The 6 Best Hiking Trails in Scotland
The wild spaces of Scotland are some of the most magical places to explore in the world. Whether you’re up for a coastal trek or a mountain hike, you can’t go wrong with a walking trip in this picturesque country.
If you’re planning a hiking holiday here and aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. With such a famous landscape, it’s natural to wonder where the best hiking trails are as you get ready for your trip.
To help you decide where to explore on your upcoming adventure, we’ve put together a list of the best hiking trails in Scotland, along with some advice on what to add to your kit list and bring with you for the journey.
What to Pack for Hiking Holidays in Scotland
Thin Layers
Scotland’s weather can change quickly, so packing layers is key. Go for thin layers made from specialised fabrics. We suggest merino wool base layers, moisture-wicking t-shirts, a lightweight microfibre jacket, and a waterproof jacket.
These items are easy to pack since they tend to be thin and squash down well in your bag. They also make it easy to adjust your outfit to the changing weather. When it’s warm, you can stick to the breathable t-shirts. When it cools down or you’re taking a break, just add layers for warmth.
Packing thin layers is the best way to stay comfortable while hiking in Scotland.
Navigation Tools
When you’re hitting the beautiful hiking trails in Scotland, it’s important to bring a detailed map and compass. Mobile data isn’t always reliable out there, and while maps on your phone can be super handy, don’t count on them alone.
You never know when you may run out of battery or your mobile is going to call it quits. Of course, guided hiking tours of Scotland make the wilderness much easier to navigate. With an experienced guide, you’re less likely to get lost, plus you’ll get to discover some beautiful hidden spots and enjoy local stories along the way.
Alternatively, opting for a self-guided hiking tour with a trusted company like Adventure Tours UK’s can also be a great choice. They often provide GPX route maps, arrange accommodation and luggage transfers and offer 24/7 telephone support to help keep you safe and on track during your adventure.
Hat, Scarf & Gloves
When hiking in Scotland, don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves. Even on sunny days, it can get pretty chilly at higher altitudes or in the evenings, so having these warm items will be a lifesaver. They might seem bulky to pack, but you’ll be glad you have them.
If you’re worried about fitting everything into your rucksack only to have to cart it up and down the peaks, you might want to look into Scotland hiking tours that include luggage transfers. They allow you to enjoy your hiking adventure without the hassle of lugging all your gear around.
Walking Boots
Scotland’s landscapes are known for being rugged and wild, so comfy, waterproof walking boots are a must. Trails often have loose stones and rocks, so it’s best to bring boots that go over the ankle for extra support.
There’s a wide variety of boot styles and materials available these days. Whichever you choose, ensuring a good fit for your foot shape is critical. It can be tempting to grab an online bargain but if you’re not sure what you’re buying, we always recommend visiting your local outdoor gear shop where their trained staff will help you to find the right boot for your feet and your plans.
The Best Hiking Trails in Scotland
- The West Highland Way
When it comes to hiking in Scotland, there are few trails quite as legendary as The West Highland Way. It is the country’s oldest official long-distance trek and has had hikers travelling from all over the world to complete it since 1980 when it first opened.
The 154km route showcases some of Scotland’s most spectacular natural scenery from the stunning coastline of Loch Lomond to the majestic Buachaille Etive Mor, one of the most recognisable mountains in the country.
The route begins in Milngavie (pronounced ‘mil-gai’)and finishes in Fort William, inviting you to explore the wild, remote northern shore of Loch Lomond, marvel at the legendary pyramid of Beinn Dorain, and conquer The Devil’s Staircase en route.
The climb up Conic Hill is one of the highlights of the trail. Once you reach the summit, you are instantly rewarded with unbelievable views over the dazzling freshwater lake of Loch Lomond and its pretty collection of islands.
We recommend setting aside eight days to walk the route to give you time to enjoy the journey and soak up all of the magnificent scenery. The West Highland Way is also a great place for trail running, for those who fancy upping the ante of this iconic route.
Along the way, you can rest overnight at charming inns, hostels and guest houses.
- The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is easily one of the best hiking trails in Scotland. The route starts in Fort William and ends in Inverness, leading walkers through some of the most beautiful and unspoilt landscapes in the country while travelling from coast to coast.
Stretching nearly 120km, the Great Glen Way begins at the Old Fort in Fort William, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Throughout the journey, this scenic trail takes you along idyllic canal towpaths, pristine lochs and enchanting forest tracks.
The glorious shores of Loch Oich are one of the standout sections of this Scottish hiking route. Here you’ll find one of the UK’s most stunning natural woodlands, home to an abundance of interesting wildlife such as otters, red squirrels and water birds.
Abriachan Wood is another highlight of The Great Glen Way. This ancient woodland, with its rowan, aspen, oak, and Scots pine trees, is home to playful pine martens and majestic golden eagles.
The Great Glen Way is one of the more challenging hiking trails in Scotland, with significant ascents and descents towards its middle and later stages. For this reason, it is an ideal option for those seeking a moderately challenging trek.
We recommend dedicating seven days to completing the route. As one of the best places to go hiking in Scotland, you are sure to be impressed by the heavenly natural scenery on offer on this exciting trail. If you fancy adding a bit of variety to your trip, the Great Glen Way is also a great route for boating and biking.
- The Three Lochs Way
The Three Lochs Way is another of the best hiking trails in Scotland. This route begins with gentle, scenic landscapes and gradually transitions to more dramatic mountain vistas, crags, and lochs, as you journey from the Highland Boundary Fault into the mountains of the Southern Highlands.
Serving up an impressive variety of scenery, the Three Lochs Way is undoubtedly one of the most scenic hiking routes in Scotland. Some of the highlights of the trail are its amazing vistas over Loch Lomond, the Gareloch and Loch Long.
The Three Lochs Way begins in the village of Balloch at the southern tip of Loch Lomond and finishes in the quaint hamlet of Inveruglas, linking Loch Lomond, The Gareloch and Loch Long.
Along the way, it goes through Helensburgh, Garelochhead, Arrochar, and Tarbet. At 55km long, the trail rarely exceeds 250 metres in elevation and avoids steep gradients, making it possible to complete in three or four days.
Stoneymollan Road is one of the most fascinating parts of the route. This ancient coffin road acts as an idyllic pathway linking Balloch and Cardross and offers dramatic scenery of crumbling, grand manor houses.
It’s also hard to top the terrific views over Loch Lomond that come into view while crossing the Highland Boundary Fault at Goukhill Muir. With such stunning scenery on offer, the Three Lochs Way is easily one of the most picturesque hiking trips in Scotland.
- Fife Coastal Path
While Fife is known for its charming harbour villages and historic towns, the Fife Coastal Path is also one of Scotland’s top hiking spots. This 183km coastal route connects the Forth and Tay Estuaries, showcasing many of the region’s most beautiful natural landscapes and picturesque villages.
Starting in the idyllic town of Kincardine and ending in Newburgh, the path follows the peninsula with well-marked and even trails, making it ideal for beginners going hiking in Scotland. It is also a great option for family or couples walking holidays, as it lends itself well to groups with varying experience levels.
During the hike, you’ll encounter postcard-perfect coastal villages, flawless sandy beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and enchanting castle ruins. You’ll also see windmills, lighthouses, churches, and abbeys.
For those interested in combining hiking with culinary experiences, we can arrange visits to farm-to-fork eateries, distilleries, and even a wild sauna experience for you to enjoy throughout your trip.
We recommend setting aside between eight and ten days to complete the route, allowing you to fully soak up the outstanding scenery along one of the best hiking routes in Scotland.
- The Hebridean Way
The Hebridean Way is one of the most incredible hiking trails in Scotland. This 253km walking route spans ten stunning islands and six causeways, taking you on a sensational journey through an ancient archipelago.
The trail begins on the island of Vatersay and continues through Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris & Lewis, before finishing in the isles’ capital, Stornoway.
The coastal scenery along the route is absolutely spectacular, with pristine white sand shores, gorgeous grassy meadows, rolling hills, and vibrant peat moorland. While exploring the islands, you’ll discover a rich cultural heritage.
As a stronghold of the Gaelic language, many locals speak Gaelic as their first language, and you’ll find a wonderful sense of tradition imprinted on each island you visit. While the maximum altitude of the Hebridean Way is just 270 metres, it is by no means an easy hiking trip in Scotland, offering both beauty and challenge.
- Cape Wrath Trail
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Cape Wrath Trail is one of the best hiking spots in Scotland. The route is unmarked and there is no official path, making it ideal for seasoned trekkers eager to explore some of the country’s wildest and least-travelled landscapes.
The trail stretches around Scotland’s northwest coast, passing through Morar, Knoydart, Torridon, and Assynt. As you navigate this rugged terrain, you’ll encounter its breathtaking glens and magnificent mountains.
Covering approximately 370km, the journey typically takes between two and three weeks to walk. The Cape Wrath Trail is considered to be one of Britain’s toughest long distance trails and offers a sensational adventure for experienced hikers looking to Scotland’s rugged natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
Summary: the 6 Best Hiking Trails in Scotland
With so much terrific natural scenery on offer, deciding between each of the fantastic hiking spots in Scotland is no easy task. However, you can rest assured that we’re here to help you choose the perfect trail to match your goals. From the rugged coastline of Cape Wrath to the pyramidal peak of The Buachaille Etive, each promises an adventure of a lifetime in this dazzling corner of the UK.
Dreaming of getting out on a hiking holiday in Scotland? Adventure Tours UK has a spectacular selection of challenging self-guided and small group walking and trail running tours on offer. Get in contact to start planning an unforgettable adventure to Scotland, one of the best hiking destinations in the world.
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