Best Hikes in Scotland: Top Trails for All Adventures

Scotland is calling! If you’re a fan of fresh air, stunning views, and unforgettable adventures, Scotland has the best hikes. This is why I love Scotland so much, because it has everything for everyone. From the dramatic mountain peaks, serene lochs and beautiful coastal trails.

The best part is that there are many hikes for beginners and plenty of challenging paths for more seasoned trekkers. Pro tip: Always wear proper equipment and don’t venture off when there are huge storms, as some hikes contain rocky paths.

In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best hikes in Scotland—my personal favorites that truly capture the wild beauty of the Scottish landscape. Ready to hit the trail? Let’s go!

1. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

I’ve added Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye as my number one hike, as it is the most scenic and dramatic hike in Scotland. It’s also one of the busiest hikes because the Isle of Skye is quite touristic, and many people all over the world visit it.

The Old Man is an impressive basalt rock pinnacle that stands 55 meters tall! It’s the last remnant of a volcanic plug formed around 2,800 million years ago, adding a fascinating layer to your hiking experience.

The hike is surprisingly manageable; it can take up to an hour to reach the end. Towards the end, the path becomes steep as it passes through the Old Man and Needle Rock. Once you pass the Old Man of Storr, you can continue to the Needle Rock and enjoy the breathtaking views. You can even see the Islands of Raasay and Rona from the top. To get back to the car park, you can take the same route.

The only downside of this hike is that it gets quite crowded during the day, so I’d recommend setting out early in the morning when fewer people are on the trail.

2. Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills

The Grey Mare’s Tail hike, my number two spot, has made it on my list because of its dramatic views. Despite its initial steady incline, it’s a relatively easy hike, perfect for all levels of hikers. You’ll walk alongside the waterfall, one of the tallest in the UK at around 60 m, adding to the beauty of the trail.

Starting your hike from the bottom of the waterfall, you might be lucky enough to spot peregrine falcons in flight, so if you are into bird watching this is your chance! As you continue, more small waterfalls will greet you.

But the real showstopper is when you reach the plateau and are met with the awe-inspiring beauty of Loch Skeen. I chose to return via the same route, but you can also opt for the second route on the far bank of the burn.

3. Ben A'an, Trossachs National Park

If you are looking for a hike close to Edinburgh or Glasgow, I recommend hiking Ben A’an, often called the miniature mountain. The hike is not long; it takes about four hours to complete. What’s more, you can start the hike straight from the car park (paid); just cross the road, making it a convenient and accessible adventure.

The beginning may seem hard as you ascend quickly, but don’t despair! The next part offers a welcome respite with a flat terrain, allowing you to catch your breath. The final strech is a climb, as it is rocky and steep, so take your time. But Once at the summit, you get an amazing view of your surroundings and a sense of accomplishment. When you are ready to go down, use the same route.

I found Ben A’an to be a delightful hike, having completed it twice-once in the summer and once in the winter. Both seasons offer unique and stunning views, making it a hike worth experiencing.

4. Cairgorms National Park

Why is Cairngorms National Park is my fourth place? Because it’s a treasure trove of diverse hikes, each offering a unique experience. The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK, twice the size of the Lake District and home to Scotland’s 282 Munros.

The sheer variety of hikes here is enough to keep any outdoor enthusiast happy. Depending on your fitness level, you can find short hikes or trails that can take days. So far, I’ve only done day hikes, but I plan to hike the Munros in the future.

One nice, easy hike that I’d recommend is the Kingussie to Newtonmore hike, which takes around 2 hours to complete. This circular hike, which I’ve enjoyed a lot, takes you up Creag Beagh, along Loch Gynack, and back to Kingussie village.

Balmoral Pyramid Hike Scotland

The Balmoral Pyramid is such an easy and scenic hike that I had to add it to my list. It’s perfect for a slow day when you just want to immerse yourself in nature. You can start your hike from the Balmoral car park near the tourist information center.

This hike offers two options: the direct walk to the pyramid, a 30-minute journey, or the circular route, a 3-hour adventure. The path, known as Prince Albert’s Cairn (aka the pyramid), leads you through a captivating woodland trail, where you can just enjoy the beauty of nature. For the circular route, you can descend to the other side of the hill once at the pyramid.

This hike is so relaxing and scenic that I recommend doing it on a sunny summer day.

6. John Knox’s Pulpit, Fife

John Knox’s Pulpit is one of my favorite hidden gems. It is a generally easy route, about 6 km (3.7 miles), so it takes around 2 hours to complete. On your hike, you see a stunning waterfall, an inaccessible cave and Fife’s countryside views. There is also livestock in that area, so if you plan to take your dog on this hike, it’s advisable to keep them on a leash.

I’ve done this hike during the summer months, and I loved every minute of it. I’d recommend having food with you and taking your time to have a picnic, as there are many places to stop and enjoy the view.

Scotland offers endless opportunities for adventure, with a never-ending list of hikes. Now that we have a car roof TentBox, we can camp in beautiful wild places and explore more of Scotland.

Until then, unwind and explore.