| Route Name | Photo | Distance | Description |
| River Ness |  | 1 miles (2 km) | Enjoy a short stroll along the River Ness on this popular waterside walk in Inverness. The route starts at the impressive riverside castle and follows the riverside path along the Great Glen Way to the delightful Whin Park. It's a lovely area with peaceful woodland next to the river and the delightful Ness Islands in Whin Park at the end of the walk. The islands are a natural beauty spot with attractive woodland with otters and deer to look out for. In the park you can also enjoy a ride on the Ness Islands Railway. The super miniature railways runs in the summer months and includes a crossing of a 140-foot iron bridge dating from 1837.
It's easy to extend your walk by picking up the Caledonian Canal and following the to path to Loch Dochfour. View Full Details>> |
| Loch Ness |  | 12 miles (19 km) | This cycling and walking route follows cycle tracks and the Great Glen Way from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit. The track runs through Creag Nan Eun Forest with splendid views of Loch Ness as you go. View Full Details>> |
| Dog Falls Trail |  | 2 miles (4 km) | Follow the Dog Falls Trail along the River Affric on this splendid waterside walk in the beautiful Glen Affric. The waymarked trails takes you along a series of waterfalls before climbing to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking Loch Beinn a' Mheadhain. The area consists of ancient Caledonioan Pine Forest, a dramatic rocky river gorge and a small but delightful loch.
You can park at the Dog Falls car park to start your walk. From here you can pick up three waymarked trails. This route covers the Dog Falls Trail and the Viewpoint Trail. You can also head south and pick up the Coire Loch Trail which will take you to another great viewpoint overlooking a lochan surrounded by trees.
You can cross the river on a bridge for even better views over the falls. See the google street view link below to see the area.
To extend your walking in the glen you can head to Plodda Falls where you'll find a spectacular 46 metre high waterfall plunging into the Abhainn Deabhag river.
There is also the Glen Affric walk which visits the River Affric before circuiting the beautiful Loch Affric. It's a stunning area with a series of lochs, mountains, towering pines and wildlife such as golden eagles, mountain hares and red deer to look out for. View Full Details>> |
| Corrieshalloch Gorge |  | 5 miles (8 km) | This spectacular beauty spot is 1.5 km long and 60 metres deep cutting through a Highland wilderness rich in flora and fauna. The River Droma runs through the gorge, dropping dramitcally through a series of waterfalls, including the 46 metre Falls of Measach. The gorge was formed at the end of the last ice age and can be viewed from a viewing platform and a Victorian suspension footbridge. The walk below takes you past the gorge and through Braemor Wood to Lael Forest Garden with its 200 different tree species and longer plantation section with waterfalls.
Corrieshalloch Gorge is located about 12 miles south of Ullapool. View Full Details>> |
| Falls of Foyer |  | 2 miles (3.5 km) | Visit these wonderful waterfalls and enjoy woodland trails and views of Loch Ness. It's a very popular area for walkers with good footpaths taking you through attractive woodland to the spectacular 165 feet high falls. You can park in Upper Foyers and then follow a series of steps down to the gorge and the falls. There are two viewpoints where you can take in the full majesty of the falls and take some photos.
After enjoying the rushing water you can return the same way by climbing the steps up to the car park. You can extend your walk by heading through the forest to the loch and the pretty Foyers Bay. You can then enjoy a stroll along the shoreline of Loch Ness before crossing the River Foyers where it enters the loch. Follow the same path back to the car park to finish the walk. There is a nice tea shop in the village where you can enjoy refreshment after the steep stepped climb. There's tables outside where you can enjoy great views across the loch. See the street view link to see the area. View Full Details>> |
| Loch Arkaig |  | 4 miles (6 km) | This walk takes you along Loch Arkaig and the adjacent pine forest in Lochaber. You can start the walk from the car park at Eas Chia-aig falls at the eastern end of the loch. Then head west across the River Arkaig and into the attractive woodland. It's a good track which leads to the Inver mallie bothy where there are great views across the loch. It's a very peaceful area with splendid views of the surrounding mountains.
You can continue your walking by heading to the nearby Loch Lochy where you can follow the waterside cycling and walking trail along the Great Glen Way. It's a great route and includes more nice woodland trails through the Clunes Forest. View Full Details>> |
| Great Glen Way |  | 73 miles (117 km) | Follow the Great Glen, running from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east. The route is suitable for walkers and cyclists with a mountain bike or robust hybrid.
The stunning trail follows the Caledonian Canal and the shores of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness with the mountains of the Ben Nevis range making a splendid backdrop. The route also passes Fort Augustus and includes several woodland sections, most notably through Creag nan Eun Forest. The final section along the River Ness to the finish point at Inverness Castle is also noteworthy.
The route is waymarked with a black hexagon thistle. View Full Details>> |
| Rogie Falls |  | 1 miles (1.5 km) | This short walk visits a series of lovely waterfalls in the Highlands. Rogie Falls are surrounded by attractive woodland with miles of forest trails. There's a car park very close to the falls where you can pick up the trails along the Black Water River to a viewing bridge suspended above the falls. It's a fantastic spot with the rushing waters surrounded by interesting rock formations with sloping trees. Look out for jumping salmon between June and October as they attempt to reach the upper parts of the river to spawn.
To extend your exercise you can explore the Contin Forest where there are miles of cycling and walking trails to try. The woods are great for wildlife with roe and red deer, red squirrels, butterflies and various woodland birds to look out for.
Just to the south of the falls is the delightful Loch Achilty. The pretty loch has a pebble beach and is surrounded by birch and oakwoods with lots of wildflowers in the summer. View Full Details>> |
| Plodda Falls |  | 2 miles (2.5 km) | Visit these spectacular 46 metre high falls in the Highlands of Scotland on this short circular walk near Tomich. Part of the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve these wonderful falls are surrounded by attractive Douglas fir forest. The forestry commission of Scotland have created two waymarked trails called the Plodda Falls Trail and Tweedmouth Trail. You can pick up the trails from the car park and follow them through woodland and along the Abhainn Deabhag river to the falls. It's a spendid area with well laid out trails, majestic towering trees, the rushing waters of the falls and a great viewing platform jutting out over the waterfall below.
To explore the area further try the Glen Affric walk which visits the River Affric before circuiting the beautiful Loch Affric. It's a stunning area with a series of lochs, mountains, towering pines and wildlife such as golden eagles, mountain hares and red deer to look out for.
Also in the glen you can pick up the Dog Falls Trail and enjoy a waterside walk along the River Affric with a series of waterfalls followed by a climb to a splendid viewpoint. View Full Details>> |
| Loch Lochy |  | 11 miles (18 km) | Enjoy a waterside cycle or walk along the magnificent Loch Lochy on this route in the Scottish Highlands. On the northern/western side of the loch there is an excellent traffic free cycle and walking trail running along the Great Glen Way. You can park at the little Hamlet of Clunes and then pick up the waterside trail. The trail runs through the woodland of Clunes Forest with the option of extending your walk in the woods.
To extend your exercise you could continue north east along the Great Glen Way and visit Loch Oich and the Caledonian Canal. At Loch Oich you'll find a great circular cycling and walking trail which explores the woods above the loch.
You could also climb to the munros which rise above the loch. Sron a Choire Ghairbh and Meall na Teanga are just to the west of the path and provide wonderful views over the area.
Just a mile to the west of the car park at the start of this route you will find the more peaceful Loch Arkaig with its lovely pine forest. View Full Details>> |
| The Cobbler Mountain |  | 6 miles (9 km) | The Cobbler or Ben Arthur is one of the most popular climbs in the highlands. At 884 m (2,900 ft) it is not the highest of the Arrochar Alps but is considered the most spectacular. It gets its name from the distinctive, large rocky summit which look like a cobbler bending over his last.
The walk begins at the car park at the eastern end of Loch Long near Arrochar. It then follows a well defined and partially waymarked path to the summit. The first section ascends through the woodland around Loch Long and climbs quite gently to the Narnain boulders which make a good resting point. You continue to a small Lochan where you turn left and ascend the stone steps. Shortly after you will come to the high point which requires turning right from the path. From here there are fabulous panoramic views across the Highlands, Loch Long, the Paps of Jura and Cuillins. The walk descends to rejoin the same path used for the ascent which you follow to the finish point. View Full Details>> |
| Caledonian Canal |  | 6 miles (9 km) | Follow the Caledonian Canal from Inverness to Loch Dochfour on this waterside walk or cycle in the Scottish Highlands. The flat towpath is ideal for an easy cycle or walk in beautiful surroundings.
The route starts at the Muirtown Basin in Clachnaharry on the Beauly Firth. You then head south through Inverness passing the Ship Space interactive maritime museum and Whin Park where you can board the Ness Islands Miniature Railway. The canal then leaves the city and heads through some beautiful countryside to Loch Dochfour which feeds Loch Ness.
You can continue your walking in the area by picking up the Great Glen Way. The long distance trail also starts in Inverness, running parallel to the canal. It will take you to Fort William via Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. The canal also runs alongside the River Ness so you could try the waterside trail to Whin Park, through the city.
You can virtually follow the first section of the canal from Inverness using the google street view link below! View Full Details>> |
| Loch Oich |  | 10 miles (16 km) | Enjoy a circular cycle or walk around Loch Oich in the Scottish Highlands. On the western side of the loch you follow challenging woodland trails through the forest above the loch in Invergarry. On the eastern side you can follow a flatter, waterside trail along the Great Glen Way. Good start points for the route are at the villages of Invergarry or Aberchalder. You could also start from the Forestry Commission car park at the southern end of the loch.
Along the route you will pass the River Garry and the ruins of Invergarry Castle. There's also attractive woodland and great views of the surrounding hills.
You can extend the route by continuing along the Great Glen Way and the Caledonian Canal to the nearby Loch Lochy. Here you'll find a great traffic free cycle and walking trail running along the huge loch. View Full Details>> |
| Pap of Glencoe |  | 5 miles (8 km) | This challenging walk takes you up the 742 m (2,434 ft) high Pap of Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland. The walk begins at the car park at Lochan to the east of the village of Glencoe. It starts by passing through woodland before beginning the climb along the mountain tracks. It is a steep climb with some muddy sections and some scrambling for the last 100 metres to the summit. However, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Glencoe, the Mamores and Loch Leven.
If you are looking for a more gentle walk in the area then you could try the Glencoe Lochan Trail which starts from the same car park. View Full Details>> |
| Ben Nevis Mountain Track |  | 11 miles (17 km) | Follow the Ben Nevis Mountain Track (or Tourist Route) up Britain's highest mountain on this spectacular walk. The walk begins in the Glen Nevis visitor centre car park in the town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The visitor centre has a wealth of advice and information and is well worth visiting particularly if you are not an experience hill climber. This route is the most straightforward path up the mountain but is still strenuous with the upper section particularly rough and stony. As such you should prepare properly for the walk with good walking boots, extra clothing and plenty of food and water. It usually takes 7-10 hours for the ascent and descent so it is best attempted in the summer months when there is plenty of daylight.
After leaving the visitor centre you will cross the River Nevis before starting the climb. As you climb the path you will enjoy spectacular views of Glen Nevis, the Mamores and Stob Ban. You will also cross pretty streams and pass the tranquil Loch Meall. At the summit you will find several memorials, a trig point, and many cairns. The views of the highlands are truly magnificent. You then return to the start point by the same route. View Full Details>> |
| Glen Etive |  | 11 miles (18 km) | This is a fairly flat walk or cycle through the beautiful Glen Etive in the Scottish Highlands. The route runs along a long country lane, following the River Etive through the Glen to Loch Etive. It's a special area with the river dotted with pretty waterfalls and surrounded by the striking peaks of Buachaille Etive Mor. Look out for red deer as you make your way through this stunning glen.
The route starts from a parking area on the A82 near the King's House Hotel in Glencoe, Argyll. You then pick up the narrow country lane and follow it through the Glen, passing attractive woodland and the lovely Lochan Urr before finishing at Loch Etive.
The area also featured in the Bond film Skyfall. You can extend your walk by climbing the wonderful Buachaille Etive Mor ridge. View Full Details>> |
| Glen Affric |  | 11 miles (18 km) | Explore this beautiful National Nature Reserve in the Scottish Highlands on this circular walk around Loch Affric. It's a stunning area with lochs, rivers, mountains, pine forest and lots of wildlife to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, mountain hares and red deer as you make your way through the reserve.
The walk starts from the River Affric car park at the eastern end of the loch. The area is managed by the forestry commission who have devised the River Affric walking trail which runs south from the car park on well laid out paths. The short trail gives great views of the rushing waters of the river and Loch Beinn a Mheadhoi.
The route then follows the Loch Affric Circuit around the Loch Affric. It's a challenging 11 mile path which climbs high above the loch giving wonderful views over the glen. Along the way you'll pass a series of smaller lochs and majestic towering pine forest. There's also fine views of the mountains of Mullach Fraoch-Choire and Mam Sodhail.
To extend your walking in the glen you can head to Plodda Falls where you'll find a spectacular 46 metre high waterfall plunging into the Abhainn Deabhag river.
You can also try the Dog Falls Trail at the north eastern end of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhain. The lovely waymarked trail takes you along a series of waterfalls to a fabulous viewpoint overlooking the loch. View Full Details>> |
| Glenfinnan Viaduct |  | 2 miles (3.5 km) | Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint and enjoy wonderful views over Loch Shiel, on this wonderful circular walk in the Scottish Highlands. It's a fabulous piece of architecture with the beautiful mountains making a wonderful backdrop. The viaduct is the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland at 416 yards (380 m), and crosses the River Finnan at a height of 100 feet (30 m). The best time to go is in the summer when you can see the Jacobite steam train running from Glenfinnan to Fort William and Mallaig. The viaduct featured in four of the Harry Potter film series with the Hogwarts Express passing along the same route.
The walk starts from the car park on the Glenfinnan Pier Road, just to the north of the River Finnan. From here you can pick up a footpath heading east towards the viaduct. A path then climbs above the viaduct on the northern side of the railway line, before descending through woodland and returning to the car park. You can then cross the river and visit the Glenfinnan Monument. The 18 m (60 ft) monument, sits at the head of the loch. It commemorates the Jacobite Rising of 1745, which began here when Prince Charles Edward Stuart ('Bonnie Prince Charlie') raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shiel. You can climb to the top of the monument and then head to the visitor centre where you can learn about the history of the area.
The first part of the walk uses a section of the Cape Wrath Trail. You can follow the trail north along the River Finnan and through Glen Finnan to extend your walking in the area.
You can also head to Polloch and enjoy a nice walk along the River Polloch to the loch and surrounding woodland. View Full Details>> |
| West Highland Way |  | 93 miles (150 km) | This is a fabulous long distance walking and cycling* route from Milngavie, north of Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. There's stunning scenery to enjoy with Lochs, mountains, rivers and waterfalls all dotted along the route.
The route begins just outside Glasgow at Milngavie and heads north through Mugdock Country Park before reaching Loch Lomond where you enjoy a fantastic waterside section along the shores of the loch with Ben Lomond mountain making a beautiful backdrop. You continue through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan, passing the lovely Falls of Falloch, Loch Tulla, Glen Orchy and crossing Rannoch Moor. The path then takes you through the stunning Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, before crossing the River Leven at the head of Loch Leven. The final section takes you past Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in Fort William.
The route is well signposted throughout.
*For cyclists please be aware that while much of the route makes for fantastic cycling some sections are extremely challenging and are only suitable for experienced mountain bikers. Even then you will have to carry your bike over certain sections. Please see this discussion thread for information. View Full Details>> |