Want to experience the best of Scotland’s nature without committing to an overnight trek? Here are the best day hikes in Scotland to put on your bucket list.
Scotland is a land of raw beauty and boundless adventure, where every peak and path has a story to tell. From the rolling Borders to the windswept islands, Scotland is home to some of the best hiking routes in the UK. This guide to the best day hikes in Scotland is your ticket to exploring its untamed landscapes.
Imagine ascending sun-dappled Munros, trekking ridgelines kissed by the Atlantic breeze, or wandering through ancient forests alive with wildlife. Whether you seek the thrill of remote mountains or the charm of serene lochs, these hikes promise unforgettable encounters with Scotland’s wild heart.
Lace-up your boots – your next great adventure awaits.
Climb Ben Lomond, Scotland’s Most Southerly Munro
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- Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
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- Duration: 4-6 hours
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- Difficulty: Moderate
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- Start/Finish: Rowardennan car park / Rowardennan
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- Best for: First-time Munro climbers seeking classic Scottish scenery
Ben Lomond is a favourite for first-time Munro climbers, thanks to its accessibility and impressive views over Loch Lomond.
Rising to 974m, it’s a relatively moderate hike starting from the Rowardennan car park. As you ascend, the views back over Loch Lomond get better and better, showcasing the largest loch in Scotland, dotted with picturesque islands.
There’s an option to make it a loop by descending the Ptarmigan Ridge, a tighter path that offers even more dramatic views of the Arrochar Alps but does require some scrambling. The regular path up is well-trodden and well-maintained, making it straightforward for most hikers.
The versatility of routes and scenery makes Ben Lomond a Munro that you’ll want to revisit time and again. You’ll undoubtedly find some of the best walking trails in the UK here.
Climb Ben More on the Isle of Mull
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- Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
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- Duration: 4-6 hours
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- Difficulty: Challenging
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- Start/Finish: Ben More car park / Loch Na Keal
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- Best for: Remote mountain experience and scenic island views
Ben More is the highest peak on the Isle of Mull, a magnificent Munro (Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet) that stands at 966m. It’s the only Munro on Mull and the only island Munro outside of Skye, making it a unique challenge for hikers seeking remote mountain experiences.
Start at the Ben More car park, located along Loch Na Keal, where the path is clear and fairly straightforward from the beginning.
You’ll pass bubbling streams, small waterfalls, and even ancient ruins along the way. The ascent becomes rockier as you climb, with zigzags up to a ridge that reveals jaw-dropping views of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic Ocean.
This hike isn’t the easiest, but on a sunny day, it’s incredibly rewarding, offering expansive views over Mull and out to the Treshnish Isles.
Look out for white-tailed eagles, which are often seen soaring in this area, adding an extra thrill to this dramatic climb.
Summit Ben Nevis (via the CMD Arete Route)
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- Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km)
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- Duration: 11-12 hours
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- Difficulty: Challenging
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- Start/Finish: North Face car park (circular)
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- Best for: Experienced climbers and summit enthusiasts
Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the UK, and it tops our list of the best mountains to climb in the UK. This also means it’s seriously popular – but why take the busy tourist track when you can tackle the exciting CMD Arete route?
This route is tougher but rewards you with solitude and dramatic scenery.
Starting from the North Face car park, you’ll first get views of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. As you approach, you’ll veer toward Càrn Mòr Dearg, a Munro with fantastic views, and from there, you’ll traverse the thrilling, narrow CMD Arête ridgeline. The ridge is exposed and requires a steady head, but it’s a stunning path.
From the arête, it’s a steep climb over boulders and scree to the summit of Ben Nevis, where you’ll join the crowds who took the main route.
To head back down, take the tourist track, and enjoy the quieter path you took up. This hike is demanding, so experience and preparation are crucial – but it’s an unforgettable adventure.
Walk the Uath Lochans in the Cairngorms
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- Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
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- Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Difficulty: Easy
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- Start/Finish: Uath Lochans car park / Uath Lochans trailhead
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- Best for: Relaxing walk through tranquil woodland with wildlife spotting
For those who love tranquil beauty but aren’t up for a strenuous hike, the Uath Lochans in the Cairngorms National Park is an excellent choice.
Tucked away in dense forest near Loch Insh, the trail around these serene lochans (small lakes) is only 2.5 miles, with a few viewpoints offering beautiful vistas over the Caledonian Pine Forests – a rare sight in Scotland today.
The trail is easy to follow and great for wildlife spotting; red squirrels are a common sight here. You’ll come across a couple of viewpoints – perfect places to stop, have a snack, and enjoy the peaceful views.
A boardwalk leads through marshy sections, where birds of prey can often be spotted hunting. The gentle paths make this a relaxing yet scenic walk, ideal for families or anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward experience.
Hike to the Old Man of Hoy in Orkney
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- Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km) out-and-back
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- Duration: 3-4 hours
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- Difficulty: Moderate
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- Start/Finish: Rackwick Bay car park / Old Man of Hoy viewpoint
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- Best for: Coastal views, Norse history, and iconic sea stacks
The Old Man of Hoy on the island of Hoy in Orkney is an iconic sea stack that rises dramatically from the ocean. This 6-mile out-and-back hike offers a unique blend of coastal views, Norse history, and rugged landscapes.
Start from Rackwick Bay, which itself is a scenic spot with traditional turf-roofed buildings and stunning sandstone cliffs.
The trail is relatively easy, though a bit exposed as you near the Old Man of Hoy. The scenery here is distinctly different from mainland Scotland, with vast skies, rolling hills, and sweeping sea views.
This route is ideal for anyone interested in the wild beauty of Scotland’s coastline and is especially breathtaking in the evening light when the Old Man is illuminated by the setting sun.
Climb Stac Pollaidh in the Northwest Highlands
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- Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
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- Duration: 2-4 hours
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- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
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- Start/Finish: Stac Pollaidh car park (circular)
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- Best for: Epic views without an epic hike
Stac Pollaidh proves you don’t need towering heights for jaw-dropping views. Only 613 meters high, this climb gives you expansive vistas across the wild Northwest Highlands.
The hike begins from a car park and follows a well-defined path, climbing around the mountain in a curve. The views begin early, with Loch Lurgainn and distant peaks unfolding below.
At the summit plateau, you’ll find easy paths to the eastern top. The true summit is to the west and requires a bit of scrambling, so only attempt it if you’re confident.
From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Assynt, the rugged landscape, and, on clear days, even to the Summer Isles. For a few hours of effort, this hike rewards you with an iconic Scottish Highlands experience.
Climb A’ Mhaighdean and the Fisherfield 6, Scotland’s Most Remote Munros
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- Distance: 18.6 miles (30 km)
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- Duration: 15-18 hours
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- Difficulty: Very challenging
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- Start/Finish: Shenavall bothy / Shenavall bothy
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- Best for: Seasoned hikers after a true wilderness adventure
If you’re after an adventure that goes beyond a day hike, tackling A’ Mhaighdean and the Fisherfield 6 is a serious undertaking for experienced hikers.
Often called Scotland’s most remote Munro, A’ Mhaighdean lies deep in the Fisherfield Forest. You’ll likely start this journey with a night at the Shenavall bothy or by camping nearby, as the route spans 18.6 miles with challenging terrain that can take up to 18 hours.
Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from boggy ground to rocky ridgelines, and take on five other Munros.
The reward? Unbelievably remote, untouched views that are rarely seen, even by avid hikers.
The climb is one of solitude, grit, and raw wilderness – a truly soul-stirring experience for the hardiest of Munro baggers.
Climb Blà Bheinn (Blaven) on the Isle of Skye
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- Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
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- Duration: 4-5 hours
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- Difficulty: Challenging
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- Start/Finish: Loch Slapin / Blà Bheinn summit
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- Best for: Adventurers looking for spectacular mountain views on Skye
Blà Bheinn (often anglicized as Blaven) on the Isle of Skye is a challenging climb but offers some of the most striking mountain views in all of Scotland.
This Munro, standing at 928m, isn’t part of the main Cuillin ridge but provides a stellar vantage point of it. Starting from Loch Slapin, the route winds up to Blaven’s peak over 5 miles.
It’s a steep and sometimes scrambly hike, but the sight of the Cuillin Ridge, the Small Isles, and Loch Slapin from the summit is well worth the effort.
For those wanting even more adventure, the Clach Glas-Blaven traverse offers a scrambling route that adds excitement and sweeping views over the surrounding islands. This trail gives hikers a taste of Skye’s rugged beauty – perfect for those after an unforgettable island Munro experience.
Walk up Whita Hill in Scenic Langholm
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- Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
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- Duration: 3 hours
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- Difficulty: Easy
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- Start/Finish: Langholm town (circular)
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- Best for: A peaceful country walk without crowds
Whita Hill in Langholm offers a taste of the Scottish Borders that’s as serene as it is beautiful.
Langholm is a charming town where the River Esk flows through historic bridges, including a notable three-arched bridge worked on by famed engineer Thomas Telford. This walk is relaxed yet scenic, and takes you from town into the rolling hills and countryside, giving you a refreshing view of rural Scotland.
From the start, you’ll cross Highmill Bridge and enter a lovely woodland. On the way up, there’s the Malcolm Monument, a 100-foot obelisk built in honour of Sir John Malcolm, which makes for a fascinating stop.
The track leads along a Galloway stone dyke, with farmland views and wild ferns. You’ll pass the memorial of poet Hugh MacDiarmid, a striking metalwork piece depicting themes from his poetry, before reaching the hilltop.
From here, the view opens up over the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve and stretches as far as the Solway Firth.
This easygoing, picturesque hike is perfect if you’re looking for peace and a slower pace.
Climb the Cobbler (Ben Arthur) in the Arrochar Alps
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- Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
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- Duration: 5-6 hours
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- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
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- Start/Finish: Succoth car park (circular or out-and-back)
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- Best for: Those wanting a distinctive summit experience
The Cobbler is one of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains, and while it’s not a Munro, it’s a must-hike.
Starting from the Succoth car park, you’ll zigzag up a well-marked trail with views over Loch Long. The hike isn’t technically difficult but has a steep climb before you reach the mountain’s foot.
The Cobbler’s triple peak makes it iconic, and the famous “threading the needle” scramble to the summit offers a fun, slightly nerve-wracking challenge.
The reward is the view from the top: wide vistas of the Arrochar Alps and Loch Long. It’s a memorable hike with a unique character that stays with you long after.
Hike the Eildon Hills from Melrose
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- Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)
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- Duration: 4 hours
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- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
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- Start/Finish: Melrose (circular)
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- Best for: Exploring the Scottish Borders
The Eildon Hills are a charming hiking option in the Scottish Borders, just outside Melrose. The trail starts in town, guiding you along St. Cuthbert’s Way, which offers quick elevation gain and stunning views of Melrose and the surrounding landscapes.
You’ll summit three hills: Eildon Mid Hill, Eildon Wester, and Eildon North, each with rewarding views.
The volcanic origins of these hills make them quite different from other Scottish landscapes, and the unique ecosystem makes the hike both scenic and interesting.
Finish with a visit to Melrose Abbey for a complete experience of the area’s charm.
Hike up Liathach in Glen Torridon
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- Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
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- Duration: 10-11 hours
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- Difficulty: Challenging
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- Start/Finish: East of Glen Cottage
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- Best for: Experienced hikers craving remote, rugged beauty
Liathach is a towering Munro known for its jaw-dropping views and demanding climb. From the start, this hike doesn’t hold back – steep paths and exposed ridges make this one for experienced hikers.
Once you reach the ridgeline, the panoramic views of Torridon are breathtaking. You’ll have a series of challenging ups and downs, and the rugged, remote terrain gives the hike a wild feel.
Along the ridge, you’ll summit Spidean a’Choire Leith and Mullach an Rathain. The views are stunning, but the tricky scrambles and exposed sections mean you’ll need full attention and confidence.
This hike is one of Scotland’s most beautiful but also one of its most demanding.
Explore the Bone Caves of Assynt, Inchnadamph
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- Distance: 3 miles (5 km)
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- Duration: 2 hours
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- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
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- Start/Finish: A837 car park near Inchnadamph (out-and-back)
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- Best for: History and geology buffs
The Bone Caves trail is a short but captivating hike through a scenic valley in Assynt. This hike takes you to a set of caves once home to animals like reindeer and polar bears in Scotland’s ancient past.
The path leads by a river and climbs up to Creag nan Uamh, a limestone cliff with caves waiting to be explored.
Artifacts from ancient animals and even human remains were found here, giving these caves a unique historical significance.
This hike is ideal for families or anyone interested in Scotland’s natural history.
Walk to the Pink House on Loch Glass, in Easter Ross
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- Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from Eileanach Lodge (out-and-back)
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- Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Difficulty: Easy to Challenging (depending on route)
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- Best for: A quirky, quiet Highlands outing
For a more relaxed hike, head to Loch Glass, where the quirky Pink House (Culzie Lodge) sits by the water’s edge.
The walk from Eileanach Lodge is short, winding through a beautiful forest before opening up to Loch Glass and the abandoned pink lodge. The loch, often mirror-still, reflects the craggy peaks of Ben Wyvis, creating a scene straight from a fairy tale.
Fans of the show The Traitors might recognize the house, adding a unique twist to this peaceful walk. You can extend this hike to include Black Rock Gorge for more variety and adventure.
Hike the Five Sisters of Kintail
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- Distance: 9.5 miles (15.2 km)
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- Duration: 10-11 hours
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- Difficulty: Challenging
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- Start/Finish: Glen Shiel car park/Allt a’ Chruinn
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- Best for: A massive day in magnificent mountains
The Five Sisters of Kintail is a challenging but exhilarating ridge walk. Start from Glen Shiel and head up to Bealach an Lapain, where the hard ascent begins.
Once you’re on the ridge, you’ll climb five peaks, each offering dramatic views over Loch Duich and the surrounding mountains. The views from these summits, especially of the surrounding valleys, feel like a true Highlands experience.
While the entire hike is tough, with constant climbs and descents, the beauty is unmatched, and you’ll leave with a true sense of achievement.
This is one hike you’ll be glad to tick off your bucket list.
Conclusion
Scotland’s trails are more than just paths – they’re invitations to connect with nature, history, and adventure. Whether you’ve tackled towering Munros, explored tranquil lochs, or soaked in coastal vistas, each hike offers memories to treasure.
The best part? Scotland’s landscapes always have more to share, so your journey is never truly over.
Want to extend your adventure longer than a day? Then check out our guides to wild camping in Scotland, or staying in Scotland’s bothies, for some ideas.