Family Walks in Scotland
In this section you'll find a range of walks covering all areas of Scotland, which are suitable for family outings - walks that provide interest and amusement, fun and fascination for all ages and are the perfect addition to any holiday or short break to Scotland.
Walking in Scotland is a great way to encourage children into the great outdoors and to encourage them to get the active habit, especially with the pressures of healthy living and well being - what better time to get them excited about walking in the countryside!
Family walks shouldn't be too long. They should be relaxing, fun and full of interest for all and it's also important to treat the walk as a journey of exploration or adventure and to go at the child's pace. Take a picnic and plenty to drink and head for a landmark that will appeal to them such as a swing park, castle, ice cream van or pond.
Walks suitable for family outings are denoted by the specific family walks symbol and each walk route provides basic details with sources of further information (where available) at the end of each entry.
Dervaig - Glen Gorm
A pleasant walk in the north-west corner of Mull, with good views and no long gradients.
Distance: 8.9 km/5.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 75 metres/248 feet
Wildlife Walk - Knapdale - Loch Coille Bharr
Explore the wonderful, wild north Kintryre peninsula.
Distance: 4.8km/3 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 15 metres/49.5 feet
Explore Abernethy Footpath Network
A network of waymarked footpaths through the village of Nethy Bridge.
Distance: 37 kms/23 miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet
Loch Trail, Glenmore
An easy trail around the East end of Loch Morlich.
Distance: 1.5 kms/0.9miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Kingussie - Dell of Spey
From Kingussie take a gentle stroll down to the River Spey and back.
Distance: 2 kms/1.25 miles Duration: 1 hour
Circular Walk from Grantown on Spey
This is an interesting walk on Speyside beginning in Grantown.
Distance: 9.66km/6 miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Speyside Way: Boat of Garten - Nethy Bridge
A walk on good paths from Boat of Garten, crossing the River Spey, following the Speyside Way.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Castle Roy Circular, Abernethy
A pleasant hour's walk (one of several) on the outskirts of Nethy Bridge.
Distance: 2.42km/1.5 miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet
Craigellachie Nature Reserve
This short scenic walk on the outskirts of Aviemore is easily accessible from the village.
Distance: 3.22 kms/2 miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Loch Morlich Circular Walk 2
A short walk round Loch Morlich making use of the recently opened walking/cycling track.
Distance: 5.5 kms/3.4miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Through the Sluggan
A pleasant family walk in Glenmore Forest, Aviemore.
Distance: 6 kms/3.75miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Loch Vaa
A scenic circular family walk in Speyside, near Aviemore.
Distance: 4 kms/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
River Feshie Walks
These are two short family walks along the River Feshie, near Aviemore.
Distance: 4.8 kms/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 25 metres/82.5 feet
Nethy Bridge Circular Walk
An enjoyable family walk, 10k circular route from Nethy Bridge.
Distance: 10 kms/6.25miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet
Aviemore - Boat of Garten
A very picturesque family walk, with a treat for the children (of all ages!).
Distance: 9km/5.6 miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
The Ascent of Cockleroy
A short walk to an excellent viewpoint overlooking the town of Linlithgow.
Distance: 1km/0.6 miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet
Mugdock Country Park
A gentle stroll around part of Mugdock Country Park.
Distance: 1.75km/1.1 miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet
Edinburgh City Centre to the Botanic Garden
A gentle walk from Edinburgh City Centre, ideal to fill a free afternoon.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Vogrie: Blinkbonny Circuit
This route forms part of one of the British Horse Society's Tyne-Esk Horse Trails
Distance: 8.3km/5.1miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Newtongrange Mining Museum Town Trail
The walk begins and ends at the Scottish Mining Museum.
Distance: 3km/2 miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours
Dalkeith Country Park
This is an easy introductory walk; further extended walks can be taken in the estate.
Distance: 2.9kms/1.8miles Duration: 1 hour
Old Doune Road and Kilbryde (Dunblane)
A pleasant stroll along the ancient road to Doune and return via Kilbryde Chapel.
Distance: .63km/3.9miles Duration: 2 hours
Baxter's Loan (Dunblane)
An easy circular walk around Dunblane with views west over the Braes of Doune.
Distance: 4.8kms/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours
The Ladies Walk, Gargunnock
The Ladies Walk was a secluded route for the ladies to attend the Parish Church.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6 miles Duration: 3/4 hour
Wildlife Walk - Falls of Clyde
The Falls of Clyde Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve covers 59 hectares.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 15 metres/49.5 feet
Gifford Community Path Network
A network of paths has been developed around the picturesque village of Gifford.
Aberdour - Silversands - Bendameer - The Heughs
A short but pleasant walk, starting in Aberdour village.
Distance: 6kms/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet
Glen Finglas Dam Walk
This short walk leads to a viewpoint over Glen Finglas Dam.
Distance: 2.5kms/1.6miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Gladhouse Reservoir Circuit
Gladhouse Reservoir was once one of the main water supplies to Midlothian/Edinburgh.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet
Penicuik to Musselburgh Cycleway
This popular cycle-walkway provides a path for cyclists/horse riders/pedestrians.
Distance: 17.3km/10.8 miles Duration: 6 hour
Traigh an Iar Beach Walk
Make up your own route and soak up stunning views at Traigh an Iar beach.
Distance: 3.2km/1.9 miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 60 metres/197 feet
Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie
A popular walk at Rosemarkie, on the Black Isle.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet
Slochd Summit - Carrbridge
A moorland and forest walk from Slochd Summit to Carrbridge, on Speyside.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Torr Dhuin Forest Walk
A short forest walk close to the village of Fort Augustus, with good views across the Great Glen.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet
Arisaig - Scamadale
A delightful route with views through trees to the mountains above.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet
Foyers to Whitebridge
A really delightful walk along the River Foyers with beautiful views of the Monadhliath Hills.
Distance: 11.27km/7.04miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
St. Mary's Well, Smithton
A short walk on the outskirts of Inverness.
Distance: 3.22km/2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet
Gleann Laogh, Invergarry
A very enjoyable walk near Invergarry in the Great Glen.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Inverarnie Esker Trail
Opened in June 2004 this new walk near Inverness is a varied and informative.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Daviot Wood Walk 3
This is a circular walk at Daviot, near Inverness.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet
The Ness Islands
A pleasant short walk if you have an hour to pass in Inverness, near the town centre.
Distance: 2.75km/1.7miles Duration: 3/4 hour
Daviot Wood Walk 2
A second walk of several laid out in Daviot Wood, near Inverness.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet
Errogie - Foyers
An enjoyable walk from Stratherrick, above Loch Ness, down to Foyers at the lochside.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Allt na Cailliche, Invergarry
This is a really delightful walk at Invergarry in the Great Glen.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 125 metres/412.5 feet
Inchnadamph Caves
A pleasant walk in a grassy valley to limestone caves and swallow holes.
Distance: 6.5km/4.1miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
The Millbuie
The Black Isle, is like an upturned boat; and this is one of several walks along its keel .
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet
Carbisdale Castle Walk
A pleasant walk in Sutherlandshire, overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland.
Distance: 4.43km/2.8miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 130 metres/429 feet
Dunbeath Strath
A walk up the picturesque Dunbeath Strath, incorporating natural and historic interest.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Caledonian Canal: Fort Augustus - Kytra Lock
One of several pleasant walks at Fort Augustus, along the Caledonian Canal.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
River Findhorn: Dunearn Burn and Randolph's Leap
A delightful walk along the cliffs bordering one of the River Findhorn's many gorges.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660feet
River Oich Walk: Fort Augustus
A very pleasant river and forest walk at Fort Augustus, southern Loch Ness.
Distance: 6.44km/4.03miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet
Loch Achray
This walk is part of The Three Lochs Forest Drive.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 1 hour
West Achray (red route)
Enjoy the diversity of Achray Forest as the trail leads you through native woodland.
Distance: 5.5km/3.4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Achray Water Bridge (Green Route)
This forest walk takes you through an area of regenerating native woodland.
Distance: 3.7km/2.3miles Duration: 2 hours
Creag na H-Lolaire
This walk is part of The Three Lochs Forest Drive.
Distance: 4.4km/2.75miles Duration: 1 3/4 hours
Pine Ridge (blue route)
This walk is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive and offers fine views.
Distance: 1.2km/0.75miles Duration: 1/2 hour
Green Sound Trail (green route)
This walk takes you along the shore of Loch Drunkie.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 1 3/4 hours
Firkin Point, West Lomondside
Firkin Point is situated on the west banks of Loch Lomond.
Distance: Various Duration: Various
Creag Noran Viewpoint (Red Route)
The walk takes you through a regenerating native woodland.
Distance: 0.8km/0.5miles Duration: 1/2 hour
Red Sound Trail (red route)
A gentle walk, which is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive.
Distance: 1.8km/1.1miles Duration: 1 hour
Allt a' Cham-ruidhe (Yellow Route)
A gentle walk, which is part of the Three Lochs Forest Drive.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 15 metres/49.5 feet
Inverness to Dochgarroch by the Caledonian Canal
The walk is through open farming countryside, after a wooded riverside start.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 3 hours
Bennachie - Pine Walk
Walk through attractive Scots pine woodland & see sculptures hidden in the wood.
Distance: 0.52km/0.33miles Duration: 1/3 hour Height Gain: 25 metres/82.5 feet
Essons walk to Bennachie centre
A linear walk over Millstone hill and finishing at The Bennachie Centre.
Distance: 5.6km/3.5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet
Bennachie - Millstone Hill walk
Great views of Bennachie from this hill and surrounding countryside.
Distance: 5.6km/3.5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet
Bennachie - The Birks walk
This walk circles Millstone Hill and allows the walker to see the whole of Bennachie.
Distance: 7.6km/4.8miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Bennachie - Tree Trails walk
Explore attractive woodland which is close to the river Don.
Distance: 0.8km/0.5miles Duration: 1/4 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet
Wildlife Walk - Gight Woods
Gight Woods are set on the steep, south-facing slopes of the Ythan river valley.
Distance: 4.8km/3miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet
Wildlife Walk - Spey Bay
Spey Bay reserve is part of the largest area of coastal shingle in Scotland.
Distance: 10.4km/6.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Torrieston Walk - 2
This is an All Abilities Trail, one of the Torrieston Walks near Elgin, Moray.
Distance: 1.6km/1mile Duration: 1/2 hour
Torrieston Walk (1)
The Torrieston Walks are several short circular walks which can be joined.
Distance: 5.23km/3.3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Dores - Aldourie - Dores
A short circular walk at the northern end of Loch Ness.
Distance: 4.83km/3.01miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Culbin Forest
An introductory walk in Culbin Forest, near Nairn on the south shore of the Moray Firth.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours
Peterculter - Drumoak
A pleasant rural walk along a former railway line.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 95 metres/313.5 feet
Burghead - Hopeman Circular
This is a coastal walk between two villages on the Moray coast.
Distance: 6.44km/4.03miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet
Glenmulliach Forest Walk and Nature Trail
A walk in Glenlivet Estate (yes, you ARE thinking of the right Glenlivet), at Tomintoul, Moray.
Distance: 5.6 kms/3.5 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet
Smithton - Balloch - Faebuie - Smithton
A forest walk near Inverness. The Forestry Commission displays information en route.
Distance: 10.47km/6.5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet
Hopeman - Lossiemouth
This walk is along the cliffs and beaches between Hopeman and Lossiemouth.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Daviot Wood Forest Walk
A pleasant short family walk in Daviot Wood.
Distance: 4.83km/3.02miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Nairn - Seafront - Delnies Wood - Nairn
A walk west from Nairn, a popular seaside town on the south shore of the Moray Firth.
Distance: 9.6km/6miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet
Contin - Rogie Falls - Contin
This is a popular walk near Strathpeffer.
Distance: 5.64km/3.5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Loch Migdale
A lovely family walk combing Loch Migdale and woodland.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Leitir Easidh All Abilities Path
Enjoy a wonderful walk which is perfect for all.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Drumderfit Hill Walk
This is a delightful, little-known walk, near Munlochy on the Black Isle.
Distance: 5km/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 180 metres/594 feet
Morangie Forest Walk
This is a delightful walk near Tain in Easter Ross, climbing and giving stunning views.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 3 1/3 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Ormond Castle Walk
This is a lovely walk in the Black Isle, near Inverness.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Avoch - Fortrose - Chanonry Point
Dolphins, seals ... both may be seen on this family walk on the Black Isle.
Distance: 11.27km/7miles Duration: 2 hours
Silverbridge - Little Garve Circular
This really delightful walk is between Inverness and Wester Ross.
Distance: 5.18km/3.2miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet
Achany Glen, Lairg
Two short forest trails near to the Falls of Shin - a famous salmon leap.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Fyrish Hill, Easter Ross
A pleasant walk in Easter Ross offering splendid views.
Distance: 5.64km/3.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet
Beinn Eighe Nature Trail
This is the shorter of the two Nature Trails on Beinn Eighe.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Gairloch - Flowerdale Falls
This is a pleasant family walk and goes from sea level to 150m at Flowerdale Falls.
Distance: 6.4km/4miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Gruinard Bay - Inverianvie Falls
This is a short family walk - good as part of a day out or when touring in this area.
Distance: 3.62km/2.26miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Shin Falls Forest Walk
Short and fun forest walk for all the family.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Contin Forest
Contin Forest has a series of trails of varying lengths.
Distance: 1km/0.6miles Duration: 1/4 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Letham Glen & Silverburn
A short, but pleasant family walk passing through two parks with animals and birds.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Quarrymill Woodland Park, Perth
Quiet wooded walks by the Annaty Burn with excellent facilities for wheelchair users.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet
Wildlife Walk - Fungarth
This is a really delightful walk through the Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve.
Distance: 7.5km/4.7miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet
Wildlife Walk - Loch of the Lowes
This is a fabulous walk for seeing wildlife, particularly birdlife.
Distance: 7.6km/4.75miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
A Circuit of Loch Dunmore
This is a great walk for all the family and for those with mobility difficulties.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 3/4 hour
Fife Coastal Path
Sense the freedom and enjoy the adventure of the Fife Coastal Path.
Distance: 150km/93.75miles Duration: 5 - 7 days Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
The Hirsel, Coldstream
A short walk round the woodlands and rivers of the Hirsel Estate.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet
Girvan Promenade
Moderate promenade walk with beautiful coastal views.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 hour
Carlingwark Circular
An attractive walk through farmland, around Carlingwark Loch.
Distance: 5.5km/3.4miles Duration: 2 hours
Newton Stewart Riverside
Take a delightful stroll along the banks of the River Cree.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 3/4 hour
Monreith Estate, White Loch of Myrton
There is plenty to see and do on this waterside walk.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Baidlandhill Walk
An enjoyable circular walk with magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde.
Distance: 5.5km/3.4miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet
Parton Viewpoint Walk, Loch Ken
An easy uphill signposted walk offering great views over Loch Ken and to the Galloway hills.
Distance: 2 km/1.2 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet
Eskdale - Castle O'er Hillfort Walk
Explore this archaeological site nestling above the River Esk.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet
Craigieburn Forest - Short Walk
Steady climb leads to stunning views and pleasant descent back to car park.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 140 metres/462 feet
Forest of Ae - Riverside Walk
Flat, leisurely walk along the banks of the Water of Ae.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Dalbeattie Forest - Spycraig Walk
Beautiful pinewoods line this walk, which also passes old granite quarries.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet
Dalbeattie Forest - All Abilities Trail
Easy, quiet walk through pinewoods and out to the Plantain Loch.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Mabie Forest - Lochaber Walk
Interesting walk with stunning views and plenty of wildlife.
Distance: 6.5km/4miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Mabie Forest - All Abilities Trail
A leisurely walk through exotic conifers, taking in a sensory garden and woodland pond.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Irvine Valley Walks - William Wallace Path
Take a short walk to a sculpture commemorating William Wallace's victory
Distance: 0.5km/0.3miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Legerwood Farm Trail, Earlston
A short family walk following farm tracks and country roads.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet
Glenfinnan Visitor Centre to Corryhully
Easy walk to Corryhully bothy with stunning views over Loch Shiel.
Distance: 8 km/5 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Drumnadrochit - Craigmonie - Divach Falls
A family walk from the village of Drumnadrochit, on the north shore of Loch Ness.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Dog Falls and Coire Loch (Glen Affric)
A delightful walk in Glen Affric to view the Dog Falls and the secluded Coire Loch.
Distance: 5.23km/3.3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Jenkins Park Circuit, Fort Augustus
A pleasant walk from Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness.
Distance: 6.44km/4miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet
Plodda Falls
Two short walks to view one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country.
Distance: 3.22km/2miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

