By Dianne Sindayen ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
Hiking in the Scottish Highlands feels like walking through a living postcard. One moment you're following a winding trail beside a glassy loch; the next, you're climbing toward panoramic peaks that stretch far beyond the horizon.
Each route reveals a different side of Scotland, peaceful glens, ancient stone paths, sweeping coastal views. From long-distance treks to short scenic walks, the Highlands offer some of the most memorable hikes in the UK.
If you're ready to see it for yourself, Great Value Vacations offers curated Scotland travel packages that make exploring the country's most iconic and scenic hiking spots easy and stress-free.
What to Know Before You Hit the Trail
Hiking in the Scottish Highlands is unforgettable but only if you come prepared. The terrain is rugged, the weather is unpredictable, and the midges are real. Before lacing up your boots, take a moment to read up on things to know before you go to Scotland so you're ready for the conditions, culture, and small surprises that make a big difference.
- Be weather-ready: Conditions can change fast – pack for sunshine, wind, and rain in the same day.
- Gear up properly: Waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, a map or GPS, and a refillable water bottle are must-haves.
- Watch out for midges: These tiny biting insects are common in summer, especially near lochs. Insect repellent helps.
Even experienced hikers can get caught off guard in the Highlands. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid so you can stay safe and actually enjoy the views:
- Relying solely on your phone: Signal is spotty in remote areas. Bring a paper map or download offline trail maps in advance.
- Parking in the wrong spot: Some popular trails have limited or permit-only parking. Research in advance to avoid fines or long walk-ins.
- Ignoring local advice: Speak to locals, check signage, and respect path closures – they're there for a reason.
1. West Highland Way
If there's one trail that defines hiking in Scotland, it's the West Highland Way. This legendary route winds through moody moors, pine forests, open valleys, and along the banks of Loch Lomond. You'll pass quiet villages, ancient stone bridges, and some of the most cinematic scenery in the Highlands.
The trail is well-marked and ideal for both seasoned trekkers and ambitious first-timers. Most hikers split the route staying overnight in B&Bs, hostels, or even wild camping along the way.
Type: Long-distance trail · Approx. 96 miles (154 km) · 7–8 days
Starts in: Milngavie (just outside Glasgow)
Ends in: Fort William, at the base of Ben Nevis
Best Photo Stop: The view from the top of the Devil's Staircase offers a sweeping panorama of Glencoe's jagged ridges and valleys, especially stunning at golden hour.
Planning tip: Book accommodations early, this is one of the UK's most popular walking routes. Short on time? The northern stretch from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William delivers the Highlands at their most dramatic.
2. Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track
Ben Nevis towers above the surrounding landscape like a sleeping giant, drawing hikers from all over the world to experience its sweeping ridgelines and moody Highland atmosphere. As you climb, the scenery shifts from lush glens to stark, rocky plateaus where the air feels thinner and the silence stretches for miles. The reward isn't just reaching the top, it's every step that brings you deeper into Scotland's rugged heart.
Type: Day hike · Approx. 10.5 miles (17 km) round trip · 7–9 hours
Starts in: Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, near Fort William
Ends at: Ben Nevis summit (1,345 meters / 4,413 feet)
Best Photo Stop: Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (“Halfway Lochan”), with still waters and dramatic ridgelines
Planning tip: Check weather conditions before setting out. Ben Nevis is notorious for sudden changes in visibility and temperature even in summer.
3. The Old Man of Storr
Rising like jagged teeth from the earth, the Old Man of Storr is one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks and it's easy to see why. The trail leads you into a surreal landscape of ancient rock spires, rolling green hills, and sweeping views over the Isle of Skye's dramatic coastline. It's the kind of hike where every few steps demand another photo stop, especially if the early morning mist is still clinging to the crags.
Type: Short hike · Approx. 2.8 miles (4.5 km) round trip · 1.5–2 hours
Starts in: A small car park off the A855, north of Portree (Isle of Skye)
Ends at: Base of the Old Man and surrounding pinnacles
Best Photo Stop: From the upper viewpoint, just beyond the rock formations on a clear day, you'll get the Storr cliffs, the Sound of Raasay, and distant islets all in one frame
Planning tip: Arrive early, parking fills up quickly and the trail gets busy by mid-morning. The light is also best at sunrise or just after rain, when the rocks glisten.
4. Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle
Tucked at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, the Fairy Pools look like something out of folklore: a series of crystal-clear, turquoise pools linked by gentle waterfalls and surrounded by rugged moorland. The walk is relatively short, but it's packed with visual drama especially when the Cuillin peaks loom in the background under shifting Highland skies. It's a favorite for photographers, cold-water swimmers, and anyone looking for a taste of Skye's magic without a strenuous climb.
Type: Short hike · Approx. 1.5–2.5 miles (2.4–4 km) depending on route · 1–1.5 hours
Starts in: Fairy Pools car park, Glen Brittle (Isle of Skye)
Ends at: The upper pools or trails end beneath the Cuillins
Best Photo Stop: At the second or third pool, where the water is deepest and the Cuillin ridge forms a cinematic backdrop
Planning tip: Visit early or late in the day to avoid tour bus crowds. After rain, the pools are fuller but the path can get muddy, so wear waterproof boots.
5. The Lost Valley, Glencoe
Hidden behind towering cliffs and reached by a steep, winding path, The Lost Valley feels like a secret tucked away from time. Surrounded by Glencoe's famous peaks, this secluded glen once served as a hiding place for stolen cattle and as a refuge during the dark days of clan conflict. The route into the valley is as thrilling as the destination itself, with rocky scrambles, river crossings, and dramatic mountain views that open up when you least expect it.
Type: Moderate hike · Approx. 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip · 2–3 hours
Starts in: Glencoe Pass car park near the Three Sisters viewpoint
Ends at: The floor of Coire Gabhail (the Lost Valley)
Best Photo Stop: Just before descending into the valley, where the full horseshoe of surrounding cliffs comes into view, breathtaking in late afternoon light
Planning tip: The trail involves uneven terrain, steep drops, and can be slippery after rain. Good boots are essential, and a hiking pole helps with stability on the descent.
6. Stac Pollaidh, Assynt
Stac Pollaidh may not be the tallest mountain in the Highlands, but it easily ranks among the most dramatic. With its jagged pinnacles and sweeping views over a patchwork of lochs, peaks, and coastal plains, this compact hike punches far above its weight. The winding path offers near-constant panoramas, and the summit ridge adds a thrill for more experienced hikers. Even if you don't scramble to the true summit, the lower viewpoints are nothing short of spectacular.
Type: Short but steep hike · Approx. 2.75 miles (4.4 km) round trip · 2–3 hours
Starts in: Stac Pollaidh car park off the A835, near Loch Lurgainn
Ends at: Lower ridge below summit pinnacles
Best Photo Stop: Midway up the ascent, where you can capture the full ridge of Stac Pollaidh with Loch Lurgainn and Suilven in the distance, especially striking at sunset
Planning tip: The summit ridge is exposed and not suitable in poor weather. Stick to the maintained path if you're unsure, and bring layers, the wind picks up fast up here.
7. Glen Affric Circular Trail
Often called Scotland's most beautiful glen, Glen Affric feels like a step into an older, quieter world. The landscape is rich with native Scots pine, birch forests, and mirror-like lochs framed by distant peaks. The circular trail around Loch Affric is a favorite for those seeking a slower pace, with plenty of spots to stop, breathe, and take in the layered beauty of forest, water, and mountains blending together.
Type: Moderate forest and lochside trail · Approx. 11 miles (17.5 km) loop · 4–6 hours
Starts in: River Affric car park near Cannich
Ends at: Same as start (loop around Loch Affric)
Best Photo Stop: Along the north shore of Loch Affric, where the trees open up to reveal the water with snow-capped peaks in the distance. Especially scenic in autumn
Planning tip: Trails here are well-marked but long, bring food, water, and good footwear. Facilities are minimal, so plan ahead if you're coming from Inverness or Beauly.
8. Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail
Set against the backdrop of rolling green hills and wide Highland skies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail is one of Scotland's most iconic sights especially when the Jacobite steam train chugs across its graceful stone arches. The trail offers a gentle climb to a viewing point overlooking the viaduct, with sweeping views of Loch Shiel and the surrounding Glenfinnan countryside. It's a short walk, but the cinematic setting makes it unforgettable.
Type: Easy scenic walk · Approx. 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip · 45–60 minutes
Starts in: Glenfinnan Visitor Centre car park
Ends at: Viewpoint overlooking the viaduct and Loch Shiel
Best Photo Stop: The elevated viewpoint near the trail's end, arrive just before train time for that perfect shot of the steam engine crossing the viaduct
Planning tip: Check the Jacobite Steam Train timetable if you want to catch it in motion (usually April–October). The viewpoint gets crowded, arrive early for a good spot.
9. The Quiraing, Isle of Skye
The Quiraing looks like a place pulled from a dream or a fantasy film. With towering cliffs, tilted rock formations, and sweeping grassy plateaus, it offers some of the most otherworldly scenery in the Highlands. The trail loops along the edge of the Trotternish Ridge, giving you a mix of wide-open views and intimate moments between bizarre rock spires. It's less of a climb and more of an immersive walk through some of Skye's wildest terrain.
Type: Moderate circuit hike · Approx. 4.5 miles (7.2 km) loop · 2–3 hours
Starts in: Quiraing car park, near Staffin on the Isle of Skye
Ends at: Same as start (loop trail)
Best Photo Stop: Midway along the upper ridge, where you can capture The Needle, The Table, and The Prison rock formations in one sweeping shot
Planning tip: The path can get boggy after rain, waterproof boots recommended. Go early for soft light and fewer crowds, especially in peak season.
10. Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail, Torridon
Set in the ancient, glacier-carved landscape of Torridon, the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail is a showcase of Scotland's raw geological power. The climb winds through serene pinewoods before rising into open mountain terrain dotted with rocky outcrops, high lochans, and sweeping views over Loch Maree. It's the first waymarked mountain trail in the UK, challenging but clear, perfect for those ready to earn their views without worrying about navigation.
Type: Strenuous mountain loop · Approx. 6.5 km (4 miles) · 3–4 hours
Starts in: Coille na Glas-Leitir car park, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Ends at: Same as start (loop trail)
Best Photo Stop: From the high point above Loch Allt an Daraich, where you can see across the wild expanse of the Torridon peaks and Loch Maree below
Planning tip: This is a rugged mountain route, come prepared with good boots, weatherproof layers, and plenty of water. Clear days reward you with some of the finest vistas in the Highlands.
11. Suilven, Assynt
Suilven rises abruptly from the Assynt landscape like something sculpted rather than formed. Its steep-sided, solitary profile is visible for miles in every direction, making the journey toward it feel like a slow-motion approach to a natural cathedral. The route is long, remote, and incredibly rewarding, with expansive views that stretch across lochs, moors, and empty skies. Hiking Suilven is less about the summit and more about the sense of deep immersion in untamed Highland scenery.
Type: Challenging out-and-back hike · Approx. 12–15 miles (19–24 km) depending on route · 6–8 hours
Starts in: Glencanisp car park near Lochinver
Ends at: Suilven summit ridge (731 meters / 2,398 feet)
Best Photo Stop: From the shoulder before the final climb, where you get a perfect view of Suilven's domed ridge rising over Loch na Gainmhich and the surrounding wild landscape
Planning tip: This is a remote, full-day hike with no services en route. Bring plenty of food, water, and layers. The last section is steep, so only attempt the summit in good conditions.
12. Great Glen Way
Tracing a natural fault line across the Scottish Highlands, the Great Glen Way is a long-distance journey that connects coast to coast through some of the country's most iconic landscapes. The route links a series of lochs including the mysterious Loch Ness with forest trails, canal towpaths, and quiet Highland villages. It's less rugged than other multi-day hikes, making it perfect for those who want scenic variety without major climbs.
Type: Long-distance trail · Approx. 79 miles (127 km) · 5–7 days
Starts in: Fort William (west coast)
Ends at: Inverness (east coast)
Best Photo Stop: Above Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit, where the trail rises into forested hills with sweeping views of the loch and Urquhart Castle in the distance
Planning tip: This is one of the more approachable long-distance trails in Scotland. You'll find guesthouses, cafés, and bag transfer services along the route,perfect for a more relaxed pace.
Ready to Lace Up?
The Scottish Highlands offer far more than just incredible views, they invite you into a landscape shaped by time, weather, and history. From craggy mountains and quiet glens to former railway lines now transformed into scenic walking routes, each trail reveals a different chapter of Scotland's story. Many hikes follow ancient paths across unenclosed land, hug the shores of deep lochs, or trace the remains of railway lines that once connected Highland villages to the south.
Some routes follow the length of the Caledonian Canal, others climb into magnificent mountains, or lead toward the sea-level solitude of the Outer Hebrides. Trails like the one to Steall Falls or the high ridges near Loch Ness offer epic views that make an early start more than worth it.
There are many ways to visit Scotland, but hiking through the Highlands offers something uniquely immersive. These trails lie across moor, mountain, and coastline, some taking just half a day, others unfolding over a week or more. Along the way, you might spot a canoe on the loch, pass along quiet roads, or stumble upon ruins that whisper pieces of Highland history. One thing is certain: you won't forget what you find out here.
If you're ready to head out and see it all for yourself, Great Value Vacations offers curated Scotland travel packages that make exploring the Highlands easy, flexible, and stress-free.
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