Scotland is a country known for its majesty, mystery and magic. Just think castles, the Loch Ness Monster, and Harry Potter. It draws people from all over the world, and many more can trace their roots back to this rugged country. Its countryside is one of the most awe-inspiring found anywhere on earth. Dramatic glens, huge lochs and breathtaking mountains litter the landscape, each uniquely showing why Scotland is so special. With a landscape so rich, its inevitable that Scotland has some of the best hikes in the world. So what are the best hikes in Scotland?
1. West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is arguably one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. It is a 96-mile long route that takes in the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Skirting lochs, traversing hills and trudging in the shadow of mountains, the West Highland Way has made its name as, not just one of the best hikes in Scotland, but one of the best hikes in the world.
It’s so popular, in fact, that each year all of the accommodation gets fully booked up during the popular summer months.
The route ends in Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain and Ireland. Fort William is known as the outdoor capital of Britain, so you won’t be short of things to do when you finish your hike. The West Highland Way also conveniently ends where the Great Glen Way begins, so you can keep hiking even further.
2. Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way picks up where the West Highland Way leaves off. It continues the hike in northern Scotland, dotted with with lakes, mountains and glens. Its on this route that you can begin your hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, as the hikes takes you along Loch Ness’ shores.
The Great Glen Way doesn’t seem to get as booked up as much as the West Highland Way, yet is possibly just as stunning. If your heart is set on the West Highland Way but you just miss out, the Great Glen Way is a perfect alternative. It truly is one of the best hikes in Scotland.
3. Rob Roy Way
The Rob Roy Way follows in the footsteps of the famous Scottish outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor. Known as the Robin Hood of Scotland, this roguish character had quite a colourful and eventful life. The Rob Roy Way route follows his cattle-droving route up and down the country, taking in some beautiful moorland, mountains, forestry and valleys.
This route really brings you back to nature and immerses you in the Scottish culture and history. You can even pay a visit to Rob Roy’s grave in Balquhidder, a popular stop-off for hikers.
4. Fife Coastal Path
The Fife Coastal Path is commonly regarded as the premier long-distance coastal trail in Scotland. It is a 187km (116 mile) linear route from Kincardine to Newburgh. However, the most popular section to walk is the original 130km bridge-to-bridge route from North Queensferry to Tayport.
North Queensferry is also conveniently located just outside Edinburgh. From there, the route passes pretty fishing villages, beautiful beaches and charming old harbours. There is also plenty of history along the way including the “home of golf” and lovely historical town of St. Andrews.
We hope that you enjoyed this guide to 4 Of The Best Hikes In Scotland. If you are interested in hiking one of these great Scottish trails or one of the other beautiful hiking routes around Scotland, check out our range of Scottish hiking tours.
