Scotland walks

A very short, easy walk to do late afternoon (when most walkers have come back down off the mountain) so you can enjoy the silence and evening light.

The Quiraing combines both majestic mountains and the mysteries of the Isle of Skye. The landscapes are magnificent.

Here is a magnificent peak held in high regard by our British friends, Ben Nevis. This summit, though in itself not very high relatively speaking, requires a significant climb in altitude because it starts almost at sea level. During the ascent, the views are breathtaking.

A short walk around the Fairy Pools, so you can see them from close up, followed by a tranquil walk in the valley, away from the crowds.

This walk is very easy and can be enjoyed with family.

A nice trip around Loch Affric near Inverness. Not at all difficult and with some beautiful landscapes.

A lovely Scottish summit in the Trossachs. Great for lovers of romantic landscapes and moderately sporty excursions.

Climb the iconic Temple hill to see the remnants of the 18th Century Georgian designed landscape. Fabulous views across the historic Castle Semple estate and rural Renfrewshire.

This route first crosses Caprington Golf Course and then makes use of paved roads and paths to reach the 95 acre Coodham Estate just outside Symington. Take time to explore the Estate’s many interesting features and paths including the lake, mansion, shrine and graveyard, before starting the walk back to Kilmarnock via the high road past Stafflar Farm.

Sandy Irvine Beach is wild, beautiful and seems to go on and on forever! In fact it stretches 3 miles along to Barassie. You can choose to walk all the way to Barassie and back, or if you are looking for a shorter walk, just go as far as you want to before turning back. Lined with high sand dunes and the Isle of Arran visible to the west, the beach here is popular with locals out for some fresh air and exercise.

The 1rst stage of the West Highland Way (WHW), which has no difficulty other than its distance, takes us through the Scottish countryside and the first hills of the Highlands.

A superb walk in the Cuillins, with breathtaking views of the sea and a charming little Loch at the end. The only challenging part is the end of the climb, where you need to climb up some scree for the last 300 metres.

This walk in the Northumberland National Park follows the England-Scotland border fence and starts from Kirk Yetholm. The walk uses the Pennine Way to reach Black Hag. The return route follows an alternative route of the Pennine Way back to the start.

Located south of Ben Nevis and following the river of the same name (Water of Nevis), this hike to Steall Gorge waterfall is either an alternative to the Mount or a majestic and easy-to-access side walk. Perfectly signposted, the first part is accessible to all and offers a 150 m view of the entire waterfall. Crossing a suspension bridge, you can reach the foot of the waterfall, where a prominent rock offers a remarkable podium for hikers.

A very nice hike along the water and mountains in the Cuillin.

On a clear day the views from this route are simply outstanding: the islands of Cumbrae & Arran and the pink sandy beaches at Fairlie and Hunterston. A variety of woodland paths, tracks and grassy hillsides lead you gently uphill past the remains of Fairlie Castle and along the base of Black Hill. The return section follows the Fairlie Moor Road and then the Ayrshire Coastal Path. There is the opportunity to visit some hidden waterfalls along the route.

This hike starts from Sweetheart Abbey remains free car park and brings you to Waterloo Monument. If you are not claustrophobic or have a fear of heights, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view from the top of the tower! There is quite a steep climb to get to the monument. ⚠️The stairs into the tower are really narrow and steep. At the top there is NO SECURITY BARRIER so it is not recommended to bring children with you or if you have a fear of heights!

Touristic walk to Morrone summit extended to pass by Morrone Birkwood reserve.

A combination of coastal footpaths and inland countryside tracks give this circuit variety. Starting along the promenade, delve into the history of the village of Charlestown as you pass the 14 limekilns which were quarried into the cliffs in the 1700s. Walk on the former Elgin railway followed by a minor road high behind the village before returning to the shorefront via a series of farm and woodland tracks. Pass the impressive Broomhall House en route, as well as the Limekilns War Memorial.

An easy walk around the pretty conservation village of Luss, famous for having been the setting for the successful TV soap ‘High Road’. This walk encompasses it’s sandy beach, the Luss Water and a quiet woodland containing remnants of a former slate quarry.

Starting in Catrine, follow the course of the River Ayr through woodland to the impressive Ballochmyle Viaduct. It is the highest masonry railway viaduct in Britain and even featured in a scene in the movie Mission: Impossible!

Best experienced after a period of sustained rainfall, this section of the River Clyde is pretty spectacular. Starting in the historical village of New Lanark, the track forms the last section of the Clyde Walkway and is basically a woodland walk with viewpoints to the waterfalls along the river, the most photographed of these being Corra Linn which plunges down 26m over the rocks!

Portencross is arguably one of the best places from which to view the Isle of Arran! The Isle of Cumbrae quickly takes it’s place as you progress towards Largs via the industrial grounds of Hunterston and the pretty town of Fairlie. Much of this walk is along cycle tracks, pavements and minor roads.

This section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path is basically a long stretch of golden beach sandwiched between two busy coastal towns. Enjoy having a nosey at the shorefront houses in Barassie as you pass, and look out for the stone dragon atop the sand dunes of Irvine Beach! On a clear day the Isle of Arran can be seen across the Firth of Clyde.

A linear walk from the village of Darvel along a fantastic disused railway track to the Spirit of Scotland Monument beneath Loudoun Hill.

An astonishingly beautiful short walk through a deep wooded glen following the River Doon as it begins it’s journey between Loch Doon and the Firth of Clyde at Doonfoot, Ayr. Expect waterfalls a-plenty! Form a loop by returning to the start via the hill path. The footpaths are uneven and narrow in places and you can expect boggy conditions on the high path. Be sure to take a camera as there are MANY photo opportunities!

This short circular walk around the Caaf Water is packed with unexpected ‘fairy’ surprises hidden within a tranquil wooded glen. The gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the unique and interesting rocks it contains. Perfect for families and for anyone who likes waterfalls!

This 3rd section of the West Highland Way (WHW) goal is to walk up to Loch Lomond. You start by increasingly going up a beautiful forest, where you can spot incredible views of the loch. On the way, go past waterfalls coming from Ben Lomond. As soon as you get back along the lochside, follow it for quite a while, along paths going up and down and in between rocks. A brief climb between two beautiful hills and one way downhill towards Inverarnan to finish this stage.

This 2nd stage of the West Highland Way (WHW) is incredible! It includes three distinct parts. First, you walk through beautiful woodland. Then, after crossing the fields, walk up Conic Hill, from where you get large views of the Highlands et le Loch Lomond. After going steeply down toward Balmaha port, alternate walking along the lakeside then up and down through woodlands.

A peaceful walk following the River Irvine between Kilmarnock and Gatehead, returning via the beautiful Caprington Woods and castle.

An entirely flat 12 mile circular walk makes for easy walking and feels surprisingly rural, often accompanied by either the Lugton Water, Annick Water or the River Irvine. Sights to look forward to include Eglinton Castle, the Cairnmount Hill standing stones, Sourlie Woods and Garnock Floods Wildlife Reserves, Robert Burns statue, plenty of bridges, and if you do it in summer, apple trees and wild flowers galore!

A lovely peaceful walk between the two villages of Stewarton and Dunlop. After a short section through Lainshaw Woods the remainder of the walk uses quiet single track roads before an optional de-tour through the Millennium Woodland Nature Park in Dunlop. There are a few hills on this route, the reward being stunning views across to the Isle of Arran, Ailsa Craig and north to Ben Lomond if it is a clear day!

Follow this ancient route between Dundonald and Troon, used in the 18th century to smuggle illegal goods inland! It covers a varied terrain including woodland paths, tarmac roads, grass and sand. You will pass a quiet reservoir, walk through Fullarton Woods then across Royal Troon Golf Course, finishing it off with a stroll along Troon’s sandy Beach.

This walks is part of the Edinburgh’s five rivers: Source to Sea collection. Last leg of a 4-part route down the full length of the valley of the River Almond.

A very interesting alternative, full of variations, to the normal route to reach the summit of the famous Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain. It is a wilder variant than the normal route. Without being too technical it remains a solid hike. It allows walkers the opportunity to contemplate the very famous north face of Ben Nevis.

Wandering though this delightful woodland, the impressive remains of 16th century Old Auchans House seem to appear out of nowhere. Go late January to see snowdrops galore, late April for wild garlic, and May for a sea of bluebells!

A lovely walk through coniferous and deciduous woodland and open pasture, on the way to Loch of the Lowes. Use the hides at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre to sneak a peek in season at overwintering geese, ducks including goldeneye and the striking, head shaking courtship of the great crested grebe. A camera provides live and recorded images of the famous osprey nest in season and other local wildlife.

Dog friendly walk passing by Caerlaverock Nature Reserve and going to Caerlaverock Castle.

This walk takes in Smoo Cave and its surrounding area. It starts with a walk to the village hall and John Lennon Memorial Garden, then down steps to the cave itself, finishing with a view of the cove.

An easy urban circuit around Dennistoun starting from Greggs on Duke Street. Along Alexandra Parade to the Royal then down towards Drygate. Back on to Duke street past the brewery to complete the circuit.

Near Cock Bridge, between Braemar and Tomintoul, this hike offers 360° views of the Cairngorms from the summit of Cairn Culchavie.

This magnificent walk inspired the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The entire route is through woodland. You are constantly surrounded by the sound of waterfalls and the wind in the trees. Please note that there are a few passages that may cause vertigo, although the route is perfectly safe and surrounded by barriers where necessary. There are some steep steps that may discourage some people. However, overall, the route is suitable for the whole family.

This short but steep hike brings you to Waterloo Monument, Waterloo Hill. If you are not claustrophobic or have a fear of heights, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view from the top of the tower! This is moderate as there is a steep climb with rocky and uneven steps. ⚠️The stairs into the tower are really narrow and steep. At the top there is NO SECURITY BARRIER so it is not recommended to bring children with you or if you have a fear of heights!

This is a quick wander to visit Morton Castle. It is a nice family walk to visit the ruins and enjoy views of the countryside.

This short and easy stroll starts from the beautiful Drumlanrig Castle and then brings you into the woodlands and along a stream to get another view of the castle and its garden.

This walk follows the well-known Fife Coastal Path and brings you to visit several little caves via Macduff Castle. If you are lucky, along the way, you will be able to spot some seals. The best time to spot them is at low tide.

This nice little walk brings you into sandstones along Glen Burn to reach a nice waterfall surrounded by little caves.

This short wonder starts from The Helix car park and goes along the Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath to reach the impressive Kelpies horses statues! This is a family and push chairs friendly route.

This short walk and flat walk is ideal on a warm day. There is a great playground and the area is accessible with pushchairs and prams if you avoid the detour into the woods. If you have ever been to Western Canada, well it feels like being there.

Amenity park land with a mixture of grassland, woodland, wildflower meadows and a pond.