Coastal Destinations Rated -- National Geographic Traveler

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Score: 76

A popular vacation spot for more than a century, this coast offers "outstanding cliff scenery" and maintains "a strong community feeling." Seasonal and year-round residents appear to live in relative harmony. Tourism keeps "pretty coastal villages" economically afloat as Scotland's fishing industry declines.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"A wonderful region of Scotland. Beaches are fantastic, and the area welcomes visitors as one of their own. Largely rural. People work together for the greater good—fishermen tolerate canoeists; farmers allow walkers to pass over their land on footpaths, etc."

"An undiscovered gem with pretty coastal villages, excellent beaches, and outstanding cliff scenery. Sadly, some town centers are deteriorating as supermarkets force local retailers out of business. Local restaurant food remains pretty mediocre despite the excellent seafood caught here."

"A lot of self-catering accommodation and second homes. The area is attractive to walkers, cyclists, wildlife watchers, and surfers. It also offers whale and dolphin watching."

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