Best Long-Distance Walking Routes In Scotland

It is a no-brainer why Scotland is a popular place for keen hikers. This post lists the best long-distance walking routes in Scotland. 

Scotland is well-known for its variety of landscapes including lochs, cliffs, mountains and valleys. Also, has a rich history which is worth exploring and learning about.

The routes have been carefully planned to showcase the most remote and most beautiful parts of the country. There are plenty of long-distance walks which take from days to weeks to complete, something to suit every type of trekker.

The routes range from 24 miles to 210 miles and are suitable for short half-a-day treks or week-long expeditions.

Embark on one of these long-distance trails to explore the spectacular scenery and wonderful wildlife. Also, you can learn about the culture and history of Scotland.

12 Most Popular Long Distance Walking Route

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is the most popular long-distance walking route over 35,000 people complete this route each year. It was the first official long-distance walking route in Scotland, opening in 1980.

The route involves walking through the leafy green Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, before reaching the open moorland of Rannoch Moor and the mountainous landscape features of Glencoe and Glen Nevis. 

Highlights:

• Conic Hill
• Ben Lomond
• Loch Lomond
• Loch Tulla
• Glen Nevis

Great Glen Way

A popular route which is often connected to the West Highland Way. This route follows the route of the Caledonian Canal through the Great Glen and features three lochs – Loch Linnhe, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.

Since 2002, 5,000 people have completed the Great Glen Way. The route keeps on getting upgraded and new paths are being added to make your hiking experience even more rewarding.

This route is considered flat levelled and mostly follows towpaths and forest tracks, thus, it is a good one for beginners.

Highlights:

• Old Inverlochy Castle, Fort William
• Neptunes Staircase, Fort William
• Loch Ness

St Cuthbert’s Way 

The route was the pilgrimage route of a patron saint of Northumbria in England – St Cuthbert. St Cuthbert began his religious life in the nearby Melrose Abbey.

This route begins in Scotland at Melrose and crosses into England and finishes on the Holy Island. St Cuthbert’s Way follows along sections of the River Tweed and passes ruined abbeys, castles and hill forts.

Highlights:

• Melrose Abbey
• Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island
• Wideopen Hill

Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Path follows 116 miles of Fife coastline. The route features impressive cliffs, sandy beaches, fisherman villages and historic towns.

Over 500,000 walk the trail or small parts of the trail every year. If you are lucky you might see dolphins and puffins along the coastline as you walk.

Highlights:

• Culross Palace
• Forth Rail Bridge
• Ruby Beach
• East Neuk of Fife
• St Andrews
• Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve

John Muir Way

The John Muir Way is a long-distance walking route that traverses through the heartland of Scotland. The route opened in 2014 and offers a great insight into the cultural and industrial heritage in the central belt of Scotland.

Also, there is great scenery along the canal towpaths, woodlands, country parks and beaches. The route is named after John Muir, the famous conservationist and founder of America’s National Parks. 

Highlights:

• Antonine Wall
• Falkirk Wheel
• Blackness Castle
• Forth Bridges

Southern Upland Way 

The Southern Upland Way stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Opened in 1984, the route was Scotland’s first coast-to-coast long-distance walking route.

It runs through the southern portion of Scotland and is considered one of the more challenging long-distance routes. The route has a great mix of everything, wild nature, ruined buildings and a varied walking landscape. 

Highlights:

• Wanlockhead
• Abbotsford House
• Traquair House

Speyside Way

The Speyside Way first opened in the 1980s and extended in 2000. Speyside Way follows up the Spey Valley, past Tomintoul, through moorland and following the route of a disused railway trackbed.

This route is used as the location for the Speyside Way Ultramarathon, which lasts for thirty-six miles. Along the route there are some attractive villages and many whisky distilleries. 

Rob Roy Way

Rob Roy Way is named after the Scottish hero – Rob Roy MacGregor, an outlaw in the early 18th century. Rob Roy Way was created in 2002 and follows the countryside paths MacGregor often used in his daily path.

The path follows the Highland Boundary Fault, where the Scottish Highlands meet the Lowlands. Since its opening, it is estimated 3,000 people have completed the trail, with only 450 people completing the trail annually each year. 

Highlights:

• Falls of Bracklinn, Callander
• Glenogle Viaduct, Glenogle
• Falls of Dochart, Killin
• Falls of Acharn, Acharn
• Birks of Aberfeldy, Aberfeldy

Cateran Trail

The Cateran Trail is a circular route which takes you through the heart of Angus and Perthshire. This trail is the route that Caterans (cattle thieves) in the Middle

Ages to the 17th century, once raiding Strathardle, Glenshee and Glen Isla. Keen walkers can complete the route all in one go, or the sections can be completed individually. 

Kintyre Way

The Kintyre Way zigzags down the Kintyre Peninsula. The path is not fully signposted.

To the east of the peninsula, there are views across the Firth of Clyde with Arran, Ailsa Craig and Ayrshire coast. To the west, there are views of Jura and Gigha and on a clear day, you can see as far as Ireland.

Highlights:

• Tarbet Castle, Tarbet
• Skipness Castle, Skipness

Arran Coastal Way

The Arran Coastal Way is a circular route which goes around the circumference of the Isle of Arran. The Isle of Arran is known as ‘Scotland in miniature’ as it boasts much of Scotland’s landscapes, wildlife and culture all in one small area. The route includes Iron Age hill forts, burial cairns, sandy beaches and rocky shores.

Highlights:

• Brodick Castle
• Lochranza Castle 
• Lochranza Distillery
• Goatfell (detour)

Hebridean Way

The Hebridean Way goes through 10 islands, crosses 6 causeways and includes 2 scenic ferries. The route has stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, turquoise seascapes and imposing mountains. The landscape on the island is awe-inspiring and diverse.

10 Longest Trails Long Distance Trails

1. Cape Wrath Trail

Cape Wrath Trail is the longest and one of the most difficult trails to complete in Scotland. The landscape is wide and wild, showcasing the best of the northwest coast of Scotland. 

2. Southern Upland Way

3. Hebridean Way

4. John o’Groats Trail

This route leads you through the best parts of northeastern Scotland. John o’Groats is working progress where some areas are tricky and remote, however, it has been enjoyed by many experienced walkers. Many people decide to complete the more popular stages one at a time. 

5. John Muir Way

6. Fife Coastal Path

7. Kintyre Way

8. West Highland Way

9. Ayrshire Coastal Path

This route features over 100 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, with great trails that are close access to the beach. From the coast, there are spectacular views out to the Ailsa Craig and Arran. Also, there is a wide variety of superb coastal scenery and biodiversity. 

Highlights:

• Culzean Castle and Country Park
• Maritime Museum, Irvine
• Vikingar, Largs

10. Speyside Way

Shortest Trails

Dava Way

The Dava Way is the shortest long-distance trek in Scotland. The route follows a disused Highland Railway, through the Cairngorms and Moray Coast. This route showcases the stunning Cairngorms Mountains and the Cromdale Hills to the south. 

West Island Way

The West Island Way opens in 2000 and explores the Isle of Bute.

Berwickshire Coastal Path

Berwickshire Coastal Path follows some of the most majestic coastlines in Britain. There are impressive cliffs, including the 103-metre cliffs at Fancove Head.

There are some impressive geological formations including sea stacks, arches and old forts. Cockburnpath is the endpoint for the Southern Upland Way. 

Highlights:

• Coldingham Bay 
• St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve (detour)

Three Lochs Way

The Three Lochs Way crosses the Highland Boundary Fault and heads towards the Southern Highlands. Along the route, you will pass three lochs – Loch Lomond, Gareloch and Long Long.  You can soak in the incredible views of Loch Lomond National Park and the Clyde Sealochs. 

Mull of Galloway Trail 

The Mull of Galloway Trail passes through the villages of Drummore, Ardwell and Sandhead. Also, the route follows the Loch Ryan Coastal Path from Stranaer to Glen App.

River Ayr Way

The River Ayr Way offers a variety of landscapes, rich in wild nature and industrial history. Towards the end of the route, there is open farmland and finishes in the Ayr Harbour.

Highlights:

• Catrine Voes Nature Reserve

Clyde Walkway

Highlights:

• Falls of Clyde
• Clyde Valley Nature Reserve
• New Lanark

Speyside Way

Affric Kintail Way

Moray Coast Trail 

The Moray coast has a wide variety of white sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, coastal formations and attractive fishing villages. Moray Coast Trail connects with Speyside Way at Spey Bay and with Dava Way at Forres. 

What is the longest walk in Scotland?

The longest official walking trail in Scotland is the Scottish National Trail which is 864 kilometres (537 miles) long. The route begins at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders and finishes at Cape Wrath, the most northerly west point in Scotland.

The route follows many paths which feature in other long-distance walks in Scotland. Altogether, the route takes 35 days to complete.

What is the best walk in Scotland?

The most popular walk in Scotland is the West Highland Way. This is very popular due to its easy access from Glasgow.

Also, the route showcases some of the most magnificent parts of Scotland including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe and Glen Nevis. 

Along the route you will be along the banks of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond and close to Buachaille Etive Mor, one of the most loved Munro peaks in Scotland. Also, the route takes you to the outdoor capital of Scotland, just at the foot of Ben Nevis.

How long does it take to walk across Scotland?

The Southern Upland Way is the only trail which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. The trail is 214 miles long and takes 12 – 15 days to complete.

The Scottish National Trail is a long-distance walking route which begins at the Kirk Yetholm at the Scottish Borders and finishes at Cape Wrath. This long-distance route takes 35 days to complete and covers many areas of Scotland.

The route passes through Melrose, Peebles, Balerno, Linlithgow, Falkirk, Milngavie, Drymen, Callander, Pitlochry,  Kingussie, Fort Augustus and Kinlochewe. 

The Scottish National Trail starts in the south of Scotland and finishes at the most northerly western point. To walk from east to west coast to coast or vice versa, can take 10 days.

How long would it take to walk West Highland Way?

The West Highland Way is a long-distance walking path in Scotland. The path is 96 miles long and it takes between 5-7 days to walk.

The length of time it takes to walk depends on the fitness of the walker and any additional stops that you might want to do. 

The West Highland Way can be completed in sections. These sections are often completed in one day.

There are public transport links to Fort William and Glasgow at the start and end points of each section. Also, baggage transfer can be organised. 

Final Note

This post lists the top 10 most popular long-distance walks in Scotland. The West Highland Way is the most popular driving route with 35,000 people completing the walk each year.

The shortest long-distance walking takes one day to a few days to complete. This post lists the best 10 shortest long-distance walking trails. Also, this post lists the 10 longest routes in Scotland.

Before you embark on a long-distance walk, make sure you are prepared. In Scotland, you can experience four seasons in one day.

Dress appropriately, bring layers and wear good hiking shoes.  Also, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, maps, a battery pack and midge repellent.