Coastal Walks

Coastal Walks - A guide to walking in Scotland.

Looking for a walking adventure in Scotland? You're in the right place! From coastal paths to forest trails, mountain ranges to city routes, Scotland has it all. With 7 top walks to choose from, this guide will help you explore Scotland's great outdoors.

Scotland covers 30,414 square miles, has a population of 5.2 million, and boasts over 7,300 miles of rugged coastline. While Glasgow and Edinburgh are Scotland's largest cities, much of the country has a low population, and the Northwest is one of the least inhabited places in Europe.

If you're an experienced climber or walker, Ben Nevis should be on your list. As the UK's highest mountain, it attracts 125,000 people every year. However, be aware that it's only accessible by experienced mountaineers in winter, and you should check the forecast carefully during summer to avoid getting caught out without the correct clothing or equipment. Our campervans can be used as a base, and we can supply lots of wild/free camping spots. Visit our website for full information.

Scotlands Mountains

Looking to explore Scotland's mountains on foot? Look no further than Scottish Tourer! Our motorhomes are the perfect base for exploring the country's 283 Munros, including the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. However, please be aware that during the winter months, only experienced mountaineers and climbers should attempt to summit Ben Nevis, and in the summer, check the forecast carefully to ensure you have the correct clothing and equipment.

Our motorhomes all have comfortable beds and full-power showers, and we can supply plenty of wild and free camping spots for overnight stays. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there's a mountain in Scotland for everyone. From the white granite of Ben Nevis to the stunning views of Cairngorm, there's no better way to experience the beauty of Scotland's mountains than by foot. Visit our website, for more information and start planning your Scottish adventure today!

Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, is a must-visit destination. This famous mountain near Fort William attracts 125,000 people every year who aspire to climb to the summit. However, be aware that during winter, it's only accessible to experienced mountaineers and climbers. Even in the summer, it's essential to check the forecast carefully, as many walkers get caught out every summer without the correct clothing or equipment.

Ben Nevis was an active volcano millions of years ago, which caved inwards on itself after a huge explosion. Near the summit, you can see white granite, which is evidence of the blast. The Gaelic name for Ben Nevis has two meanings: "mountain with its head in the clouds" and "venomous mountain." After you've climbed it, you can decide which definition you like best.

Scotland has 283 mountains over 3000 ft, which are called Munros after Sir Hugh Munro, who climbed them all and catalogued them into a list in 1891. Around 6,000 experienced walkers have completed climbing the list of Munros, a pursuit called Munro bagging. Stephen Pyke holds the record of climbing all 283 Munros in 39 days in 2010.

The highest Munro is Ben Nevis, at 4,400 ft. The second highest is Ben Macdui at 4,295 ft, which is the highest mountain in the Cairngorms. The third-highest is Braeriach, at 4,252 ft, in the Western Cairngorms. The Cairngorm, at 4,084 ft, is the seventh-highest mountain in the UK. For those not into hiking, the Cairngorm mountain has a funicular railway that takes you to a restaurant near the summit, which is only 20 minutes' walk away, making this the easiest Munro to summit. On a clear day, you can see from coast to coast, and the views are simply stunning.

If you're planning a trip to Scotland to explore its beautiful mountains, consider renting one of our comfortable motorhomes.

Scotlands Hiking Trails

Scotland has some of the best long-distance walking routes in the world , the West Highland way, The Southern Upland way, The Great Glen Way, all have fantastic scenery and are mainly off-road with no traffic and are well marked with a useful range of services along the routes, The trails can be enjoyed by those who only want to have a family day out and walking only sections of the route.

Coastal Walks

Discover the stunning beauty of Scotland's coastline with our top coastal walking routes. The Fife Coastal Path, spanning 117 miles from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Tay, offers a range of breathtaking scenery and award-winning beaches, suitable for both novice and experienced walkers. The John Muir Way, a 137-mile trail crossing the center of Scotland, takes you through the birthplace of John Muir and offers stunning views over the East coast.

The Mull of Galloway Trail is a 37-mile route starting from the Isle of Mull, passing through Stranraer, and ending in Glenapp in South Ayrshire. For a shorter walk, the West Island Way on the Isle of Bute runs for around 30 miles, offering a well-marked out route along the beautiful coastline, best enjoyed over two days. Book your next coastal walking adventure in Scotland today.

Walking in Scotland, our 7 top walks.

The following walks are each unique in their own way following Scotland’s heritage, Coastal paths, City, walks, mountain peaks and a hidden glen.

1. Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis standing at the height of 4400 ft, is close to the town of Fort William and described by experienced climbers and walkers as simply “The Ben”,     sometimes it’s called “big bad Ben” as the unwary or inexperienced it can be a very dangerous place especially in winter. The normal path up to the summit is very well used and in the main is relatively easy to follow and is used by thousands of walkers and visitors every year,  the walk takes between 5 and 7 hours to complete.

Please bear in mind this is the highest mountain in the UK, and it can snow up the top even in midsummer unless you are an experienced mountaineer or walker for your safety you are advised to go only between June and September.

Safety First. It is imperative you check the weather forecast and have warm clothing and sturdy footwear, the weather on Ben Nevis can change from nice sunshine to chilling downpours of heavy rain, so make sure you are well equipped for all weather conditions. For more information, please follow this link, Ben Nevis. 

2. Arthurs seat 

Perched high above the city of Edinburgh within the Hollyrood Park which is an old Volcano sits Arthur, s Seat. There are various routes to the top, and it’s a bit of a scramble over the rocks to reach the top. Follow this link for more information,  Arthur’s Seat.

There are a few other hilltops walks around Edinburgh, Castle Hill, Braids Hill, Calton Hill, Blackford Hill, they all take around two hours to complete.
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3. West Highland Way

The route is from Milngavie near Glasgow to FortWilliam, at 96 miles this is quite a challenge to tackle in one go. However the track can be broken down into segments which can be done as daily routes which mean you don’t have to tackle the whole route from end to end in one go.
 
Part of the route can be split into a 7 hour stretch from Inversnaid to Inverarnan which takes you through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs national park. However, bear in mind this is quite a gruelling 7-hour hike and is possibly the hardest part of the route. Follow this link for more detailed information, West Highland Way.  

4. Glenfinnan viaduct trail

If you have seen any the Harry Potter films, then you will certainly recognise the Glenfinnan Viaduct, The trail is around 2.5 miles long (4km) with fantastic views of the Jacobite monument which was built in 1815 to commemorate the Jacobite’s, with lovely views down to Loch Sheil.  

The walk is around 2 hours on mainly easy tracks, although the path above the viaduct is quite steep. If you are lucky you may be able to see and photograph the Flying Scotsman steam train crossing the viaduct, The train runs between Malaig and Fort William, follow this link for more information, Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail.

5. Coire Gabhail

Coire Gabhail is situated within Glencoe which is packed with the most stunning walks through breath-taking scenery, Also famous for the bloody Glencoe massacre between the clans Macdonald and Campbells. This area is a mecca for ice climbing and mountaineering in the winter.
 
Coire Gabhail also is known as the lost valley it is rumoured the Macdonald clan would hide the rustled cattle from the surrounding clans in this valley, the hike will take around 3 hours taking in the most stunning mountain scenery you are ever likely to see. The route is around 2.5 to 3 miles. For more detailed information, follow this link, Coire Gabhail.

6.  Tobermory bay to Aros park

This coastal walk starts at Tobermory Bay on the Island of Mull situated on the west coast of Scotland and is easily reached by a 1.5-hour Ferry crossing from the Mainland at Oban, 
 
This two-hour walk stretches up around the edge of the bay with views to Tobermory, and the colourful houses on the seafront, there are Many viewpoints taking in the surrounding Islands such as the Isle of Islay know as the whiskey Island, due to there being no less than eight distilleries on this small island some of the more famous are. Laphroig, Lagavulin, and Bowmore all the whiskies have a peaty type flavour. 

7. Fife coastal path
 

The Fife Coastal Path starts at the Forth Estuary which is in the south, then across to the Tay just across the river from Dundee in the north, the route is 117 miles in length and has been divided into eight segments, so it’s easier for route planning.

Don’t miss a visit to the world-famous fish and chip shop in Anstruther, which has been voted the best fish and chip shop in the UK for many years. The restaurant has been visited by Royalty including Prince Charles. The will probably be a large queue waiting but persevere it will be worth the wait.  

The route which passes through St Andrews can be broken up into sections which can be tackled on a daily basis. There is a 12-mile section from Burntisland to East Wemyss, which is a really good day walking experience. Follow this link for more information, For more detailed information on this route follow this link, Fife Coastal Path.