Scotland is a hiker’s paradise. With its diverse landscape and abundance of hiking trails, there’s something for everyone who loves to explore the great outdoors on foot. Scotland has it all from challenging mountain climbs to strolls through picturesque glens. So, if you’re looking for some ideas for your next outdoor expedition, look no further. Read on for our selection of the best hikes in Scotland.
To say the least, Scotland’s scenery is stunning. Whether you’re a local or a tourist from farther afield, exploring Scotland’s paths is an exciting experience.
The beautiful beaches, tall cliff tops, and fishing villages along the coast might entice you. Perhaps the towering mountains, mirror-like lochs, and tale book forests of Scotland’s Highlands catch your eye. Because it is so small, you may easily combine both elements on your Scottish vacation.
Here are 9 of the finest walks in Scotland, ranging from brief and easy to more extended and difficult hikes. However, what they all have in common are breathtaking vistas that showcase the stunning natural splendour of Scottish nature.
Scottish National Trail
The Scottish National Trail is the longest of our walks in Scotland, stretching an impressive 864 kilometres (537 miles) from Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders to Cape Wrath in the northwest Highlands.
This is a serious undertaking and will take approximately 4-8 weeks to complete, depending on your fitness levels and how many breaks you take. However, if you’re up for the challenge, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
The trail can be divided into four sections, each with its unique highlights. The first section takes you from the Borders to Edinburgh, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline from Arthur’s Seat. The second section continues north from Edinburgh through the Pentland Hills to the Cairngorms National Park. Here you’ll find some of Scotland’s highest mountains, including Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak.
The third section takes you across the Highlands, past lochs and glens, to the Kyle of Durness on the north coast. The final section follows the rugged coastline to Cape Wrath, passing through some of Scotland’s most remote and uninhabited areas.
Whether you tackle the whole trail or just one section, the Scottish National Trail will leave you with lasting memories of this wild and wonderful country.
Lost Valley, Glen Coe
The Lost Valley is one of the most popular hikes in Glen Coe, and it’s easy to see why. This picturesque valley is surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, and pristine forests. The hike itself is relatively short and easy, making it a great choice for families or those with limited time.
The trailhead is located just off the A82 road, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. However, we encourage you to take your time and enjoy the landscape and maybe even have a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the end of the valley, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Buachaille Etive Mor, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. You can even carry on to the summit of this Munro mountain if you’re feeling brave.
Whatever you decide to do with your time in the Lost Valley., it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to Glen Coe.
Glen trail, How much Time It Will Take
How long it will take you to hike the Glen Coe trail depends on your fitness level and how many stops you make. The trail is relatively easy, with only a few moderate sections so that most people can complete it in 3-4 hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch.
What is the Distance of Lost Valley, Glen Coe
The Lost Valley trail is approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long, with an elevation gain of around 400 meters (1,300 feet). However, the exact distance will vary depending on which route you take and how many stops you make along the way.
Quiraing, Isle of Skye
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, look no further than Quiraing on the Isle of Skye. This strenuous hike climbs to the top of a massive landslip, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
The trailhead is located just off the A855 road, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the top of the landslip, you’ll be rewarded with stunning island views and the surrounding sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue on to the summit of Meall a’Bhorain, one of the island’s Munro mountains.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Quiraing, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to the Isle of Skye.
Distance of Quiraing, Isle of Skye Hike
The Quiraing trail is approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) long, with an elevation gain of around 500 meters (1,600 feet). However, the exact distance will vary depending on which route you take and how many stops you make along the way.
How much time it will take to hike Quiraing, Isle of Skye Hike
The trail is relatively challenging with a few steep sections so most people can complete it in 4-5 hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch.
Lover’s Stone, St Kilda
Looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, look no further than Lover’s Stone on St Kilda. This strenuous hike climbs to the top of massive cliffs, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
The trailhead is located just off the A859 road, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the top of the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning island views and the surrounding sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue on to the summit of Conachair, one of the island’s Munro mountains.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Lover’s Stone, it’s sure to highlight your trip to St Kilda.
Distance of Lover’s Stone, St Kilda Hike
The Lover’s Stone trail is approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long with an elevation gain of around 600 meters (2,000 feet). However, the exact distance will vary depending on which route you take and how many stops you make along the way.
How much time it will take to hike Lover’s Stone, St Kilda Hike
The trail is relatively challenging with a few steep sections so most people can complete it in 5-6 hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch.
Isle of Eigg, Summer Isles
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, look no further than Isle of Eigg in the Summer Isles. This strenuous hike climbs to the top of a massive cliff, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
The trailhead is located just off the A859 road, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the top of the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning island views and the surrounding sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue on to the summit of Conachair, one of the island’s Munro mountains.
No matter how you choose to spend your time on the Isle of Eigg, it’s sure to highlight your trip to the Summer Isles.
Distance of Isle of Eigg, Summer Isles Hike
The Isle of Eigg hike is approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long with an elevation gain of around 600 meters (2,000 feet). However, the exact distance will vary depending on which route you take and how many stops you make along the way.
How much time it will take to hike Isle of Eigg, Summer Isles Hike
The trail is relatively challenging with a few steep sections, so most people can complete it in 5-6 hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch.
Slioch (The Spear), Wester Ross
Looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, look no further than Slioch (The Spear) in Wester Ross. This strenuous hike climbs to the top of a massive cliff, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
The trailhead is located just off the A859 road, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the top of the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning island views and the surrounding sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue on to the summit of Conachair, one of the island’s Munro mountains.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Slioch (The Spear), it’s sure to highlight your trip to Wester Ross.
Distance of Slioch (The Spear), Wester Ross Hike
The Slioch (The Spear) hike is approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long with an elevation gain of around 600 meters (2,000 feet). However, the exact distance will vary depending on which route you take and how many stops you make along the way.
How much time it will take to hike Slioch (The Spear), Wester Ross Hike
The trail is relatively challenging with a few steep sections, so most people can complete it in 5-6 hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch.
Coffin Roads, Isle of Harris
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, look no further than Coffin Roads on the Isle of Harris. This strenuous hike climbs to the top of massive cliffs, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
The trailhead is located just off the A859 road, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the top of the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning island views and the surrounding sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue to the summit of Conachair, one of the island’s Munro mountains.
No matter how you choose to spend your time on Coffin Roads, it’s sure to highlight your trip to the Isle of Harris.
Beinn a’Chrulaiste, Glen Coe
Looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, look no further than Beinn a’Chrulaiste in Glen Coe. This strenuous hike climbs to the top of massive cliffs, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
The trailhead is located just off the A859 road, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. However, we advocate taking your time to take in the breathtaking views and perhaps even a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic spots along the way.
Once you reach the top of the cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with stunning island views and the surrounding sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue on to the summit of Conachair, one of the island’s Munro mountains.
No matter how you choose to spend your time on Beinn a’Chrulaiste, it’s sure to highlight your trip to Glen Coe.
Muckle Flugga, Shetland
Muckle Flugga is the northernmost point of the British Isles, and it’s also one of the most beautiful places in Shetland. The island is home to dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and various wildlife.
The best way to explore Muckle Flugga is on foot, and there are plenty of trails to choose from. However, we recommend the Big Gun Trail, which takes you to the island’s highest point. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding sea and islands.
