PICTURES: Big days out and hidden gems' list compiled by Mini features Scottish stunners amongst hot spots set to feel the heat as travel restrictions are lifted
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A UNINHABITED island in Shetland tops a list of the UK's best-hidden gems with seven areas of natural beauty in Scotland making the top 20.
The tidal island of Uyea in Shetland comes out tops according to new research carried out by Mini.
Five-star ratings on Google and TripAdvisor from awe-struck visitors help it stand out from the crowd.
While Ross-shire doesn't get a look in on the top 20 list, visitor favourites including Eilean Donan Castle feature on a separate Big Days Out list which is searchable by postcode.
Duncansby Stacks in Caithness makes 13th place.
Sixteen months of travel restrictions have meant that for many, adventure has felt like a distant dream. As the UK lockdown has lifted and we tentatively venture further from home, wanderlust can truly return.
Google searches for "things to do near me" are up 250 per cent and rising. So, how can you plan big days out this summer with the family but avoid overcrowding at the usual beauty spots?
Mini sought to discover the best wild locations in the UK to visit. Over 100 nature-based locations across Britain were identified and judged against two sets of criteria to gauge both popularity and wildness. The average of these scores then determined the best wild, hidden gems of 2021.
1 Uyea –Shetland
2 Llyn Dinas, Gwynedd, Wales
3 Binevenagh, County Londonderry
4 Gaping Gill, North Yorkshire
5 Whiteless Pike, Cumbria
6 Llyn Glaslyn, Gwynedd, Wales
7 Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall
8 Sgwd Yr Eira, Powys, Wales
9 The Roaches, Staffordshire
10 Fingal's Cave
At number 11 is Buachaille Etive Mor and Duncansby Stacks in Caithness is 13th.
The top 20 best wild wonders encompass something for every type of day out. From waterways to peaks and underground caves, across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
Mini has created a new interactive tool that helps you find the best big days out nearest to your postcode. The one-stop-shop includes staycation ideas and hidden gems across the UK – www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/mini-news/big-days-out-index.html
