TRAVEL bloggers and Instagram snappers of Scotland – you’re in luck, because the most sought-after landscapes are right on our doorstep.
New research by creative resource, Design Bundles, has revealed that Scotland has the "UK’s most Instagrammable waterfalls" – with three out of five of the top spots being taken by Scottish waterfalls.
They reached their findings through analysing Instagram’s hashtag data, TripAdvisor ratings and reviews to assign a "Wonder Score" to each of the UK’s most loved waterfalls.
Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from Design Bundles said: “The UK is home to so much beautiful nature, and these waterfalls are a perfect example of that. People who visit these locations will be making memories they want to keep forever due to their uniqueness.
“The serenity and captivating views in the tagged photos on Instagram capture just how lucky the visitors feel to have made the journey.”
So – which Scottish waterfalls made the cut?
Black water falls – Ross and Cromarty
Taking the second spot is Black Water Falls in Ross and Cromarty. A hidden gem nestled near the bustling Rogie Falls, its dramatic black waters streaming down the raw beauty of the Highlands make it clear to see why this has taken the top spot for Scotland.
Steall Waterfall - Glen Nevis
Coming in at third place is Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis. It boats the enviable title of the second-highest waterfall in the United Kingdom, with a dizzying drop of 120 metres tumbling down from the rugged mountain face. It has been described as something straight out of a fantasy – and taking a browse through some of the awe-inspiring Instagram snaps posted, it’s truly no surprise why.
Grey Mare's Tail - Dumfries and Galloway
Cascading downwards 60 metres from Loch Skeen, Grey Mare’s Tail is a stunning sight to behold, coming in at fourth place. In a location steeped with history, according to the National Trust for Scotland, the Moffat Water Valley it plunges into was formed over millions of years by glacial erosion. Rare wildlife and nature are abloom here – with the National Trust for Scotland highlighting the “rare upland plants, peregrine falcons, ring ouzels, feral goats and ospreys fishing in the loch”, and also stating that nearby, “Loch Skeen is home to Britain’s rarest freshwater fish, the vendace”.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here