Scotland has a multitude of fantastic long distance walks to choose from. In this guide we’ve picked out 8 of the best that were sure you’re going to love.
From the relatively easy going adventure through the Great Glen Way to the rugged and wild tracks of the Cape Wrath Trail there’s a walk in this list for every type and level of hiker.
We’ve given you all the details (and hopefully inspiration) you need to choose one of them and go on an escapade of a lifetime! Enjoy the guide!
# | Hike | Distance | Days | Difficulty | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Rob Roy Way | 79 miles / 127km | 6 – 8 | 3.2/5 | |
#2 | Cape Wrath Trail | 233 miles / 375km | 13 – 15 | 4.5/5 | |
#3 | Great Glen Way | 73 miles / 117km | 4 – 6 | 2.6/5 | |
#4 | The Hebridean Way | 155 miles / 249km | 10 – 12 | 3.1/5 | |
#5 | Speyside Way | 73 miles / 117km | 5 – 7 | 3.1/5 | |
#6 | West Highland Way | 96 miles / 154km | 5 – 8 | 3.2/5 | |
#7 | The Skye Trail | 79 miles / 127km | 6 – 8 | 3.2/5 | |
#8 | Affric Kintail Way | 44.5 miles / 71km | 3 – 4 | 3.8/5 |
Image credit: Neil Williamson
Anyone with Scottish blood in their veins knows the story of infamous Jacobite outlaw Robert Roy MacGregor.
This trail traces the steps of Robert MacGregor as it meanders by several Lochs, through the atmospheric forests of the Trossachs and passes a series of stunning glens and quaint villages.
This is a real trek through time, taking you through the landscapes where Rob Roy was active and also offering a wealth of archaeological sites along the route.
Jump into this wild Highland scenery, and find your own outlaw spirit as you retrace the steps of this timeless renegade.
The Cape Wrath Trail, often called Britain’s hardest walk, is a challenging but rewarding expedition that takes you through some of the wildest and most beautiful parts of Scotland.
Pioneered by photographer David Paterson, the trail is unmarked and requires good navigational skills and hiking experience. Definitely not for beginners.
It offers everything you could hope for – stunning woodland, glens, mountains, rivers, sea cliffs and even more.
So if you’re looking for a challenge of epic proportions (and can get the time off work), look no further.
Image credits: TThef, Andrew, GaryE1981, Kees Waterlander
If you’re looking for a good introduction to long distance walking you can’t go wrong with the Great Glen Way.
Stretching 117km from coast to coast, this low level trail takes you down woodland tracks, past lochs, rivers and over hill paths with stunning scenery.
The trail passes Loch Ness via some very enjoyable trails. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see Nessie?
Regardless of whether or not you spot a mythical creature, the walk is not only a great introduction to the Scottish Highlands but is a lot of fun.
Image credits: Guiseppe Milo, Steven Panton, Piotr Rokita
Steeped in Gaelic history and culture, and passing through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland the Hebridean Way is a relative newcomer but more than holds its own with other long established walks.
Stretching the length of the Outer Hebrides the route passes 10 Islands via a series of causeways and ferries.
For those who love the coastline, stunning beaches and dazzling ocean views then this surely is the walk for you.
For more information check out an in depth guide to the walk by Watch Me See. She also made the map on the right.
Image credit: Graham Norrie
If you’re not only a fan of hiking but of whisky then this is the trail for you.
Passing through whisky country, walkers have the opportunity to visit the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries.
You also get the chance to go to the amazing Ballindalloch Castle dubbed the “Pearl of the North”.
With only a few steep gradients along the way this a fairly straightforward walk that is suitable for hikers of any level.
So if you’re looking for an enjoyable walk with a little taste of Scotland added in you’ll love this trail.
Image credits: Graham Norrie, Martha de Jong-Lantink, Graham Norrie, Terekhova
Image credit: Neil Williamson
Scotland’s most famous and arguably best multi-day hike. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of trails or a complete newbie, there’s something for everyone on this popular hiking route.
What makes this easily navigable trail so special is how the appearance and geology of the landscape changes as you go from the lowlands of Scotland to the highlands.
That’s if you take the route from South to North, as most people do.
The official website for the West Highland Way Trail has a wealth of information, or you can check out our in depth guide.
Image credit: Neil Williamson
The second of our island trails on this list, the Syke Trail is another wild and non-waymarked trek, definitely intended for the experienced hiker.
From the Trotternish Ridge to the incredibly atmospheric Loch Coruisk, and Black Cuillin, described by poet Lord Tennyson as “the wildest scene in the highlands” this trail offers some of the most stunning landscapes and geology Scotland has to offer.
With open moorland, ridges, mountain trails, woodland, stunning wildlife and even more, this truly is a walk that will last in the memory. Plus there’s plenty more to see on Skye, don’t miss out!
Image credits: Junaidrao
Image credit: ShinyPhotoScotland
If isolation and and alone time is what you’re after then you’ll love this adventure.
You’ll head into the upper reaches of Glen Affric, which is amongst some of the most isolated areas in the Highlands.
Offering huge glens, forest trails, mountain tracks, stunning lochs and even more. This trail is a must do for any hiker. You even get the chance to stay at Scotland’s remotest youth hostel.
If you’re planing on tackling this hike, we recommend you have some experience with navigation and full hillwalking gear before you take it on, or do it with someone who does.
Image credits: ShinyPhotoScotland, Ted & Jen, Pablo Fernandez
# | Hike | Distance | Days | Difficulty | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Rob Roy Way | 79 miles / 127km | 6 – 8 | 3.2/5 | |
#2 | Cape Wrath Trail | 233 miles / 375km | 13 – 15 | 4.5/5 | |
#3 | Great Glen Way | 73 miles / 117km | 4 – 6 | 2.6/5 | |
#4 | The Hebridean Way | 155 miles / 249km | 10 – 12 | 3.1/5 | |
#5 | Speyside Way | 73 miles / 117km | 5 – 7 | 3.1/5 | |
#6 | West Highland Way | 96 miles / 154km | 5 – 8 | 3.2/5 | |
#7 | The Skye Trail | 79 miles / 127km | 6 – 8 | 3.2/5 | |
#8 | Affric Kintail Way | 44.5 miles / 71km | 3 – 4 | 3.8/5 |
I was raised in Edinburgh, Scotland with plenty of green spaces around me, and for as long as I can remember I've always had a passion for the outdoors.
Whether it's going for a long hike, playing football, rafting or simply discovering a cool new place you'll likely find me outside somewhere.
Discover Outside is a space for me to create guides and hopefully help others enjoy the outdoors too!
