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Scotland’s national forests and land offer a vast array of opportunities for photographers. From incredible landscapes to intimate close-ups, and vivid wildlife to exciting adventures, there’s so much to see. Here, we’ve picked our favourite destinations for photographers, located throughout Scotland, so grab a camera or phone and get snapping! 

Adventures | Landscapes | Unique Shots | Wildlife

Adventures

Laggan, Highlands

Person riding a bike on narrow track

This compact forest is home to some of Scotland’s best loved mountain biking trails that offer everything from slow, technical challenges to flat-out straights and big jumps. If you enjoy shooting action sports, this is a top destination to visit. Bring a friend or two to ride while you get the shots, or maybe strap on an action camera and get closer to the action.

Bonus: The café at Laggan is just the place to refuel before heading out for another lap.

Visit Laggan

Loch Eck, Argyll

Landscape view of calm open water surrounded by green hillsides

This long, narrow loch nestles in central Argyll and provides brilliant views all around. Better still is if you take to the water. Whether in a canoe or kayak, or maybe even paddle boarding or swimming, it’s a fabulous location to go paddling. You’ll need to be prepared with the right equipment for shooting on the water, but the epic surroundings will ensure you get some top shots.

Bonus: Keep an eye out along the shore for red squirrels!

Visit Loch Eck

Be safe on the water

Ben Ledi, Perthshire

View of a mountain across a river

Ben Ledi sits at the gateway to the Highlands. As a Corbett, it sits just under the prestigious Munros, but is no less grand (and no less strenuous on your legs!). It’s a great day out for hill walking, and for the photographer, you’ll find a mix of backgrounds for the perfect shot, from intimate trails in the trees to wide open slopes with distant peaks beyond.

Bonus: Nearby Callander is stuffed with superb eateries and facilities to recover from your exertions.

Visit Ben Ledi 

Landscapes

Glen Trool, Galloway

Man in jacket taking a photo of a calm loch with camera

Glen Trool and Loch Trool are truly stunning areas that combine delicately carved hillsides with interesting features. There are multiple paths here so you can find plenty of viewpoints, and if you’re feeling fit, you can also climb up high towards the Merrick (the highest hill in southern Scotland) to get a broader view of Galloway Forest Park. Make sure to check the forecast though – this area can get the full force of westerly weather systems.

Bonus: Come back here at night to take advantage of the Galloway Dark Sky Park and do some stargazing.

Visit Glen Trool 

Roseisle, Moray

Large sandy beach with line of large rocks stretching to horizon

You don’t normally associate forests with beaches, but that’s exactly what you get at Roseisle. This low-lying forest is right on the beach and for the photographer, offers a great juxtaposition between trees and wide open sea. It also has some interesting features like pillboxes and tank traps from the Second World War. Crucially, this part of Scotland is typically one of the sunniest so you’ve got a decent chance of finding excellent shooting conditions.

Bonus: Really, it’s a lovely beach. Bring a bucket and spade!

Visit Roseisle 

 

Unique Shots

Stargazing in Galloway

Silhouette of an ash tree against a starry sky

The Galloway Dark Sky Park was the first of its kind in Britain and is one of the very best places to look to the heavens. A lack of light pollution means that it’s one of the darkest places in the UK, and around 38 times darker than a typical city. This means you can see stars galore, and even the entire curve of the Milky Way if conditions are just right. Try setting your camera on a tripod for a long exposure to see the stars wheeling above.

Bonus: The whole park is ideal for stargazing, find different trees to mix up the foreground of the image and see what your favourite is.

Visit Galloway Forest Park 

Urban Woodland at Boden Boo

Green trees below a large bridge

It’s not just the name that’s unique, but the location too. This little urban woodland sits right beneath the Erskine Bridge west of Glasgow, alongside gorgeous mixed woodland. Easy and broad walking trails and its proximity to Glasgow make this a top stop for some unique photography.

Bonus: Glasgow is home to several unique woodlands. Have a look at the award-winning Cuningar Loop too.

Visit Boden Boo 

 

Wildlife

Tentsmuir, Fife

Two red squirrels on a tree

A regular on wildlife shows like Autumnwatch, Tentsmuir is home to an array of wildlife from badgers to bats. However, if you’re visiting for the day, a more realistic target is the red squirrel. The forest is quite flat so it’s easy to get around and find a quiet spot to wait for a while. You might also have a wander along the beach to check if any of the local seals have put in an appearance, and keep an eye out for bird life too.

Bonus: If you enjoy landscape photography too, head up nearby Balmullo Hill to get a great aerial view of the coastline, showing Tentsmuir, the River Eden estuary, and round to St Andrews.

Visit Tentsmuir 

 

Mull, Argyll

Lone oak tree in the foreground with loch in the background

Wildlife spotting on Mull is fantastic and a great place to see White-tailed eagles. Looking further down, the waters around Mull are home to porpoises and at the right time of year you may even spot whales. Long lens required for this trip!

Bonus: Fancy a diversion? Aros Park on Mull has just opened a free-to-use disc golf course.

Visit Mull

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