9 Stunning Highland walks in Scotland

River Affric and Am Meallan in Glen Affric is a very short but beautiful walk that can’t be left off the list. Make your way along the banks of the River Affric, where the peaty waters flow between Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain. The river is spectacular to see after rainfall as it rushes through the pinewood. Am Meallan is a brisk climb through the bracken and birch trees, revealing a magnificent viewpoint that looks across Loch Affric to the mountains beyond.

Route Type:       short and easy
Distance:            1.5 km / 1 mile
Time:                   45 minutes
Best for:              family walks, autumnal scenery, photography

The Glenfinnan Viaduct Loop is a relatively short and easy circular trail. It features some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country, with lush hillsides and sweeping vistas, and is an ideal place to explore Loch Shiel, one of the longest lochs in the country. 

You can travel here by train and arrive at Glenfinnan station on the West Highland Railway, which is also the starting point of the route. Please note there is limited parking at the station. 

Route Type:       short and easy
Distance:            4 km / 2.5 miles
Time:                   1 - 2 hours
Best for:              unique experience, photography, film location

Nestled in between the valleys and peaks of Glen Torridon in Achnasheen, head along the trails of the Loch Coulin and Loch Clair circuit for mesmerising views and a tranquil stroll. This 9 km route is almost all flat terrain, but takes in the towering peaks of Beinn Eighe and Liathach – something you don’t often get to see on lower level trails. Start your walk from a small roadside car park before heading onto farm tracks, mixed woodlands and open ground that lead you around both lochs and head back to the car.

Route Type:       short and easy
Distance:            9 km / 5.5 miles
Time:                   2.5 - 3.5 hours
Perfect for:        scenic views, autumnal scenery, family walks

Explore one of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes on a short but challenging walk around Assynt's majestic Stac Pollaidh. Situated a short drive beyond the Highland fishing village of Ullapool, the iconic hill of Stac Pollaidh gives fabulous views over the surrounding Assynt mountains, including the astonishing Suilven and over to the Summer Isles and beyond, making it one of Scotland's best walks. At 612 metres high, this hill is small enough to be considered an easy climb but tall enough for some absolutely breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.

It’s important to note the climb up to the high levels of the ridge is steep and challenging, and requires scrambling expertise, and is therefore not included in this walk recommendation.

Route Type:       day walk
Distance:            4.5 km / 2.75 miles
Time:                   2 - 4 hours
Best for:              spectacular views, challenging scrambling

If you’re looking for that perfect Highland hike, The Saddle might be just it. Located in Kintail near Shiel Bridge and Invershiel, just a short drive from the Isle of Skye, The Saddle is described as one of the most magnificent mountains in the Highlands of Scotland. There will be lots of changes in scenery, some rock scrambling, and sections just challenging enough to keep things interesting. Over 8 miles in length with 1300 metres of climbing, this hike involves summiting two Munros.

Route Type:       day walk
Distance:            13 km / 8 miles
Time:                   7 - 9 hours
Best for:              dramatic views, challenging walks

The walk up the Quinag is as magnificent as it is complex. This 808 metre high ascent in Sutherland is not a single mountain walk, but a dramatic range of three peaks: Sàil Gharbh, Sàil Ghorm, and Spidean Coinich. This means that this is no easy day out if you tackle all three, and you are likely to only fit two into a day to make it more achievable. Having said that, it is one of the finest hill walks in Scotland, and your efforts will be rewarded with views over Loch Assynt to the south, Conival and Ben More Assynt to the south-east and Loch a’Chàirn Bhàin, too.

Route Type:        day walk
Distance:             14 km / 8.75 miles
Time:                    7.5 - 8.5 hours
Best for:               a challenging experience

Suilven is an iconic peak located in Assynt on the far west of the Scottish Highlands. This remote area boasts untouched landscapes, magnificent peaks, and truly memorable views that will have you exploring the next Highland walk in no time. Peaking at 731 metres (2,398 ft), Suilven features a steep-sided ridge that connects onto the peculiar looking dome of Caisteal Liath in the west.

Route Type:       day walk
Distance:            20 km / 12.5 miles
Time:                   7 - 9 hours
Best for:             dramatic views, coastal scenery, multiple peaks

Ben Nevis requires little introduction. With a wild heart, an adventurous spirit and a flair for drama, the legendary peak towers above glistening lochans and deep glacial valleys. In Scotland, you can't get any higher than this. Situated in the north west Highlands, near the town of Fort William, the famous peak stands at an impressive 1,345 metres (4,413ft), and hiking to its summit is a challenging, awesome and unforgettable experience. Whether you're an avid ambler or you just love beautiful landscapes, bagging 'the Ben' is likely to feature near the top of your Scottish bucket list.

Please note this is a strenuous and advanced climb should only be attempted by experience hill walkers with the appropriate equipment.

Route Type:        day walk
Distance:             17 km / 10.5 miles
Time:                    7 - 9 hours
Best for:               unique experience (Britain’s highest peak)

Explore an incredible ridgeline on this strenuous walk. The famed Five Sisters of Kintail are the peaks on the western half of the long ridge that rises dramatically and steeply above the northern side of Glen Shiel. This challenging endeavour will have you tackling not one, but three Munros! Feel like you’re on top of the world as you meander across the ridgeline. Head to the Glen Shiel car park and go west to start the first ascent of the day, along a boggy path from the car park. You’ll ascend 550 metres in just under a kilometre! 

Route Type:        day walk
Distance:             15 km / 9.25 miles
Time:                    8 - 10 hours
Best for:              multiple peaks  

Stretching for 151 km from Milngavie on the edge of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the West Highland Way is Scotland's most famous long-distance trail. The route is well-waymarked throughout and avoids the high tops, making it within the capabilities of most walkers. Walk the whole distance or just a section of the route and make unforgettable memories.

Route Type:        multi-day walk
Distance:             151 km / 96 miles
Time:                    6 – 9 days
Best for:              walking holidays

With 79 miles of path, track, canal and loch to discover, the Great Glen Way has something for all wayfarers. The route begins at the ruins of the Old Fort, Fort William, and runs the entire length of Scotland’s longest glen, following the Caledonian Canal and passing three major lochs: Lochy, Oich and Ness, before ending at Inverness Castle. Starting at the end of the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way provides a natural continuation of a longer journey through the Highlands. It is also possible to link the route with the unofficial East Highland Way.

Route Type:        multi-day walk
Distance:             118 km / 79 miles
Time:                    4 – 7 days
Best for:              walking holidays

The Affric Kintail Way is a superb cross-country route for walkers and mountain bikers, stretching almost 44 miles from Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness to Morvich in Kintail by Loch Duich. It takes in a variety of landscapes with stunning views including ancient pine forests, deep lochs, and towering glens. Start your trip along forest paths with views on to Glen Urquhart, and finish by walking through the remote corners of the famous Glen Affric, often described as one of the most spectacular valleys in Scotland.

Route Type:       multi-day walk
Distance:            70 km / 44 miles
Time:                    5 – 6 days
Best for:              cross-country walk