Best Hiking Trails in the Scottish Highlands for All Levels

Why the Scottish Highlands are Perfect for Hiking

The Scottish Highlands offer an unbeatable setting for hiking in the Highlands, thanks to their vast, unspoilt scenery and remarkable variety of trails. From sweeping glens and mirror-calm lochs to rugged ridgelines and ancient pine forests, the landscapes feel both wild and wonderfully accessible. Those enjoying walking in Scotland will appreciate the Highlands’ well-marked paths, which range from gentle local circuits to demanding full-day treks. The region is also home to iconic long-distance routes such as the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, as well as two celebrated National Parks, Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, offering protected natural beauty and countless miles of trails.

Whether you’re planning relaxed outdoor holidays or seeking your next big challenge, the Highlands deliver year-round adventure. Thanks to Scotland’s varied seasons and resilient trail network, walkers can explore at their own pace and discover something new in every month of the year.

Easy and Family-Friendly Hiking Trails

The Scottish Highlands are full of gentle, rewarding routes perfect for beginners and families seeking memorable days outdoors. These easy hikes in the Highlands combine beautiful scenery with well-maintained paths, making them ideal for little legs, relaxed walkers, and anyone easing into Highland adventures. From serene lochside circuits to short woodland wanders and waterfall viewpoints, the region offers countless opportunities for family walks in the Scottish Highlands that feel both accessible and inspiring.

Here are three standout options that promise big views with minimal effort.

Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms National Park

This peaceful loop around Loch an Eilein is one of the Cairngorms’ most-loved family trails. The flat forest path winds through ancient Rothiemurchus woodland, offering glimpses of a 13th-century castle ruin perched on a tiny island. With tranquil water, wildlife-spotting opportunities and easy terrain, it’s perfect for a relaxed, scenic stroll.

Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

Despite its short length, the Steall Falls path delivers dramatic Highland scenery from the very start. The trail leads through a rocky gorge, opening suddenly to a wide meadow framed by steep mountains. At the far end, the spectacular Steall Falls, one of Scotland’s highest, makes a thrilling destination for families and beginners seeking a manageable yet unforgettable walk.

Glen Affric Nature Reserve

Often described as one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, Glen Affric offers a choice of gentle circular trails surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forest, sparkling lochs and sweeping mountain views. The terrain remains friendly throughout, allowing families to enjoy a taste of wild Highland beauty without strenuous climbing. It’s an ideal spot for peaceful exploration, picnics and photography.

If you want to know more about hidden gems in the Scottish Highlands, head over to read our in-depth blog.

Moderate Hikes with Rewarding Views

For walkers ready to take on something a little more challenging, the Scottish Highlands offer countless moderate hikes that promise spectacular scenery without requiring technical skills or extreme endurance. These routes strike the perfect balance: achievable for most reasonably fit walkers, yet still delivering the dramatic landscapes that make scenic trails in Scotland so unforgettable. From island pinnacles and volcanic plateaus to classic summit viewpoints, these mid-level hikes showcase the Highlands’ diversity and offer a satisfying sense of adventure.

The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

One of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, the Old Man of Storr is a must-do for hikers seeking dramatic scenery with manageable effort. The trail ascends steadily through open hillside before reaching the famous rock pinnacles towering above the landscape. From higher viewpoints, walkers enjoy sweeping panoramas across the Sound of Raasay and the jagged Skye coastline. The terrain is well-trodden but can be steep and rocky in places, making it ideal for those comfortable with moderate climbs.

Quiraing Loop, Skye

The Quiraing Loop offers one of the most cinematic walking experiences in Scotland. This moderate circuit takes hikers through a surreal landscape of towering cliffs, grassy plateaus and unusual rock formations shaped by ancient landslips. Although not long, the route involves uneven paths, narrow ledges and rolling ascents that require confidence and sure-footedness. The reward is immense: uninterrupted views over the Trotternish Peninsula and out to sea.

Ben A’an, Trossachs

Often described as a “mountain in miniature,” Ben A’an delivers a true summit experience without the demanding length of bigger climbs. The path is short but steep, climbing through woodland before opening out onto rocky slopes. At the top, walkers are treated to one of the Trossachs’ most celebrated vistas, a breathtaking panorama over Loch Katrine and the surrounding peaks. It’s perfect for those seeking a manageable but rewarding adventure.

Ben Vrackie, Pitlochry

Rising above the town of Pitlochry, Ben Vrackie offers a varied hike that blends gentle woodland paths, lochside walking and a steady mountain ascent. The summit, marked by a trig point, provides expansive views across Perthshire’s rolling hills. With clear waymarking and a good trail surface, it’s an excellent choice for hikers stepping up to longer or more sustained climbs while still enjoying a comfortable, accessible route.

Challenging Mountain Hikes for Experienced Walkers

For seasoned adventurers, the Scottish Highlands deliver some of the most rewarding high-altitude challenges in the UK. These challenging hikes in the Highlands demand fitness, confidence and good mountain skills, but the payoff is extraordinary: sweeping views, dramatic ridgelines and the unforgettable sense of achievement that comes with conquering Scotland’s highest and most dramatic peaks. Many of these routes are classified as Munros in Scotland, mountains over 3,000 feet, making them iconic objectives for anyone passionate about mountain climbing in Scotland.

Ben Nevis

As Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis is a bucket-list climb for experienced hikers. The most popular route begins in Fort William and follows a well-defined path up the mountain’s broad western flank. While technically straightforward, the ascent is long and steep, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Those who reach the summit are rewarded with staggering views over the Great Glen and surrounding Highlands, often above a sea of cloud.

Liathach, Torridon

Liathach is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most formidable ridge walks. This jagged Torridon giant features steep ascents, exposed scrambling sections and a dramatic crest linking its two Munro summits. It is a route only for those with extensive mountain experience and a head for heights, but its raw beauty is unmatched. The sandstone peaks and deep corries of Torridon create a rugged, otherworldly backdrop throughout the walk.

An Teallach, Dundonnell

Often described as one of the most beautiful mountains in Scotland, An Teallach offers a thrilling and demanding ridge traverse. The route involves narrow ridges, airy scrambles and continuous dramatic views across Wester Ross. While some hikers choose a lower-level circuit, the full ridge is a true mountaineering challenge best suited to confident and experienced walkers. Its combination of technical sections and breathtaking scenery makes it a standout Highlands adventure.

Ben Macdui, Cairngorms

The second-highest mountain in Scotland, Ben Macdui offers a different kind of challenge. Instead of narrow ridges, hikers face a vast, often windswept plateau of granite terrain. Navigation skills are essential, especially in poor visibility. The reward for reaching the summit is a sense of wild, high-level remoteness and panoramic views stretching across the Cairngorms, a landscape of broad summits, deep passes and ancient geology.

Combine Hiking with Other Outdoor Adventures

The Scottish Highlands are an unbeatable destination for outdoor adventures in the Highlands, offering far more than spectacular trails alone. Many of the region’s best routes sit alongside lochs, rivers and glens, making it easy to pair hiking and kayaking in Scotland or add a refreshing wild swim or scenic bike ride to your day. After a morning on the hills, you might paddle across the calm waters of Loch Morlich, cycle quiet forest trails in Rothiemurchus, or take a bracing dip in one of Glen Etive’s crystal-clear pools.

Areas such as Loch Lomond, Glen Affric and the Great Glen are perfect for multi-activity days, with well-marked paths running close to waterways and adventure hubs offering equipment hire. Whether you’re exploring by foot, bike or boat, combining activities lets you experience the Highlands from new angles, and enjoy the full richness of this wild, invigorating landscape.

Practical Tips for Hiking in the Scottish Highlands

Before setting off on your Highland adventures, a few essential hiking tips for Scotland can help you stay safe, comfortable and prepared. The best time to hike is generally from spring to early autumn, when longer daylight hours and milder temperatures make trails more enjoyable. Weather can change quickly, so pack layers, waterproofs and sturdy boots, along with a map, compass or GPS device for reliable navigation. Practising Highlands walking safety also means planning your route in advance, checking mountain forecasts and letting someone know your plans.

To protect these beautiful landscapes, follow leave-no-trace principles by staying on marked paths, carrying out all litter and respecting wildlife. Staying in a self-catering cottage adds welcome flexibility, you can time your walks around weather windows, prepare your own trail snacks and return to a warm, comfortable base after a day outdoors, ready to plan your next Highland hike.

FAQ about hiking in the Scottish Highlands

Do I need special gear for hiking in the Highlands?

Most routes require only sturdy boots, waterproof clothing and warm layers, but more challenging mountains demand proper navigation tools and additional safety gear. Always be prepared for changing weather.

Are there guided walking tours available?

Yes, many operators offer guided hikes across the region, from gentle walks to demanding mountain days. These can be ideal for those new to walking Scotland or wanting local expertise.

What is the best month to go hiking in the Highlands?

The most reliable conditions are typically from May to September, when daylight is long and trails are at their most accessible.

Exploring the hiking Highlands on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Scotland’s natural beauty and sense of freedom. Whether you're tackling peaks or enjoying gentle trails, walking holidays in Scotland offer unforgettable moments. After each adventure, cottage holidays in Scotland provide the perfect place to relax, recharge and plan your next route.