Best Walks in Scotland

On the southern tip of Loch Lomond sits the stately Balloch Castle Country Park. As the only country park in all of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, this walk features a unique setting and a great outing for the whole family. The Scottish baronial style Balloch Castle was built in 1808 and overlooks the shores of Loch Lomond. The walk unfolds on a mostly flat tarmac path, inviting visitors to take in the grand walled gardens on the grounds, the scenic banks of River Leven, and the impressive Balloch castle architecture.

The walk begins on the sprawling grounds of the Balloch Castle Country Park, through a wooded area that opens to a lochside stretch before ascending Whinny Hill. The ascent of a mere 230 m makes this a great hillwalk for the whole family or for those looking to work towards a more significant climb. The views over Loch Lomond are stunning, and the woodlands are filled with charm.

Some may overlook Beinn Luibhean due to its position next to its towering neighbour, Beinn Ìme; however, this hill features a swift, challenging ascent and fabulous views across the Arrochar Alps, making it a walk well-worth adding to your list! The ascent features a pleasant, albeit steep, climb up grassy slopes with a lovely stretch from midway up the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. Panoramic views from the summit at 674 m invite hillwalkers to enjoy a natural canvas painted by Loch Restil, Beinn an Lochain, The Cobbler, and of course, the highest mountain in the Arrochar Alps, Beinn Ìme.

Enjoy the popular hillwalk up Ben Vorlich from Loch Earn and press on to tackle a second Munro by combining Stùc a' Chròin on the Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chròin Walk. You may note that from afar, that the two peaks look almost identical, but the walk proves that the two mountains are quite different indeed. While Ben Vorlich is a fairly straightforward venture, Stùc a' Chròin brings the challenge, with an extremely steep ascent that requires some intermittent scrambling. This is a great walk for those looking to cross two Scottish Munros off their list in around 7 hours, making for a spectacular full-day adventure.

Ben Challum stands at 910 m, and from the viewpoint of Glen Lochay, the fine peak’s prominence presents an attractive climb. The walk features a challenging ascent to two summits on a relatively faint path up the hillside. Much of the trail is boggy, particularly on the lower slopes, so waterproof footwear is a must for this walk. From the summit, the horizon is painted with incredible views of Ben More and Stob Binnein, and from the north summit, Glen Lochay looks extraordinary.

The An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chròin Walk rewards hillwalkers for their efforts to reach 1,045 m with sensational views across the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, including Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis. Much of the route unfolds on amicable grassy ground with brilliant stretches of ridge walking. Check off two spectacular Munros on the An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chròin Walk as you enjoy a thrilling climb to both mountain summits.

The Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean Walk is a superb hillwalk from Inverlochlarig, located near Balquhidder. The 12.5 km walk features two ascents to the summits of Beinn Tulaichean (946m) and Cruach Ardrain (1,046 m), from where you’ll unlock remarkable views out over the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. This walk is best reserved for experienced hillwalkers seeking a challenging ascent, as sections of the trail are pathless and boggy. Proper footwear is a must for this one, as well as crampons and an ice axe for those wishing to do this walk during the winter months.

Enjoy a section of one of the UK’s most famous long-distance hiking trails on section 5 of the 154.5 km West Highland Way. The Tyndrum to Inverarnan section consists of 14.0 km, mainly unfolding along the glen floor following a brief uphill stretch from Tyndrum. Superb views of the surrounding grassy slopes and a captivating section through enchanting woodlands make this a perfect day walk in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

In the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park’s northern reaches rise two marvellous peaks, Ben Oss (1,029 m) and Beinn Dubhchraig (978 m). This captivating hillwalk invites you to reach both mountain summits, where you’ll unlock incredible views down over Loch Lomond and across the horizon, where Ben Lui lords magnificently. The initial section of the walk leads through stunning woods of pine and birch, making for a picturesque lead-up to the climb. Extremely boggy sections, particularly on the lower approach, make suitable, waterproof footwear a must for this walk.

The Meall Glas and Sgiath Chuil Walk follows a superb, 15.5 km circular route, beginning at Glen Dochart and exploring the summits of both peaks. From the vantage point of 1,000 m+ above, you’ll take incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including Ben More, Ben Lawers, Ben Vorlich and more. The steep slopes of both hills present a challenging ascent, and in sections, the path is boggy and relatively undefined, so this is an ideal walk for somewhat experienced hillwalkers who are prepared with these types of hill conditions.

The Duchrary Castle Walk is a splendid route in Stirling, Scotland, great for adults and kids alike and is also a favourite for those who like to walk with canine friends! Walkers will enjoy the scenic banks of the Duchray Water, which soon leads past the 500-year-old Duchray Castle (at a distance), originally built as a hunting lodge for Scottish Royals. The castle is also woven into the colourful history of Rob Roy MacGregor himself. Walkers will also take in the gorgeous shorelines of Loch Ghleannian and Loch ard, with a final stretch past the famous Rob Roy’s cave before returning to Milton.

From peaceful riverbanks to lofty mountain views, the Auchtertyre Farm Walk features an array of gorgeous scenery along an easy trail suitable for adults and children. Although little ones can enjoy the walk, buggies aren’t recommended, as some of the trail features overgrowth and protruding tree roots. Spot mighty Ben More and Stob Binnein beyond the fields as you enjoy this pleasant walk in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The Beinn Odhar Walk is a wonderful, straightforward trail up the mountain’s summit at 840 m. The grassy slopes make for pleasant walking, and the views from atop the peak are incredible, with the South Highlands sprawling before your eyes and Ben Nevis and others painting the horizon. The ascent is steep, but the views from above make it well worth the effort.

This unique walk offers a look into the area's geology, featuring two glacial deposits and a lovely stretch of trail along the scenic banks of the River Teith.

Although Strone Hill isn’t one of the highest peaks in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the steep slopes that lead to its summit, 293 m above, make for an exhilarating climb for hillwalkers seeking a challenge. The walk begins in Kilmun, a small settlement perched on the shores of the Holy Loch and a great little village to explore prior to taking on the hill. Once on the trail, you’ll enjoy a steep route that leads up through a forest to the summit of Strone Hill, where you’ll enjoy marvellous views over Arran, Dunoon and out over Loch Long.

The Beinn Narnain Circular Walk is an epic hike interspersed with a few exhilarating scrambles to reach the summit of Beinn Narnain 926 m. Views of The Cobbler and Beinn Ime from the summit make this challenging climb well worth the effort. The way is steep and unforgiving at times, making this walk best reserved for those up for a challenge.

The 55.0 km long Three Lochs Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and the first section, Balloch to Helensburgh, invites walkers to experience 13.5 km of stunning waymarked trails through gorgeous, gentle landscapes, with only minor ascents. Beginning at the southern end of dazzling Loch Lomond, this section of the trail features incredible scenery as you enjoy paths, minor roads, and wide-open moorland. The walk ends in the graceful town of Helensburgh, where you can either enjoy an overnight stay at a B&B before continuing on the next section or choose to end the walk here.

The Three Lochs Way: Helensburgh to Garelochhead makes up the second section of the 55.0 km long-distance walking trail, The Three Lochs Way. This section has plenty in store, leading walkers past the legendary Hill House (Charles Rennie Mackintosh) and on a pleasant path through woodlands and quiet country lanes. Enjoy the scenery of Glen Fruin and a thrilling descent to top the walk off, leading down into Garelochhead.

The third section of the long-distance walking trail, known as the Three Lochs Way, is the longest in length and considered by many to be the finest section of the 55.0 km trail. The section from Garelochhead to Arrochar/Tarbet features some moderate ascents, but the incredible views make the effort well worth your while. The path unfolds on a good cycle path to begin before joining the main Three Lochs Way, which follows mostly tracks, with a minor section through woodlands. The section through woodlands can be muddy, so waterproof shoes are recommended on this walk.

The Three Lochs Way: Arrochar/Tarbet to Inveruglas is the final section of the long-distance, Scottish Great Trail, the Three Lochs Way. The 9.5 km walk can easily be done as a day walk or combined with the other sections by staying overnight in a B&B. This section features incredible views of the Arrochar Alps and consists of only gentle inclines, making it an excellent walk for all skill levels. Good paths and tarmac roads elevate the pleasantness, thanks to the lack of boggy ground or muddy paths.