Hiking in Scotland

Find your hiking trail in Scotland

Hiking in Scotland gives you a unique glimpse into the nation’s landscapes and cultural heritage. Trails such as the famous West Highland Way, one of Europe’s most beloved trails, and the Cape Wrath Trail offer diverse terrain, from remote highlands to valleys, and enjoyable outdoor towns such as Fort William for a pint and some pub food. Munro bagging, which involves climbing peaks over 3,000 feet, presents a challenge for those who want to conquer these peaks located in the Scottish Highlands. The many lakes you’ll hike along, called Lochs, are a legacy of former glaciers that carved a unique landscape to discover on foot.

Scotland’s Great Trails

Scotland offers a wide array of hiking trails. The most famous trails are called Scotland’s Great Trails, a selection of the best hiking options. They come in all distances for all levels of hiking experience from serene Loch hiking trails to crossing the challenging highlands. For example, the Isle of Skye features the iconic Old Man of Storr, while the John Muir Way spans from Helensburgh to Dunbar, exploring diverse landscapes and historical sites. For ambitious hikers, Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain, is a challenging climb with rewarding summit views. The Great Glen Way offers a less intense experience, crossing from Fort William to Inverness and passing the iconic Loch Ness.

Munro Bagging in Scotland

Munro bagging, climbing peaks over 3,000 feet, is popular among many hikers, mostly locals, offering the chance to explore over 280 Munros. Wild camping is permitted under Scotland’s progressive outdoor access code, which requires you to respect the principles of Leave No Trace.

Midges and weather conditions

Hiking in Scotland means you must prepare for unpredictable weather and midges, especially from May to September. Your waterproof outdoor gear needs to be top-notch as weather conditions can change fast, also in the summer season. Please keep in mind that in the winter season, the hiking trails for the most part aren’t accessible when there are very tough conditions.