We pick 10 places to go walking in Scotland. Find out here. Walking in Scotland means mighty mountains to conquer, plenty of forest paths or coastal walks to meander along, charming villages to discover, and exciting city routes to explore. Kilmartin Glen, near Lochgilpead, in the Argyll Isles. With the UK's highest funicular railway and plenty of other possibilities beyond hiking, from mountain biking in summer to skiing in winter, it’s no wonder the Cairngorms is one of Scotland’s hotspots for outdoor adventurers. Scotland’s best walks. The hike only takes around three hours, climbing up the steep winding pathway, but the summit ridge views, reached with some scrambling in the final stages, is pure wilderness and provides panoramic views that are second to none. Find out more about the activities you can do in current Covid-19 restrictions of Phase 3 and future phases. Choose from a fantastic array of accommodation, tour companies, activity providers, centres and more, and get the most out of your walking holiday in Scotland. A walk here makes it easy to forget work and everyday cares. With a summit height of 543 meters and an ascent of around 340 meters. Start and finish at Leac a Li, with the first half of the route through moorland and along tracks well waymarked by poles. However a climb starting from Storey Arms is within the grasp of beginners thanks to a wide track which, while not exactly offering much variety, is easy to follow. Comprising a high, mountainous north, rolling hills in the south east, a scenic coastline and a wide, verdant valley running across its heartland, walks in Angus are as endlessly varied as they are lovely. Walks in Stirling place you in this landscape of transition, where the Highland Boundary Fault subtly marks the rugged beginnings of a mountainous land filled with almost limitless opportunities for adventure. continued below. A trail this big comes with plenty of different terrain and offers walking of different abilities, but it becomes progressively difficult as it heads north, finishing up with some challenging terrain. Afterwards, visit nearby Dunadd, a hill fort that’s said to be the ‘birthplace of Scotland’. Find more advice on exploring Scotland during Covid-19 on our dedicated page. Its southern slope has been quarried away and this gives the hill is distinctive red appearance when viewed from the south. Take a hike - go on, we know you want to! Standing on the cliffs on a clear day, you can see as far as Cape Wrath on Scotland’s north coast. What are you waiting for? The Shadow of Lochnagar. To the south of Bealach Eòrabhat is Creag an Eoin, which means the ‘rock of the bird’, where walkers should keep their eyes peeled to see an eagle or two. The dramatic plug of columnar pitchstone rises abruptly from wild moorlands. Scotland has plenty of accessible paths and trails to choose from for an enjoyable day out in nature! Change your preferences at Free walking trails from the National Trust for Scotland. Walks around Stirling in Scotland. Afterwards, visit nearby Dunadd, a hill fort that’s said to be the ‘birthplace of Scotland’. So you’re sure to find the ideal walking in Scotland trip. Translating as ‘Jewel Mountain’, Ben Alligin in Torridon has one of Scotland’s most dramatic locations. We only take out s A foolish and extremely dangerous tradition, one best left in the past. Reached only by a good wilderness hike, you’ll see the 60m high sea stack of Am Buachaille (meaning 'The Herdsman') in all its glory. Stay at the Red Squirrel campsite, make a fire and pour a whisky. Scotland is full of hikes, trails, places to hill walk, and wanders to explore. Lucklaw Hill is a prominent landmark in the far north east of Fife. Opened in 1980 as the first official long distance footpath in Scotland, it is one of Scotland’s official Great Trails and part of the International Appalachian Trail. A walk to end all walks, in all weathers. Walk up the west ridge and descend to Kingshouse, returning to the start point along a section of the West Highland Way. 9.3/10 - 1236 reviews. You don't need to head off for hours to see Scotland's magic, but it is quite the breaktaking experience if you choose to do so. Slioch, which translates as ‘The Spear’, is renowned from appearances in countless landscape photography calendars, thanks to its magnificent peak that dominates the landscape. The longest, and most popular and challenging walk in Scotland is the West Highland Way , from Milngavie to Fort William, a distance of 95 miles. This hill walk takes in 4 Munros; An Gearanach, Stob Choire a Chairn, Am Bodach and then traverses the Devil’s Ridge, a 1km section of relatively easy yet airy and exposed walking to reach Sgurr a’Mhaim. As well as birdlife, you can also expect to see an incredible wealth of marine life and colourful wild flowers. Overlooking Muckle Flugga is the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, which, in a dramatic clifftop setting, provides a haven for thousands of seabirds, including a large bonxie breeding colony. ... Whilst we do have a right of responsible access in Scotland, in practise access issues can occasionally still be encountered. Looking across the sea towards the Isle of Eigg (Shutterstock). Confused about the difference between Munros, Corbetts and Grahams? Let us help you explore Scotland’s wonderful landscape, wildlife and nature. 1. 5. Hill walking areas in Scotland. The highest hill in southern Britain, so definitely no slouch of a walk, and its altitude can mean the weather on top can be very serious. Beautifully calming Loch Lomond offers a sanctuary to wildlife and incredible scenery at every turn. Fife Hilltops and Viewpoints. The West Highland Way follows its remote eastern shoreline. See what it’s like to climb four Scottish peaks in these interactive 360 degree videos. Prove your love by keeping safe while hiking here, instead. Its great castle has helped to give it a key place in Scottish history, with almost legendary Scots victories such as the Battles of Stirling Bridge, and Bannockburn, fought in its shadow. This article was put together with expert advice and information provided by Wilderness Scotland, who arrange guided and self-guided hiking, cycling and other active trips throughout Scotland. Scotland's most famous and scenic Highland glen. Welcome to Scotland, land of the brave and fearless.It is also land for the adventurous walker, camper and intrepid explorer. Few rock features in the British Isles can equal the grandeur that’s found on An Sgurr, the highest point on the island of Eigg, which has an ascent of 393 metres. It's time to explore one of Scotland's best assets - the great outdoors! From our city wonders and mountain escapes, to our coastal corners and woodland tranquility, there are a variety of landscapes and scenery to choose from for your walking adventures. Blessed with a dramatic landscape few countires can equal, it boasts an extensive network of waymarked trails and routes to suit hikers of all abilities. The Trossachs area is near Glasgow and Edinburgh by car and is a great place to start hill walking in the southern highlands. One of the best coastal walks in Shetland can be found at the superb headland of Eshaness, exploring the coast around the Villians of Ure, the Grind of the Navir and the Holes of Scraada. Islands From the wild, rough and technically challenging peaks of Arran, Skye and Rum contrast with the easier hills on Uist, Harris and Mull. From Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders to Cape Wrath in the far northeast, The Scottish National Trail is clearly a mission for hikers with a bit of time on their hands (or to complete in stages). Distance: 10.5 miles Duration: 4.5 – 6 hours Starting Point: Invergarry Post Office, Invergarry, PH35 4HG More of a marathon than a sprint, take your time to amble around the banks of the picture-perfect Loch Oich in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.As well as this tranquil body of water, spot a whole host of other sights and landscapes across this Scotland loch walk. Choose A Tour from £409 per person Expect a big day out for even the fittest of hikers. This incredible long-distance walk along a spectacular geological fault line is a chance to take in three of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. In addition to hillwalking in Scotland, there are many coastal and woodland walking festivals. Coastal walks, woodland and forest walks, hill walks ….. you will find them here. Follow the ancient Coffin Road, the route that was used by pallbearers to carry the dead from the Bays district over to the west side of Harris, so they could be buried in the deep soils of the machair (fertile low-lying grassy plain). The ultimate website for walking and hiking in Scotland, with thousands of free detailed descriptions of walks, places to … Look across to the nearby emerald wedge of Muck, one of the Small Isles, and right over to Skye and Ardnamurchan. Get your wee ones walking in Scotland's great outdoors with these 15 family walks suggestions. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Understand that Google Maps is useless for hill walking. Head towards the legendary white sands of Achmelvich beach (no dogs allowed in high season), passing a secret beach and Europe’s smallest castle, Hermit's Castle, along the way. Report any interesting find on a walking route with the Pathwatch app - whether it's an access issue, or fascinating flora and fauna. The Fisherfields Round, Fisherfield Forest in Wester Ross. The round-trip, returning the same way, takes around three hours. Go on to enjoy a short ridge walk to a subsidiary peak, completing the circuit and enjoying views north across the Fisherfield wilderness, before making the descent. Hill walks, country walks, cliff top paths, woodland and waterfall walks, the ghost walk and walks around Strling Castle and the Wallace monument. The classic adventure travels along the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond, across atmospheric Rannoch Moor, past dramatic Glencoe and over the high pass of the Devil’s Staircase, before finishing at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. In fact, when I climbed my first Munro (a Scottish mountain over 3000ft) I hadn’t been up a big hill in 20 years and I still made it up there. Cookies are required to view this content. The scene that greets hikers looking southwestward to the gable end of Buachaille Etive Mor across Glen Coe is one that’s likely never to be forgotten. View from Beinn a’Chrulaiste (Shutterstock). Rob Roy Way. Get your walking boots ready for these 13 greatest hikes... Catch a ferry across to the island of Hoy, in the Orkney archipelago, off Scotland's northeast coast, and you'll be able to walk along some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs before catching your first glimpse of the iconic red sandstone sea stack: the Old Man of Hoy. You’ll want to spend some time up there at the top to soak up the 360-degree views, including mountains like Cul Mor and Suilven, which rise steeply from the watery Inverpolly Nature Reserve, as well as Scotland’s rugged and watery west coast. Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness (Kenny Lam / Visit Scotland). Fancy hiking an 864 kilometre long-distance walking route that runs the length of Scotland? Hiking to its summit is a challenging but rewarding climb, ascending into a high corrie before making the final push up to the summit at 981m. Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris & Stornoway. The deer on the steep flanks of the surrounding mountains were so far away they looked like ants on a hill. Explore the Highlands, Scottish Isles, Borders and more with our guide on the best walks in Scotland. Stirling is a glorious region to explore on foot, where the towns and farmland of the Lowlands abut against the dramatic splendour of the Highlands. Lomond Hills Walks. There are so many walks and hikes to go on in Scotland, and this post is going to take you through some of my favourites! Guided walks in Scotland Hillgoers provide expertly guided walks throughout Scotland, from mountain walks to low level hiking. Care should be taken on the summit. Knoydart. Hike along the grand Assynt coastline of the great wild north of Scotland, starting from the ruins of an old grain mill. Sign up today for free and be the first to get notified of new articles, new competitions, new events and more! Exciting waterspots, relaxing cruises, nature reserves teeming with birdife, amazing pubs and restaurants; discover all this and more. As well as being one of Scotland’s many pretty beaches, Achmelvich is renowned for diverse wildlife, including cetaceans, seals, basking sharks, otters, ospreys and white-tailed eagles. Although only 190m in height it does have the distinction of being a HuMP (a hill with a 100m prominence/drop). It’s right next to Cape Wrath. If so, then check out Mountaineering Scotland's #ThinkWINTER guidance and make sure you have the appropriate skills and equipment before you go. Visit the nature reserve and then take a circular hike on the shores of Loch Gruinart. The route is fairly straightforward but involves a steep climb with a short rocky scramble. Scotland has some of the greatest hill walking country in the world: accessible, yet with a true wilderness flavour. Shores of Loch Lomond at Milarrochy Bay (Dreamstime). Mountaineering Scotland was formed 50 years ago to represent the interests of Scotland's hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers, and we continue that work today. The low level route around the loch is perfect for families, even if they're pushing off-road buggies. Loch Oich Walk. Sign up for our newsletter today Those who love the challenge of a higher peak should ascend the mighty mountain of Slioch in Wester Ross. About an hour’s walk through grassy moorland from the Visitor Centre, the cliffs at the old lighthouse shore station are a base for numerous nesting seabirds, including fulmars, gulls, shags, gannets, puffins and kittiwakes. When it comes to walking holidays, Scotland is an absolute dream to explore on foot. The dramatic coastline of Muckle Flugga, the northernmost tip of Britain, on Unst in the Shetland Isles, was made for hiking and getting back to nature. A combination of hill walks, coastal walks and valley hikes are available across the tours. Unfortunately, the stone gets its name from a tradition that, hundreds of years ago, saw young men trying to prove the sincerity of their love by climbing the rocks and balancing on one leg. You cannot hill walk with a route plotted onto a Google map – I’ve actually seen it suggested! Scotland is full of hikes, trails, places to hill walk, and wanders to explore. Throw in historic abbeys, majestic castles and pristine country parks, you’ve soon got a region to enthral all. The Trail mostly follows long-established footpaths, and takes in other well-known paths along the way, including parts of St. Cuthbert’s Way, the Southern Upland Way, the River Tweed, the Union, Forth and Clyde Canals, the West Highland Way, the Rob Roy Way, the Great Glen Way, and the Cape Wrath Trail, making it a kind of ‘Best Of Scotland’ hiking trail. The starting point for this walk on the slopes of Torlum Hill on Google maps is here. Kilmartin Glen, near Lochgilpead, in the Argyll Isles. Start from idyllic Barisdale Bay and follow a steepening ridge up to the graceful summit, which enjoys outstanding mountain and sea views. Scotland is lucky to have all of the essential ingredients which make it a world-class hiking destination. Luskentyre beach, Isle of Harris (Shutterstock). Tweedbank station is on the walking route, one and a half miles from Melrose, and nine miles from Selkirk. Stac Pollaidh is one of the best ‘little mountains’ in Scotland. Loch Muick circuit, Ballater - Pronounced "Mick", this beautiful loch nestled in the Cairngorms, on the Balmoral estate, is a popular walking route for good reason. Plan a hill walk with sound advice from Mountaineering Scotland. The route runs close by the station, next to the River Tweed. Manage Cookie Settings. The small city of Stirling is dubbed the Heart of Scotland - and the reasons are not merely geographic. This superb circular hike explores Glen Muick, which lies in the shadow of the famous peak of Lochnagar, and takes you through ancient pine forest, past one of Queen Victoria’s hunting lodges and beneath towering cliffs, as you circumnavigate beautiful Loch Muick. Fife Woodland and Forest Walks . From our city wonders and mountain escapes, to our coastal corners and woodland tranquility, there are a variety of landscapes and scenery to choose from for your walking adventures. Iconic Ben Nevis needs to be top of your Scottish to-do list. Please remember to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres at all times, both indoors and outdoors. Discover Scotland, one step at a time with Walkhighlands. You’ll pass Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott and worth stopping for. Often quoted as being Scotland’s most remote munro, it’s also one of the best. Later, cut across the peninsular on a good trail that leads back to Lochinver village. Harris is also home to some of Scotland's finest beaches, including Luskentyre and Seilebost. Hill walking in Scotland is not for the faint of heart, the unfit, the unprepared, the beginner… actually, that is a load of rubbish, as all hill walkers were beginners once. Learn more about the Good to Go Scheme for businesses that have met hygiene requirements to reopen their doors to visitors. From easy-going walks through country parks you can do with the whole family, to epic routes over challenging terrain and even off-trail adventures through the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland, hiking here is as exhilarating and wide-ranging as the country is beautiful. At 707 metres it is the highest point in central Scotland and the perfect introduction to hill walking, and one the clearest days the view takes in the Lake District, the mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland, Ailsa Craig and Arran in the Firth of Clyde, the Arrochar Alps and as far north as Lochnagar in the Cairngorms. On walking routes throughout Scotland a circular hike on the slopes of Torlum hill on Maps. 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