Modern day tourism doesn't really allow for the idea of 'hidden' or 'unspoiled' but I think this particular recommendation can still hold on to a similar claim. The Knoydart Peninsula in western Scotland is reachable only by boat from Mallaig, or a long, long walk (27 miles/43 kilometres) from the mainland through open flowing, hilly terrain.
Sheep, deer, water, hills... and not much else at all
There are no roads connected to mainland Scotland, one pub and only a few beds available for the night. This is 100% a place you should visit if you love the natural outdoors, peaceful solitude and scenery that goes on and on forever.
Leave your mobile at home, you won't get a signal
The population of this fairly vast area of lakes, mountains and green plains is 98, with the majority of those living on the shore where the ferry arrives. Here visitors will find the bunkhouse, The Old Forge (the most remote pub in Britain) and a few houses.
Whilst there may not be a lot of people living here, those who do are a hardy but incredibly warm group. They want to provide a true and honest experience, and so while places at the only bunkhouse are very limited, prices are never more than £20/$26, and the food at the pub is incredible, but affordable. The local deer population is very delicately balanced in a positive way, with any slight stimulus creating over population problems. Because of this, guests can head out with the local ranger and take part in a day of deer stalking (and ultimately hunting).
The most tiring and exciting day of my life
I spent six hours crawling, running, hiding and tracking a group of deer with an obviously expert ranger, all in the name of maintaining healthy population levels in the area. It was one of the most tiring and exciting day of my life, and I never thought my heart rate would rise so high when asking the question "do you think that deer has seen or smelled us yet?"...
The author
Joe Thorpe
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