Best Walks in Scotland

The Loch Kinord Pathway is a family-friendly walking route that can be found along the eastern edge of Cairngorms National Park and features a nice variety of terrain with scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will explore some tranquil stretches of woodland terrain and lovely meadows along the scenic shores of Loch Kinord in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. This is a quick adventure that can easily be done as a weekend afternoon excursion.

The Cateran Trail: Alyth to Blairgowrie comprises the 26.3 km final stage of the full 103.0 km Cateran Trail. The scenic route leads through the rolling hills found north of Alyth and continues through the peaceful countryside to the Bridge of Cally. Upon completing the route in Blairgowrie, there are several options for cozy accommodations and inviting places to grab a bite. If opting to enjoy this route as a stand-alone walk, a great option is to park in Alyth and return from Blairgowrie by public bus at the end of the walk or the reverse.

The 14.5 km Mayar and Driesh Walk unfolds near Folda, in Angus, Scotland and presents the perfect opportunity to check off two Scottish Munros in one go. The circular trail can typically be completed in under 5 hours, making for a superb half-day trip. The scenery during the ascent through Corrie Fee is noteworthy in addition to the spectacular views from atop Mayar and Driesh summits.

The Bynack More from Glenmore Walk is a challenging 22.5 km walk that is considerably straightforward despite its length. The trail features spectacular scenery, including picturesque Scots pine forest, the dazzling blue-green waters of Lochan Uaine, and some thrilling river crossings. This prominent Scottish Munro’s summit stands at 1,090 m high, making it a challenge well worth tackling.

Seven Bridges and Knock Castle Circular Walk is a relaxed 10.5 km route that will have you immersed in the beauty of the countryside that encases Ballater. Fresh country air, meandering rivers, and rolling hills make this walk a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Much of the walk unfolds on waymarked paths, small roads and tracks, resulting in easy navigation and a pleasant walking experience.

The 4.5 km Lower Glen Feshie and the Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail Walk in Kingussie, UK, takes you along on a magical journey through Scottish Culture as well as Lower Glen Shee. With stone and wood sculptures adorning much of the trail, this woodsy walk features the work of late artist Frank Bruce.

The Creag Mhòr and Loch Avon Walk is a full-day adventure from Glenmore covering 29.9 km and climbing an impressive 868 m to reach the summit of Creag Mhòr (1,047 m). The challenging route unfolds on good paths and invites you to experience a remote part of the Cairngorms, where you’ll find yourself entirely enveloped in the beauty and mystique of this marvellous land.

The Mealna Letter and Loch Beanie Circular Walk is an enjoyable 14.0 km route that invites you to reach the summit of Mealna Letter and navigate the lovely shoreline of sparkling Loch Beanie. The final stretch of the 4-5 hour walk follows the Cateran Trail with brilliant views up Glen Shee. Just an hour’s drive North from Dundee, this half-day walk is the perfect escape from the city. Waterproof footwear is a must for this route, as several sections are known to be boggy.

Just shy of 30.0 km long, the White Mounth Munros Walk isn’t for the faint of heart. This extensive 29.0 km hillwalk invites you to tackle the summit of 5 Scottish Munros, including Lochnagar (1,155 m), Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach (1,110 m), Carn an t-Sagairt Mor (1,047 m), Cairn Bannoch(1,012 m), and finally Broad Cairn (998 m). And with a maximum ascent of 1,228 m, you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to take in some of the most phenomenal views in the Cairngorms National Park. While the 9 to 11 hour walk can certainly be completed in one go, many choose to Wild Camp for a night or two along the route, breaking the lengthy voyage into shorter sections.

The 19.5 km Glas Maol Munros Circular Walk is a thrilling adventure across a hilly plateau in the Cairngorms. With little descent between summits, this walk presents the perfect opportunity to conquer 4 Scottish Munros in under 8 hours. This full-day adventure is bound to get the adrenaline pumping with the added bonus of incredible panoramas from the summits. On this walk, you’ll climb Càrn an Tuirc (1,019 m), Cairn of Claise (1,064 m), Glas Maol (1,068 m), and Creag Leacach (987 m).

Walk 35.8 km over 2 days from Cairn Toul to Braeriach on the magnificent Cairn Toul Walk. Experience an incredibly remote part of Scotland’s expansive Cairngorms and revel in the views afforded by a total ascent of 1,820 m. The option to complete the route in a single day may appeal to extremely experienced hillwalkers, however, we recommend enjoying some wild camping along the way and enjoying this route over two remarkable days.

The short but ever so sweet loch Garten and Garten Woods Circular Walk covers just over 8.0 km of scenic, waymarked trails. The family-friendly walk invites you to explore charming woodlands, rich in Scots Pine and brimming with wildlife. The route also features the peaceful quiet shores of Loch Mallachie and further on Loch Garten. Minimum elevation and the ability to complete the walk in around 2 hours makes this the perfect jaunt into nature, enjoyable for the whole family.

The Geal Chàrn Walk is a 11.3 km out-and-back hillwalk that invites undertakers to reach the summit of Geal Chàrn (926 m) with a 732 m climb. Setting out first through the peak’s eastern corrie, this walk presents the opportunity to ascend one of the Monadhliath Munros while exploring an extraordinarily remote area of Scotland.

The Beinn a'Chaorainn and Beinn Bhreac Walk is an extensive hillwalk that requires endurance and a keen sense of adventure. The 29.0 km trail is a full-day voyage, featuring stunning views and formidable climbs. While some complete the trail in one-go, wild camping is an option for those looking to spread it out over two days.

The 13.4 km Dava Way: Grantown on Spey to Dava walk is the perfect introduction to one of Scotland’s Great Trails -- the 38.0 km Dava Way. The first stage unfolds on a good, even path as it leads you through the wide-open countryside that paves the way from Grantown on Spey to Dava, unfolding mostly alongside a historic railway line. With very few ups and downs and covering a relatively short distance, this walk is great for all skill levels and can either be done independently or in conjunction with stage two and stage three.

The Dava Way: Dava to Dunphail is the second of three stages that comprise the full Dava Way. This 10.5 km section leads through expansive moorland before passing the Divie Viaduct and takes in incredibly remote areas with very little signs of life. You’ll walk alongside an old railway line for much of the route while enjoying pleasant easy walking on flat paths and tracks.

The Dava Way: Dunphail to Forres is a joyful 14.2 km through a scenic landscape made up of woods and expansive pastures. As the final section of the 38.0 km full Dava Way, this walk follows in the footsteps of the previous two sections, following an old railway line through peaceful and remote areas. Views from an extensive embankment along the route are spectacular and the walk wraps up in the attractive town of Forres, where you’ll have no trouble finding a refreshing pint and a bite to eat after finishing up.

The Cambus o’ May Pinewood Trail makes for a brilliant couple of hours in nature and is suitable for families or those just looking for a pleasant stroll. The circular walk unfolds on good forest tracks and paths and the trail is waymarked, making for easy navigation.

The Meall a' Bhuachaille Circular Walk is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park in just a few hours. The circular walk, which covers just over 8.0 km, features incredible views from the summit of Meall a' Bhuachaille and excellent accessibility, making it a great choice for families with older children who are ready to take on a summit, or those looking to tackle a Corbett in a relatively short amount of time. The ancient forest that clads much of the initial trail makes this the perfect escape into the wilderness.

The 13.0 km Cairnwell Munros Walk is a superb half-day adventure that starts at the Glenshee Ski Centre. The moderate elevation gain of just 595 m makes this a great walk for those working towards higher summits. Those looking to add some Scottish Munros to their list will walk away with three more after tackling the summits of Càrn Aosda (917 m), Càrn a'Ghèoid (975 m) and The Cairnwell (933 m).