Best Walks in Scotland
Scotland is home to exceptional walking trails, winding through stunning green pastures, craggy mountain peaks, the billowy highlands and even charming villages. One of the best parts of walking in Scotland? An adventure is never far away and you don’t need to set out for hours to take in the natural beauty of the country.
Be sure to grab the whole family to enjoy walking in Scotland, with plenty for the little ones to see, like livestock roaming the fields, gushing waterfalls flowing from staggering heights, and for backpackers going it alone--they’ll find plenty of friendly locals and affordable, cosy inns to rest between walks.
But if you’re going to go walking in Scotland, then a trip to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park should be a priority. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is a great place for walking, thanks in part to the beautiful scenery, friendly locals and easy trails. Although it’s a relatively new National Park (Opened in 2002), Scotland’s Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park has been wowing visitors for a very long time. Similarly, Cairngorms National Park is a can’t miss destination. Home to some of Scotland’s most loved--and endangered animals-- you’re guaranteed some spectacular wildlife spotting. From the tranquil beaches of Loch Morlich to the rugged mountain range of Tolmount, the scenery will leave you marvelling at the beauty of this beloved national park.
10 Greatest Walks in Scotland
It might feel like you need to learn a new language when you’re walking in Scotland, so let us help you out. There are Lochs (lakes), Munros (mountains over 3,000 ft), and Bens (mountain peaks); however, there is one thing that is universally understood about this area: the outstanding beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
The sweet, soft, rolling hills, the little bogs and, enchanting forests make you feel like you’re in a charming children’s story. Some of the best walks in this region are easy for a young family, but that doesn’t mean a couple Bens and Munros won’t give you a run for your money!
- The Great Trossachs Path 1: The Great Trossachs Path is a fantastic walk that is ideal for a weekend trip or a long summer day (for fit walkers). The TGTP provides instant access to the wonderful wilds of Scotland. From the bonny banks of Loch Lomond to Trossachs Pier at the head of Loch Katrine this is the first section of the Great Trossachs Path, the whole of which can be walked comfortably in two days.
- The Great Trossachs Path 2: The Great Trossachs Path is best experienced as a 2-day trip. TGTP is a long-distance path that can be reached easily from Edinburgh and Glasgow, and this is a great option for a quick fix of the wild! The second section takes you walking from Trossachs Pier to Callander and can be done as a day walk or as part of the exceptional Great Trossachs Path.
- Lochan Spling: Lochan Spling is a great Scottish walk for the whole family. Although just a short distance from the busy tourist town of Aberfoyle, you will find yourself in a calm and quiet spot surrounded by spectacular Scottish scenery.
- Ben Venue from Loch Achray: The walk to Ben Venue from Loch Achray is an absolutely exceptional hike. If you get lucky with the weather, the views across Loch Katrine, Ben Lomond and beyond are outstanding. The climb is steady going with several steeper sections where you need your hands, but this is one of our all-time favorite walks in the UK.
- Cashel Forest: The Cashel Forest walk is a short walk with a quick ascent. This route offers some superb views across Loch Lomond. There are several marked route options from the start point, with this option being the middle length.
- Callander Crags: The Callander Crags walk is a great walk for those staying in or around Callander. This short loop climbs quickly to provide far-reaching views over Callander and the Trossachs beyond. There is an option to extend your walk and visit Bracklinn Falls as well as the Jubilee Cairn.
- Ben Lomond: This hike up Ben Lomond goes up an extremely popular mountain, but it is well worth joining the masses for the superb views down to Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills. Opting for the Ptarmigan ridge on the descent makes for a quieter and more interesting return from the summit.
- Conic Hill: The Conic Hill walk is a short but steep hike from Balmaha, which takes you to the summit of Conic Hill. From the top the views out across Loch Lomond and its many islands are truly incredible. This is a great walk especially if looking for something a little bit shorter.
- Loch Venachar: Loch Venachar is a longish, low-level hike that walks you around the perimeter of Loch Venachar. There are super views of the Loch and surrounding mountains throughout. Make use of all the wonderful spots to stop and enjoy the countryside on this pretty walk.
- Ben A’an: The walk up Ben A’an is a fun walk up what is commonly referred to as a mini mountain in Scotland. This walk offers superb views, a steep climb and a picture perfect (mini) mountain. Views from the top are sensational due to its central position within the Trossachs.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Scotland
Those who prefer milder temperatures and sunny days will love Scotland during the springtime. In recent years, April and May has boasted some of the best weather across the U.K. and makes for pleasant hiking days. July and August tend to be the sunniest months and can also be beautiful for hiking, though you do have to prepare for some rainstorms that can come through on muggy days.
Best Regions to Hike in Scotland
Scotland is famed for its natural, rugged beauty and there is certainly no shortage of stunning regions to hike across the country. Loch Lomond And The Trossachs National Park are a local favourite, nestled on the cusp of the Scottish Highlands. Here, you’ll find taller peaks, glistening lakes and rolling, verdant hills - a hiker's dream and our favourite hiking destination in Scotland. And at Scotland's other national park, Cairngorms National Park, you’ll discover paths made for a steep, fun climb or gentler, rolling paths perfect for a quick jaunt. The park is massive and if you spend extensive time here, you’ll pass varying landscapes of lochs, mountains, rivers...and even a distillery or two.
Other Activities in Scotland
Scotland is a popular destination for hiking and backpacking, but it’s also an amazing country for cyclists. From graded paths passing through quaint, quiet villages to mountains that prove a true challenge to conquer, Scotland is one of the most scenic countries to hop on two wheels. You’ll also find a cyclist pub culture here, with groups of locals biking from one pub to the next for a fun afternoon.
Scotland's Adventure Tours
For a once in a lifetime walking or cycling tour, look no further than the 10Adventures collection of Scotland tours. Check out the capital city of Edinburgh for a blend of culture and urban sightings or explore the stunning highlands on foot for an epic walking adventure. Whether you’re interested in a quick day trip or a multi-week excursion, 10Adventures Tours has got you covered.
How to Plan a Trip to Scotland
Already packing your bags for a walking holiday in Scotland? We don’t blame you! We’ve curated a comprehensive guide to exploring the best of Scotland to take the guesswork out of planning your trip. Whether you’re planning on visiting Loch Lomond And the Trossachs National Park or Walking to the Highlands, we’ve got the 4-1-1.
Hiking regions in Scotland
Best Hikes in Scotland
Allt Robuic Waterfalls Walk
Find yourself immersed in remarkable natural beauty on the Allt Robuic Waterfalls Walk in Glenbranter, Scotland. This forest trail makes for a perfect stroll for the whole family, featuring the impressive Allt Robuic gorge and its scenic falls. Enjoy the symphony of nature as you walk a great, waymarked forest path on this easy, family-friendly trail.
User Ratings
Ardgartan Lochside and Riverside Circular Walk
The Ardgartan Lochside and Riverside Circular Walk makes for a great walk for the whole family in a peaceful setting with the sound of Loch Long lapping on the shoreline accompanying you much of the way. The trail unfolds on tracks, a minor road and is waymarked, making for easy navigation and an enjoyable experience. The banks of the Croe Water are lined with woods and in the peak of summer may be quite buggy, so be sure to bring your bug repellent along for this trail.
User Ratings
The Brack and Cnoc Còinnich Walk
Rugged paths, steep ascents, and spellbinding scenery sum up The Brack and Cnoc Còinnich Walk best. The 15.5 km trail is not your average walk in the park but brings the heat with two challenging climbs to reach two incredible summits with a total ascent of 1,086 m. This walk features some of the most iconic views down to Loch Long, and the peaks that paint the horizon around the summits are innumerable.
User Ratings
Beinn Ime and Beinn Luibhean Walk
The walk of Beinn Ime (1,011 m) and Beinn Luibhean (858 m) invites hillwalkers to tackle two steep mountains in the Arrochar Alps, unlocking spectacular views from atop both summits. As the highest summit in the Arrochar Alps, the views from Beinn Ime are unparalleled. Although the terrain is rocky, you should be able to remain on two feet for the duration of the route. This walk is perfect for those looking for a challenge and enables you to check two spectacular Scottish Munros off of your list in the process!
User Ratings
Ben Donich via Rest and Be Thankful Walk
The Ben Donich via Rest and Be Thankful Walk is a moderately rated 7.5 km hillwalk featuring fine views and a relatively short ascent to the summit on a good path. Rocky terrain means a short scramble or two may be necessary while tackling this peak, full of character. Proper footwear year-round and adequate equipment when hillwalking in the winter is recommended.
User Ratings
Luss Heritage Trail
The 2.5 km Luss Heritage Trail is a family favourite, and with plenty to see, it’s no wonder this walk is so popular. Beginning in the delightful village of Luss, this short trail takes in the historic, model village before continuing through woodlands and the Riverside Path and finishes with a gorgeous stretch lochside. The trail weaves natural beauty and history remarkably, with fascinating sites along the way, like a 7th-century cemetery. Although the walk is family-friendly, the trail does incorporate some steps, so if walking with a child-buggy, two people to lift it will likely be necessary.
User Ratings
Arrochar Caves Walk
The Arrochar Caves Walk, found in Arrochar, UK, is a 4.5 km trail that leads through a scenic forest, up a hill, and on to the Arrochar Caves. The caves are said to have been the resting place for the army of Robert the Bruce, following their defeat in 1306 in Methven. This walk invites you to experience a piece of Scottish history while enjoying the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, and it doesn’t get much better than that!
User Ratings
Big Tree Walk
The Big Tree Walk is a lovely 2.5 km, waymarked forest trail beside the Benmore Botanic Gardens. The route features a fairly steep ascent up through an ancient forest of Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, and Californian Redwoods. Following the ascent, views of Srath Eachaig and the surrounding hills open up and are breathtaking. The walk is suitable for families; however, the steep incline is likely best suited for older children.
User Ratings
The Cateran Trail: Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael
lthough you can join The Cateran Trail at any section, the 24.3 km stretch from Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael is often taken on as the initial stage. Waymarked paths and tracks make for a pleasant walk, setting out from nearby the Ericht and continuing through moorlands with some rough sections to reach Bridge of Cally. The trail continues up lovely Strathardle’s west side before coming to an end in the former civil parish of Kirkmichael, which today is an attractive little town!
User Ratings
The Cateran Trail: Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee
Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee is a brilliant stage of the 103.0 km long-distance Cateran Trail that spans the gorgeous Perthshire and Angus glens. This 13.0 km stage can be enjoyed as an independent walk or completed as the second stage of the full Cateran Trail. Walkers are invited into the landscape of the glen before tackling a lofty moorland pass. A final downhill stretch to the Spittal of Glenshee grants incredible mountain views--the perfect note to end the walk on.
User Ratings
The Cateran Trail: Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla
The Cateran Trail: Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla is a 23.5 km section of the 103.0 km long Cateran Trail. This section is one of the easiest in terms of walking and the pleasant trail unfolds mostly on tracks and paths through farmland and moorland. The lovely village of Kirkton of Glenisla is a delightful place to end the route, where a quaint church and graveyard, a small hotel, and several tiny cottages await.
User Ratings
The Cateran Trail: Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth
The Cateran Trail: Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth takes walkers along a gorgeous 17.0 km section of the 103.0 km long Cateran Trail. This stage features superb views from atop the moorland found just south of Kirkton of Glenisla and later through the rolling Alyth hills. The lovely town of Alyth is the perfect ending to an already scenic walk and is an excellent place to spend the night before continuing on to the next stage or to just grab a pint and dinner following the walk.
User Ratings
Corrie Fee Walk
The 7.5 km Corrie Fee Walk explores one of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves and provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique plant life and wildlife found in this area. The walk unfolds on a good path that features a steady climb to the viewpoint over the bowl-shaped corrie. Although this walk isn’t particularly strenuous, due to some uphill stretches, it's likely best suited for adults and older children.
User Ratings
Dalwhinnie to Culra Walk
The 15.0 km Dalwhinnie to Culra Walk traverses a wild and remote landscape to enter the very heart of the Central Highlands. The purpose of this walk is generally to reach the start point of the Ben Alder and Beinn Bheòil Walk, which is only accessible by bike or on foot. If you’re interested in exploring a truly remote area of the Cairngorms National Park, however, this route can also be enjoyed on its own.
User Ratings
Ben Alder and Beinn Bheòil Walk
We can thank the power of ice and weather for shaping the Scottish Highland’s central mountain ranges. Experience the incredible craftsmanship of these two natural forces on the 17.0 km Ben Alder and Beinn Bheòil Walk. This challenging hillwalk invites you to explore the very heart of the Central Highlands, ascending two impressive summits and winning yourself unparalleled views over an incredibly remote area of the Cairngorms. The original green shelter (beloved by so many) Culra Bothy is now closed due to asbestos, so make sure to bring your tent along for this hike if you plan to stay overnight (you can find camping permit info under our Insider Tips below.)
User Ratings
Lary to Morven Walk
The walk from Lary to Morven is a great adventure that will take you through the rugged terrain of Cairngorms National Park for some beautiful views across the moor. While out on the trail, you will meander along the base of Larry Hill and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains, as you traverse the rugged terrain of the moor on the way to the base of Morven. This route does not head up to the summit of Morven. If you would like to do so, you can chart a route up the hillside from the end of the trail and traverse the steep and rugged terrain, although this is only recommended for experienced walkers.
User Ratings
Loch Brandy Trail
The Loch Brandy Trail is a fantastic walking route within the rugged expanse of Cairngorms National Park that will take you uphill to visit two elevated lakes and several others further downhill. While out on the trail, you will climb up the steep hillside to visit Loch Brandy before traversing Green Hill to reach Loch Wharral. A steep descent along Rough Craig will bring you to several smaller lakes on the way to the trailhead. If you enjoy sweeping scenic views, then this is a great trail to explore in Cairngorms.
User Ratings
Loch Lee Glen Esk Circular Walk
The Loch Lee Glen Esk Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic route that will take you through a charming locale in Cairngorms National park for some truly beautiful views across the undulating landscape. While out walking the trail, you will make your way past the 16th Century Invermark Castle before passing by the calm waters of Loch Lee on the uphill climb to several cascading waterfalls. There is so much natural beauty and history on this route that it should definitely not be missed.
User Ratings
Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine Circuit Walk
Walking the Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine Circuit is an easy going experience in Cairngorms National Park that will take you along the banks of Allt na Feithe Duibhe to reach the green, clear waters of An Lochan Uaine. While out on the trail, you will climb gently along the lower slopes of Meall a’ Bhuachaille before descending the opposite side on a slightly more challenging path to reach the scenic shores of the lake. The natural beauty of the area and relatively easy nature of the trail make this a perfect half-day walk that is suitable for most outdoor enthusiasts.
User Ratings
Ballater Golf Course Walk
The Ballater Golf Course Walk is an easy going outdoor experience in Ballater that will allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of this small town set in Cairngorms National Park. While out on the trail, you will make your way towards the banks of the River Dee, following it to the south before skirting around the edge of a beautiful golf course. This walk is great for a quick weekend outing with the family, just be sure to keep an eye out for any stray golf balls that may come in your direction!