Scotland Hiking & Walking Guides
Exploring the Scottish Highlands on Foot
The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most spectacular walking and hiking experiences in Britain. From the vast mountain landscapes of the Cairngorms to the towering summit of Ben Nevis, this is a region of dramatic peaks, remote glens, ancient forests and breath-taking scenery.
My own Highland adventures have taken me to the summit of Ben Macdui, Scotland's second-highest mountain, along the beautiful walking trails surrounding Aviemore, and to the top of Ben Nevis during an attempt at the National Three Peaks Challenge.
This collection begins with my own experiences in the Highlands, with personal stories, photographs and practical walking advice. Over time, I'll be expanding it to explore more of Scotland's remarkable walking destinations, with contributions from fellow hikers who know these mountains particularly well.
Ben Macdui – Hiking Scotland's Second-Highest Mountain
Cairngorms National Park | Scottish Highlands | Summit: 1,309m
Ben Macdui is the second-highest mountain in Britain, and one of the great walking challenges of the Scottish Highlands.
My own ascent took me into the heart of the Cairngorms, where sweeping mountain views gradually gave way to a vast, rocky landscape. The contrast was remarkable — sunshine illuminating the surrounding valleys, followed by darkening skies and increasingly powerful winds across the exposed mountain plateau.
The final approach was a world of boulders and exposed mountain terrain, a reminder of just how quickly conditions can change in Scotland's mountains.
Reaching the summit was a wonderful moment, even if the weather wasn't particularly interested in providing a view!
It's an experience I'll be sharing in more detail, including photographs and lessons from the climb.
Ben Nevis – Britain's Highest Mountain
Fort William | Scottish Highlands | Summit: 1,345m
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain and one of Scotland's most iconic hiking destinations.
I climbed Ben Nevis as part of an attempt at the National Three Peaks Challenge, which involves tackling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) within a demanding 24-hour schedule.
Although I reached the summit of Ben Nevis, I didn't complete the overall Three Peaks Challenge.
It was another reminder that reaching the top of a mountain and completing an endurance challenge are two very different things!
I'll be sharing more about that experience, including the challenges of taking on Britain's highest peaks against the clock.
Scenic Lochs & Forest Walks in the Cairngorms – Loch an Eilein & Loch Morlich
Not every adventure in the Scottish Highlands involves climbing mountains. Some of my favourite experiences have been spent exploring the beautiful lochs, ancient forests and peaceful trails of the Cairngorms National Park.
Just a short distance from Aviemore, two particularly lovely places to visit are Loch an Eilein and Loch Morlich, each offering a very different experience of the Highlands.
I enjoyed a family walk around Loch an Eilein with Marissa, Harrison and Ruby, taking in the beautiful woodland surroundings and the picturesque ruined castle on its small island. Loch Morlich was more of a relaxing visit than a proper hike, but its sandy beach, mountain backdrop and stunning setting made it equally memorable.
Together, they're a reminder that the Scottish Highlands aren't just about reaching summits. Sometimes the greatest pleasure comes from slowing down and simply enjoying the landscape.
Loch an Eilein – A Family Walk Through Rothiemurchus Forest
Rothiemurchus Forest | Cairngorms National Park | Near Aviemore
Tucked away in the beautiful Rothiemurchus Forest, Loch an Eilein is one of the most picturesque places I've visited in the Scottish Highlands.
I explored the loch with Marissa, Harrison and Ruby, enjoying a lovely family walk through the surrounding woodland and along the water's edge.
One of its most distinctive features is the ruined castle sitting on a small island in the loch, creating a wonderfully atmospheric scene against the backdrop of ancient Caledonian pine trees.
What made this walk particularly special was sharing it with Marissa, Harrison and Ruby. We stopped for a family photograph among the rocks and pine trees — one of my favourite pictures from all our adventures together, and one that still hangs on our wall at home.
Loch Morlich – A Highland Beach in the Heart of the Cairngorms
Glenmore Forest Park | Cairngorms National Park | Near Aviemore
You don't necessarily expect to find a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by mountains in the Scottish Highlands, but that's exactly what makes Loch Morlich so special.
Situated in Glenmore Forest Park, beneath the magnificent Cairngorm mountains, Loch Morlich is a wonderful place to spend a few hours enjoying the scenery without needing to tackle a challenging hike.
Our visit was more of a family day out than a walking adventure. We spent time exploring the sandy shoreline, watching people enjoying the water and simply taking in the extraordinary surroundings.
With its golden sand, pine forests and mountain backdrop, it's easy to forget you're in the heart of the Highlands rather than somewhere on the coast.
For me, one of the pleasures of exploring Scotland is discovering places like this. Not every adventure needs to involve climbing a mountain or covering miles of trails. Sometimes it's simply about finding somewhere beautiful and enjoying it with the people you love.
Loch Morlich is also a great place to combine a relaxing visit with woodland walks and other outdoor activities in the surrounding Glenmore Forest Park.
Family Water Adventures in the Cairngorms – River Feshie & River Spey
The Cairngorms aren't just about mountain walks, ancient forests and beautiful lochs. They're also a fantastic place for a family adventure.
During our holiday in the Scottish Highlands, we swapped our walking boots for wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids and headed out for some fun on the water.
Harrison, Ruby and I experienced white water tubing on the River Feshie, bouncing through rapids, navigating rocky channels and getting thoroughly soaked along the way! There were plenty of laughs, a few nervous moments and even opportunities to jump into the water from the surrounding rocks.
We also enjoyed a family rafting adventure on the River Spey, this time with Marissa joining us. It was a different experience, taking in the beautiful Highland scenery from the water and enjoying another memorable day together.
These adventures were a wonderful reminder that exploring the Cairngorms doesn't always mean climbing mountains. Sometimes the best family memories are made on the rivers that run through them.
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle – A Highland Family Adventure
No family trip to the Scottish Highlands would be complete without a visit to the legendary Loch Ness. Famous for its mysterious monster, the loch is an extraordinary sight in its own right, with vast stretches of dark water surrounded by wooded hills and dramatic Highland scenery.
We spent time exploring the shores of Loch Ness and visiting Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's most spectacularly situated historic landmarks.
Perched on a rocky headland overlooking the loch, the ruined castle was a wonderful place to explore. We wandered through its ancient stone walls, climbed to viewpoints and enjoyed sweeping views across the water. It's easy to see why this is one of the most photographed locations in the Highlands.
For the children, there were plenty of corners to explore, while the combination of history, scenery and fresh Highland air made it a memorable family day out.
And, of course, we kept an eye on the water for Nessie. No confirmed sightings, unfortunately!
A visit to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle is well worth including in any Highland itinerary, particularly for families looking to combine sightseeing, history and some gentle exploring on foot.