Walking in Scotland
With its stunning scenery and magical mountains, Scotland has established itself as a firm favourite with walkers all over the world. Indeed, visitors come from all corners of the globe to experience walking in Scotland – and it’s not hard to see why.
Walking in Scotland isn’t limited to the mountain ranges –closer to sea level there are beautiful countryside strolls – but it’s high on a hill that Scotland’s magic really takes hold.
Scotland’s highest mountains are known as ‘Munros’, named after Sir Hugh T Munro, who in 1891 collated details of the country’s tallest peaks (over 3000 ft). The tallest of them all is Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain, and a point of pilgrimage for thousands of hikers every year.
In terms of stature then, Ben Nevis is the pinnacle of walking in Scotland, but the best walk – the most beautiful – is open to conjecture.
To the east of the country you’ll find the Cairngorms, a wild and remote mountainous region distinguished by valleys carved by glaciers. The area’s best known passes, Lairig Ghru and Lairig an Laoigh provide breathtaking, if extremely challenging, walks that are certainly contenders for the crown.
For something a little different, though no less scenic, head to the very northern tip of the British Isles and enjoy the delightful walks of Sutherland. Ruggedly beautiful, Sutherland’s northern and eastern coasts are full of great walks, and are littered with deserted beaches overlooked by imposing mountains.
Elsewhere, you could take in the stunning scenery of Loch Torridon, its beautiful, calm fjord set against a backdrop of sandstone mountains that make for ideal walking. For something less strenuous, the nearby village of Applecross offers perfect summer strolling and a hearty pub lunch!
And that’s the real beauty of walking in Scotland - there are routes to suit all ages and abilities. Fierce, demanding mountains for the experienced hiker, relaxed moorland walks for the amateur and gentle beach-side strolls for families.
In short, it’s the perfect place to feel the wind in your hair and your EzyShoes underfoot!
