Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area

This protected area encompasses Loch Rannoch, Glen Lyon, and the Ben Lawers mountain ranges across central Scotland. It combines extensive lochs, narrow glens, and mountain peaks that form a varied natural landscape.

The area received protected status in 1981 to preserve Scotland's natural landscapes for the future. This designation aimed to safeguard the region's character during a period when many Scottish wilderness areas faced threats.

The landscape shows patterns of long human settlement across the river valleys, visible in how the land is organized. Visitors walking through these glens can sense how communities adapted to these Highland territories over time.

The area is accessible via several roads including the B846, which provides good access to different parts of the protected site. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing, as mountain conditions can change quickly.

The Black Wood of Rannoch preserves a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Forest with native pine trees that have grown in this region for thousands of years. These isolated pines now serve as a seed source for forest restoration projects across Scotland.