian)
Landscape fashioned by geology – Skye
(Scottish Natural Heritage)


Outer Hebrides
Discover the hidden beaches of the Outer Hebrides
(Scottish Field)
What to do and see in the Outer Hebrides
(The Independent)
The Outer Hebrides: A landscape fashioned by geology
(Scottish Geology)
Flora and fauna of the Outer Hebrides
(Wikipedia)
Outer Hebrides guide: best places to see wildlife
(Countryfile)
Argyll and the Outer Hebrides: what to see
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Finding peace in the wildest, most beautiful corner of Britain
(The Telegraph)
Orkney
11 breathtaking photos of Orkney
(VisitScotland)
Walking Orkney’s coastline
(Orkney.com)
Orkney & Shetland – A Landscape Fashioned by Geology (.pdf)
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Orkney and Shetland, an introduction
(British Geological Survey)
Shetland
Orkney & Shetland – A Landscape Fashioned by Geology (.pdf)
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Orkney and Shetland, an introduction
(British Geological Survey)
Shetland’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems
(Culture Trip)
Useful Websites
Highland
Highland Beaches
The Beach Guide presents details of 44 Highland beaches. Check out the Top Ten.
North Coast 500 – VisitScotland
Discover the North Coast 500, ‘Scotland’s Route 66’ – named one of the top coastal road trips in the world…
Skye
Isle of Skye
Guide including Wildlife, Boat Trips, Walking and Outdoor Activities pages.
Isle of Skye – WalkHighlands
The Isle of Skye is a walkers’ paradise. From family walks on the spectacular coastline to dramatic scrambles…
Skye – VisitScotland
Skye is a truly magical place. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, it’s home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes…
Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum
A partnership open to anyone with an interest in the natural and cultural habitats of the area…
Outer Hebrides
Outer Hebrides Biological Recording
A group of local amateur naturalists, to collect and collate information about the animals, plants…
Nature – Visit Outer Hebrides
Also on site find details of all the islands, bays, walks and more…
Outer Hebrides Factfiles
With factfiles on wildlife, flora and fauna, coasts, geology and more…
Outer Hebrides Natural History Society
Encourages the study, recording and enjoyment of the wildlife of the islands of the Outer Hebrides…
Orkney
Orkney Walks – WalkHighlands
The complete guide to walking on the beautiful islands of Orkney…
Orkney – Wikipedia
An in depth article with further information. Includes Natural History, Geology and lots more…
Orkney – Special Protection Areas
Details of the 13 designated SPA’s from Orkney Islands Council…
Orkney – SSSIs
Details of the 36 designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest from Orkney Islands Council…
Shetland
Explore Nature – Shetland.org
Scenery, Beaches, Bird Watching, Sea Mammals, The UNESCO Global Geopark and more.
Natural Heritage – Shetland
With pages on seashores, geology, sea mammals, birds and more…
Unst & Yell – National Trust for Scotland
Glorious Shetland islands known for seabird colonies, ‘dratsies’, seals and ponies…
Shetland Nature Reserves
This visitor site also has useful area guides, walking information and more besides…
Nature in Shetland
For over 20 years, Nature in Shetland has been collecting and sharing information on all of Shetland’s natural history.
Shetland – Wikipedia
Includes Geography, Geology, Wildlife as well as linked information about places and more…
Shetland Walks – WalkHighlands
The islands offer much of the best UK coastal walking, with superb cliffs, spectacular natural arches, towering sea stacks and caves…

Sponsored listings
The National Trust for Scotland
A vital conservation charity protecting Scotland’s coast, wilderness, wildlife and countryside for the good of all. Funded largely by donations, membership is very affordable, comes with a raft of benefits and supports their work.

A Handbook Of Scotland's Coasts
The essential guide for beachcombers, rockpoolers, wild swimmers, birdwatchers, hikers, history buffs, sailors, walkers, dreamers. Discover more about the thousands of miles of Scotland's spectacular coastline - from its stunning geology and diverse marine and bird life to...
Also see: The Countryside of Scotland.