National Parks and Nature Reserves in Scotland
Scotland's parks offer lochside walks, woodland, mountain plateaus and landscapes shaped by water and ice. A relaxed stay with short outings and a high mountain walking holiday can share a region but need quite different preparation.
Compare national parks in Scotland with nature reserves and other protected landscapes in the listing. Choose the part of the country first, then build the trip around a realistic base and routes suited to your experience.
How many parks in Scotland you can find on Traveler Map?
- AONB: 1
- National Parks: 3
- National Scenic Areas: 2
- Nature Reserves: 9
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Beinn Eighe National Nature ReserveNature Reserve -
Cairngorms National ParkNational Park
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Clyde Muirshiel Regional ParkNature Reserve
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Forsinard Flows National Nature ReserveNature Reserve
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Glencoe National Nature ReserveNature Reserve
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Lewis Peatlands Natural Heritage (Mòinteach Leòdhais)Nature Reserve
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Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National ParkNational Park
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Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected AreaNature Reserve
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Northumberland National ParkNational Park
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Small Isles National Scenic AreaNational Scenic Area
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Solway Coast AONBAONB
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South Uist Machair National Nature ReserveNature Reserve
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St Kilda World Heritage SiteNational Scenic Area
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Upper Loch Fyne Marine Protected AreaNature Reserve
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Wester Ross Marine Protected AreaNature Reserve
Choose between two different national park settings
Cairngorms National Park offers a wide range of outdoor visits, from forest and riverside outings to demanding mountain terrain. Decide which environment you want to experience before choosing a route. The park authority's activities guide helps you compare options beyond a summit itinerary.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park combines lochs, wooded landscapes and hills. Choose the loch or walking area you intend to use before selecting accommodation. Journeys around a large body of water can take much longer than the straight-line distance suggests.
Nature reserves can be the main reason to travel
Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve offers a peatland setting in the far north. It provides a different focus from a mountain park, with the landscape and its habitats central to the visit. Check the reserve's current visitor arrangements rather than assuming you can walk freely across wet ground.
In the northwest Highlands, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve offers woodland and mountain trails around a landscape of old pinewoods and rocky peaks. The NatureScot reserve guide helps distinguish the available outings. It is a separate destination from the Cairngorms, with its own travel and walking plan.
Understand responsible access and camping
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code describes responsible lightweight camping in small numbers and appropriate places. It is not blanket permission for vehicles, long stays or camping beside any building or road.
Local rules also matter. In parts of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, seasonal Camping Management Zones require a permit or a campsite stay. Check the park's camping guidance for the location and dates of your visit.
Leave the high route optional
Mountain conditions can be very different from the weather at your accommodation. Keep a lower outing available and choose routes using ascent, terrain, navigation and the forecast. A longer Scottish holiday benefits from time in each area; do not use an itinerary of distant parks as a substitute for days spent exploring them.