Anda
The Scottish highlands have a certain magic about them that draws me in every time I visit. One of the main reasons that I keep coming back to this remote wilderness is that it allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of our modern world and find inner peace and tranquillity.
One of the best ways to explore the Scottish Highlands is on foot along the many hiking trails which span the wilderness.
I’ve listed my absolute favorite hikes and walks in the Scottish Highlands below. You will find some famous hikes in the list as well as some hidden gems, which I know you’ll love too!
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1. Scottish Highlands Hikes – Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis, just outside the town of Fort William, is the highest mountain in the British Isles and one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Scottish highlands with an estimated 125k visitors per year.
The hike is best suited for more advanced walkers as the trail to the summit is long, involves tackling challenging terrain, and can get pretty steep in parts.
The walk is around 13 km including coming back down again. It takes about 8 hours to complete.
Ben Nevis was once an active volcano that exploded and collapsed millions of years ago to form the current mountain which is part of the Grampian Mountain range.
Local tip: Choose your route carefully based on your skill level, and be prepared for fast-changing weather conditions. Starting early in the morning works best as the weather gets more unpredictable as the day goes on.
2. The Birks of Aberfeldy
The Brisk of Aberfeldy, just outside the charming town of Aberfeldy in Perthshire, was one of Robert Burns’s (the famous Scottish poet) favorite places in Scotland and the subject of his folk song of the same name. The Birks of Aberfeldy refers to a circular walk around a picturesque burn.
The Birks of Aberfeldy walk takes you through a thick forest of ancient birch trees, past cascading waterfalls known as the Falls of Moness. It’s a short but spectacular walk. Just be prepared, as there are a lot of steps involved!
Local tip: The circular walk is 3.5 km and takes a couple of hours to complete. I recommend doing it in the clockwise direction as this gives the best views of the waterfalls.
3. Glencoe Valley – The Beauty of the Scottish Highlands
Glencoe is a stunning and magical valley filled with lochs, mountains, and waterfalls and offers hiking trails for all abilities.
As well as being a renowned hiking destination, Glencoe is also famous for its dark history. In 1692, 38 members of the MacDonald clan were killed by government soldiers. This tragic event has gone down in history as the Glencoe Massacre.
Countless hiking trails in the valley are just itching to be explored. One of these is the hike through the Lost Valley which is said to be the place where the MacDonald clan hid their stolen cattle. This 4km walk takes a couple of hours to complete. Be aware it involves sections of steep climbing but yields some spectacular views.
Local tip: During the summer, midges can be a problem. Bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid being bitten.
4. Clachan Trail – Scottish Highlands Trails
There are numerous great walks inside Tay Forest Park in Perthshire, but one of my favorites is the Clachan Trail.
This walk takes you deep into a forest of towering conifer trees. One of the highlights of this hike is passing by the abandoned farming settlement of Clachan, which has been untouched for two centuries!
The walk is fairly easy, with some gradual uphill slopes and some uneven ground with mud after wet weather.
Clachan Trail is 3 km and takes around 1 hour to complete.
Local tip: Bring a torch, so you can take a peek inside the remains of the ancient dwellings.
5. The West Highland Way
This mammoth hiking trail stretches 154 km from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. It passes through some of the most scenic areas of Scotland, including Loch Lomond and Glencoe.
The West Highland Way can be walked in either direction, but most people walk from south to north. The walk typically takes between 7 and 9 days to complete.
Local tip: Book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak periods.
6. The Falls of Bruar
The Falls of Bruar are a hidden gem in Perthshire and are incorporated into a lovely circular walk. You’ll see numerous mesmerizing cascades of water throughout the 1.5-hour walk, which journeys alongside a scenic burn.
The shortest circular walk to the lower falls is just 22 minutes. However, I’d strongly recommend the longer walk, which incorporates the upper falls, as these are even more spectacular than the lower falls.
The falls were featured in a poem by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns called The Humble Petition Of Bruar Water.
Local tip: There is a shopping center called House of Bruar at the start of the walk, offering free parking. The shopping center was set up to showcase the best of Scottish clothing, produce, art, and fashion. It also has a range of food places to grab some lunch before or after your walk.
7. The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is another epic walk but not quite as long as The West Highland Way. The trail follows the Caledonian Canal and stretches for 117 kilometers from Fort William to Inverness. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Loch Ness, although sightings of the monster can’t be guaranteed!
The walk typically takes 5-7 days, although some experienced hikers have made it in 3-4 days, and slow walkers can take 10 days or more.
Local tip: Book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak periods.
8. The Five Sisters of Kintail
Located near the village of Shiel Bridge, at the southern end of Loch Duich, this trail is one of the more challenging on this list. The Five Sisters of Kintail is one of the most famous massifs in Scotland and yields some incredible panoramic views of not only the mountains but the stunning nearby scenery as well.
The hiking trail requires a good level of fitness. It includes several steep ascents and descents, as well as some scrambling over rocky terrain.
The walk is approximately 12.5 km long and usually takes 6 to 8 hours to complete.
Local tip: Check the weather forecast before embarking on the hike, as the trail can become slippery and dangerous in wet or windy conditions.
9. The Old Man of Storr
Located on the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr is a towering rock formation providing incredible views across Skye.
The hill has a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay. Meanwhile, on the west side, there is a gentler grassy slope. The climb to this remarkable viewing point is steep but worth the effort.
The walk is around 3.8 km long, and it takes a couple of hours to complete.
Local tip: It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking on the hike. Wet and windy conditions make the trail slippery.
Those are some of my favorite hikes in the Scottish Highlands. What is your favorite Scottish walk?
Author Bio:
Ella McKendrick is a travel content creator and writer who loves traveling off the beaten path and encouraging you to do the same.
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