If you’re a keen adventurer, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you navigate some of the best hiking spots in Scotland. This beautiful part of the United Kingdom comprises rugged landscapes, mighty mountains, vast lochs and fantastic wildlife. Visitors will uncover natural beauty at every twist and turn when scouring the iconic walking routes here.
Whether you’re looking for gentle strolls with the whole family, challenging solo hikes or exciting expeditions with friends, there’s something for all in Scotland. Discover routes off the beaten path, trek through dense forests or stroll around shimmering waters. No matter where you go here, there are more than enough places worth exploring for outdoor enthusiasts in Scotland.
Keep reading to learn more about the best hiking in Scotland alongside some top tips for your next adventure here.
Before we dive into some of the best hiking in Scotland, let’s first uncover the best time to explore this beautiful destination. When pursuing an outdoor voyage, the weather should certainly be considered. Plus, the climate here is known for being a little unpredictable, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
When you decide to embark on a hiking excursion in Scotland will ultimately depend on where you aim to go and what type of experience you’re looking for. With snow-capped mountains, sun-draped lochs and windy forests, the weather will have a big impact on your time here.
With this in mind, tourists often head to Scotland in late spring when the temperatures are comfortable and the days become longer. This makes for a great time to get out and active, all whilst soaking up the pretty landscapes as flowers begin to bloom. A trip here anytime from March to June will allow you to experience all that this season has to offer.
If you’d prefer to partake in some of the amazing snowsport activities in Scotland, you’ll want to visit between December and March. The winter season is a great time to experience the snow-covered peaks, or perhaps stop off at the fantastic ski resorts here. However, it is worth noting that these conditions can be dangerous, so you’ll need to travel with someone who knows how to navigate this type of weather when hiking.
Many other times throughout the year are great for hiking in Scotland, but when you decide to go ultimately comes down to preference. But, no matter when you decide to visit, you’re sure to be impressed by all that this outstanding place has in store.
Now you know a little more about the best time to go hiking in Scotland, we will guide you through some of the best routes here. Whether you’re in pursuit of mountain hikes, coastal trails or historical treks, we have something for everyone below.
Scotland is known for its impressive peaks that continue to draw climbers from all over the world. These challenging hikes are perfect for avid adventurers or those looking to push the limits. Plus, after reaching the summit on these routes, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the rugged landscapes, vast valleys and deep lochs below.
When looking for some of the best mountain hikes in Scotland, the climb up Liathach should certainly be on your list. This outstanding Munro is certainly one of the best places to challenge yourself whilst experiencing stunning surroundings.
Climbing Liathach can be quite difficult, so a strong hiking ability is a must for this trek. With huge elevations and a tricky ridgeline, this exhilarating hike is not for the faint of heart. However, with breathtaking views of Torridon and lots of exciting scrambling, outdoor enthusiasts will love this adventure.
With exposed paths, steep climbs and the opportunity to tackle two of Scotland’s famed Munros, this hike is more than worth the hard work. Be sure to spend some time planning your excursion carefully up Liathach as hiking experience and outdoor knowledge are vital.
It comes as no surprise that the iconic Ben Nevis mountain is on our list of some of the best hiking trails in Scotland. People from all over the world come here to tackle this famed peak, providing one not to be missed for those in pursuit of outdoor adventures.
The hike to Ben Nevis is a rambler’s favourite as there are plenty of exciting climbs along the way. Standing at 1344 metres, it is also the highest mountain in Scotland, so a good level of fitness is needed. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to experience Ben Nevis on a clear day, the magnificent views allow for unmatched hiking for even the most avid of adventurers.
Another of the most frequented peaks in Scotland is Ben Lomond. This is the most southerly Munro and provides hikers with fantastic views of rugged mountains, vast valleys and much more. Ben Lomond sits at 3,195 metres in height, allowing for an impressive climb for many.
Similar to some of the other mountain climbs on our list, the hike up Ben Lomond is also quite the challenge. You’ll need a good level of fitness and great hiking abilities to tackle this impressive peak. However, your journey to the summit will be more than rewarding with stunning scenery and lots of exhilarating adventures along the way.
Be sure to spend some time marvelling over Loch Lomond which can be spotted behind you as you climb up the mountain. There is also a great path on this route, making it a more enjoyable walk to the top.
Those in pursuit of a longer stroll in Scotland will love the West Highland Way. This route is one of the most famous paths and for good reason. Along the trail, walkers will encounter some magnificent views and can catch a glimpse of some of the best landscapes that Scotland has to offer.
The West Highland Way is also signposted very well, making it an easy route to navigate. If you’re hoping to spend all day scouring the Scottish countryside, you’re sure to be impressed when choosing this route for your next self-guided hiking adventure.
One of the many highlights for those visiting Scotland is the incredible coastal spots. These allow for a picturesque setting to enjoy a hiking adventure. Whether you’re in pursuit of a gentle stroll by the sea, or a longer excursion, there are routes along the Scottish coastline for all.
When taking part in hiking trips in Scotland, there’s no better way to see the stunning landscapes here than by enjoying a coastal walk. John Muir Way is the perfect place for those looking for a peaceful stroll by the sea.
The John Muir Way starts in Helensburgh, Argyll and takes you to Dunbar in East Lothian. Along this hike, walkers will encounter an array of wildlife and lots of natural beauty. It is also one of the best National Parks in Scotland, providing an unmissable place for those seeking some of the finest trails here.
The Fife Coastal path spans over 116 miles and usually takes between 7 to 10 days to complete. This is an excellent hike for those looking to spend their whole trip hiking through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes as there are more than enough areas to explore here.
As you make your way along this gorgeous coastal path, you can catch a glimpse of golden sandy beaches, some famous bridges, ancient fortifications and much more. This allows walkers to immerse themselves in a plethora of breathtaking surroundings all whilst learning more about the unique history here.
Begin your journey on the Fife Coastal Path in Kincardine and hike to Newburgh. This is one of the best walks in Scotland for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a little serenity during their adventure.
When partaking in hiking trips in Scotland, a visit to the John O’Groats trail is a must. This beautiful route hugs the coastline from Inverness to John O’Groats and is an excellent path for those looking to expand their hiking adventure.
The route is around 147 miles in length and often takes around 9 to 14 days to complete. With this in mind, it is recommended that walkers plan their trip accordingly and find some of the many wonderful accommodations to stop off along the route.
However, if you’re looking for hiking in Scotland for beginners, there are also plenty of opportunities to join the John O’Groats trail at different points. This way you can make your hike as long or as short as you like.
There are plenty of ancient ruins and intriguing historical sites to uncover in Scotland. With this in mind, what better way to scour some of these unique sites than by hiking? If you’re seeking a walking route brimming with history and fascinating sightseeing spots, you’ll find some great options below.
The Rob Roy Way is known for being one of the best historic hikes in Scotland, making it a must-visit for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The trail takes you from Drymen to Pitlochry, navigating walkers on a unique journey across 79 miles.
You’ll want to set aside 6 or 7 days to tackle Rob Roy Way. However, the hike is known for being of moderate difficulty, making it a great option for a range of hiking abilities. Get ready to encounter the beauty of the Highlands along this route alongside pretty glens, flowing rivers, huge lochs and impressive waterfalls.
St Cuthberts Way takes visitors from Melrose, the Scottish Borders to Lindisfarne in Northumberland. The route is around 62.5 miles in length so you’ll need to set around 5 days to complete this fantastic trail.
This is an excellent hike for those looking to explore further than Scotland, with opportunities to uncover beautiful landscapes across the border. The route is also dedicated to St Cuthbert, a seventh-century monk and bishop. With lots of natural wonders to marvel over, alongside tons of interesting historical findings, this makes for an excellent route for history lovers.
If you’d prefer to blend a city break with a hiking adventure in Scotland, then the route to Arthur’s Seat is the one for you. Situated in the historic metropolis of Edinburgh, this is an excellent trail for families, friends or couples and is known for being perfect for those looking for an easy to moderate walk.
The trail to Arthurs Seat is around 2.4 miles in length, ideal for those seeking a shorter stroll when visiting Scotland. This iconic route takes you to the ancient hill that was once a volcano. Although the last time it erupted was around 350 million years ago, it still provides visitors with stunning vistas across the city, alongside an interesting historical background.
We hope that after reading this article you can now embark on a hiking adventure in Scotland with all of the best routes in mind. With so many beautiful places to explore, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to experience them all. However, no matter where you decide to go, you’re sure to uncover a plethora of wonderful sights when hiking here.
If you’re an adventurous traveller in pursuit of your next voyage, Backpacker Boy is the place for you. Here you can discover an array of travel guides in destinations across the world. These resources are jam-packed with information so that you can explore all of these fantastic places with ease.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
© 2009-2024 – BACKPACKERBOY
WEBSITE DESIGN BY SEO TRAVEL
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari 