Scotland is one of the most naturally beautiful and geographically stunning countries in the world. This is not even really a disputable opinion. Scotland has something for everyone with its green spaces, dramatic coastline, craggy, often snow-capped mountains, diverse mix of quaint old villages and towns, and more cosmopolitan and modern cities. 

If you are traveling to the country soon and want to know great Scotland Instagram spots to take the best pictures of the best views and scenery, you’ve come to the right place. One of the best things about taking in the natural beauty of a country like Scotland is that it is relatively inexpensive and, therefore, great for frugal traveling. In the following post, we will highlight the best Instagram spots in Scotland, so you know exactly where to include them in your itinerary. 

1. Stac a’ Phris Arch

To kick off our guide to the most photogenic places in Scotland, Stac a’ Phris Arch on the Isle of Lewis is magical. The spot can be easily reached by parking at the Norse Mill and then taking a 2km/1.2m pathway from the south of the island. You can also reach the Arch in a smaller car and drive from the north. You should be careful when on and around the cliff and Arch. 

One of the best times to get the best shots is at sunset. While sunrise can be beautiful, the sun drapes an unhelpful shadow over the Arch. 

2. Mangersta

On the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis is another of the most photogenic places in Scotland: Mangersta. This is a particularly great spot for seascape shots. Even if you are looking for a spellbinding place to enjoy a romantic picnic, you can sit on the cliff and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Yes, that’s right—the Atlantic Ocean. You can even try to spot whales and other marine life as they play off the island’s coast. When you’re not checking out the stunning vistas, you can take some time to explore the island’s crofting heritage, wilderness, wildlife, history, arts, and crafts. 

3. Neist Point Lighthouse

If you look at Scotland Instagram hashtags, you are likely to find the Isle of Skye and Neist Point Lighthouse. You don’t need a boat to reach this prime location for photographs that is located west of the island. One of the best times to visit this spot is at sunset. Don’t worry if you are funny about heights or don’t fancy visiting the Lighthouse, as you can still take a beautiful picture.

Heading out from the parking lot, where most people take snaps, you can take more original shots from other points in the local area. There is much room for self-expression and picking out the view that appeals to you for your Insta posts.

4. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

One of the most famous and best photo spots in Scotland is, undoubtedly, the Fairy Pools, also on the Isle of Skye. This is incredibly famous and very popular, and getting there involves one of the main walks on the island. There is one steep rocky section, so be aware. But overall, they walk on a wide, smooth, and firm gravel path with footbridges over the water. One thing you should be careful of, though, is the potential of falling off into the river when crossing it. The best time to visit the Pools depends on when you’d like to take your shots there. Getting to the top of the most famous viewing spots takes under an hour. 

There are many other spots in the local area where you can take some great photographs of the views over the edge of Skye and into the ocean. 

5. Elgol

As highlighted in the above paragraph, many of the best places in Scotland for photography can be found on the Isle of Skye. Another excellent example of this is Elgol. Elgol is especially popular with tourists, so you will likely see a time when it is moderately busy. At the beach in Elgol, there are numerous jagged rocks that you can use as a stunning foreground for your photographs. We recommend that you incorporate the famous Honeycomb Rock into the images you create.

Ideally, head to the beach before the sun sets and set up your camera or position yourself so that the Cullin is in the background to help frame the most dramatic shots at the end of the day.

6. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

Another of the spots for the best photography for Insta in Scotland on the breathtaking Isle of Skye is the Old Man of Storr. This is one of the best places for memorable shots that you will want to show off to your friends and family members. The Old Man of Storr stands at 50 meters/164 feet and boasts an elevation above the sea of around 712 meters/2335 feet. 

Be aware that the pathway to the best viewing point from the parking lot takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, the views from there and the opportunities for unforgettable snaps make it more than worth the effort. Ideally, you should head to this spot in time for sunrise, which means you will need to take a head torch to help you follow the pathway. It is also worth spending as much time there as possible to take a wide range of shots, with different volumes of natural light feeding into your images.

7. The Quiraing, Isle of Skye

As you have probably realized, many of the top Scotland Instagram spots for photography are on the Isle of Skye. Perhaps one of the most famous and popular is The Quiraing. This landform is located on the east face of Meall na Suiramach, the Trotternish escarpment’s northernmost summit. It is a craterous hollow surrounded by a relatively high rampart of rocks, which makes it incredible for photography. 

When you arrive there, you have many options. You can take the easy approach and take shots from the parking lot, or you can take on the challenge of the many hiking routes you will find there. Don’t worry if you are not very experienced, as many routes are suited to different levels of experience and skill. Wherever you decide to go for shots, make sure you go before or during sunrise, as the light brings some genuinely amazing colors into the scenery there. 

8. Eilean Donan

Scotland has no shortage of castles, and if you are looking for one of the best Instagram spots in Scotland, you should consider Eilean Donan. Perhaps one of the most famous old Scottish castles, it is found at the point where three big sea lochs converge and are surrounded by the Kintail mountains.

The recommended time to visit this spot is before or during sunset to get the most dramatic images that will impress your Instagram followers. Like many places we have mentioned, thanks to its fame and popularity, Eilean Donan is a very busy castle, so you might struggle to find a time when you are not surrounded by many other novice and professional photographers looking to get their killer snaps. 

9. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Caithness

If you spend any time looking at Instagram locations in Scotland, it will take a little while before you come across the majestic Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. Believed to be one of the earliest seats for the Clan Sinclair, the castle ruins are found on the Caithness east coast, around three miles north of Wick. The ruins actually comprise two castles—Castle Girnigoe from the 15th century and Castle Sinclair from the early half of the 17th century.

The castle ruins, cliff faces, and the water below all make for Instagram-ready shots. The major downside to this spot is that it is not exactly the most tourist-friendly place and can be hard to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. However, that fact alone may make it one of the best places to go if you want peace and quiet to enjoy the views while preparing to take your best shots. 

10. The Stacks of Duncansby, Caithness

In Caithness, another of the best Insta spots in Scotland for truly inspirational photography is the iconic and imposing Duncansby Stacks. The Stacks comprise three sandstone pyramids and are a marvel of geography and nature. They stand out at the North Sea and reach a height of more than 60 meters/197 feet. The tallest is higher than mainland Scotland and aptly known as The Great Stack. 

In addition to stunning opportunities for shots of these magnificent feats of nature, there is a beautiful 3 km/2 m path that trails along the coast, offering various spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding area. While exploring this part of Caithness, visit the iconic Lighthouse and look out for the seabird colonies that call the area home. 

11. Clashnessie Falls

While looking at Scotland’s Instagram spots, we have failed to include any waterfalls. Let’s remedy that by introducing you to Clashnessie Falls. Located in the quaint and ancient hamlet of Clashnessie, which is very close to Stoer and is within the region called Sutherland, you will find this impressive natural waterfall. The falls are only 15 meters/49 feet, making them hardly the biggest. But this is one case where it’s not just the size of the falls but the aesthetics of the falls themselves and the surrounding area that make them perfect for Insta-ready photographs. 

Remember, though, that the pathway to get to the spots for the best shots is quite rough and very boggy. There are many signposts there from the parking lot at the nearby beach, so it is easy enough to find. 

12. Old Man of Stoer, Lairg, Sutherland

While in Sutherland, you should also check out another of the most photogenic places in Scotland – the Old Man of Stoer. Please don’t confuse it with the previously mentioned Storr. Found in Lairg, near the little villages of Stoer and Culkein, is this impressive sea stack of Torridonian sandstone that stands piercing into the sky from the water at 60 meters/196 feet. Despite the remoteness of its location, it is very popular with budding and professional photographers and hikers alike. You need to head to the parking lot at Stoer Head Lighthouse in the north of the area and then follow a path that takes 30 minutes to get you to the best spots. 

While it is not dangerous, as long as you use common sense, you should keep in mind that the winds blowing off The North Sea can get rough. The pathway is well-maintained, and there are many spots along the way to stop and take incredible shots. Ideally, you should spend a few hours in the area, preferably towards the end of the day, so that you can take amazing shots of the sunset against the sandstone Stack. 

13. Bow Fiddle Rock, Near Portknockie

When looking for inspiration on the platform, one of the most popular Scotland Instagram hashtags is Bow Fiddle Rock. Located close to Portknockie, this is an exceptionally beautiful natural sea arch on the northeastern coast of the country. It is called Bow Fiddle Rock because it looks like a traditional fiddle bow’s tip. This natural phenomenon stands at 15 meters/49 feet at its highest point and is made from Quartzite, a metamorphic rock once quartz sandstone. 

Final Thoughts

We have shown that if you are looking for an inspirational time while visiting different parts of the country, you will find many of the best Instagram spots in Scotland. Photography vacations can be perfect for the frugally minded traveler because you are not paying to experience or view these natural geographic wonders or take shots of some of the most iconic features of the Scottish landscape. 

We are sure we will miss out on many, but we wanted to highlight our favorites away from the hustle and bustle of the central belt and cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you feel some would make our guide even better, let us know in the comments section below.

Originally Published on https://thefrugalexpat.com/

Steve Cummings Journalist, Traveler, and Personal Finance Enthusiast

Steve Cummings is a traveler, writer, and personal finance enthusiasts that has taken an adventure to leave his home country to travel and live around the world with his family. Through many years of learning he seeks to help those to save more and travel better. He has been featured in MSN, The Associate Press Wire, and various other content outlets with his writing and publications through his website The Frugal Expat. In the last six years, He has traveled to all seven continents, over 30 different countries, and has lived abroad learning and teaching others about good financial habits and travel hacks.

As an ex-English Teacher, he hopes to provide good tips and education on money and travel to help people think outside the box and achieve the impossible.