7 Best Hikes in Scotland: Scotland’s Most Scenic Hiking Routes

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Scotland is a country with vast and diverse natural landscapes and some of the most beautiful scenery and countryside in Europe. If you love hiking and exploring the outdoors, you’re going to fall in love with this part of the UK. From the coastal cliffs to the mountains of the Scottish Highlands, if you’re looking for some of the best hikes in Scotland, you’re in the right place.

With rolling green hills to ancient castles and breathtaking lochs, Scotland has it all. And if you’re looking for a challenge, Scotland’s got your back with its many rugged mountains and challenging hikes.

The Best Places for Hiking in Scotland

Hiking in Scotland is an excellent way to see wildlife up close or take in the breathtaking scenery in the UK from afar.

Plus there are plenty of fantastic places to go hiking near towns like Inverness and Edinburgh if you want to pair your outdoor adventure with a city break.

So, I’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in Scotland that are fit for any hiker. Whether you’re looking to test your endurance or just enjoy nature at its finest, this guide will have something for everyone.

1. Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles and is located on the Scottish side of the UK. The mountain is technically a stratovolcano and began forming less than 100,000 years ago during the last ice age.

The name “Ben Nevis” comes from the Gaelic words “Beinn Nibheis’ ‘, which means “Mountain of Snow”. The highest point on Ben Nevis is located at an elevation of 1,345 meters (4,411 feet) above sea level.

The mountain’s summit consists of three peaks; the central peak, which is partially obscured by the other two peaks, sits slightly to the west of the centre.

The start of the hiking trail is located near the visitor centre. You cross a small bridge and then head up the track and follow the signs. This is a popular hike and understandably it’s one of the top Scotland hiking trails. Furthermore,  you cannot really get lost – just follow the path leading to the stone steps.

This hike could be quite challenging if you haven’t trained. It is estimated to take between 7-9 hours to complete. That being said, many people tackle this mountain, and there are different ways to the top.

If it is your first time, you should follow the Tourist Track, otherwise known as the Pony Track, because other routes can be extremely challenging. 

A great tip for this hike is to check the weather at the summit to see when it will be clear. The scenery is spectacular, even if the weather is not on your side.

Easily one of the best hikes in Scotland, it is a huge accomplishment to reach the top. 

2. Sandwood Bay

Sandwood Bay in Scotland is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the country. It also comes with one of the best hikes in Scotland.

Located on the northern coast of Scotland, past Cape Wrath, this is quite a long drive from just about anywhere. It’s about 6 hours away from Edinburgh – an absolutely beautiful city – if you are travelling by car.

The road past Cape Wrath is not for the faint of heart – it’s full of twists and turns and will require your full attention.

The location of this beach is so remote, that if you take a wrong turn, you could very well end up at the northernmost point of Great Britain (Cape Wrath), or even across the water on one of the islands near the town of Durness.

If you do end up at Cape Wrath, you are 0.5 miles away from the famous “Old Man of Storr” rock formation on Skye.

The beach itself is very long and has an unusual V shape to it. To get there, turn onto the A838 road at Dallas Dhu Distillery, drive past Kinlochbervie and stop near the signpost which shows Sandwood Bay is 11 miles away.

From there you need to walk along a path for about half an hour until you reach the beach.

3. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

Located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, the Old Man of Storr is a rock pinnacle consisting of a steeply-rising rocky ridge, popular with hikers despite its modest altitude, which attains 915 m at its summit.

The peak also gives its name to the surrounding area, which is known as The Storr. It is situated in a national nature reserve owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage.

The hiking trail is short but incredibly rewarding. These famous rock pinnacles are perhaps the most iconic feature on the Isle of Skye and should be on everyone’s Scotland itinerary.

The Storr trail is the most popular walk on the island and one of the best Scotland hiking trails.

The 2.75-mile (4.5km) loop trail starts at the car park on the A855 road. It’s considered a moderate walk due to its steep incline and occasional rough terrain.

The beginning of the walk is mostly a gravel path but it soon becomes muddy as you ascend. It will take approximately 45-60 minutes at a normal pace to reach the most popular viewing area.

For the most direct route to the best view of the Old Man of Storr, keep right at each fork that you reach. Once you’ve marvelled at the impressive feature, be sure to walk towards it and amongst the rocks.

Strolling through these giant formations feels like being transported to another world!  From here you can loop back to the car park – the total hike time should be around 1.5-2 hours.

4. Hermaness Nature Reserve, Shetland

Hermaness Nature Reserve is located in the far north of Shetland. The hike is one of the best hikes in Scotland; it’s 4km and will take about 3 hours plus any time you spend with the puffins and gannets.

It is ideal for those who want to encounter wildlife up close in a wild location but without any steep inclines or difficult sections.

It starts from a small parking area by the shore station for Muckle Flugga lighthouse on the island of Unst. The path follows a sheltered valley with a boardwalk.

At the end of the boardwalk, you will see the cliffs ahead. There are no barriers or warning signs, and care is needed especially when the winds are strong.

The path here splits, turning left will take you up to the gannet colony which is an amazing sight in the summer months.

The right path takes you along the cliffs to Looss Wick with views of Muckle Flugga lighthouse and on a clear day Out Stack, a small rock 600m further out, the last part of the UK in the north. In the summer, puffins can be seen nesting all along the cliffs.

Once you have completed your time on the cliffs you can follow the boardwalk back to the parking area. The cliffs are fantastic at sunset so having the boardwalk for the return makes a twilight hike possible.

5. The Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Path is one of the most impressive walks in Scotland. But it’s not the kind of walk that you can just do in a day.

Running all the way from North Queensferry (just next to the Forth Rail Bridge) to Newburgh, it totals a mighty 187 km and would take approximately ten days to complete in total. 

That means if you’re going to experience the Fife Coastal Path you’re going to have to pick which part you’d like to explore or plan for an extensive multi-day hike. Nonetheless, it’s one of the best places for hiking in Scotland.

The path weaves through lots of places worth checking out; Limekilns, Culross, St Andrews, and even my hometown of Kirkcaldy, where you’ll wander past the picturesque Dysart harbour, a location in the TV show Outlander – as is Culross.

So, what’s the best part of the Fife coastal path? For stunning natural beauty, go to the area around East Neuk, in the eastern corner of Fife.

If you walk between Pittenweem and the next village of St Monans there are all sorts of intriguing things to discover, including an outdoor saltwater pool carved out of the rocks and the remains of the salt pan houses, where they used to make salt back in the 18^th century.

The Fife Coastal Path is a relatively easy walk and, because it goes through various towns and villages, it’s easy to plan a quick pitstop.

6. Aberdeen to Stonehaven

The coastal walk between Aberdeen and Stonehaven and then on to Dunnottar Castle is incredibly beautiful. The full hike is around 15 miles which takes just over 5 hours. If that sounds too long you can easily just do a small part of the hike.

The walk begins at Aberdeen Harbour and finishes at Dunnottar Castle.

The trail is one of the best hikes in Scotland. It’s not difficult at all and is suitable for all skill levels. There are some steeper parts and some steps just before the castle.

This trail also offers incredible views of the waterfalls that are located near the castle as well as the beach to the north. Pay special attention to the rough sections of this route, as it can be slippery at times. 

Once you have arrived at Dunnottar Castle you have to walk down steep stairs to reach the entrance.

If you have decided to visit the inside of the castle, you have to buy your ticket online beforehand or be prepared to wait in line. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals that can be spotted offshore.

7. Isle of Hoy, Orkney, Scotland

The Isle of Hoy is the second largest of Orkney Isles and it is home to some stunning sites.

The northern and western parts of the island are wild, boggy and not particularly hospitable. But those who are not discouraged by this and are ready to set off for a 22km long and demanding walk in this part of the island will be rewarded by spectacular coastal views of St John’s Head cliffs and the world-famous Old Man of Hoy.

The walk starts in Moaness harbour, where the passenger-only boat arrives from mainland Orkney and it is a combination of walking on the road, the faint path up to the top of Cuilags, pathless terrain along the cliffs and a well-defined track down to Rackwick and back to Moaness.

The hike requires basic navigation skills and potentially staying overnight on the island so is best suited for seasoned hikers. But, if you do decide to tackle this trail, it’s one of the best hikes in Scotland.

Alternatively, a shorter hike from Rackwick to the viewpoint for Old Man of Hoy is available as well. This option is suitable for all levels. It’s just over 8km (return) walk on a clear path.

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