Scotland is a paradise for hikers, offering some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the world. From rugged coastlines to towering mountains and windswept islands, these multi-day hikes showcase the very best of the country’s wild beauty.
Whether you’re navigating ancient paths steeped in history or seeking solitude in remote glens, there’s a trail for every adventurer.
Choose to hike the trails and wild camp at the end of each day – it’s perfectly legal here in Scotland. Along the way, you’ll also discover charming bothies – simple shelters tucked into the wilderness—perfect for a cosy night off the grid.
So lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore Scotland’s unforgettable long-distance trails.
The West Highland Way
- Distance: 96 miles (154km)
- Duration: 4-7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start/Finish: Milngavie/Fort William
- Best for: The iconic Lowland to Highland hike
The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most popular long-distance hikes, attracting hikers from all over the world. No doubt this is one of the best hikes in the UK.
Starting in Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, it takes you all the way to Fort William in the Highlands. The journey offers an incredible transition from the lowlands, through rolling hills and serene lochs, into the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
The first section of the hike is mostly gentle, taking you through forests and farmland before arriving at the famous Loch Lomond. The trail continues to wind through some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes, like the Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, where the towering Buachaille Etive Mòr dominates the skyline.
The final stretch involves a steep climb up the Devil’s Staircase, offering dramatic views of the Grampian Mountains. This route is well-marked and popular, so you’ll often encounter fellow hikers, creating a sense of community as you explore Scotland’s natural beauty.
The Affric-Kintail Way
- Distance: 44 miles (70km)
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
- Start/Finish: Drumnadrochit/Morvich
- Best for: A rewilded Highland experience
The Affric-Kintail Way offers a breathtaking journey through some of Scotland’s wildest and most rewilded landscapes.
Starting near Loch Ness, the trail winds through the dramatic Glen Affric, one of the most beautiful glens in the Highlands. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by rugged mountains, pristine lochs, and a rich variety of wildlife.
This hike is relatively short but offers a challenge with its rugged terrain. The highlight is walking along the shores of Loch Affric, where you’ll see natural forests regenerating, offering a glimpse of Scotland’s past wilderness.
The route continues through some remote areas, with the Glen Affric Youth Hostel providing a welcoming rest stop. The hike culminates at Morvich, where you’ll be treated to views of the Five Sisters of Kintail.
It’s an ideal route for those looking to experience the remote, untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. We recommend this as one of the best walking trails in the UK if you want to totally immerse yourself in nature.
The Hebridean Way
- Distance: 156 miles (252 km)
- Duration: 8–13 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Start/Finish: Vatersay/Stornoway
- Best for: An island immersion
Spanning 10 islands in the Outer Hebrides, this trek is a journey through Scotland’s wildest landscapes. Starting in Vatersay, you’ll traverse islands connected by causeways and ferries, exploring pristine beaches, rolling hills, and remote moorlands.
South Uist’s machair flowers in summer are a highlight, as are the hills of Harris and the beaches of Lewis.
The Hebridean Way offers not only stunning scenery but also a chance to immerse yourself in Gaelic culture and history. Be prepared for strong winds and isolated stretches, but the experience is unparalleled.
The Southern Upland Way
- Distance: 211 miles (341km)
- Duration: 12-16 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Start/Finish: Portpatrick/Cockburnspath
- Best for: A full border experience
The Southern Upland Way is a coast-to-coast hike across Scotland, stretching from the southwest coast at Portpatrick to the east at Cockburnspath.
It’s Scotland’s first official coast-to-coast walk, covering over 200 miles of diverse landscapes, including forests, rolling hills, and quiet seaside paths. You’ll cross over 80 peaks along the way, many of which rise above 2,000 feet.
This trek is a true challenge, requiring stamina and endurance. You’ll pass through the Galloway Forest Park, one of the darkest places in the UK, making it perfect for stargazing. The route also takes you through historical towns like Moffat and Melrose, where you can visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey.
Despite its beauty, the trail is less trafficked, offering a peaceful and immersive Scottish experience. The length and terrain make it a challenging but rewarding hike for experienced trekkers.
The Cateran Trail
- Distance: 64 miles (103km)
- Duration: 4-5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start/Finish: Blairgowrie (circular)
- Best for: Experiencing the Highland Boundary Fault
The Cateran Trail is a 64-mile circular route through the stunning landscapes of Perthshire, taking you through glens, forests, and hills. The trail follows ancient drove roads once used to herd cattle across the region, offering a glimpse into the area’s history.
The name “Cateran” refers to the cattle raiders of the past, who used these paths to carry out their raids.
The trail begins in Blairgowrie, winding through the beautiful Glen Shee and Glen Isla, with plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way.
The trail offers relatively moderate challenges with some steep sections, but nothing too extreme for most walkers. The route passes through quiet villages like Kirkmichael and Spittal of Glenshee, giving you a taste of the rural Scottish lifestyle.
The Cateran Trail is ideal for those looking to experience the beauty of the Scottish countryside without the crowds of more famous hikes.
The John Muir Way
- Distance: 134 miles (215 km)
- Duration: 5–10 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start/Finish: Helensburgh/Dunbar
- Best for: Your first coast-to-coast adventure
This coast-to-coast hike stretches across Scotland’s central belt, from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar in the east. It’s named after John Muir, the conservationist whose birthplace marks the trail’s eastern endpoint.
The route is well-signposted with purple waymarkers, making it accessible for beginners.
The journey begins near Loch Lomond, moving through Balloch Castle Country Park and across the Kilpatrick Hills. These early stages feel surprisingly remote despite being close to urban areas.
You’ll encounter attractions like the Falkirk Wheel and the Helix Park before reaching Linlithgow. Along the Firth of Forth, highlights include Blackness Castle and the bridges near Queensferry.
The finale offers stunning coastal vistas, passing North Berwick Law and Tantallon Castle. Dunbar greets you with its red sandstone cliffs and seaside charm.
The Cape Wrath Trail
- Distance: 240 miles (386km)
- Duration: 15-20 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Start/Finish: Fort William/Cape Wrath
- Best for: A true remote challenge
The Cape Wrath Trail is one of the toughest and most remote hikes in Scotland. Starting in Fort William, it leads you to Cape Wrath, the most northwestern point of the British mainland.
The route is largely unmarked, so hikers need to be self-sufficient and prepared for navigation challenges. The trail crosses some of Scotland’s wildest landscapes, from rugged beaches to mountain ranges like the Torridon and Assynt hills.
What makes this trail stand out is its isolation. It’s a hike for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with rough terrain and unpredictable weather. There are no set paths or marked signs, so navigation skills are essential.
Along the way, you’ll encounter dramatic scenery, including the white sands of Morar and the remote Knoydart Peninsula, home to one of the UK’s most remote pubs.
This route demands a sense of adventure and is best suited for those looking for a truly remote and challenging experience.
The Fife Coastal Path
- Distance: 116 miles (187 km)
- Duration: 7–10 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start/Finish: Kincardine/Newburgh
- Best for: Calm, coastal beauty
This hike showcases the varied coastline of Fife, from sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs.
Starting in Kincardine, the route heads north along the Firth of Forth. You’ll pass through charming villages like Aberdour, Burntisland, and Anstruther, famous for its fish and chips.
The middle section reveals highlights like the Wemyss Caves and iconic St. Andrews, a historic town and golfing mecca.
The trail’s final leg to Newburgh is quieter but no less scenic, with grassy paths and gentle beaches. The well-marked path offers a peaceful retreat, blending natural beauty with cultural landmarks.
Hike Askival and Hallival on the Rùm Cuillin
- Distance: 25 miles (40 km)
- Duration: 4 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Start/Finish: Kinloch, Rùm (circular)
- Best for: A wild taste of the Scottish islands
The rugged Isle of Rùm offers one of Scotland’s most remote hiking experiences. The Cuillin mountains here rival Skye’s in drama but lack the crowds.
This trek begins in Kinloch, Rùm’s only village, before crossing the island to Harris, where you’ll find wild ponies and haunting coastal views.
On the second day, you’ll head to Papadil for a memorable wild camp amidst ruins and a striking sea stack. From Dibidil, the climb to Askival, Rùm’s highest peak, is both demanding and rewarding.
The ridge connecting Askival to Hallival is thrilling, with stunning views over Glen Harris and the neighbouring islands. Descend back to Kinloch via light scrambles, enjoying the serenity of this unspoiled island.
The Arran Coastal Path
- Distance: 65 miles (105 km)
- Duration: 5–8 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Start/Finish: Brodick (circular)
- Best for: Scotland in miniature
Arran, often called “Scotland in miniature,” offers mountains, beaches, and wildlife.
Starting in Brodick, you’ll follow a circular route around the island. A highlight is the optional climb of Goat Fell, the island’s highest peak, offering panoramic views. The northern and western sections feature rugged coastline and remote villages, while the south includes caves and geological wonders.
The path demands attention in spots, particularly around Kilmory and Whiting Bay, but it rewards with views of seals, eagles, and even basking sharks.
The route loops back to Brodick, where the ferry awaits.
The St Magnus Way
- Distance: 58 miles (93 km)
- Duration: 3–5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start/Finish: Egilsay/Kirkwall
- Best for: Discovering Orkney
This pilgrimage follows the story of St Magnus, a Viking earl of Orkney. Beginning on Egilsay, where Magnus was martyred, the trail moves to Mainland Orkney. You’ll explore rugged coastlines, ancient broch sites, and pastoral farmland.
Key highlights include the Sands of Evie, Costa Head, and Scapa Beach. The route concludes in Kirkwall, home to St. Magnus Cathedral, a masterpiece of sandstone architecture.
This trail combines spiritual history with natural beauty, offering a deep dive into Orkney’s culture and landscape.
Explore the Best of Scotland’s Long-Distance Hikes
Scotland’s multi-day hikes offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, adventure, and solitude. Whether you’re traversing the dramatic highlands, exploring remote islands, or walking along serene coastlines, each trail invites you to step into a landscape that feels untouched by time.
The chance to rest in a cosy bothy, surrounded by nature, adds an authentic touch to the experience. From beginners to seasoned trekkers, Scotland’s diverse hiking routes promise unforgettable memories.
So, pack your gear, leave the hustle behind, and immerse yourself in the wild heart of Scotland. The trail awaits, and the adventure is yours to create.
Don’t have the time for a multi-day hike? No worries, check out our list of the best day hikes in Scotland for more amazon trails.