Best Walks in Scotland

The Glen Quoich Walk is a laidback adventure in Cairngorms National Park that features a beautiful riverside setting, rushing falls, and sweeping views across the glen. While out walking the trail, you will follow along the banks of Quoich Water to view The Punch Bowl falls, before climbing uphill for some amazing views across the valley. While this is an intermediate length route, the terrain here is easy to navigate and traverse, making this a perfect route for beginner walkers.

The Badenoch Way Trail is an exceptional walking route in Cairngorms National Park that will take you through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain with rocky crags and charming lochs. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through the forest along the Badenoch Way, before visiting the lookout at Farleitter Crag and descending along Uath Lochan. Be sure to exercise caution along the cliffs at Farleitter Crag, as there are some steep drop offs that could prove dangerous.

The Morven Walk is a rugged adventure in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland that features a variety of terrain and wonderfully scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will leave Ballater behind and pass through a stretch of forest, before traversing a vast stretch of moor on the way to the summit of Morven. Proper walking boots, ideally waterproof ones, are recommended, as the boggy landscape of the moor can be quite a challenge to traverse with soggy feet.

The Ben Gulabin Walk is a challenging adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will take you on a fairly direct route up the mountain for views over the valley. While out walking the trail, you will climb up steep, rocky, and often eroded paths to reach the summit, where spectacular views of the surrounding landscape await. Walkers should take note that this route is only suitable for the summer months, as the peak is covered with snow and ice during the winter and requires experience using and ice axe and crampons.

The Allt Scheicheachan Bothy Circular Walk is a lengthy adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will see you head up into the mountains for some wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will pass by the grounds of Blair Castle and traverse the wooded slopes of Glen Tilt, before climbing uphill across the rugged terrain of Carn Dearg Mor to reach the Allt Scheicheachan Bothy. This is a long and rugged adventure, so be sure to pack the proper gear and supplies for a lengthy day on the trails.

The Wildcat Trail is a fun family-friendly walking route in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you around the village of Newtonmore. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to traverse the rugged hills to the north, before looping around the village along the winding banks of the River Spey. This is a fantastic activity to do if you are looking to take in the beauty of the highlands without much in the way of difficulty.

The Ballater and Old Railway East Walk is a charming adventure in Cairngorms National Park that follows an old stretch of rail set alongside the River Dee. While out walking the trail, you will leave behind the village of Ballater and cross the countryside, passing by Tullich Chapel and The Souterrain. Walkers should take note that this is a one-way trail, meaning that you will need to either retrace your steps or take public transit for the return.

The Craig Mellon Circular Walk is a great adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you through two charming glens that flank Craig Mellon. While out walking the trail, you will pass through Glendoll Forest and follow along the banks of White Water to the northwest, before traversing the rugged terrain of the mountains to make the return alongside the River South Esk. This is a fantastic route that offers a good variety of terrain and plenty of scenic views.

The Dun-da-Lamh Walk is a fantastic outdoor excursion in Cairngorms National Park that features scenic views from atop a peak that is also an historical site. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through the forest to reach the summit of Dun-da-Lamh, which offers fantastic views overlooking the Spey Cam Reservoir and was once the site of a Pictish fort. While there is a fair amount of elevation gain on this moderate length trail, it is still suitable for casual adventurers.

The Glas Tulaichean and Carn an Righ Walk is a rugged adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will take you up two tall peaks for amazingly scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will follow along winding streams and enjoy lovely valley views, before the gruelling task of summiting both Glas Tulaichean and Carn an Righ. While the route may be tough, the breathtaking views that spread out as far as the eye can see are well worth the effort… as long as you catch them on a fair weather day.

Walking up Carn a’ Chlamain via Tilt Glen is a very long and challenging adventure in Cairngorms National Park that features rough terrain and scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will follow along the winding banks of the River Tilt, before making the steep push up to the summit. Walkers should take note that this is a very difficult route that should only be undertaken by those who have experience with long mountain walks.

The Carn na Caim and A’ Bhuiheanach Bheag Munro Walk is a rough and challenging adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will take you up to the top of two peaks with views of the surrounding terrain. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the boggy landscape of the moor to reach the summit of Carn na Caim, before heading south to the top of A’ Bhuiheanach Bheag Munro Walk. There is certainly a fair amount of rugged terrain along this route, so be sure to wear proper walking boots to safely traverse the trail.

The Lairig Ghru Walk is a long but laidback excursion in Cairngorms National Park that will expose you to the natural beauty of the forests within the region. While out walking the trail, you will make your way across a vast expanse of woodland landscape to reach the Rothiemurchus Lodge at the base of the mountains, before making the return along the banks of Druie. This is an excellent walking route if you enjoy exploring lush woodland landscapes.

The Creag Choinnich Walk is a great family-friendly walking route in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you to the summit of a forested hill for beautiful views. While out walking the trail, you wil;l climb up to the summit of Creag Choinnich for some beautiful views of the surrounding area, before looping around the hill to visit the 17th Century Braemar Castle. Although there is a bit of uphill walking, this is a fantastic route for the entire family to enjoy.

The Craig Coillich Walk is a short but steep walking route in Ballater that will take you uphill for some beautiful views of the surrounding Cairngorms NP terrain. While out walking the trail, you will cross over the River Dee and traverse the forested hillside to reach the summit of Craig Coillich, which offers wonderfully scenic views of Deeside. This is an exceptional adventure whether you are looking for a spot of exercise or simply to take in the scenery.

The Ballater to Cambus o’ May Circular Walk is a fantastic adventure in Cairngorms National Park that passes by several historical sites and returns through a beautiful riverside setting. While out walking the trail, you will follow along an old railway line that will take you past Tullich Chapel and the Souterrain, before looping around the Cambus o’ May Cheese Factory for a return along the River Dee. This is a great intermediate length trail for beginner and casual adventurers.

The Creagan Riabhach walk is a spectacular day-walk from Ballater that will take you up into the hills for views of Cairngorms National Park. While out walking the trail, you will skirt around the slopes of Craigendarroch and climb up to the summit of Creagan Riabhach, where you will enjoy splendid views across Deeside. This is a fantastic walking adventure in the Cairngorms if you are looking to get the lay of the land.

The Creagan Riabhach and Craig of Prony Circular walk is an exceptional adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will see you traverse several rugged hills for views overlooking the surrounding area. While out walking the trail, you will leave Ballater behind and climb above Deeside to the summits of Creagan Riabhach and Craig of Prony, where you will enjoy some breathtaking views of the valley and nearby mountains. This is a great intermediate length route for casual and seasoned walkers alike.

The Crathie, Easter Balmoral, and Cairns Circular is a wonderful adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will see you explore a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain dotted with fascinating monuments. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through the forests near Balmoral Castle to view a series of stone cairns that are related to the life events of several members of the royal family. This is a lovely walk for anyone who enjoys exploring the woodlands or learning about the British monarchy.

The Capel Mounth and Loch Muick Circular Walk is a very long and very challenging excursion in Cairngorms National Park that is geared towards well-seasoned walkers. While out on the trail, you will pass through a glen and traverse several mountain peaks on the way to the shores of Loch Muich, before returning along the boggy landscape of the moor. While very fit adventurers will be able to complete this walk in a single day, it is often done as a multi-day excursion.