The Best Places To Go Hiking In Scotland
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-charged hike, jaw-dropping views or a relaxing walk that will live long in the memory, Scotland has all the answers with hikes, walks and treks to suit all ages and abilities.
Not only is hiking a great way to keep fit, it’s a brilliant way to stay in touch with friends and family, creating new bonding experiences as you bag a Munro (an official Scottish mountain at least 3,000 feet high), tackle the West Highland Way or simply get some fresh air amongst some of the UK’s best-loved scenery. Before you head out the door with your hiking boots, check out this in-depth Premier Inn hiking guide covering over 50 of the best hikes, rambles and walks in the UK including half a dozen of the finest Scottish treks. To help you out, we’ve handpicked some of our favourites from the guide below…
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
Used as the backdrop for Hollywood films including Transformers, Prometheus and King Arthur, the Old Man of Storr on Skye is an instantly recognisable rock formation created by an ancient landslide. The four-mile hike will take around two and a half hours to complete depending on how long you linger over the views across sea lochs, Portree and the rugged Cuillin Hills. The walking is relatively easy with plenty of nearby peaks and crags to clamber for the more adventurous.
Ben Nevis
The highest mountain in the UK at a cloud-shattering 1,345m, Ben Nevis is one of the most challenging but rewarding peaks in Scotland. Around 125,000 hikers make the nine-hour round trip up and down Ben Nevis near Fort William while some runners can scale the mountain in less than two hours as part of the annual race. The easiest route is the Mountain Track which starts from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and if you get lucky with the weather, will take in views across the Scottish Highlands and to the brave rock-climbers on Tower Ridge. Before you set off, make sure to check out our hiking essentials guide.
Sandwood Bay
There are plenty of ways to escape the crowds in Scotland, with Sandwood Bay one of the most remote but idyllic wildernesses. One of the most north-western points in the UK, Sandwood Bay is a broad golden sand beach that looks like something from a Caribbean island – the water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean tell a very different story, however! The remote 1.5-mile long beach is a two-hour hike from the nearest car park and is perfect for wild camping with expansive dunes protecting you from the wind.
Luskentyre Beach
With over 6,000 miles of coastline, Scotland has some fantastic beaches, prime amongst them Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris which was the setting for BBC series Castaway. The vast beach is perfect for hiking and surfing, and set to a backdrop of aquamarine seas and the breath-taking views towards the Harris Mountains, is one of the most Instagram-friendly locations in Scotland.
