Scotland is known for its stunning scenery, but hiking around the country can be challenging. How do you choose where to go?
Scotland has over 2,500 miles of trails, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Whether you want to hike through the Highlands or venture into the Scottish Islands, there are plenty of options.
There are many great places to hike in Scotland, from the rugged mountains of Glen Coe to the lush forests of Loch Lomond.
In the article below, we have compiled a list of the best multi-day hikes in Scotland, so that you can see what this beautiful country has to offer.
West Highland Way
Considered one of Scotland’s most popular trails, the West Highland Way spans over 96 miles and takes hikers across some of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK.
The trail begins at Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow and ends in Fort William, passing through some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks including Ben Nevis, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and Glenfinnan Viaduct.
It is possible to complete the entire route in a single day, however, it is more common to take two days as the majority of the trail is not suitable for walking during the winter months.
The Scottish National Trail
Known for its stunning scenery and mammoth size, the Scottish National Trail covers a distance of 537 miles and runs all the way from John O’Groats to Dunoon in Argyll & Bute.
It is split up into eight sections, which vary in length from 20 to 60 miles. This makes it perfect for those looking to tackle shorter walks in their free time.
Most hikers choose to complete the trail in stages, although it is possible to cover the distance in a single trip.
The National Trail is often described as the best in Scotland and is considered by many to be one of the finest footpaths in Europe.
Rob Roy Way
Based in the Southern Highlands, this footpath can take a total of seven days to complete, which gives you plenty of time to explore the natural world.
There are three distinct parts to the walk: the first section leads to the village of Aberfeldy, while the second part brings you to Pitlochry. After that, the third section takes you to the shores of Loch Tay.
The Rob Roy Way is named after legendary Scottish outlaw Robert MacGregor, who was born in nearby Glenmoriston. He became an expert horseman and swordsman and lived his life according to his own code of honor.
St Cuthbert’s Way
First opened in 1996, this hiking trail hugs the Scottish border and covers over 62 miles of land. It passes through some of the most picturesque areas of northern England and southern Scotland.
St Cuthbert’s Way starts in Melrose in the Scottish Borders and finishes in Lindisfarne on the Northumberland coast. Along the way, you will pass through several ancient monasteries, castles, and ruins.
Southern Upland Way
Now known as the first official coast-to-coast walking track in Britain, the Southern Upland Way is a hiking trail full of history and scenic views.
It stretches from Edzell Castle near Keith in central Scotland to Peebles in the Scottish Borders.
This long-distance path follows the River Tweed and crosses numerous historic bridges along the way. You can expect to encounter wildlife such as red deer, wild boars, badgers, otters, and even golden eagles.
Great Glen Way
This trail has been around since 1892 when it was created by Reverend James Walker. It is now regarded as one of the most beautiful hikes in the UK because of the stunning scenery throughout the journey.
The Great Glen Way starts in Callander in Perthshire and ends in Kyle of Lochalsh in the Western Isles. During your hike, you’ll have the opportunity to see mountains, forests, glens, rivers, waterfalls, and much more.
You will even get a chance to visit the famous Loch Ness, which is still visited by thousands of tourists hoping to see its elusive monster.
Cape Wrath Trail
Despite being an unauthorized track, this hiking trail offers some of the most beautiful sights in Scotland and takes you to the most northwestern point of the country.
This remote area is home to rugged cliffs, rocky beaches, and lush green vegetation.
The Cape Wrath Trail begins at the town of Wick in Caithness and ends at the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula. From there, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands.
The Skye Trail
The Isle of Skye has long been considered one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, with its scenery calling to mind Celtic myths of giants and fairies.
With over 100 miles of trails, this island is perfect for hikers looking for something unique to do.
The Skye Trail is a network of paths that connect communities across the island and offer visitors different experiences.
One popular route is the Trotternish Ridge, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by majestic landscapes while walking above the sea level.
Mull Of Galloway Trail
This famous trail is one of the shortest on our list, with the route only covering a total of 37 miles. It was first opened in 2012 and runs from Mull to Stranraer.
However, if you want to extend your trip, you can also take part in the Mull To Kintyre Challenge. This longer version of the trail spans 80 miles and connects all the main towns in southwest Scotland.
The Annandale Way
Covering a total of 65 miles, this hiking trail starts in Moffat and follows the River Annan down to the Solway estuary.
Along the way, you’ll pass through several villages including Helmsdale, Anwoth, Lockerbie, and Dumfries.
In many ways, this walk is similar to the West Highland Way, but it goes further south and passes through lower elevations.
If you are new to hiking, or just looking for a shorter adventure, then this might be the best option for you.
Conclusion
Scotland is known for having some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. These 10 multi-day hikes are perfect for anyone who wants to explore the mountainous regions of the country.
