Your Guide to Hiking in Scotland!

1. Ben Nevis

Does our Number 1 need any introduction? Standing at a grand old height of 4,411 feet, it’s officially the highest mountain in the United Kingdom / British Isles. Ben Nevis attracts over 100,000 per year attempting the various trails. According to many, it’s considering one of the best hikes in Scotland.

The one we recommend is The 1883 Pony Track to the Summit, sometimes referred to as the “Tourist Route”. It is the simplest route to the top. While it is still regarded as the simplest trail, it’s by no means an easy feat, and can be relatively exhausting on the knees while descending. Make sure to apply some WD-40 to your knees joints before attempting this Mountain! 😉

2. Iona

Iona is a small Island off the West Coast of Scotland, mainly known for Iona Abbey; however this small Island has become famous for it’s beautiful & picturesque hiking trails in recent times.

The best one in our opinion is the Iona Pilgrimage Route, on this route you will get to encounter St Martin’s Cross, the Nunnery, Reservoir, The Marble Quarry and of course Columba’s Bay, all very photogenic, and surely something to post on Facebook & Instagram! 🙂

3. Dun da Lamh

Dun da Lamh is a Pictish Hill Fort near Laggan, up in the Scottish Highlands, and is almost unheard of, despite being breathtakingly beautiful. Some of the sights you will see around this trail will certainly remind you of various places in Canada, with the views seeming to go on forever and ever. Occasionally the weather can get bad like many of our Top 10 location in Scotland, in which case, we really do recommend our best selling product: ArcticDry Waterproof Socks.

The route we recommend is the Black Wood and Dun da-Lamh Fort route used by most hikers, which is approximately 8km with a 484km ascent, taking 2 hours for a well seasoned hiker.

4. Sandwood Bay

Sandwood Bay is located on the far north west coast of Scotland in Sutherland. A lot of the photos you will see of this place will encompass it’s most famous sight, the 1 mile stretch of beach – Am Buachaille. Shockingly picturesque, it’s no surprise people flock from all over Scotland to pay this place a visit.

We recommend the bleak moorland track to enjoy this Hike to it’s fullest. It’s safe to say this is one of the most beautiful places on our Top 10 list.

5. Beinn Alligin

Beinn Alligin is one of the most notorious mountains in the Torridon region, and considered one of the best hikes in Scotland. Famed for it’s steep climbs and beautiful scenery to boot.

Spanning 9.8km, it’s certainly a challenging hike, but still considered one of the easier climbs in the Torridon region. It makes a solid number 5 on our list, due to those Instagram-able mountain ranges and breathtaking views.

6. Quinag

Quinag, located in Sutherland up in the Scottish Highlands consists of three undulating summits: Sàil Ghorm, Sàil Gharbh, and Spidean Coinich. Sàil Gharbh is the highest of the 3 Corbett Summits, and not for the feint hearted!

Just as beautiful as many of the others in our Top 10, this is definitely one you should have on your bucket list!

7. Carn Loch nan Amhaichean

Located in the Ullapool region, Carn Loch nan Amhaichean is a simply beautiful Hike. You can find out more about this Hike by heading over to Walking Highlands.

8. Portmahomack

Portmahomack is a small village in Easter Ross, Scotland. It is full of old buildings and Pictish Monasteries, and makes for a really interesting trip.

We recommend the Tarbat Ness circuit as you pass some fantastic sights, such as a lighthouse and two older fishing villages. The sights you will see here are unforgettable, and it is definitely worth the journey up North to go and explore this area.

9. Lairig Ghru

Lairig Ghru is one of many mountain passes through the Cairngorms of Scotland, a very remote and intimidating terrain with an altitude of 835 metres.

Like many of the locations on our list of best hikes in Scotland, this one is equally as beautiful and picturesque, so make sure to charge your camera!

10. Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is located in Edinburgh, not too far from the City, and in fact once climbed gives you a fantastic panoramic view. It is relatively easy to climb and extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.