Western Highlands and Skye Walks
This is arguably where you'll find much of the picture-postcard scenery for which Scotland is so renowned. On the mainland, long sea lochs creep deep inland, overshadowed by magnificent mountains and the unspoilt peninsulas to the west are regarded as amongst some of the last unspoilt wilderness areas of Europe - rugged land where nature commands.
Lochaber dominates this part of Scotland and includes some of Scotland's finest mountains. Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis is here and further south in Glencoe hill enthusiasts will find a veritable hillwalking paradise. Numerous forest walks can also be found throughout this area for those who prefer to look up to the summits rather than from them! And of all Highland landforms, the mountain profiles of Skye create the strongest sense of awe, and have drawn visitors to the island since the days of Sir Walter Scott.
Moderate Walks
There can be few places that offer easy walking in such a spectacular surroundings as the Western Highlands. Although the landscape is wild and rugged, there are plenty of gentle walks in glens, through forests and by the sea. Soaring mountains, rapid rivers, glassy lochs and dramatic islands provide stunning backdrops for these walks.
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
Inverfarigaig - Foyers - Loch Ness - Inverfarigaig
A walk overlooking Loch Ness (lots of viewpoints for Monster-spotting!).
Distance: 10.47km/6.5miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 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
Talisker Bay
A pleasant walk through grazing land to Talisker Bay.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Druimindarroch to the old fort
A walk along this magnificent coastline with fine views.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet
Eigg - Caves and Lodge
A walk to two caves lying on Eigg's southern shore with good sea views.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Samalaman - Smirisary
An interesting route mainly following the coast, with terrific views.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Plockton - Duncraig Castle - Plockton
A stunning walk overlooking Plockton and over to Applecross.
Distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 170 metres/560 feet
Reelig Glen
A short walk through the spectacular trees of this Forestry Commission wood.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 70 metres/231 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
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
Craigmonie and Balmacaan Woodlands
Balmacaan woods has a range of walks including the ascent of Craigmonie.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 160 metres/528 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
Salen Oak Woods
Good paths through the oak woods, with great views over Salen Bay.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Achriabhach Forest Walks
A variety of short forest walks in Glen Nevis.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 100 metres/330feet
Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus
This route is a section of the Great Glen Way long distance route.
Distance: 17km/10.6miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 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
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
Three Lochs to Castle Tioram
This is a moderately difficult circular walk which provides spectacular views.
Distance: 7km/4.2 miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/492 feet
Strontian Woods
A pleasant short walk through mixed woodlands.
Distance: 3.2km/2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 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
Ormsaigbeg Hills
A beautiful walk with great views of the Sound of Mull and out to Coll and Tiree.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Loch Shiel Circular
Lovely forest walk with good views over Loch Shiel.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Kilmory Beach, Ardnamurchan
A short stroll down to a beautiful sandy beach.
Distance: 3.2km/2miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
The Falls of Foyers
A short walk at Foyers, on the south shore of Loch Ness.
Distance: 3.9km/2.4miles Duration: 1 3/4 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 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
Neist Point
A short walk out to the Neist Point lighthouse - the most westerly on Skye.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet
Laggan Locks - Loch Oich - Laggan Locks
An easy loop following part of the old Fort Augustus and Invergarry railway.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet
Inchree Waterfalls
Walk over hillside and through forest to spectacular waterfalls.
Distance: 4.75km/3miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Corrantee Lead Mines
A pleasant walk on tracks, leading to the lead mines.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Dunain Hill & Craig Phadraig, Inverness
A hilly forest walk near Inverness, beginning round the base of Dunain Hill.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 240 metres/792 feet
Glenborrodale RSPB Reserve
A short walk through varied terrain on the RSPB nature reserve.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet
Glencoe woodland walk
A circular woodland walk with good views over the surrounding mountains.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Glencoe Lochan
A short circular trail around a tranquil lochan with mountain views.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet
Mingary Pier, Kilchoan
A leisurely coastal walk along rocky shore line.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 20 metres/66 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
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
Ardnish Peninsula and Peanmenach
An interesting and varied walk with good views towards the islands.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 175 metres/577.5 feet
Loch Farr
A pleasant loch and forest walk in Strath Nairn, near Inverness.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Laig Bay & Singing Sands, Eigg
A walk between two bays at the north of the Isle of Eigg.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Phoineas Hill
A short walk to the top of Phoineas hill, site of an ancient Pictish fort.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 3/4 hours Height Gain: 160 metres/528 feet
Singing Sands Walk, Ardnamurchan
A low level walk along a forestry track to a remote sandy beach.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Loch Duntelchaig to Loch Ruthven
A walk through scenery a few miles from Inverness, on a plateau above Loch Ness.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Waternish Loop
A circular walk through forests and moorlands, with lovely coastal scenery.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Armadale Castle Walk
A short walk giving the opportunity to explore the gardens and woodlands of the estate.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Tomich and Beinn Mhor
This walk is a visit to two monuments and two lochans up in the hills.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet
Bourblaige
A good walk taking in shoreline, deserted villages and a standing stone.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
Corrychurrachan
A short forest walk with good views of Loch Linnhe which is well signposted.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 70 metres/231 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
Old Man of Storr
A short but steep climb to the Old Man of Storr - a spectacular rock formation.
Distance: 5.6km/3.4 miles Duration: 3 hours 30 mins Height Gain: 300 metres/984 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
Blackfold to Craig Dunain on the Great Glen Way
A very enjoyable part of the Great Glen Way, through old woodland with good views.
Distance: 6.44km/4.025miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Portree Circular
A short circular walk from Portree, around the coastline and through woodland.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet
The South West Shore of Loch Lochy
A short walk along the shore of Loch Lochy-a beautiful section of the Great Glen Way.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Longer Walks
The Western Highlands and Skye have the classic Scottish landscape of big glens and high mountain peaks, fringed by magnificent coastal scenery. Water is the common element on most walks here, with lochs, rivers and waterfalls round every corner and miles of shoreline, which varies from sheltered sea inlets to sandy bays and rocky headlands. Nowhere will you have a better chance of seeing otters, sea eagles or minke whales, particularly around the Small Isles to the south of Skye.
Rubha Hunish, the Northern tip of Skye
A walk to the impressive cliffs at the Northernmost tip of Skye.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Quiraing
A series of rough tracks through an area of dramatic pinnacles and rock formations.
Distance: 7.2km/4.5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 290 metres/957 feet
Mam Mor Walk
A circular walk near Kirkhill, by Inverness.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 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
Abriachan Walk
A super walk in a newly opened path network near Inverness.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660feet
Loch Etive Shore Walk
A lovely walk along the shore line of Loch Etive, a beautiful remote and wild glen.
Distance: 9.5km/5.9miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 290 metres/957 feet
Corrimony - Tomich
A fairly strenuous walk over moorland and woodland, offering very good views.
Distance: 12.88km/8.05miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet
Loch nam Bonnach (Beauly)
A delightful circular walk on the heights above Beauly.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Gondola Walks - Nevis Range
A series of walks incorporating the gondola ride, with great views from the top.
Distance: 9.5km/5.9miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 700 metres/2310 feet
Elgol to Camasunary
A long circuit on rough tracks which climbs steeply in places.
Distance: 14.5km/9.06miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 400 metres/1320 feet
Flodigarry - Quiraing - Flodigarry
A classic walk with the views and scenery from the North of Skye make it all worthwhile.
Distance: 9.3km/5.8miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 600 metres/1980 feet
Bunloit - Alltsigh on the Great Glen Way
A scenic walk above Loch Ness, on open ground with ever changing views of the Loch.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 175 metres/577.5 feet
Arieniskill to Prince Charlie's Cave
A walk which follows an old route to Meoble near the shore of Loch Morar.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 400 metres/1320 feet
Loch Affric Circular
This is a splendid walk in the wilds, round Loch Affric with stunning mountain views.
Distance: 16km/10miles Duration: 5 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Ockle - Gortenfern
A rough going walk over open hills with good views out to Skye.
Distance: 13km/8.2miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Steall Falls - Glen Nevis
A pleasant walk through a rocky gorge surrounded by mountain scenery.
Distance: 3.2km/2miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet
Morvich Circular
A pleasent walk taking you up Gleann Coinneachain across a bridge and back down Strath Croe.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet
The Sgurr of Eigg (An Sgurr)
A walk to the highest point on the island - the distinctive An Sgurr.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 400 metres/1320 feet
Hallaig Circular - Raasay
A good route on tracks through woodland and moorland to a deserted township.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet
Glenbrittle coastal walk
A long coastal route over rugged grazing land. Good views out to Canna, Rum and Eigg.
Distance: 9.5km/5.9miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Waternish Point
The route leads through moorland to a ruined township with good coastal views.
Distance: 13km/8.2miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Camasunary to Loch Coruisk
A continuation walk from the bay at Camasunary to Loch Coruisk.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Coire Lagan
A walk into one of the most spectacular corries in Skye & back via a picturesque waterfall.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 550 metres/1815 feet
Portuairk to Sanna Bay
A reasonable walk along hillside and shore, with good views, beaches and caves.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
Morar - Loch Morar - Tarbet - Mallaig
This stunning part of Scotland provides superb beach scenery.
Distance: 14km/8.75miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet
Morar - Bracorina - Stoul
A walk high above the north shores of Loch Morar.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet
Three Lochs: Duntelchaig, Bunachton and Loch a Chlachain
A walk around three lochs, between Loch Ness and Strath Nairn.
Distance: 11.27km/7miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Glen Mama to Loch Mama
An interesting and varied walk through some ancient woodland to Loch Mama.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet
Point of Sleat
A clear track through hilly moorland to a small rocky harbour and lighthouse.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 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
Glen Beasdale
A short but varied and interesting walk alongside a river.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet
Glen Brittle and Loch Eynort
A forest walk between two glens with good views of the Cuillin mountains.
Distance: 17km/10.6miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 330 metres/1089 feet
Glasnacardoch - Loch Eireagoraidh
This walk south of Mallaig climbing slowly to the loch through some barren countryside.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
Abriachan - Drumnadrochit on the Great Glen Way
Part of the Great Glen Way, predominantly fairly high level.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330feet
Long Distance Routes
Cape Wrath Trail
The route runs from Fort William to Cape Wrath and is a great trek for experienced walkers.
Distance: 320km/200 miles Duration: 14-16 days Height Gain: 580 metres/1914 feet
West Highland Way
Scotland's original long distance path running from Glasgow to Fort William.
Distance: 152km/95 miles Duration: 7-10 days Height Gain: 800 metres/2650 feet
Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way connects Fort William with Inverness passing the famous Loch Ness.
Distance: 117km/73 miles Duration: 4-7 days Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet
Hill Mountain Walks
With places such as Ben Nevis, Glencoe, Kintail, Glen Affric, Knoydart and the Cuillin of Skye this area can justifiably lay claim to be Scotland?s mountaineering heartland. Indeed of the 284 Munros in Scotland, over 100 can be found in this area.
Such is their density that several summits can often be climbed in a day, though travelling more slowly allows time to appreciate the mountain wildlife, like blue hares, red deer and golden eagles.
The Black Mount from Bridge of Orchy
This strenous and exhilarating hill walk climbs the southern two Munros of The Black Mount.
Distance: 19km/11.8 miles Duration: 6 1/2 hours Height Gain: 1250 metres/4125 feet
Ben Nevis
A long steep climb up Britain's highest peak, with spectaular views from the summit.
Distance: 16km/10miles Duration: 10 hours Height Gain: 1330 metres/4389 feet
Dornie - Bundalloch - River Glennan - Coire Dhuinnid - Carr Brae
A circular route through two contrasting valleys with great views.
Distance: 19.32km/12.08miles Duration: 6 1/2 hours Height Gain: 620 metres/2046 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
Pap of Glencoe
The Pap of Glencoe is a rewarding climb with superb views.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 690 metres/2277 feet
Beinn Achaladair from Loch Tulla
This walk ascends the northerly two Munros of the Bridge of Orchy mountains.
Distance: 19km/11.78miles Duration: 7 hours Height Gain: 1150 metres/3795 feet
The Easains
This walk takes you over two Munros with spectacular views all round.
Distance: 16km/10miles Duration: 8 hours Height Gain: 1012 metres/3339.6 feet
Fort Augustus to Glenmoriston
This walk has marvellous views over the Great Glen and to Kintail.
Distance: 11.27km/7.04miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 350 metres/1155 feet
Garbh Bheinn (Ardgour)
Garbh Bheinn is a bit of a forgotten mountain - therefore a hidden gem.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 6 1/2 hours Height Gain: 870 metres/2871 feet
Sgurr Alasdair
The highest peak on Skye's Cuillin ridge.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 5 1/2 hours Height Gain: 990 metres/3267 feet
The Heights of Kinlochleven
A long walk over moorland with spectacular views across to Lochleven.
Distance: 16km/10miles Duration: 5 1/2 hours Height Gain: 500 metres/1650 feet
Ben Resipol
This mountain is almost high enough to qualify as a Munro - a good climb with great views.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 600 metres/1980 feet
Beinn na Cailleach in the Red Cuillin
This walk provides excellent views over the southern part of the island.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 680 metres/2244 feet
The Lost Valley - Glencoe
This walk to the large hidden valley and the approach to it is well worth the visit.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 152 metres/501.6 feet
Maol Chinn-dearg - South Cluanie ridge circular walk
An exciting circular walk over the South Cluanie ridge which offers views.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 780 metres/2574 feet
Bla Bheinn (Blaven)
Bla Bheinn is one of the more obvious peaks to climb on its own.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 970 metres/3201 feet
Meall Fuar-mhonaidh
This walk gives excellent views over Loch Ness.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 420metres/1386 feet
Morvich to the Falls of Glomach
A walk to the Falls of Glomach; the highest free-falling waterfall in the British Isles.
Distance: 15km/9.4miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet
MacLeod's Tables
A circular route over the two hills that dominate the north-west of Skye.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 720metres/2376 feet
Sgurr a Mhaoraich
An ascent of one of Lochaber's less-frequented but particularly worthwhile Munros.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 900 metres/2970 feet
Sgurr nan Gillean
Sgurr nan Gillean is one of the most popular peaks of Skye's Cuillin ridge.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 6 hours Height Gain: 900 metres/2970 feet
Glen Coe - Glen Etive Circular
A strenuous walk on rough mountain paths through two high mountain passes.
Distance: 145km/9.06miles Duration: 7 hours Height Gain: 520 metres/1716 feet
Buchaille Etive Mor
Buchaille Etive Mor is one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 750 metres/2475 feet
