From the famous Highland region to the Isle of Skye, from the islands of the Hebrides to the border, Scotland and its great outdoors have it all. In this post, we discover many of best places to go hiking in Scotland!
1. The rise of Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the highest point of the British Isles at 1,345 meters above sea level. Located in the Highlands, it is one of the must-see places for hiking in Scotland.
Ben Nevis attracts around 100,000 walkers each year. Its ascent, popular with experienced climbers, is often done in conjunction with the West Highland Way route. Once at the top, the view is exceptional on a clear day.
2. The Tweed Valley and the Borders region
Much less well known than the Highland region, the southern part of Scotland is nonetheless beautiful. It has preserved the traces of an eventful history.
Historic remains and charming little villages are scattered all over the Scottish border. You can admire impressive abbeys ruins in Jedburgh as well as Melrose, and enjoy the verdant landscapes along the River Tweed.
3. The wilderness of the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is known for its breathtaking scenery. It is the largest island of the Hebrides interior. A magical place, it offers some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
Paradise for hikers, it is home to numerous cliffs, waterfalls, mountains and valleys. This place is a wild sanctuary , perfect for exploring on foot.
Have you read about our Great Glen Way hiking tour which travels from coast to coast across Scotland passing Loch Ness on route? The Isle of Skye is not far away! Take the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh to discover its magnificent landscapes!
4. The picturesque coast
Another very beautiful place in Scotland, located between Edinburgh and Dundee: the Fife Coastal Path. It has nearly 200km (124 miles) of trails along pristine beaches, sheer cliffs and small fishing villages.
You might spot dolphins, puffins and seals along the coast between Kincardine and Newburgh. This is the ideal trail for those who would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and find some peace and quiet.
5. Loch Tay Crannogs
We all know Loch Ness, and some of us have heard of Loch Lomond. But there are plenty of other, lesser-known large lakes which also provide a great backdrop for hiking in Scotland! One of our favorites is Loch Tay, a long dark lake that also happens to be one of the deepest in the country.
The region is also very interesting for anyone interested in history. Around 2,500 years ago, the people of Scotland built artificial islands on the surface of the water called Crannogs. An example of Crannog can be seen at Loch Tay. And you can find a wealth of information regarding the Neolithic and the construction of Crannogs at the Kenmore Museum.
If this region and its history has piqued your curiosity, find out about the Rob Roy Way hiking trail, which runs through the Highlands and past beautiful Loch Tay.
6. A whisky hiking trail
The Speyside region is Scotland’s largest and most famous whisky-producing area. The Speyside Way & Cairngorms hiking trail passes right through this region for over 100km (60 miles). It begins in Buckie on the Moray Firth coast and heads southwest along the River Spey towards Aviemore at the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains and National Park. The water from the River Spey and the old railway line that the route also follows helped to make Speyside whisky so popular.
With 60% of all Scotch whisky stemming from the area, it’s no surprise that you’ll pass by some truly world-famous establishments. The trail passes close to more than 20 distilleries in total with perhaps the three most well-known and recognizable being Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Chivas Regal.
7. The Lost Valley of Glencoe
This mysterious valley is in the Highlands, near Glencoe. The Lost Valley (or Chur Gabhail in Gaelic) is a nature reserve that will give you a good overview of the massif around Glencoe. The main hiking trail passes between steep mountains and impressive waterfalls. It also offers many views of the moor.
If you are tempted by a hike in Scotland in the Highlands, and want to discover the Lost Valley of Glencoe, choose our tours on the West Highland Way!
