The Scottish highlands have a certain magic about them that pulls me in each time I visit. One of the foremost reasons that I keep coming back to this distant wilderness is that it permits you to escape the hustle and bustle of our modern world and find inner peace and tranquillity.
One of one of the best ways to explore the Scottish Highlands is on foot along the numerous hiking trails which span the wilderness.
I’ve listed my absolute favorite hikes and walks within the Scottish Highlands below. You will find some famous hikes within the list in addition to some hidden gems, which I do know you’ll love too!
1. Scottish Highlands Hikes – Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis, just outside the town of Fort William, is the very best mountain within the British Isles and some of the popular hiking destinations within the Scottish highlands with an estimated 125k visitors per 12 months.
The hike is best fitted to more advanced walkers because the trail to the summit is long, involves tackling difficult terrain, and may get pretty steep in parts.
The walk is around 13 km including coming back down again. It takes about 8 hours to finish.
Ben Nevis was once an energetic volcano that exploded and collapsed thousands and thousands of years ago to form the present mountain which is a component of the Grampian Mountain range.
Local tip: Choose your route rigorously based in your skill level, and be prepared for fast-changing weather conditions. Starting early within the morning works best because the weather gets more unpredictable because the day goes on.
2. The Birks of Aberfeldy
The Brisk of Aberfeldy, just outside the charming town of Aberfeldy in Perthshire, was considered one of Robert Burns’s (the famous Scottish poet) favorite places in Scotland and the topic of his folk song of the identical name. The Birks of Aberfeldy refers to a circular walk around a picturesque burn.
The Birks of Aberfeldy walk takes you thru a thick forest of ancient birch trees, past cascading waterfalls often known as the Falls of Moness. It’s a brief but spectacular walk. Just be prepared, as there are plenty of steps involved!
Local tip: The circular walk is 3.5 km and takes a few hours to finish. I like to recommend doing it within the clockwise direction as this provides one of the best views of the waterfalls.
3. Glencoe Valley – The Beauty of the Scottish Highlands
Glencoe is a shocking and magical valley stuffed with lochs, mountains, and waterfalls and offers hiking trails for all abilities.
As well as being a renowned hiking destination, Glencoe can also be 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 because the Glencoe Massacre.
Countless hiking trails within the valley are only itching to be explored. One of those is the hike through the Lost Valley which is alleged to be the place where the MacDonald clan hid their stolen cattle. This 4km walk takes a few hours to finish. Be aware it involves sections of steep climbing but yields some spectacular views.
Local tip: During the summer, midges is usually a problem. Bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid being bitten.
4. Clachan Trail – Scottish Highlands Trails
There are quite a few great walks inside Tay Forest Park in Perthshire, but considered one of my favorites is the Clachan Trail.
This walk takes you deep right 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 2 centuries!
The walk is fairly easy, with some gradual uphill slopes and a few uneven ground with mud after wet weather.
Clachan Trail is 3 km and takes around 1 hour to finish.
Local tip: Bring a torch, so you’ll be able to take a peek contained in the stays of the traditional dwellings.
5. The West Highland Way
This mammoth hiking trail stretches 154 km from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. It passes through among the most scenic areas of Scotland, including Loch Lomond and Glencoe.
The West Highland Way could be walked in either direction, but most individuals walk from south to north. The walk typically takes between 7 and 9 days to finish.
Local tip: Book accommodation upfront 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 beautiful circular walk. You’ll see quite a few 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 contains the upper falls, as these are much 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 mall called House of Bruar at the beginning of the walk, offering free parking. The shopping mall was set as much as showcase one of the best of Scottish clothing, produce, art, and fashion. It also has a spread of food places to grab some lunch before or after your walk.
7. The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is one other epic walk but not quite so 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 upfront to avoid disappointment, especially during peak periods.
8. The Five Sisters of Kintail
Located near the village of Shiel Bridge, on the southern end of Loch Duich, this trail is considered one of the tougher on this list. The Five Sisters of Kintail is some of the famous massifs in Scotland and yields some incredible panoramic views of not only the mountains however the stunning nearby scenery as well.
The hiking trail requires a superb level of fitness. It includes several steep ascents and descents, in addition to some scrambling over rocky terrain.
The walk is roughly 12.5 km long and frequently takes 6 to eight hours to finish.
Local tip: Check the weather forecast before embarking on the hike, because the trail can develop into 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’s a gentler grassy slope. The climb to this remarkable viewing point is steep but well worth the effort.
The walk is around 3.8 km long, and it takes a few hours to finish.
Local tip: It’s advisable to envision the weather forecast before embarking on the hike. Wet and windy conditions make the trail slippery.
Those are a few of my favorite hikes within the Scottish Highlands. What is your favorite Scottish walk?
Author Bio:
Ella McKendrick is a travel content creator and author who loves traveling off the beaten path and inspiring you to do the identical.
Ready to book a visit? Head to my travel resources page for planning advice and one of the best booking tools.
