National Geographic crowns Scottish Highlands in ‘Best of the World 2023’: These 13 Highland sites show why
The Scottish Highlands was crowned in National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2023’ list, and these thirteen Highland locations make it easy to see why.
In National Geographic’s Best of the World 2023 destination list the Scottish Highlands was shortlisted in the nature category. It stands side-by-side with the likes of Botswana, Slovenia and Big Bend National Park in Texas, US - picturesque locations that are no small feat to share the spotlight with on such a prestigious list.
Chief Executive of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead, commented: “Our landscapes and scenery is one of the top reasons that people visit Scotland and the Highlands is home to some of the country’s most important and special natural assets.
“It is fantastic that National Geographic has recognised the valuable environmental efforts that are being undertaken across the region and are sharing this with audiences across the world.”
In celebration, here are 13 stunning locations from the Scottish Highlands that show why it was recognised by National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2023’ list.
1. Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis was originally a huge active volcano which exploded and collapsed inwards millions of years ago. Now, it is simply a quintessential example of the beauty of Scotland and a 'must' for hikers in or visiting the country. Photo: Maas-ter via Canva Pro
2. Cairngorms National Park
This national park covers an area of 2,000 square miles of land making it an unbeatable place to connect to the great outdoors. Here you can also find the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd which is Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer, reportedly they're quite friendly! Photo: Richard Paksi via Canva Pro
3. Glencoe
This gorgeous location is famous not only for being the site of the Glencoe massacre, a tragedy for Clan Macdonald, but also for featuring as a backdrop in the 1995 hit movie Braveheart which launched Scottish culture into the heart of pop culture. Photo: ebor via Canva Pro
4. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Loch Ness rests 20 miles southwest of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and is the home to the elusive and world-famous cryptid the Loch Ness Monster. Here you will also find Urquhart Castle, a 1,000-year-old settlement that sits in ruin but stands to tell the colourful tales of Scotland's dark history. Photo: Alisha Bube via Canva Pro