The Scottish Highlands offer some of the best adventures for nature lovers. From the diverse landscapes of Cairngorms National Park in the east to the stark beauty of the Isle of Skye in the west, Scotland’s National Parks are pure nature. In autumn, when the sun filters through the golden leaves and the ferns turn a fiery color, the landscape is breathtaking.
We’ve gathered a list of our favorite hikes in this wild part of Scotland to inspire you to explore and create unforgettable memories.
Cairngorms National Park is Britain’s largest and offers numerous hiking options, from the lush Deeside in the east to the wild Cairn Gorm Mountains in the west. The fauna is incredibly diverse, with mixed forestry at the base and a sub-polar plateau with alpine plants at the top.
Our favorite hike in this area was in Glenmore Forest Park near Aviemore, about 50 kilometers south of Inverness. We started at Loch Morlich, moved through the Ryvoan Pass, and climbed up to Meall a’ Bhuachaille, a peak at 810 meters. This rewarding hike is 8.5 kilometers long with a 543-meter ascent.
The Isle of Skye, although connected to the mainland by a bridge, still feels isolated. As a popular tourist destination, it can be crowded, but its beauty has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Our first hiking destination on the island was The Storr. The hike to the top is straightforward and offers stunning views of misty mountains and a glittering sea. This 4.5-kilometer climb with a 288-meter ascent is well worth the effort.
Another charming hike on Skye is in the Fairy Glen, a landscape that feels almost magical. We extended our hike to 5.5 kilometers by parking in Uig to avoid the narrow road’s parking issues.
When the weather is fair, another great hike on Skye offers charming waterfalls and green-blue ponds framed by the dramatic scenery of the Black Cuillins. In misty weather, it’s best to visit Talisker and wait for clearer conditions.
Heading south from Inverness to Fort William, you can visit Glenfinnan for a mix of history, nature, and pop culture. The Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, less than 4 kilometers long, offers views of the Harry Potter-famous viaduct, a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie, and stunning scenery of Loch Shiel.
Near Fort William, Glen Nevis offers several hiking routes. From the Visitor Centre car park, you can walk along the West Highland Way and enjoy views of the valley and the peaks of Creagan nan Gabhar and Carn Dearg. This 13-kilometer hike includes a stop at Polldubh Falls.
Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain at 1,346 meters, is a challenging but rewarding climb. The Old Bridle Path, often busy on sunny days, takes you to the top with stunning views along the way.
Glen Coe, south of Glen Nevis, is known for its majestic and desolate beauty. We chose a route on Buachaille Etive Beag that allowed us to conquer two Munros, providing stunning views over Glen Coe and beyond.
Trossachs National Park, with its picturesque scenery, was a refreshing contrast. We hiked up Ben A’an in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, a 3.7-kilometer trail offering amazing views of Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. The climb is steep but worth it for the stunning scenery.
We also hiked Conic Hill, which offers fantastic views of Loch Lomond from the Highland Boundary Fault line. This 4-kilometer hike with a 350-meter ascent is great for families and provides a fitting end to our adventures in Scotland.
The Scottish Highlands are a paradise for hikers, with rugged, splendid nature and cozy pubs nearby for relaxation. We used routes from Walkhighlands for our trip, which were detailed and well-documented, making it easy to choose the right hike. We hope our recommendations help you make the most of your hiking adventures in Scotland. Be safe and enjoy!
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