Scotland has some of the finest walking in Europe and you do not need to be a mountaineer to enjoy it. There are ancient forests, coastal paths, loch-side circuits and dramatic ridge walks that are accessible to anyone reasonably fit. This guide covers the shorter, less technical routes, the kind you can fit into a day tour or a rest day during a longer trip. We have also included the big multi-day trails for those who want to go further.
We are based in Inverness and know these walks first-hand. We can drop you at the start, pick you up at the end, or build a walk into a private touring day. For multi-day routes we offer luggage transfers between overnight stops and nightly transport if you want to base yourself in one place.
Inverness and Beauly
You do not need to drive far from Inverness to find excellent walking. These routes are all within 20 to 30 minutes of the city centre.
Reelig Glen
A short woodland walk through towering Douglas fir and giant redwoods planted in the 1800s. The trail follows a burn through a mossy gorge that feels like something from a film set. About 3km return, flat and sheltered. One of the best short walks near Inverness and a favourite with families. Located between Inverness and Beauly, about 15 minutes from the city.
Craig Phadrig
A wooded hill on the western edge of Inverness with the remains of an Iron Age vitrified fort at the summit. The walk is about 3km return with a moderate climb through mixed woodland. Views from the top over the Beauly Firth and towards Ben Wyvis. Popular with locals for an evening walk.
Beaufort Castle Circuit
A circular walk near Beauly passing Beaufort Castle (private, viewed from the path) through farmland and mixed woodland along the River Beauly. About 6km and mostly flat. The castle is the seat of Clan Fraser and while you cannot visit the building, the setting is handsome and the walk is peaceful.
Beauly River Walk
A gentle riverside walk from Beauly heading upstream along the River Beauly. The path passes through mixed woodland with good chances of seeing herons, dippers and red squirrels. About 4km return and easy underfoot. Beauly itself is a pleasant wee town with a ruined priory and good cafes.
Abriachan Forest and Loch Ness viewpoint
Community-owned woodland above the western shore of Loch Ness, about 15 minutes from Inverness. Several waymarked trails from 1km to 5km, with a viewpoint over the loch towards Urquhart Castle. Quiet, well maintained and rarely busy.
Glen Affric
Often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland. Ancient Caledonian pine forest, river gorges, lochs and mountains. About 45 minutes west of Inverness. The lower glen has easy walks; the upper glen is wilder and more remote.
Dog Falls
A short circular walk (about 2km) through pine and birch woodland to a series of waterfalls and cascades on the River Affric. Easy underfoot with some steps. A good starting point if you have not been to Glen Affric before.
Plodda Falls
A dramatic 46-metre waterfall near the village of Tomich, on the southern approach to Glen Affric. A short walk from the car park (about 1.5km return) leads to a viewing platform directly over the falls. Impressive after heavy rain. The surrounding Douglas fir forest is magnificent.
River Affric circuit
A longer walk (about 10km) from the Dog Falls car park following both sides of the River Affric through ancient forest and open moorland. Moderate difficulty with some rougher sections. The scenery is outstanding throughout and you are likely to have the trail mostly to yourself.
Loch Affric circuit
A full-day walk (about 14km) around Loch Affric at the head of the glen. Remote, wild and beautiful. This is proper Highland walking through ancient Scots pine forest with mountain views in every direction. Allow 5 to 6 hours and be prepared for changeable weather. We can drop you at the car park and collect afterwards.
Cairngorms and Aviemore
The Cairngorms National Park has walking for all levels, from flat forest trails to mountain plateaus. These are the shorter routes that work well on a touring day.
An Lochan Uaine (the Green Loch)
A short walk from the Glenmore Forest car park to a small loch with vivid green water. About 3km return and fairly easy. Local legend says the colour comes from fairies washing their clothes in it. The surrounding pine forest is beautiful and the walk connects to the longer Ryvoan Pass trail if you want to extend.
Loch an Eilein circuit
A flat, well-maintained path around Loch an Eilein through ancient pine forest. About 5km, taking around an hour at a gentle pace. The ruined island castle in the middle of the loch makes it one of the most photographed spots in the Cairngorms. Good for all abilities. See our Cairngorms day tour for more on this area.
Loch Insh
Between Aviemore and Kingussie, Loch Insh has gentle walking along its shore and through the Insh Marshes RSPB reserve. Excellent for bird watching, especially in winter when large numbers of waders and wildfowl gather. The cafe at Loch Insh Watersports is a good spot for lunch.
Craigellachie Nature Reserve
Right on the edge of Aviemore, a short trail climbs through birch woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the Spey Valley. About 45 minutes to an hour. Peregrine falcons nest on the crags in spring. A good leg-stretch without needing to drive anywhere.
Uath Lochans
A gentle walk through forest to a group of small lochans near Glen Feshie. Quiet, peaceful and often overlooked. Good for dragonflies in summer. A nice contrast to the bigger mountain scenery nearby.
Isle of Skye
Skye has some of the most dramatic walking in Scotland. The Cuillin ridge is for experienced mountaineers, but the Trotternish peninsula and coastal walks are accessible to anyone with reasonable fitness. We run private Skye tours from Inverness and can build any of these into the day.
Old Man of Storr
The most popular walk on Skye. A well-made path climbs from the car park on the A855 to the base of the Storr pinnacles, a surreal landscape of rock towers and cliffs. About 4km return with around 250 metres of ascent. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Views to the mainland, Raasay and the Outer Hebrides on a clear day. Busy in summer but worth it.
Quiraing
A dramatic walk through a landslip landscape of pinnacles, cliffs and hidden plateaus on the Trotternish Ridge. The circular route from the pass road is about 7km with moderate ascent. Allow 2 to 3 hours. Some sections are narrow with drops, so not ideal for vertigo. The scenery is extraordinary and this is one of the finest walks in Scotland.
Fairy Pools
A well-trodden path from the car park at Glenbrittle to a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls below the Black Cuillin. About 2.5km return and mostly flat. Popular and busy in summer. The pools are genuinely beautiful, with turquoise water against dark rock. Some visitors swim, but the water is cold.
Coral Beach (Claigan)
A gentle coastal walk from Claigan, north of Dunvegan, to a beach made of bleached coral-like algae. About 3km return on a good path. The beach looks almost Caribbean on a sunny day. A relaxed walk with views to the Outer Hebrides. Suitable for all ages.
Neist Point
A short walk down to the lighthouse at the westernmost point of Skye. About 2km return with steps. Dramatic sea cliffs and a good chance of seeing seabirds, dolphins and sometimes whales. The lighthouse is photogenic and the views towards the Outer Hebrides are expansive.
Brothers Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)
A quieter alternative on the Trotternish coast. About 4km return across moorland to a dramatic headland with sea stacks, cliffs and views back to the Storr. Less visited than the Old Man of Storr and worth the effort. The final descent to the point is steep but manageable.
Loch Ness and the Great Glen
The Great Glen runs from Inverness to Fort William along a geological fault line. Loch Ness sits in the middle. There are walks along both shores and the Great Glen Way runs the full length. See our things to do at Loch Ness guide for more on the area.
Falls of Foyers
A short walk from the village of Foyers on the south side of Loch Ness to a spectacular waterfall dropping into a wooded gorge. About 1km return with steps. Robert Burns visited in 1787 and described the falls as magnificent. After heavy rain the volume of water is impressive.
Dores to Foyers (South Loch Ness Trail)
A section of the South Loch Ness Trail running along the quieter southern shore. The full section is about 18km but you can walk shorter stretches. Forest tracks, loch views and very few other people. We can drop you at Dores and collect at Foyers (or vice versa).
Urquhart Castle to Drumnadrochit
A short walk from Urquhart Castle along the loch shore into the village of Drumnadrochit. About 3km one way. Pleasant and easy, with views across Loch Ness. A good leg-stretch after visiting the castle.
Wester Ross and the West Coast
The west coast of the Highlands has some of the wildest and most scenic walking in Scotland. These routes are accessible without being a serious hillwalker.
Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
A waymarked trail in the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve near Kinlochewe. About 6km with 350 metres of ascent. The trail climbs through ancient pine woodland to open mountain terrain with views over Loch Maree to Slioch. Allow 3 to 4 hours. One of the best short mountain walks in Scotland.
Inverewe Garden and Kernsary
From Inverewe Garden near Poolewe, a path leads through woodland to the remote Kernsary area. About 5km return. Even just the gardens themselves (National Trust for Scotland) are worth an hour or two, with subtropical plants thriving in the Gulf Stream climate.
Corrieshalloch Gorge
A short walk to a dramatic gorge and the Falls of Measach, a 46-metre waterfall near Ullapool. The Victorian suspension bridge over the gorge is not for the faint-hearted. About 1km return. Quick but impressive. See our Wester Ross guide for more on this area.
Glencoe and Lochaber
Some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland. The walks here range from gentle valley-floor strolls to serious mountain routes. These are the accessible ones.
Signal Rock and An Torr
A short circular walk through oak woodland in Glen Coe to Signal Rock, said to be where the signal was given for the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. About 3km and gentle. A good walk for context and atmosphere.
Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
A more adventurous walk into a hidden valley used by the MacDonald clan to hide stolen cattle. About 4km return with a river crossing and some scrambling. The valley itself is a stunning, flat-bottomed corrie enclosed by mountains. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Steall Falls
A walk through the Nevis Gorge to the second-highest waterfall in Britain. About 4km return from the car park in Glen Nevis. The gorge section is narrow and dramatic. The falls drop 120 metres into a meadow surrounded by mountains. One of the most rewarding short walks in the Highlands.
Multi-day routes
Scotland has several world-class long-distance walking routes. These are the most popular, all passing through spectacular scenery. We provide luggage transfers and nightly transport for all of them.
West Highland Way
Scotland's most famous long-distance path. 96 miles from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William, passing Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe and Glen Nevis. Most walkers take 6 to 8 days. The route is well signposted and there is accommodation at regular intervals. We can transfer your luggage between overnight stops so you walk with a daypack, or provide nightly transport back to a base if you prefer to stay in one place.
Great Glen Way
79 miles from Fort William to Inverness along the Great Glen, passing Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Fort Augustus and the length of Loch Ness. Usually 4 to 6 days. A gentler route than the West Highland Way with less ascent. Finishes in Inverness, which is convenient for onward travel. Luggage transfers available throughout.
Affric Kintail Way
About 44 miles from Drumnadrochit (Loch Ness) to Morvich (Kintail) through Glen Affric. Usually 2 to 3 days. Wilder and more remote than the West Highland Way or Great Glen Way. Limited accommodation en route, so planning ahead is important. We can handle transfers and logistics.
Rob Roy Way
79 miles from Drymen to Pitlochry through Highland Perthshire. Passes Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig, Killin and Aberfeldy. Usually 5 to 7 days. Less busy than the West Highland Way but equally scenic. Links up with our Perthshire guide area.
Speyside Way
65 miles from Buckie on the Moray coast to Aviemore through the heart of Speyside whisky country. Usually 4 to 6 days. Passes several distilleries and follows the River Spey for much of the route. Combines well with whisky touring and we can arrange distillery visits along the way.
Luggage transfers and nightly transport
Walking a long-distance route is much more enjoyable when you are not carrying a heavy pack. We offer two services for multi-day walkers:
- Luggage transfers – we move your bags between overnight stops each day so you walk with just a daypack. Available on the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Speyside Way and other routes.
- Nightly transport – if you prefer to stay in one base (Inverness, Fort William, Aviemore), we drive you to the trail each morning and collect you each evening. You walk a different section each day without changing hotels.
Both options work for individuals, couples and groups. Get in touch with your dates and route and we will put together a plan.
Plan your walking trip
Tell us your dates, fitness level and which areas interest you. We will suggest walks, plan logistics and handle luggage transfers.
Planning a day in Inverness, Loch Ness, or a private shore excursion from Invergordon? We’ll tailor the route around your interests.
Planning tips
What to wear
Waterproofs are essential any time of year. Good walking shoes or boots for anything beyond a flat forest path. Layers rather than one heavy coat. A hat and gloves from October to April, and sunscreen in summer (you can burn even on overcast days).
Midges
Scotland's tiny biting insects are active from late May to September, worst in still, humid conditions near the west coast. Avon Skin So Soft or Smidge repellent both work. Walking in a breeze helps. Midges are rarely a problem on exposed ridges or beaches.
Right to roam
Scotland has a legal right of responsible access to most land, including mountains, moorland, fields and forests. This means you can walk almost anywhere as long as you respect the land, close gates, keep dogs under control and take your litter home. During the deer stalking season (August to October) and lambing (April to May), check locally for any restrictions.
Getting there
Most of these walks are in places where public transport is limited or non-existent. A private chauffeur or day tour is the easiest way to reach them. We know where to park, which routes to combine and how to avoid the busy times.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special equipment for short walks in Scotland?
For the shorter walks listed here, waterproof shoes or boots and a rain jacket are enough. The trails are generally well maintained. For higher or longer routes, proper walking boots, layered clothing and a map are sensible. Weather changes fast in the Highlands.
Can you drive us to a walk and pick us up afterwards?
Yes. This is one of the most popular things we do. We drop you at the start, let you walk at your own pace, and collect you at the other end or back at the start. Works well for point-to-point routes like the Quiraing or linear sections of the Great Glen Way.
Do you offer luggage transfers for the West Highland Way?
Yes. We provide luggage transfers between your overnight stops on the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way and other multi-day routes. Your bags move ahead while you walk. We can also provide nightly transport if you prefer to stay in one base and walk different sections each day.
Which walks are suitable for families with young children?
Reelig Glen, Loch an Eilein, Fairy Pools (in dry conditions), Coral Beach on Skye, Falls of Foyers and the Beauly River walk are all manageable with children. They are short, mostly flat and have interesting features to keep everyone engaged.
What is the best time of year for walking in Scotland?
May to September gives the longest days and best weather, though rain is always possible. Midges can be a nuisance from late May to September, especially in still, damp conditions near the west coast. Autumn is beautiful for colour and quieter trails. Winter walking is rewarding but requires experience and proper gear on higher routes.
Can you combine a walk with a private tour?
Absolutely. Most of our day tours include at least one short walk. We can plan a route that combines scenic drives, a couple of walks and lunch. Popular combinations include Skye touring with the Old Man of Storr, or a Cairngorms day with Loch an Eilein and An Lochan Uaine.
Are these walks accessible for older travellers?
Many of them are. Reelig Glen, Loch an Eilein, Coral Beach and the Beauly River walk are gentle and well surfaced. We always adjust the day to suit the group. If a walk turns out to be too much, we are never far away with the vehicle.
How long are the multi-day routes?
The West Highland Way is 96 miles over 6 to 8 days. The Great Glen Way is 79 miles over 4 to 6 days. The Affric Kintail Way is about 44 miles over 2 to 3 days. All can be done in shorter sections if you prefer.
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