Scotland’s rugged beauty has once again taken centre stage as two of its most dramatic walking trails — Corrieshalloch Gorge and Grey Mare’s Tail — have been named among the UK’s most picturesque routes by Countryfile, reaffirming the nation’s status as a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the trails were highlighted alongside celebrated destinations across England and Wales, including Dorset’s chalk cliffs and Cumbria’s ancient woodlands. But the Scottish sites, noted for their geological drama and remote tranquillity, stood apart for their raw, untamed appeal.
Where Waterfalls Meet Wildness
Corrieshalloch Gorge, Highland
Perched in the remote northwest Highlands near Ullapool, Corrieshalloch Gorge delivers a near-mythical encounter with nature’s power. Its Gaelic name — meaning “ugly hollow” — hardly does justice to the spectacle.
Carved by glacial meltwater more than 10,000 years ago, the mile-long canyon plunges 200 feet deep and is straddled by a narrow Victorian suspension bridge that dares visitors to peer down into the abyss. Below, the Falls of Measach cascade dramatically through the cleft, flanked by sheer cliffs shrouded in lichen and moss.
According to the BBC, hikers here are “guaranteed to be awestruck.” Countryfile went further, describing it as “one of the most spectacular gorges of its type in Britain.”
Beyond its visual drama, Corrieshalloch is a living classroom of post-Ice Age geology — offering vivid insight into how Scotland’s ancient landscapes were sculpted by forces far beyond human scale.
“It’s not just a pretty walk,” says Elspeth Cameron of the National Trust for Scotland. “It’s an encounter with the Earth’s violent past — and a reminder of nature’s enduring scale.”
Recent upgrades to the trail include safer viewing platforms and better access for visitors of varied mobility levels, without compromising the wild character of the site.
In the Southern Uplands, a Waterfall Walk with a View
Grey Mare’s Tail, Dumfries and Galloway
In the south, Grey Mare’s Tail cuts a very different profile — but no less stunning.
Just 10 miles from the market town of Moffat, the 60-metre-high waterfall tumbles like a silver ribbon down a steep rock face, set within a dramatic hanging valley shaped by glaciation.
Named for the resemblance of the cascading water to a mare’s tail in the wind, the trail is part of a nature reserve rich in alpine flora, peregrine falcons, and elusive wild goats.
Countryfile praised the “easy-to-follow” path that leads from the car park up to Loch Skeen, a dark, brooding tarn nestled in the Moffat Hills. For newcomers, it’s an ideal way into Scotland’s less-travelled uplands. For veterans, it’s a worthy return.
Grey Mare’s Tail is also steeped in historical significance. The surrounding area was once a stronghold of the Covenanters, Scottish Presbyterians who resisted religious persecution in the 17th century.
“Walking here connects you not just to nature, but to Scotland’s fight for faith and freedom,” says local historian Douglas Rintoul. “It’s landscape as legacy.”
Scotland’s Wild Edge Gains Global Praise
That two Scottish trails have been included in a UK-wide list dominated by southern England underscores a growing shift: rural Scotland is not just remote — it’s revered.
While tourism bodies often promote the well-worn paths around Ben Nevis or Loch Lomond, sites like Corrieshalloch and Grey Mare’s Tail offer a quieter, more intimate alternative. There are no queues, no entry turnstiles — just space, sky, and stone.
The recognition comes amid renewed interest in Scotland’s eco-tourism potential, especially post-pandemic, as more travellers seek meaning and serenity in their escapes.
In 2024, VisitScotland data showed a 23% increase in footfall to National Trust-managed trails, with “solitude,” “wildness,” and “photographic potential” cited as key draws.
Local Economies, National Pride
Beyond the accolades, the news carries local economic weight.
Moffat, the town nearest Grey Mare’s Tail, was Scotland’s first Walkers Are Welcome community — a nationwide initiative designed to make towns more pedestrian-friendly and economically resilient through outdoor tourism.
With pubs, B&Bs, and walking shops clustered along cobbled streets, Moffat is already seeing a boost in overnight stays and weekend traffic, thanks in part to features like this.
“You can’t buy this kind of advertising,” says Julie Matheson, who runs a local café. “It’s a game-changer for a small place like ours.”
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to improve rural transport links and trail signage to support increased footfall without damaging the fragile landscapes.
A Trail Nation Reimagined
In many ways, the success of these Scottish trails speaks to a broader national conversation. As the country weighs its identity and future — culturally, economically, and politically — the land itself is becoming a key character in the story.
From the independence debate to climate resilience, Scotland’s hills, glens, and gorges are increasingly part of its case to the world. And with scenes like Corrieshalloch and Grey Mare’s Tail leading the way, it’s a story with undeniable visual appeal
