12 minute read
Scenic Walks in Scotland: Step into the Beauty
Scotland is a land of rugged beauty and wild landscapes. For those who love the outdoors, there's no better way to explore this country than on foot. So, lace up your boots and get ready for a memorable adventure, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes.
From the craggy peaks of the Highlands to the rolling hills of the Lowlands, Dream Escape’s Client Relationship Manager and Blue Badge Guide, Rosie Peattie shares her Top 10 Scottish walks – a curated selection of Scotland's lesserknown hiking trails with breathtaking scenery.
For any of these walks, Dream Escape will create a bespoke itinerary especially designed for you to complete at your own leisure or with one of our very experienced private guides to keep you on the straight and narrow. And what better way to enjoy your hike than with a traditional Scottish bothy lunch, complete with hearty soups, sandwiches, and a wee dram of whisky? We hope this feature inspires you to join us on a special journey through Scotland's stunning countryside...
Scottish Borders
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF TRAQUAIR
Traquair is a charming village surrounded by the largest woodland in the Tweed Valley. One of the best ways to explore the Traquair forest is by taking the Minch Moor circuit, a picturesque route that offers fabulous views of the surrounding landscape.
Highlights include reaching an old stone gateway decorated with many slate plaques commemorating horses, some with poems; 'Resolution Point' – an art installation consisting of shapes cut in the heather; and Cheese Well, a natural spring that has long been a water source for travellers on this old drove route. Wayfarers often left offerings here –including cheese – to thank the faeries for their safe passage. On a clear day, the view from the summit is extraordinary.
EXPLORE ST ABB'S HEAD
St Abb's Head is a spectacular coastal headland, which you might recognise from the big screen; it is a popular filming location, most recently featuring in the Marvel film Avengers: Endgame. The area is renowned for its seabird colonies, which makes it an ideal location for birdwatchers. The best way to experience the beauty of St Abb's Head is by joining Rosie on a walk around the Mire Loch and up around the cliffs of the Head, a National Nature Reserve. This straightforward route provides stunning views of the highly populated bird nesting areas and a lighthouse that has been in service since 1862.
On this route you will see the remains of a jetty that was built to land supplies for the lighthouse when it was staffed, and excellent coastal scenery, with a great view to St Abb's village ahead as well as back along the coastline.
Fort William
A WALK THROUGH THE DRAMATIC NEVIS GORGE TO THE AWESOME STEALL FALLS
One of our all-time Dream Escape favourites is this short but exhilarating walk in Fort William. The route takes you through the beautiful and dramatic Nevis Gorge, and leads to the awesome Steall Falls. The crowning glory of the walk, the waterfall cascades 105m down the rockface, and is the second highest falls in Scotland behind Eas a' Chual Aluinn. Rising above the falls is the Munro of An Gearanach, the first peak on the Ring of Steall and the starting point for many mountain excursions. Expect glimpses of tremendous rocky mountainsides through the trees and staggering scenery along the way.
Trossachs
BEN A'AN: THE MOUNTAIN IN MINIATURE
Nestled in the heart of the Trossachs, Ben A'an is a popular spot for hill walkers looking for a shorter, yet equally rewarding, climb. Known as the ‘mountain in miniature,’ it offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The climb is steep, but the effort is well worth it. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with an excellent view of the summit of Ben A'an rising. The final section of the climb is steep and rocky, but the view from the summit is truly breathtaking, with almost the full length of Loch Katrine in view, along with Ben Venue rising above the woodland at the foot of the loch. Although Ben A'an is not a true hilltop, it is a prominent rocky pyramid on the side of the higher summit of Meall Gainmheich, and is well known and loved by many.
Royal Deeside
DISCOVERING THE BALMORAL CAIRNS ON THE BALMORAL ESTATE
This is a unique and fascinating walk that offers a glimpse into the history of the royal family. Dream Escape guides will point out the cairns along the way, to include Princess Louise's, erected in honour of her marriage to the Marquis of Lorne in 1871 and Prince Leopold's, which is directly overlooking Balmoral Castle.
The massive stone pyramid erected for Prince Albert is a highlight of the walk, with an inscription that reads, 'To the beloved memory of Albert the great and good Prince Consort. Erected by his broken-hearted widow Victoria R. 21st August 1862'. The views over Deeside and Balmoral Castle are superb, and the cairns themselves are a testament to the history and legacy of the royal family.
LINN OF DEE CIRCUIT WALK
The Linn of Dee circuit near Braemar begins with a visit to the beautiful Linn of Dee, where the River Dee cascades through a narrow chasm topped by an old stone bridge. From there, the path heads up the lower reaches of Glen Luibeg, passing more waterfalls and through beautiful old pinewoods. After descending gently down steps towards the River Dee, you get to see the river thundering through a rocky chasm spanned by the old stone road bridge. The route takes you beside the River Luibeg, through natural pinewoods and offers distant views up the glen towards the cone-shaped summit of Derry Cairngorm. With waterfalls, pinewoods, and outstanding views, it's a great way to experience the beauty of this rugged and wild landscape.
THE MAGNIFICENT BURN O' VAT AND CULBLEAN CIRCUIT WALK
Located in the heart of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve lies a geological wonder: Burn O' Vat – a large granite cauldron, home to the Vat Burn and its beautiful waterfall. You can walk through the rocky stream to get behind the falls and explore its fascinating history as a hiding place for fugitives. Exploring these enchanting caves feels like you are entering a hidden kingdom, full of adventure, myths, legends and history. After your adventure in the Vat, climb through the trees, high above the Burn O' Vat for a more open area with heather between the trees, and a downhill through pleasant scattered pinewoods, with astonishing views of the surrounding landscape and Loch Davan. The Burn O' Vat and Culblean Circuit Walk is a true gem of the Scottish Highlands, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve.
Skye
THE SCORRYBREAC CIRCUIT IN PORTREE
Situated on the north side of Portree bay, this picturesque circuit offers marvellous views of the cottages around Portree Harbour and the surrounding landscape. Rosie will point out the tower in the woods, known as the Apothecary's tower, built as a sign to passing seafarers that medical supplies and expertise are available in the village. As you continue along the path, you'll pass the boathouse, which is the home of Skye Sailing Club before crossing a footbridge and reaching a memorial with a flagpole and stunning views across Loch Portree to the distant Cuillin Hills. The hill directly across the bay is Ben Tianavaig, where white-tailed eagles nest on the inaccessible cliffs below, so keep a keen eye out. The outcrop of rock just offshore, which can be reached at low tide, is the Black Rock, and across Loch Portree, you can clearly see the sandy beach at Camas Ban. The loch itself is home to a number of salmon farms, and you can usually see the fish jumping up from the water. Common seals can also sometimes be seen swimming by the shore. Further along the route there's a stone seat where you can take a break and enjoy the view of the high coastal cliffs to the north. The path ascends a steep series of zig-zags for which you are rewarded with great views over the salmon farms to Raasay, with Dùn Caan prominent like a little volcano.
LOCH CORUISK IN THE HEART OF THE CUILLIN
Tucked in the heart of the Cuillin mountains, Loch Coruisk is a must-see for Dream Escape's outdoor enthusiasts. Rosie will take you in and out by boat from Elgol across to Loch Scavaig, with breathtaking views from the sea as the Cuillin gradually come into view across the sea-loch, Scavaig. Keep an eye out for seals, porpoise, otters, or dolphins, which are often spotted from the boat – this journey in itself is part of the adventure. Before reaching the landing stage, the boat passes below the famous Bad Step. Walkers heading for Loch Coruisk along the coast from Camasunary and Elgol have to cross this rock obstacle by means of a sloping rock gangway-turned-crack. After landing, the walk begins by ascending the roughly constructed steps that lead inland. The River Scavaig cascades into the sea over rock slabs to your right, while further out to sea, you can see the bold outline of the Isle of Rùm and neighbouring Eigg.
Despite the boggy terrain, the phenomenal mountain scenery along the way makes it all worth it. If you're only walking one side of the loch, the south side offers easier going and the best views. Highlights include the magnificent fulllength view of Loch Coruisk; reaching the foot of the Allt a' Choire Riabhach; and the most prominent peak at the back of the corrie: Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh. To its right you'll see the four jagged summits of Sgùrr a Mhadaidh. To the left is the smaller peak of Sgùrr Thormaid, with four rocky teeth to its right. The path passes through an area scattered with giant, grey boulders that came down in a rockfall around 10 years ago. The dark rocks around Coruisk (and throughout the Cuillin) are Gabbro – a volcanic rock with a remarkably rough surface. It is this rock that provides the excellent grip that makes the Cuillin superb for climbing.
Northwest Highlands
SHIELDAIG PENINSULA: A PICTURESQUE WALK TO AN AIRD
Shieldaig is a picturesque village that offers wonderful coastal views and a tranquil atmosphere. One of the most popular walks in the area is the short trek to An Aird peninsula, which projects out into Loch Torridon. This walk offers splendid views of the shoreline and the opportunity to spot local wildlife, such as otters and herons. During the walk with Rosie you'll enjoy stunning views over Shieldaig and Shieldaig Island, Inveralligin and the Diabaig peninsula, and Loch Torridon. Discover the ruins of former houses, a large cairn and a lovely green sward where sheep graze in front of the house at Bad-callda.
HIKING WITH A BOTHY LUNCH
If you're looking for a unique way to explore Scotland's remarkable landscapes, Dream Escape can arrange a hike with an off-thebeaten-track bothy lunch included. This is a magical culinary experience, and a bothy is an ideal place to rest and enjoy lunch while still experiencing the natural beauty of Scotland. Here are a few of our Dream Escape favourites:
STRALOCH, PERTHSHIRE
Located on the road from Inverness to Braemar, Straloch (pictured above) is a picturesque area that offers stunning views and the opportunity to explore the Scottish Highlands. After a short drive up the hill in a 4WD, enjoy a picnic at the bothy. Dream Escape Head of Product, Louise Murray, highly recommends it.
CULARDOCH BOTHY, ROYAL DEESIDE
Owned by Iwan and Manuela Worth, this bothy is located up in the mountains near Fife Arms in Royal Deeside. Accessible only by a 4WD through forests and over moorland, the bothy offers a fabulous experience with a chef cooking lunch in the wild. On a beautiful day, the view is spectacular and the experience is unforgettable.
CULARDOCH SHIELING, GLEN EY, BRAEMAR
Dream Escape will organise a private lunch in an award-winning secluded hut made from locally sourced timber with a heather roof, accessed in a 4WD from Fife Arms. Following a hike across the grouse moors, a gourmet feast is whipped up in front of you.
Find out more:
Rosie Peattie, Client Relationship Manager
Hiking is one of my favourite pastimes in Scotland, from strolling through the heather on the banks of a crystal-clear burn to tougher trails that take you higher to hidden waterfalls. The views are always spectacular and the qualified hiking guides that accompany you will regale you will stories of long ago clan battles, as well as telling you about the flora and fauna that you see along the way. We can advise you on the best walk to suit you for an experience you will never forget.”
WORDS | JANE FREEMAN
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