Best Hikes in Scotland: 12 Stunning Walks in the Highlands

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Hiking in the Scottish Highlands has something mystical to it; not least because you’re at the mercy of the weather gods as the weather can change rapidly.

The Scottish Highlands are also home to the Last Wilderness in the UK; if you dare to venture that remotely. Almost none of the trails are way-marked, so you need to be prepared and equipped with at least a map; better yet, with a map and compass and know how to use them.

Compared to the Alps, the hiking trails in the Scottish Highlands are blissfully empty which make for tranquil hikes. Ben Nevis is an exception though, as it was busy even on a very foggy day.

All of the hikes featured in this article are great family hikes; some easy, some challenging. Yet, they are all beautiful, exciting and fun! We hiked some of these trails when my kids were 4 & 7 years old and repeated them when they were 9 & 12. Others, we completed for the first time aged 9 & 12. You’re sure to find a hike or two that’ll appeal to your interests and abilities.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Ben Nevis Mountain Trail
2. The Cobbler
3. Stac Pollaidh
4. The Lost Valley
5. The Quiraing
6. The Old Man of Storr
7. Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
8. Beinn Eighe Woodland Trail
9. Fairy Pools
10. Fairy Glen
11. Steall Falls
12. Bone Caves
Resources
Hiking Gear
Final Words

How To Use This Map: Click the Tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the Layers. You can click the Tick Boxes to hide or show Layers. If you click the Icons on the map, you can get more information about each activity/point of interest. If you click the Star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your computer or phone, open Google Maps, click the Menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and this map will appear on your list.

1. BEN NEVIS

Ben Nevis | Mountain Track in clouds — Ben Nevis, Scotland | Mountain Track in clouds

Ben Nevis. The iconic. The tallest mountain in the British Isles. Reaching its summit instills a great sense of achievement in you. It’s certainly one to tick off if you’re adventuring in Scotland; however, it isn’t the one with the greatest views (if any views at all, as was the case for us). If you have the willingness and stamina, go for it and tick it off your bucket list! We saw a lot of children on Ben Nevis!

Our Verdict: Hiking Ben Nevis was one of the highlights of our Scottish adventures. What an achievement!
Great for: Sense of achievement, stamina, and bucket list tick-off!

Starting Point: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6PF, Scotland |
Grid Ref: NN 122 730 | Open in Google Maps
Distance: 16 km
Elevation Gain: 1,448 m
Time: 6 – 8 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 392
Ben Nevis Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

LEARN MORE: Ben Nevis Mountain Track with Kids: The Ultimate Picture Guide

2. The Cobbler

The Cobbler, also known as Ben Arthur, is a beautiful mountain located in the Arrochar Alps at the head of Loch Long in Scotland. With its distinctive outline and three summits, it’s an easily accessible mountain located only an hour’s drive from Glasgow.

The scenery is stunning, with lush vegetation, streams, and a challenging final ascent. For the adventurous, there is the option to scramble up the rock pinnacle which marks the true summit of the mountain. However, it should be noted that the pinnacle is a risky climb and there is no alternative route down.

Overall, The Cobbler is a great hike for anyone visiting Scotland and offers stunning views and a challenging ascent. Be sure to add it to your itinerary and enjoy the beauty of this amazing mountain.

Our Verdict: What a stunning surprise!
Great for: Scenery, fun, and accessibility.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Succoth Car Park, West of, Arrochar G83 7AP, Scotland | Grid Ref: NN 294 048 |
Open in Google Maps
Distance: 12.50 km
Elevation Gain: 879 m
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer OL39
The Cobbler Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File
https://growadventurously.com/the-cobbler-scotland/

LEARN MORE: The Cobbler Scotland with Kids: Complete Picture Guide + Map

3. Stac Pollaidh

Stac Pollaidh – often anglicised to Stac Polly – is one of the most fun mountains to hike in the Northern Highlands.

Alongside The Cobbler, Stac Pollaidh’s true summit is difficult to reach as it involves some serious scrambling skills. Although we attempted to reach the true summit, we fell short of reaching it by 12 metres as the final tower was a vertical pitch above a big drop, which would have to be reversed. If you’re an experienced scrambler, however, go for it! I do not recommend attempting the true summit with kids in tow.

Reaching the Eastern summit is an adventure in itself as it involves a very short and very easy scramble which isn’t exposed.

Our Verdict: What a fun & exhilarating mountain to hike; especially trying to reach the true summit. Descending via the North Gully got my heart racing, too. I did question my decisions as a responsible parent at times though …
Great for: Sense of adventure, scenery, and 360-degree panoramic views.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Stac Pollaidh Car Park, Ullapool IV26 2XY, Scotland | Grid Ref: NC 107 095 |
Open in Google Maps
Distance: 5 km
Elevation Gain: 544 m
Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 439
Stac Pollaidh Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

LEARN MORE: Stac Pollaidh Scotland: Our Attempt to Reach the True Summit

4. The Lost Valley

Legend has it that this was the place where the MacDonald’s had supposedly hidden the cattle they had rustled from their neighbours. Once you reach The Lost Valley, however, you do wonder how on Earth they got the cattle here in the first place?!

This is a fun hike at the majestic Three Sisters of Glencoe through varied terrain; along a stream which you’ll need to cross eventually, through lush vegetation, and over rocks and boulders in order to finally reach The Lost Valley. You certainly won’t get bored on this hike!

Our Verdict: What an adventurous hike – it felt like we were in the book “We’re going on a bear hunt…”!
Great for: Legend hunting, scenery, adventure.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Three Sisters Car Park, A82, Ballachulish PH49 4HX, Scotland | Grid Ref: NN 170 569 | Open in Google Maps
Distance: 4.50 km
Elevation Gain: 308 m
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 384
The Lost Valley Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

LEARN MORE: Lost Valley, Glencoe: A Legendary Hike in the Scottish Highlands

5. The Quiraing

The Quiraing Circuit is a 7 km hike exploring the lush and stunning landslip on the Trotternish Peninsula in the North-East on the Isle of Skye. After hiking out on the lower path which ends with a steep climb to the top of the cliff, the return path follows the cliff-edge back to the start.

It’s said to be one of the most beautiful hikes on the Isle – and I’m sure this is true on a clear day. Unfortunately, it was very foggy every single day during our stay on Skye, so that we couldn’t admire The Quiraing’s full beauty.

Our Verdict: Due to the inclement weather, this was the toughest hike we did in Scotland. On a clear day, however, it must be the most stunning hike the Isle of Skye has to offer.
Great for: Enchanting scenery, cliff-edge walk, bog factor.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: The Quiraing Car Park, Sartle, Staffin, Portree IV51 9LB, Scotland | Grid Ref: NG440679 | Open in Google Maps
Distance: 7.27 km
Elevation Gain: 371 m
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 408
The Quiraing Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

LEARN MORE: Quiraing: The Isle of Skye’s Most Picturesque Hike

6. The Old Man of Storr & Needle Rock

The Old Man of Storr is a dominant feature in the skyline of the Isle of Skye when you arrive on the Isle and drive North past Portree, Skye’s capital. It’s a very popular, short hike; hence, very busy in the summer months.

After walking up to the Old Man, you can head North to the so-called photographer’s corner to take pictures of both, the Old Man of Storr and Needle Rock. By the time we reached there, however, the fog had come down on the pinnacles. Such is a hiking day on the Isle of Skye as you can’t always out-hike the fog!

Our Verdict: Such a beautiful hike with stunning views and a great sense of achievement.
Great for: Scenery, adventure and geology.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Old Man of Storr Car Park, Skye, IV51 9HX, Scotland | Car park is on the left side on the A855 heading from Portree towards Staffin | Grid Ref: NG 508 528 | Open in Google Maps
Distance: 5.75 km
Elevation Gain: 454 m
Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 408
The Old Man of Storr & Needle Rock Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

LEARN MORE: Old Man of Storr: The Isle of Skye’s Most Popular Hike

7. Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail

There are two hiking trails starting from the shores of Loch Maree in the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve: The Mountain Trail and The Woodland Trail.

The summit of the Mountain Trail takes you to an elevation of 559 m above sea level and rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. Loch Maree, the mountains Slioch and Beinn Eighe all come to view in this incredible setting.

The trail is fun, very steep and rocky, but fun. And if you get lucky with the weather, you’ll have the most amazing day out.

Our Verdict: This was one of the best hikes in the Scottish Highlands, if not the best.
Great for: 360-degree panoramic views, big mountain scenery, tranquility.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Coille na Glas Letire Trails Car Park, off the A832, Loch Maree, Wester Ross, Scotland |
Grid Ref: NH 002 650 | Open in Google Maps
Distance: 6.36 km
Peak: Leathad Buidhe
Elevation Gain: 637 m
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 433
Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

8. Beinn Eighe Woodland Trail

The Beinn Eighe Woodland Trail is a charming walk if you are short on time or have very young children in tow. It’s still packed with beauty and wonder, but at a length of 1.5 km and a negligible elevation gain, it’s a very easy hike for the whole family.

Our Verdict: This is a magical walk through an ancient Scots Pine woodland for kids and adults alike.
Great for: Spotting ancient Scots Pines, minimal time & effort, climbing on dead tree trunks.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Coille na Glas Letire Trails Car Park, off the A832, Loch Maree, Wester Ross, Scotland |
Grid Ref: NH 002 650 | Open in Google Maps
Distance: 1.5 km
Elevation Gain: 125 m
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 433
Beinn Eighe Woodland Trail Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

9. Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools are a cascade of blue and turquoise-coloured waterfalls with the Black Cuillin mountains providing a back-drop. Reaching the Fairy Pools is an easy walk with a slight elevation gain. You can make this walk as short or long as you like before turning back. If you’re into wild swimming and don’t mind chilly water, why not take a plunge in one of the numerous pools.

Our Verdict: These are not the most spectacular waterfalls in Scotland, but they’re great for wild swimming. My kids dared to take a dip here five years ago, but didn’t fancy doing it again this time (as they remembered how icy cold the waters were)!
Great for: Wild swimming, minimal time & effort, chasing waterfalls.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: The Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle,Isle of Skye, IV47 8TA | Grid Ref: NG 424 258 |
Open in Google Maps
Distance: 5.25 km
Elevation Gain: 146 m
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 411
Fairy Pools Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

10. Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is an enchanting little glen with small round-topped grassy hills which gives the glen an otherworldly feel. It’s easy to see why fairies would love it here. It’s a perfect nature playground where kids can explore freely as well as spot grazing sheep.

Our Verdict: It’s the cutest little glen we’ve ever visited!
Great for: Enchanted scenery, wonder, and chasing fairies.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Fairy Glen Parking, Pier, Uig, Portree IV51 9XX | Grid Ref: NG 410 632 |
Open in Google Maps
Distance: 4.41 km
Elevation Gain: 98 m
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Fairy Glen Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 408

11. Steall Falls

The Steall Waterfalls are the second highest waterfalls in Scotland and the UK, with a single drop of 120 metres. Located in Glen Nevis near Fort William, they’re just around the corner from Ben Nevis.

It’s an easy hike that involves crossing a few streams – some with stepping stones – which can be slippery when wet. The path is also very narrow in places, so great care needs to be taken when passing oncoming walkers.

It’s a short and rewarding hike which culminates in the optional crossing of a three-wire bridge over River Nevis (that’s me in the picture). Sadly, five years on, my 9-year old’s ‘wingspan’ still wasn’t quite wide enough to hold on to the wires to cross the stream safely. Falling off the wire bridge isn’t an option as it will almost certainly result in injuries.

Our Verdict: We’ll be back in due course for my youngest kid to finally cross the wire bridge!
Great for: Chasing big waterfalls, adventure, and scenery.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Upper Glen Nevis Car Park, Fort William PH33 6SY | Grid Ref: NN 168 691 |
Open in Google Maps
Distance: 4 km
Elevation Gain: 205 m
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 392
Steall Falls Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

12. Bone Caves

We stumbled upon the Bone Caves when I was researching for our road trip and I’m glad I did.

Just off the A837 between Ledbeg and Inchnadamph on the North-West coast, it’s a surprisingly great walk in a beautiful setting. Ancient bones of wolves, polar bears, lynx, reindeer, and humans have been found in these caves. The caves are very small but a cool fact is that kids can crawl through a narrow tunnel that connects two of the caves.

The most interesting part for us on this walk, however, was the little stream on the way which seemed to appear from nowhere until we figured out that it was being fed by an underground spring. Geology lesson right there!

Our Verdict: What a great surprise find!
Great for: Caves, tranquility, and natural history & geology.

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

Starting Point: Allt nan Uamh Car Park (The Bone Caves), Lairg IV27 4HN | Grid Ref: NC 253 178 | Open in Google Maps
Distance: 6 km
Elevation Gain: 241 m
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Explorer 442
Bone Caves Map & GPX File: View Route Map & Download GPX File

RESOURCES

To plan our 4-week road trip through Scotland, I used the invaluable guide books highlighted below. While there are a plethora of travel guides available, these publishers’ guides are my go-to guides as I particularly like the structure and information provided in them.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDES

ADVENTURE MAP OF BRITAIN

Great British Adventure Map

WALKING GUIDES FOR SCOTLAND

Maps

HIKING GEAR

To have the best chance of a safe and successful hike, it’s vital that you’re well-prepared and well-equipped. This is true for both yourself and your kids. Do not cut corners when it comes to kitting out your kids with appropriate hiking gear, too.

Well-fitting, water-proof hiking boots with ankle support, as well as hiking socks for comfort, make up the basis for essential hiking gear. In addition to these items, it’s also important to pack the following items for a day hike:

ESSENTIAL HIKING GEAR LIST

For Adults

Rucksack (Women’s / Men’s)
Dry bag
Water bladder or water bottle
Emergency Shelter
Trekking or Nordic Walking poles
Head torch
Whistle
Mini First Aid Kit
Map (& Compass, if you know how to use it)
Sun Cream
Mobile Phone
Camera
Nutritious snacks

For Kids

Rucksack
Dry bag
Water bladder or water bottle
Trekking or Nordic Walking poles
Head torch
Whistle
Nutritious snacks

ESSENTIAL HIKING CLOTHING

For Adults

Hiking boots with ankle support
Hiking Socks
Hiking trousers
Rain jacket & rain trousers
Spare mid layer
Sun hat

For Kids

Hiking boots with ankle support
Hiking Socks
Hiking trousers
Rain jacket & fleece layer
Rain trousers
Sun hat

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for your hike and have the best chance of a safe and successful trip.

FINAL WORDS

Have I inspired you to undertake some of these amazing hikes and see for yourself the beauty the Scottish Highlands have to offer? I sincerely hope so. Whether it’s your first trip to Scotland or you’re returning for yet another visit, there’s always so much more to see, explore and … to hike! And if you’re going with kids in tow, they’ll love these adventurous hikes, too.

So, pack your hiking boots, rucksack & map and enjoy the journey.

Happy Hiking!

1. BEN NEVIS

2. The Cobbler

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

3. Stac Pollaidh

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

4. The Lost Valley

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

5. The Quiraing

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

6. The Old Man of Storr & Needle Rock

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

7. Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

8. Beinn Eighe Woodland Trail

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

9. Fairy Pools

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

10. Fairy Glen

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

11. Steall Falls

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

12. Bone Caves

FACTS ABOUT THE HIKE

RESOURCES

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDES

ADVENTURE MAP OF BRITAIN

WALKING GUIDES FOR SCOTLAND

Maps

HIKING GEAR

ESSENTIAL HIKING GEAR LIST

ESSENTIAL HIKING CLOTHING

FINAL WORDS

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