Bird watching from boat, Bullers of Buchan, Grampian.

Enjoying the outdoors

Outdoor adventures in Scotland come in all shapes and sizes. Discover ways to get closer to nature both near and far from home.

In this section

Vane Farm RSPB reserve, Loch Leven ©George Logan/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

You can access most land and inland water in Scotland for recreation, as long as you do so responsibly. Find out what Scotland’s access rights mean for you.

Kitty Walker from the Forth and Tay disabled ramblers group and Mark Beaumont round the world cyclist at Loch Leven NNR. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the SNH Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Give yourself a health and well-being boost. Being in the outdoors and getting active can raise your physical fitness and help you to de-stress.

Eagles and Everything event at Ardgarten, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park ©Peter Sandground/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.scot

Find places to visit and things to do near you, in Scotland's great outdoors.

Couple walking through a beech woodland in autumn, Perthshire. ©Lorne Gill/2020VISION For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Discover paths and trails suited to walking, cycling and horse riding. Stay close to home or take to our hills and glens on 6,000 miles of paths – and counting.

Survey diver on a maerl bed ©CMEU/SNH snhmarinephotos@snh.gov.uk. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Dive in and explore some of Scotland’s remarkable marine life through these virtual dives.

Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) butterfly feeding on a common-spotted orchid, Taynish NNR, Argyll ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

From north to south and west to east, Scotland varies hugely in its nature and landscapes. Use our guides to discover the attractions of each area.

Cragbank Wood NNR, near Hawick, Borders ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

You’re welcome to visit any of our nature reserves, where you might uncover fossil fish, spot an otter or see a plant that’s unique to Scotland.

Evening light on the sand dunes at Sands of Forvie NNR, Aberdeenshire. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or nature.scot

Be inspired by the magic and beauty of National Nature Reserves. These reserves protect an amazing range of wildlife and landscapes and each one is waiting to be discovered by you.

Young Naturalist Club, Crombie Country Park, Angus ©George Logan/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Escape urban life for a day – or even just an afternoon. Scotland has 40 country parks to discover and one of them is probably near you.

Visitors at the SWT Aberlady Bay LNR, Forth and Borders Area ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Nature is right on your doorstep. Scotland currently has 75 Local Nature Reserves, many of them are close to our cities and towns. Where is your nearest wild place?

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Get out and about in the Pentland Hills. Follow a themed walk in the Lomond Hills. Or try one of the outdoor activities at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

Tourists enjoying the view at Craigie Fort, Loch Lomond ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

One of Scotland’s National Parks has 22 lochs in which to swim, sail and paddle. The other contains 55 Munros – including five of the UK’s six highest peaks.

Tourists walking on the woodland trail at Inchcailloch NNR, Loch Lomond

Get more out of your next day trip. Our Explore for a day guides reveal the best places to enjoy nature, landscapes and history in 14 areas of Scotland.

People relaxing by the pond in The Thistle Foundation community garden, Edinburgh ©George Logan/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

You and your community have a big part to play in safeguarding your local place and wider landscape. Find out how to get involved.

Volunteers clearing willow scrub at Loch Leven NNR ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

Nature conservation work in Scotland relies on volunteers. Give a little time and gain a whole lot in return – skills, friends, satisfaction and a great workout.