Hikes In Scotland
To all who live in or have visited Scotland, the beautiful landscapes and phenomenal scenery cannot be denied. The abundant hills, mountains, and trail tracks make it one of the best places to unwind and journey through. With most of Scotlands population living, working and schooling in more popular cities like Glasgow, there’s a lot of cities and untouched landscapes to explore. For the indigenes and locals that live in or around the area, hiking is an extremely popular outdoor sport for obvious reasons. From personal healthy walks to lovely healthy walks with the whole crew, these are some of the most amazing and fulfilling hike sites in Scotland.
1. Arthur’s Seat
Enjoy the vantage point this history-rich hill offers lying over the city of Edinburgh. Located in Holyrood Park, this hill once boasted of releasing large amounts of hot larva about 350 million years ago. Of course, the Volcano is now extinct, leaving a beautiful grass-covered hill full of mysteries and exciting hiking trails. There are two main trails to sojourning around the hill; the Salisbury Crags or daringly heading directly up to Arthurs seat. With an estimated walk time of 30-60 minutes depending on the pace, you’ll enjoy a multi-dimensional view of the city. Entrance to Holyrood Park is free and so is the hike, just ensure you go on a day that is more sunny to enjoy the benefits of the trails.
2. Old Man Of Hoy, Orkney
If you love a good adventure and have no fear of climbing challenging heights, the Old Man of Hoy is the perfect site. It’s located right of Scotlands North East Coast, most people get there by ferry and start an energizing and rewarding journey along one of the highest sea cliffs in Britain. However, before getting to even see the Old Man of Hoy, there are uncomplicated, easy-to-follow trails along the coastline that lead uphill. It practically takes a day to get around the well-defined trails to get a full and leveled glimpse of the quintessential rocky mount measuring 450 feet from the ground. The scenery is not only great, but it’s also the perfect place to take memorable pictures standing on top of one of the most exhilarating heights.
3. The Fairy Pools, Isle Of Skye
Located on a beautiful island that is a popular tourist attraction to many from near and far, it happens to be a very serene and remote area. There is a hotel and campsite where visitors can lodge before the big day, once they arrive at Sligachan. While a lot of people arrive at the site by other means of transportation, it’s more exciting to drink in the amazing sights by taking a walk around the perimeter. It takes 2-4 hours to walk from the Sligichan roads to the springs, on the way beautiful side attractions and natural life make it worth the walk. The Cullin mountains bridge the gap between the main roads and the mesmerizing waterfalls that lie ahead. In the summer you could even join the number of people who swim in the clear blue and inviting natural waters.
4. Muggle Flugga, Shetland
This beautiful Island is a great getaway from the busyness of life, take in the fresh smells and beautiful blue waters surrounded by rocky pathways that provide a great vantage point. Lying on top of a small rocky island is a lighthouse; walk through the clear paths of the Hermaness Nature Reserve to get there. There are beautiful birds and sea life as well as beautiful wildflowers waiting to give you a warm welcome. The cliffs are home to gulls, puffins, kittiwakes and it takes about an hour to walk through. With the water hitting the rocks and a beautiful clifftop path steering you in the right direction, it’s perfect for letting out the steam and drinking in the peaceful air.
5. West Highland Way
If you take your hikes seriously and love to walk and take in new sceneries for long periods, this 155km long route would definitely keep any hiker occupied. It runs from a town in North Glasgow to Fort William, all the way in the highlands. The trail offers beautiful scenery from river banks, mountains and maybe even the Rannoch Moor. Being one of the country’s official trails, it was opened in 1980 and ranks as one of the longest walks in the world. The trail doesn’t take hikers to the really high tops but stays really moderate for the average hiker. It takes 2-3 days to walk through the highlands and take in all the natural highlights the remote scenery has to offer.
6. Ben Lomond
With two paths leading to this phenomenal hike site just beside the Lock Lomonds in the Scottish islands, it’s a cool and breezy place to sojourn in. One route starts from Rowardennan car park and the other right close to the National Trust Lodge. Reaching a height of 974 meters, there’s a clear view of the Loch Lomond and the other Mountains around. The trails are quite manageable to walk on, however, get ready for the winds when you reach certain heights on the mountain.
7. Lovers Stone, St.Kilda
Sometimes, when thinking about great places to go find love, or have a couples getaway, the first thought is France or Italy. However, these well-defined cliffs have become a frequent honeymoon spot for lovers who have discovered it’s magic touch. Located on a remote coast, St.Kilda is definitely an engulfing place to come to with a loved one, creating memories and taking a lot of on-scene pictures. The name does not only suggest a romantic mood but was born out of legend. Take this one day hike around the cliffsides and enjoy the classical fairytale notes in every step.
8. The Magical Great Glen Way
Looking like a page taken out of a storybook or an epic movie, the Great Glen connects from coast to coast, stretching across the Country. From the beautiful hills to the classical lochs, everything contributes to the fairytale look on both sides of the trails. The trail encompasses mystical looking castles and ancient ruins with rich historical backgrounds. To add to the mystery on the trails, the home of the rumored loch ness monster; the Loch Ness lies across the trails. If you really want to experience the beautiful topographical landscapes of Scotland, the Great Glen will surely lead the way.
