Creative Content Writer & former Tour Guide at HAGGiS Adventures. Scottish travel blogger and adventure lover. Kay enjoys travelling Scotland solo, and has visited 42 Scottish Islands. She loves to live up to stereotypes by dying her hair ginger, and regularly consuming haggis and whisky. A Scottish history geek and all-around chatterbox, she can literally talk for Scotland.
Here in Scotland, we've got a lot to shout about when it comes to scenery. From the drama of Glencoe to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, you'll be hard pushed to find more beautiful landscapes anywhere else in the world.
That being said, we're not the only country lucky enough to have stunning, Instagrammable vistas. Let’s take a look at how Scotland stacks up to the rest of the world by exploring some of the globe's best National Parks.
When you're planning your next worldwide adventure, check out these awesome locations.
Cairngorms National Park
The largest national park in the UK is right here in Scotland, and it’s everything you imagine it would be. Lochs, rivers and pretty villages are surrounded by soaking peaks and wild woodlands – all with that rugged Scottish edge! The national park is also home-sweet-home to a variety of wildlife, including golden eagles, wildcats and the UK’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Croatia's unique landscape is a real surprise to those visiting for the first time. With ancient mountains shooting straight up from the coastline, it's no wonder that the country is famed for its epic scenery. The waterfalls of the Plitvice Lakes are some of the most remarkable in Europe, if not the world – you won’t believe the colours of the water! Follow the footpaths and lose yourself in this magical place.
Daintree National Park, Australia
Australia is known for its stunning beauty and diverse wildlife. Deep in the rainforests of the Daintree National Park, you'll find animals, insects and plants that can't be found anywhere else in the world. It's an ancient, mysterious and exhilarating place that Sir David Attenborough called 'the most extraordinary place on earth'. We reckon he knows what he's talking about!
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Scotland’s second national park is an absolute treasure. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is world-famous thanks to a catchy wee tune by legendary Scottish band Runrig. “On the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond...” Whether you're visiting in the height of summer or in the cooler months, the natural beauty you'll find here is insane. From the interesting clan history to the epic scenery, this national park knows exactly how to capture your attention.
Yosemite, USA
Earn your ‘awesome traveller’ status by witnessing majestic summit of El Capitan rearing up over the heads of giant sequoia trees. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite is the USA's pride and joy, thanks to its huge range of natural wonders. From epic waterfalls to huge redwoods and crystal-clear lakes, this is exactly what a national park should be!
Jiuzhaigou National Park, China
Jiuzhaigou is as celebrated in China as the Great Barrier Reef is in Australia. Its vibrant landscape and ever-changing colours may only be found elsewhere in the pages of a fairy tale. Crystal blue rivers flow through red, orange and green foliage, providing a home for 17 species of unique and rare animals. Explore 30,000 hectares of lakes, waterfalls and dense, mysterious forests. You never know, you may even see a panda or two.
If these amazing vistas have inspired you to get a breath of fresh air, check out our extended tours through Scotland’s best bits and remote gems. It’s time to experience Scotland’s wild side.
About the author
Kay Gillespie
