8 of The Best Long Distance Walks in Scotland
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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 | VIEW |
| #2 | Cape Wrath Trail | 233 miles / 375km | 13 – 15 | 4.5/5 | VIEW |
| #3 | Great Glen Way | 73 miles / 117km | 4 – 6 | 2.6/5 | VIEW |
| #4 | The Hebridean Way | 155 miles / 249km | 10 – 12 | 3.1/5 | VIEW |
| #5 | Speyside Way | 73 miles / 117km | 5 – 7 | 3.1/5 | VIEW |
| #6 | West Highland Way | 96 miles / 154km | 5 – 8 | 3.2/5 | VIEW |
| #7 | The Skye Trail | 79 miles / 127km | 6 – 8 | 3.2/5 | VIEW |
| #8 | Affric Kintail Way | 44.5 miles / 71km | 3 – 4 | 3.8/5 | VIEW |
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Rob Roy Way
Start:
Drymen
End:
Pitlochry
Distance:
79 miles / 127km
Time:
6 – 8 Days
3.2/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
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.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Drymen to Aberfoyle
Day 2: Aberfoyle to Callander
Day 3: Callander to Strathyre
Day 4: Strathyre to Killin
Day 5: Killin to Ardtalnaig
Day 6: Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy
Day 7: Aberfeldy to Pitlochry
Walk Details
Start: Drymen
End: Pitlochry
79 miles / 127km
Total Ascent: 2383
Wild camping allowed
Highlights
Highland Scenery
Glen Ogle Viaduct
Falls of Dochart
Birks o’ Aberfeldy
Fonab Stone Circle
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
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Image credits: Neil Williamson, Daniel Tam, Dave Gibbons, Catherine Cronin
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Cape Wrath Trail
Start:
Fort William
End:
Cape Wrath
Distance:
233 miles / 375km
Time:
13 – 15 Days
4.5/5
Difficulty:
Experienced
Image credit: Kees Waterlander
OFFICIAL WALK WEBSITE
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.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Fort William to Glenfinnan
Day 2: Glenfinnan to A’Chuil
Day 3: A’Chuil to Barrisdale Bay
Day 4: Barrisdale Bay to Morvich
Day 5: Morvich to Maol Bhuidhe
Day 6: Maol Bhuidhe to Craig
Day 7: Craig to Kinlochewe
Day 8: Kinlochewe to Shenavall
Day 9: Shenavall to Inverlael
Day 10: Inverlael to Oykel Bridge
Day 11: Oykel Bridge to Inchnadamph
Day 12: Inchnadamph to Kylestrome
Day 13: Kylestrome to Rhiconich
Day 14: Rhiconich to Sandwood Bay
Day 15: Sandwood Bay to Cape Wrath
Walk Details
Start: Fort William
End: Cape Wrath
233 miles / 375km
Total Ascent: 11,024m
Wild Camping Allowed
Highlights
Remote Highland Scenery
Eas a Chual Aluinn Waterfall
Sandwood Bay
Torridon Mountain Range
Stunning Wilderness
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
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Image credits: TThef, Andrew, GaryE1981, Kees Waterlander
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Great Glen Way
Start:
Fort William
End:
Inverness
Distance:
73 miles / 117.5km
Time:
4 – 6 Days
2.6/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
Image credit: Guiseppe Milo
READ OUT FULL GUIDE
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.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Fort William to Gairlochy
Day 2: Gairlochy to Laggan
Day 3: Laggan to Fort Augustus
Day 4: Fort Augustus Invermoriston
Day 5: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit
Day 6: Drumnadrochit to Inverness
Walk Details
Start: Fort William
End: Inverness
73 miles / 117.5km
Total Ascent: 1908m
Wild Camping Allowed
Highlights
Neptune’s Staircase
Views of Ben Nevis
Achnacarry House
Urquhart Castle
Loch Ness trail
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
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Image credits: Guiseppe Milo, Steven Panton, Piotr Rokita
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The Hebridean Way
Start:
Vatersay
End:
Pitlochry
Distance:
155 miles / 249km
Time:
10 – 12 Days
3.1/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
Image credit: Chris Combe
OFFICIAL WALK WEBSITE
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.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Vatersay to Northbay
Day 2: Northbay to Daliburgh
Day 3: Daliburgh to Howmore
Day 4: Howmore to Lionacleit
Day 5: Lionacleit to Grimsay
Day 6: Grimsay to Lochmaddy
Day 7: Lochmaddy to Berneray
Day 8: Berneray to Seilebost
Day 9: Seilebost to Tarbert
Day 10: Tarbert to Scaladale
Day 11: Scaladal to Balallan
Day 12: Balallan to Stornoway
Walk Details
Start: Vatersay
End: Stornoway
155 miles / 249km
Total Ascent: 4471m
Wild Camping Allowed
Highlights
Seeing Gaelic culture
Calanais Standing Stones
Stunning beaches
Turquoise seascapes
Unique Archaeology
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
Buses
Trains
Gallery
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Image credits: Chris Combe
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Speyside Way
Start:
Buckie
End:
Kincraig
Distance:
73 miles / 117km
Time:
5 – 7 Days
3.1/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
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.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Buckie to Fochabers
Day 2: Fochabers to Craigellachie
Day 3: Craigellachie to Ballindalloch
Day 4: Ballindalloch to Grantown
Day 5: Grantown to Boat of Garten
Day 6: Boat of Garten to Aviemore
Day 7: Aviemore to Kincraig
Walk Details
Start: Buckie
End: Kincraig
73 miles / 117km
Total Ascent: 1387m
Wild Camping Allowed
Highlights
Great variety of terrain
Strathspey Steam Railway
Ballindalloch Castle
Nearby distillery visits
Highland Wildlife
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
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Image credits: Graham Norrie, Martha de Jong-Lantink, Graham Norrie, Terekhova
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West Highland Way
Start:
Milngavie
End:
Fort William
Distance:
96 miles / 154km
Time:
5 – 8 Days
3.2/5
Difficulty:
Beginners +
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.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen
Day 2: Drymen to Rowardennan
Day 3: Rowerdennan to Inverarnan
Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Day 5: Tyndrum to Kingshouse
Day 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Day 7: Kinlochleven to Fort William
Walk Details
Start: Milngavie
End: Fort William
96 miles / 154km
Total Ascent: 3155m
Wild Camping Allowed
Highlights
Loch Lomond views
Arklet Falls
Drovers Inn
Rannoch Moor
Stunning Glencoe
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
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Campsites
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Image credits: Mark, Stu Smith
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The Skye Trail
Start:
Rubha Hunish
End:
Broadford
Distance:
79.5 miles / 127.5km
Time:
6 – 8 Days
4/5
Difficulty:
Intermediate +
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!
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Rubha Hunish to Flodigarry
Day 2: Flodigarry to The Storr
Day 3: The Storr to Portree
Day 4: Portree to Sligachan
Day 5: Sligachan to Elgol
Day 6: Elgol to Torrin
Day 7: Torrin to Broadford
Walk Details
Start: Rubha Hunish
End: Broadford
79.5 miles / 127.5km
Total Ascent: 4181m
Wild Camping Allowed
Highlights
Mountain & Coastal Scenery
Cuillin Mountains
Trotternish Ridge
Quiraing Landscape
Stunning wildlife
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
Accommodation
Campsites
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Trains
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Image credits: Junaidrao
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Affric Kintail Way
Start:
Drumnadrochit
End:
Morvich
Distance:
44.5 miles / 71km
Time:
3 – 4 Days
3.2/5
Difficulty:
Intermediate +
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.
Day Breakdown
Day 1: Drumnadrochit to Cannich
Day 2: Cannich to Glen Affric
Day 3: Glen Affric to Alltbeithe
Day 4: Alltbeithe to Morvich
Walk Details
Start: Drumnadrochit
End: Morvich
44.5 miles / 71km
Total Ascent: 1667m
Wild Camping Allowed
Highlights
Walking Glen Affric
Glen Affric eco-hostel
Eileen Donan & Loch Duich
Peeks of Kintail
Highland wildlife
Services
Bag & Gear Transfer
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Image credits: ShinyPhotoScotland, Ted & Jen, Pablo Fernandez
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FAQs
How do I know which walk is right for me?
Choose a walk that fits your experience level. If you’ve never done a long distance walk before, stick with the easier ones. West Highland Way is always a great option to start.
Do I need to be really fit to do all these hikes?
It depends on the walk. The longer ones will be quite draining and require good endurance levels, as do the more intense walks such as the Skye trail.
Do I need special clothing or gear to do these hikes?
Definitely get the essentials for any of the walks – good footwear, backpack, clothing etc.. For the more intense walks you’ll likely need more gear.
| # | Hike | Distance | Days | Difficulty | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rob Roy Way | 79 miles / 127km | 6 – 8 | 3.2/5 | VIEW |
| #2 | Cape Wrath Trail | 233 miles / 375km | 13 – 15 | 4.5/5 | VIEW |
| #3 | Great Glen Way | 73 miles / 117km | 4 – 6 | 2.6/5 | VIEW |
| #4 | The Hebridean Way | 155 miles / 249km | 10 – 12 | 3.1/5 | VIEW |
| #5 | Speyside Way | 73 miles / 117km | 5 – 7 | 3.1/5 | VIEW |
| #6 | West Highland Way | 96 miles / 154km | 5 – 8 | 3.2/5 | VIEW |
| #7 | The Skye Trail | 79 miles / 127km | 6 – 8 | 3.2/5 | VIEW |
| #8 | Affric Kintail Way | 44.5 miles / 71km | 3 – 4 | 3.8/5 | VIEW |
Related Guides
West Highland Way: The Guide
Lost Valley, Glencoe
Great Glen Way: The Guide
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