Scotland Creates First Snorkel Trail to Tempt Underwater Enthusiasts

When you think of Scotland, castles and kilts are probably more likely to come to mind than snorkeling.

But the Scottish Wildlife Trust is hoping to change that, by creating the country’s first snorkel trail in the Northwest Highlands.

Nine spots along the coast have been named prime locations to view marine life. Tanera Mor in the Summer Isles, Camusnagaul, and Achmelvich Bay all have underwater creatures like dogfish, barrel jellyfish, and sea urchin.

“The coast of Wester Ross and Sutherland features some fantastic sheltered headlands and beaches that are great places for snorkeling,” said Noel Hawkins, communities officer of the trust's Living Seas project, in a statement.

We're launching Scotland's first #snorkel trail tomorrow! Find out more: https://t.co/qdqe7XkYXL @ScottishSeas pic.twitter.com/dkhHzh8S0L

— Scottish Wildlife (@ScotWildlife) July 8, 2016

The new trail is self-led, according to Hawkins, but there are plans for more development of the region's snorkeling.

“We are hoping to establish a training program for local people to become qualified snorkel instructors,” he said, “and also a snorkel club at the local leisure center to introduce younger members of the community to snorkeling and their local marine environment.”

And don't let the cold scare you off: Divers definitely need a wetsuit, but temperatures in the warmer months are very amenable to snorkeling.