Summary

  • Departing for a multi-day hike in the Scottish Highlands requires essentials like a tent and sleeping bag, but all you truly need is a sense of adventure and an open mind.
  • Scotland offers endless options for long-distance treks, with picturesque landscapes and charming towns and villages to explore along the way.
  • From the Romans and Reivers Route to the Cape Wrath Trail, Scotland's long-distance hikes provide diverse experiences for adventurers of all levels of experience.

Sure, departing for a multi-day hike in the Scottish Highlands requires certain essentials to be packed. Things like a tent, sleeping bag, food, and water. But all you truly need to begin a journey through this storied landscape is a sense of adventure and a mind open to the inspiration sure to flow like a steady Scottish stream. Scotland is truly magical, with endless towns and villages feeling like they'd be home to fairies.

The country has endless options when it comes to jaunts that never take in a setting sun, but to get a real sense of the majesty of the rare wonder that is Scotland, investing time and energy into a long trek is the only true option. With the countryside covered with long-distance trails, here are some of the best to consider next time you find yourself in the Land of the Brave.

UPDATE: 2023/11/21 11:38 EST BY NOAH STAATS

More Long-Distance Hikes To Consider While In Scotland

This article has been updated with two additional long-distance hikes in Scotland, including ones in the east and west of the country. Whether you're an avid adventurer or want to try something new the next time you're in the United Kingdom, Scotland acts as the tapestry to a much larger network of trails and pathways for people to explore. There's no place like it!

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15 Romans and Reivers Route

Dumfries, Scotland
cisko66CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A panoramic view of a street in Dumfries, Scotland, UK

The Romans and Reivers Route is a fun long-distance hike to consider while in Scotland. This trail connects Forest of Ae in Dumfries and Galloway with Hawick in the Scottish Borders and spans an impressive 52 miles. Much of this walking path will run through forest land, giving people a natural view of the countryside. This is a pretty flat trail overall, with most travelers finding the Romans and Reivers Route rather easy to navigate. Even driven sections allow those with limited mobility to see the stunning country and towns. It takes an average of 26+ hours to finish.

One thing to remember, however, is that when embarking on longer routes like this one, it is recommended to stop and start periodically, setting up camp or finding nearby hotels/inns between hiking. Although not incredibly dangerous or high elevation, this path can take a toll on the body.

  • Length: 83.6 km
  • Elevation: 1,695 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Location: Galloway, Hawick, and the greater Scottish Borders

14 Great Trossachs Path

Great_trossachs_path_signage
GrinnerCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Signage pointing toward the Great Trossachs Path

The next hike in Scottland that takes many days is the Great Trossachs Path. Here, people can embark on the 30-ish-mile route through Callander in the east and Inversnaid at Loch Lomond in the west. This trail is known to be incredibly scenic, giving adventurers a glimpse into the Scottish countryside, as well as views of the east and western ends of the country. Moreover, Great Trossachs Path provides you with canoe and kayak routes to take, making this a great choice for people who prefer to be on the water. Something else to bear in mind: on this route, hikers will pass through Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet, so there will be endless spots to stop and snap photos and videos for later. Spending half your time in the water and the other half walking this very doable route could even be worth it.

  • Length: 48 km
  • Elevation: 1,165 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Location: Between Callander in the east and Inversnaid at Loch Lomond in the west

13 West Highland Way

Blair Castle
Photo by ID 173191267 © Wollertz | Dreamstime.com
Blair Castle in the Scottish Highlands on a beautiful autumn day, Perthshire, UK

Perhaps the most famous of Scotland’s long-distance trails, the West Highland Way reaches a total of 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William across the astoundingly beautiful Highlands. Every step seems to enhance the stunning Scottish surroundings and brighten even the dreariest weather. Taking in the breathtaking banks of Loch Lomond, eerie Rannoch Manor, and dramatic Glencoe before finally coming to rest at the base of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. The West Highland Way provides everything an adventurer on foot could possibly desire.

  • Length: 154 km
  • Elevation: 3,155 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Location: Scottish Highlands

12 Rob Roy Way

View of Rosemarkie Bay in Rosemarkie, Scotland, UK
Photo by Kyle Rodman on Unsplash
View of Rosemarkie Bay in Rosemarkie, Scotland, UK

This incredible Southern Highlands stroll could be the greatest way to spend a full week anywhere on the planet. Seven days will see the intrepid and determined hiker cover 94 miles, starting at the picturesque town of Drymen and venturing northeast to the finish line of Pitlochry on the River Tummel. Following in the footsteps forged by one of Scotland’s most notorious 17th-18th century outlaws, Rob Roy MacGregor. History leaps out from behind every rock along this trail. Travel through glens, rivers, mountains, and lochs as you soak up some of the finest scenery in Scotland.

  • Length: 154 km
  • Elevation: 2,325 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Location: Stirling Perth and Kinross

11 Southern Upland Way

View of Eildon Hills in Scotland
Photo by Keith Proven on Pexels
View of Eildon Hills in Scotland

The first official coast-to-coast walking track in Britain, the Southern Upland Way is steeped in history and grabs hold of travelers with its wondrous views and doesn’t let go. Spanning a substantial 214 miles from Portpatrick on the southwest coast to Cockburnspath on the eastern tip of Scotland, the trail still feels largely untouched and desperate to be discovered. Due to its length and occasional severe inclines can provide a real challenge even for experienced walkers, but the payoff is more than worth it. Along the way, over 80 hills rise above 2000 feet, which provides amazing views of the surrounding countryside without ever crossing into mountain-climbing territory.

  • Length: 344 km
  • Elevation: 7,755 meters
  • Difficulty: High
  • Location: Southern Uplands

10 Cape Wrath Trail

Cape Wrath Trail
Shutterstock
Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland

This unofficial and wonderfully natural trek claws its way through the Scottish landscape from Fort William to Cape Wrath, Scotland's most northwestern point. Only for the most experienced walkers, the trail has no sanctioned route, aka, it is completely unmarked. As such, each journey needs to be plotted from beginning to end, and mapping and compass skills are required - this is a trail for more experienced long-distance hikers and trekkers. The joy of this is that no walk will ever be identical as travelers find their own route through the rugged terrain in search of the ominous Cape Wrath endpoint.

  • Length: 330 km
  • Difficulty: High
  • Location: Scotland

9 Mull Of Galloway Trail

Mull of Galloway Trail
Shutterstock
The Mull of Galloway Trail, Scotland, UK

A slightly shorter trail, clocking in at 37 miles, this walking route was opened in 2012 and runs from the Mull to Stranraer, dipping into the Loch Ryan Coastal Path along the way. The path is maintained by volunteers and is one of the most beautifully managed treks in the country, with a landscape straight out of Outlander. The iconic views and natural formations that make up the trail have been recognized by the Scottish Natural Heritage, which has selected the Mull of Galloway as one of Scotland’s greatest trails. No other recommendation is needed to begin lacing up the hiking boots and taking to the wide open spaces.

  • Length: 59 km
  • Elevation: 480 meters
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Location: Dumfries and Galloway

8 The Annandale Way

Culzean Castle
Photo by Vivs Long-Ferguson on Unsplash
View of Culzean Castle in Dumfries & Galloway

Commencing in the rolling hills above Moffat and tracing the banks of the River Annan all the way down to the Solway estuary, this exquisite trail can be tackled either north to south or south to north. Each provides a starkly different experience due to the differing perspectives created by the powerful scenery.

Covering a total of 56 miles, the route is designed to be completed in four or five days but can be done slowly thanks to several possible overnight stops in traditional Scottish villages along the way. This walk will see walkers leaving with many peaceful experiences and the contact details of the many friends they met along the way.

  • Length: 90 km
  • Elevation: 1,150 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Location: Annan, Dumfries and Galloway

7 The Skye Trail

View of the Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye under darks clouds, Scotland
Photo by Angelo Casto on Unsplash
View of the Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye under darks clouds, Scotland

Revered in Scottish myth as a place of beauty and wonder, the Isle of Skye is one of the most famous isles in Scotland. Giants and shape-shifting water creatures have been reported amongst its mountains and coastlines throughout history. The area inspires a sense of childlike wonder in those who visit the Skye Trail; an 80-mile unmarked hiking trail spanning its length is the single best way to get to grips with this mystical destination. The trail features free mountain huts for a good night's rest and allows wild camping along the route. The huts can be handy when unpredictable weather lashes the Isle, but it wouldn’t be a hike in Scotland without intervention from the elements.

  • Length: 128 km
  • Difficulty: High
  • Location: Isle of Skye
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6 The Great Glen Way

Aurora borealis northern lights in Orkney, Scotland
Shutterstock
Aurora borealis northern lights in Orkney, Scotland

One for fans of lovely lochs, the Great Glen Way is not called the Adequate Glen Way for a reason. If anything, great is an understatement for what this walk provides. Covering a spectacular geological fault line and providing elegant views of three more remarkable lochs in Scotland, there are not many walks in the world better than the Great Glen Way. Totaling 72 miles, the trail crosses the country from coast to coast amidst deep glens and imposing mountain ranges that reward effort with pure wonder once the summits are reached. Keep an eye out for Nessie as you wander past Loch Ness - she hasn’t been seen for a while, and the locals are growing concerned.

  • Length: 125 km
  • Elevation: 1,835 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate to High
  • Location: Fort William and Inverness

5 St Cuthbert's Way

Sunset at Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England
Shutterstock
Sunset at Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England

Kissing the coast of England and hugging the Scottish border, St Cuthbert’s Way is a 62-mile trail named after a 7th-century saint and spanning the routes he often traveled during his time on earth. The route has been open since 1996 and is suitable for both hikers and intrepid cyclists and horse riders. Wild camping is permitted along the Scottish sections of St Cuthbert’s, and plenty of lush areas ideal for a night’s rest or amazing camping present themselves each day to the tired traveler. A well-trafficked trail; it is estimated that 2,500 people complete the full trail each year, so travelers will not be lonely on this one.

  • Length: 100 km
  • Elevation: 2,075 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Location: Northumberland and Scottish Borders

4 The Scottish National Trail

The West Coast of Scotland
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
The West Coast of Scotland

The big one. The master of all Scottish trails. Essentially, this mammoth journey encompasses most of the major walking routes in the country and tops out at a remarkable 537 miles. The trail follows long-established footpaths for much of its expanse but becomes increasingly difficult and rugged the further north it continues. Many hikers complete the National Trail in stages, but plenty successfully attempt the entire distance in one trip. It is often described as a ‘Best of Scotland’ trail given just how much of the country and well-known trails it utilizes so for those wanting to feel they have conquered the entire country, the National Trail is the challenge for you.

  • Length: 864 km
  • Difficulty: High
  • Location: Scotland

3 Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail

The ruins of the Bishop's and Earl's palace in the Orkney Islands
Shutterstock
The ruins of the Bishop's and Earl's palace in the Orkney Islands

Aberdeen is one in-between places where no one is sure if it is the Scottish Lowlands or the Scottish Highlands. Most just seem to agree Aberdeen is, well, Aberdeen. At Aberdeen, one can also get the ferries up to Scotland's remote northern islands - the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands. The 165-mile-long Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail explores dramatic clifftops, enchanting coves, hidden beaches, sleepy towns, and more. Hiking this long-distance trail takes around four days and is an opportunity to explore a part of Scotland few get to see.

  • Length: 265 km
  • Difficulty: High
  • Location: Aberdeenshire

2 The Speyside Way

Autumn colors and fall foliage reflecting on a lake in the Scottish Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Shutterstock
Autumn colors and fall foliage reflecting on a lake in the Scottish Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Speyside Way is a long-distance path in the Scottish Highlands. It starts in Buckie and ends in Newtonmore and covers 68 kilometers. It traces riverside track and quiet country lands and then follows the old Strathspey railway line to Ballindalloch. It is considered one of Scotland's Great Trails and links to other Great Trails - the Dava Way and the Moray Coast Trail.

  • Length: 68 km
  • Location: Highlands

1 Scottish Coastal Way (Proposed)

Arran_Coastal_Way
M J RichardsonCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Coastal walking path in Scottland, UK

The Scottish Coastal Way is a proposed national trail that would completely explore the coastlines of mainland Scotland. Wales was the first to build a complete coastal path, and then England chose to follow (the English Coastal Path is nearing completion). The Scottish Coastal Way was proposed in 2009 and would be 10,000 km if built.

  • Length: 10,000 km (Proposed)
  • Difficulty: High
  • Location: Full Coastline