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Places to Visit

There are a range of settings for getting outdoors and enjoying nature - from the centre of towns and cities to the highest hills and the deepest waters of our loch and seas. Whatever the weather, you should be able to find somewhere to go to get some fresh air and exercise, whether it is for a few hours or a few days.  

Kitty Walker from the Forth and Tay disabled ramblers group and Mark Beaumont round the world cyclist at Loch Leven NNR, Tayside and Clackmannanshire Area. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.org.uk

Towns and cities

If you live in a town or city there will paths and greenspaces close by that are ideal for getting outdoors.

People on a guided walk at Blair Atholl, Tayside and Clackmannanshire Area. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.org.uk

Woods and forests

Find woods and forests close to home or further afield. Sites across Scotland are managed by different agencies and open to the public.

Canadian canoeing on Loch Morlich, East Highland Area. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.org.uk

Rivers and lochs

From the way light moves, the noise of water over rapids, to a fish jumping there's something special about relaxing next to water.

Walking on an upland footpath at Inchnadamph NNR. © Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.org.uk

Hills and mountains

Find out more about Scotland's hills and mountains, then discover a place to start exploring them for yourself.

Tourists enjoying a day on the coast at Kilmory, Isle of Arran, Strathclyde and Ayrshire Area. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.org.uk

Seas and coasts

Explore rugged coastline and sandy beaches. Get out on - or even under - the water.