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Walking in Scotland
The finest Scottish walks
Looking for nice walks near you? The best way to see the Scottish outdoors is on foot, and we’ve got some of Scotland’s best walking routes on our properties. You can choose from all kinds of walks in spectacular landscapes to suit your ability, and as the seasons change you can come to back to your favourite places to see them anew …
Family walks
Two waymarked routes on the Castle Fraser estate are both great for a weekend wander with the family. Miss Bristow’s Trail explores the woodland and the Alton Brae Trail takes you past the flight pond (the perfect place for a dragonfly-spotting competition).
The two short trails that wind through this pristine wooded gorge are suitable for people of all ages. To start with, take the short, steep path from the car park to the Victorian suspension bridge that crosses the river. Do you dare to look down?
There are acres of countryside here for the kids to explore, and stunning walks all around the estate, pond and shrubbery. Take on one of the woodland walks to see red squirrels, or meander around the pond looking at the variety of wildfowl and dragonflies.
4. Culzean Castle Country Park
Among the woodland, deer park and beaches of this picture-perfect country park, there are 17 miles of walking paths at your disposal. No matter how many times you visit (or who you bring along), you’ll always find something new to do.
Find out more about great family walks in Scotland.
Highland walks
The Falls of Glomach (from the Gaelic word for hazy) are set in wild and windswept countryside, and have a thunderous 113m drop. To reach the Falls takes serious stamina – the easiest route starts in Morvich and is six hours there and back.
An excellent (but strenuous) 2.5 mile hike from Grey Mare’s Tail to Loch Skeen starts at the car park. A steep path climbs up past the famous 60m-high waterfall that inspired Sir Walter Scott, and as you come over the ridge the valley unfurls beneath you. The Scottish outdoors at its best.
There’s a variety of trails and routes around this traditional crofting estate – you can opt to soak up the shoreline, the brightly coloured meadows, or the pretty villages in the area. The choice is yours, just make sure you say hello to the Highland coos!
8. Inverewe
Inverewe is a haven for flora and fauna. Along with an award-winning garden filled with exotic plants, you can also follow two trails – the Pinewood Trail (1.25 miles) and the Kernsary Path (8 miles). If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ wildlife (red deer, red squirrels, seals, otters and golden eagles) along the way.
Discover our spectacular walks in Scotland.
Bagging a Munro
Munros are mountains in Scotland that are over 3,000 feet high (914m), and climbing one requires plenty of preparation and the proper equipment. For more information and a list of Munros, read our guide to Munro-bagging.
9. Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve
Britain’s largest National Nature Reserve is home to 15 Munros, including four of the five highest mountains in Scotland. Here you’ll find the mighty Ben Macdui (1,309m), along with hard-to-reach hills like An Sgarsoch (1,006m) and Carn an Fhidhleir (994m) – both require around 25 miles of walking. Only the fittest need apply.
10. Torridon
The mountains of Torridon are among the oldest around, dating back 750 million years. The Trust looks after five Munros here and the three main hills, Beinn Eighe (972m), Beinn Alligin (985m) and Liathach (1,054m), look over one another, which is a sight to behold.
There are ten Munros in this imposing, isolated wilderness. Munro-baggers can claim three hills in one go by conquering the iconic Five Sisters – but be warned, Kintail is only suitable for the most experienced and equipped climbers.
12. Ben Lomond
Scotland’s most southerly Munro stands 974m high, and with a return journey time of around 5 hours, it’s one of the easiest Munros (good for Munro-bagging beginners). The walking is exhilarating, and the views across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are unforgettable.
13. Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve
Named after one of Scotland’s highest Munros – Ben Lawers (1,214m) – this famous reserve teems with wildlife. There are seven Munros in all here, and they offer an exhilarating challenge to hikers, along with majestic views over Loch Tay at the summit.
Walking and Hiking in Glencoe
14. Glencoe woodland walk and Glencoe An Torr
These two easy routes capture the essence of Glencoe – its history and wild majesty. Starting at the visitor centre, the woodland walk (30 mins) runs past ruins linked to the infamous massacre of 1692. Nearby, the charming An Torr trail leads you to the iconic Signal Rock on top of Tom a’ Ghrianain (Hill of the Sun) and Clachaig Burn.
15. Glencoe Munros
Glencoe has eight Munros for hikers to aim for, ranging from the popular peaks of Bidean nam Bian (1,150m) to Aonach Eagach (967m), which translates to ‘notched ridge’ and provides one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences for seasoned climbers.
Woodland walks
16. Killiecrankie
This stunning woodland gorge is great for outdoor types and historians alike. Follow the signs from the visitor centre to get to Soldier’s Leap, where a brave Jacobite once made a miraculous escape, and the Garry Bridge, with its heart-stopping views.
17. The Hermitage
Following the 1.5-mile trail through this magical pine forest, you won’t know where to look first. Douglas firs tower overhead, and there are curious caves, follies and hidden totem poles among the trees. In autumn, you can see salmon leaping up the Black Linn Falls.
For anyone whose kids are keen on wildlife, this wonderful estate has a rich variety of habitats and six waymarked trails that lead through woodland, marsh, ponds and streams. See if you can spot where the badgers, otters and red kites are hiding.
Walks close to Glasgow
19. Brodick Castle Country Park
A fantastic place to spot wildlife, there’s so much to see in the country park, with over 10 miles of waymarked trails. These pass by woodland, waterfalls and bathing pools, all helping to conjure up an island charm that will beguile children and adults alike.
20. Dollar Glen
Dollar Glen is less than hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle all year round (even in winter). Tranquil paths follow two babbling burns , in the shadow of a spectacular ruined 15th-century castle.
21. Goatfell
The jagged ridges of Goat Fell dominate the Arran skyline. To reach the summit from the car park can take up to 5 hours (so make sure you come prepared), but the views from the peak out to Jura and Ben Lomond make the strenuous walk worthwhile.