Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking day hikes in the world, from gentle lochside strolls to challenging mountain summits. Whether you’re after dramatic coastal cliffs, serene glens, or rugged peaks, there’s a hike for you. Here are 10 of the best day hikes in Scotland for all levels.
Easy Hikes
Loch an Eilein Circuit
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the Loch an Eilein Circuit is a peaceful forest walk around a stunning loch. The name means “Loch of the Island,” referring to the small island with the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The well-maintained path makes this an easy and enjoyable hike, perfect for families or those wanting a relaxed day in nature.
- Location: Cairngorms National Park
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (approx. 50 m)
- Track Conditions: Well-maintained forest paths
- Duration: 2 hours
- Features: Scenic loch, 13th-century island castle, pine forests
- Wildlife: Red squirrels, ospreys, deer
Permit Required? No
Quiraing Loop
The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, with towering rock formations, deep valleys, and dramatic cliffs. This relatively short hike offers a taste of Skye’s wild beauty, taking you through rolling hills and beneath the towering “Prison” and “Needle”rock formations. It’s a must-do for any visitor to the island.
- Location: Isle of Skye
- Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 340 m
- Track Conditions: Rocky paths, can be boggy after rain
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Features: Unique rock formations, sea cliffs, panoramic views
- Wildlife: Golden eagles, mountain hares
Permit Required? No
Loch Lomond Shores to Inchcailloch Island
This unique hike combines a scenic lochside walk with a short ferry ride to Inchcailloch, a beautiful island in Loch Lomond. Once on the island, a gentle woodland trail leads to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the loch and surrounding hills. It’s an easy but rewarding hike, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying a peaceful escape.
- Location: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 90 m
- Track Conditions: Well-defined paths, some steps
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Features: Ferry trip, ancient oak woodlands, great views of Loch Lomond
- Wildlife: Red deer, osprey, wild goats
Permit Required? No, but small ferry fee for the island
Moderate Hikes
Ben A’an
Don’t be fooled by its size – Ben A’an is one of Scotland’s best small peaks. Often called “the mountain in miniature,” this short but steep hike rewards you with one of the best views in the Trossachs, overlooking Loch Katrine. The well-maintained path makes it a great option for beginners looking for a taste of mountain hiking.
- Location: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 340 m
- Track Conditions: Well-maintained but steep in places
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Features: Panoramic views over Loch Katrine, short but rewarding climb
- Wildlife: Birds of prey, pine martens
Permit Required? No
Conic Hill
A classic viewpoint in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Conic Hill offers spectacular views over Loch Lomond’s many islands. This relatively short hike is popular with both locals and visitors due to its accessibility and rewarding scenery. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Arrochar Alps and beyond.
- Location: Balmaha, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 360 m
- Track Conditions: Gravel and grass paths, some steep sections
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Features: Stunning views of Loch Lomond and its islands
- Wildlife: Red deer, buzzards
Permit Required? No
The Stac Pollaidh Circuit
One of Scotland’s most distinctive peaks, Stac Pollaidh stands out with its jagged ridgeline and incredible views of Assynt’s dramatic landscapes. This moderate hike is perfect for those who want a rewarding climb without a full day’s commitment. The well-built path leads to a high point just below the summit, offering a stunning panorama of lochs, mountains, and the coast.
- Location: Northwest Highlands
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 430 m
- Track Conditions: Well-maintained but rocky near the top
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Features: Iconic jagged ridge, breathtaking coastal and mountain views
- Wildlife: Red deer, golden eagles
Permit Required? No
Difficult Hikes
Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track
As the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis is a bucket-list hike for many adventurers. The Mountain Track (or Tourist Route) provides the most straightforward way to reach the summit, but it’s still a tough climb. On a clear day, the views stretch across the Highlands, but the weather can change rapidly, making preparation essential.
- Location: Fort William
- Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 1,345 m
- Track Conditions: Rocky, steep, potentially snow-covered
- Duration: 6 – 9 hours
- Features: Highest peak in the UK, spectacular views on a clear day
- Wildlife: Ptarmigan, mountain goats
Permit Required? No
The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)
The Cobbler is one of Scotland’s most famous peaks, known for its striking rocky summit that resembles a cobbler at work. This hike is a favorite among those looking for a challenge without tackling a Munro. The well-marked trail leads to an exciting final scramble for those brave enough to reach the true summit.
- Location: Arrochar, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 920 m
- Track Conditions: Rocky, steep scrambles near the summit
- Duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Features: Iconic rock formations, panoramic views of Loch Long
- Wildlife: Red deer, golden eagles
Permit Required? No
Liathach Ridge Traverse
For experienced hikers looking for an unforgettable adventure, Liathach is one of Scotland’s finest ridge walks. Located in the wild and remote Torridon region, this hike involves steep ascents, knife-edge ridges, and breathtaking views. The traverse of the Am Fasarinen pinnacles adds an exhilarating scrambling challenge.
- Location: Torridon, Northwest Highlands
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Very Hard
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 m
- Track Conditions: Very steep with exposed ridges and scrambles
- Duration: 6 – 8 hours
- Features: Dramatic pinnacles, some of Scotland’s most breathtaking views
- Wildlife: Mountain hares, eagles
Permit Required? No
An Teallach
Arguably one of the most dramatic mountains in Scotland, An Teallach offers a thrilling ridge walk with stunning views over Wester Ross. This challenging hike is known for its exposed scrambling sections and rugged terrain, making it ideal for experienced hikers seeking a true adventure in the Highlands.
- Location: Wester Ross, Northwest Highlands
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Difficulty: Very Hard
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 m
- Track Conditions: Rocky, exposed ridge, requires scrambling
- Duration: 7 – 9 hours
- Features: One of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain ridges
- Wildlife: Red deer, peregrine falcons
Permit Required? No
My Final Thoughts
Scotland’s hiking trails offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an easy lochside stroll, a challenging summit, or a thrilling ridge traverse. Always check weather conditions, wear appropriate gear, (Here’s a blog to help you with gear) and carry a map and compass.
Which of these hikes have you done, or which one is on your list? Let me know in the comments!