Where vast lochs, sweeping glens, and ancient peaks shape Scotland’s most iconic walking landscapes.
The Scottish Highlands are a place of scale, silence, and elemental beauty — a region defined by mountains, moorland, forests, and long glens carved by ice and weather. From the high mountains of Lochaber to the lochs and ridges of Inverness-shire, and the remote coastal wildness of Wester Ross, this is classic walking holiday territory. Every trail leads deeper into the land: past shimmering lochs, through ancient pinewoods, across high passes, and into glens where the landscape feels unchanged for centuries.
This is walking country at its most powerful — made for slow travel, long-distance journeys, and days shaped by light, weather, and wide Highland horizons. Follow routes such as the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way, or explore the wild heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where forest, mountain, and sky meet in some of Britain’s most dramatic scenery.
The Highlands are equally rewarding for outdoor adventures. Wander into Glen Coe, paddle glass-calm lochs, climb famous summits like Ben Nevis, or roam the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Strathspey and Glenmore. Wildlife watching, photography, and quiet nature-based exploration are part of every day.
It’s also an excellent region for cycling holidays, with long-distance cycling routes, quiet glen roads, forest trails, and lochside loops linking places like Fort William, Aviemore, Drumnadrochit, and Ullapool. From gentle canal paths to tougher mountain routes, the Highlands offer scenic riding for every ability.
And when the day eases, you’ll find independent places to stay close to mountains, lochs, and trailheads — from walkers’ inns and lochside B&Bs to glen lodges, stone cottages, and Highland hotels in Fort William, Inverness, Aviemore, Kinlochleven, and waterside villages across the region.
Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail, running 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Expect moorland plateaus, lochside walking, highland passes, and historic inns — a true Highland journey.
A coast-to-coast route linking Fort William and Inverness along the Great Glen fault. Walk beside Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Ness, following a mix of canal paths, forest tracks, and elevated viewpoints.
One of Scotland’s most celebrated glens. Explore native pinewoods, quiet lochs, and mountain-framed trails offering a deep sense of solitude and wild beauty.
Britain’s largest national park, home to ancient pine forests, upland plateaus, wildlife-rich glens, and excellent walking routes around Aviemore, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore, and Braemar.
The Scottish Highlands aren’t just a place to visit — they’re a landscape to step into. Raw, remote, and atmospheric, this is walking at its most elemental. Take the trail, feel the weather, follow the land, and let the Highlands stay with you.
Walk world-class trails, climb famous peaks, explore glens, go wildlife watching, visit castles, enjoy loch cruises, or paddle calm waters in national parks and coastal regions.
Top choices include the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, routes in Glen Affric, and upland trails in the Cairngorms National Park.
Kayaking, mountain biking, climbing Munros, winter walking, snow sports in the Cairngorms, glen hikes, and boat trips on lochs like Loch Ness and Loch Linnhe.
Late spring to early autumn offers the best conditions. Winter can be beautiful and atmospheric but requires proper preparation for colder weather and shorter daylight.
Yes. Many tour operators offer guided and self-guided walking holidays with accommodation, luggage transfers, and detailed route notes.
