Whatever type of walking you enjoy, from a short stroll with the kids to a trek through wilderness areas, Scotland offers lots of options
and the opportunity to experience stunning scenery, wonderful wildlife and captivating culture.
Some walks in Scotland
Deeside Railway Line
Before beginning the walk, it's well worth taking some time to enjoy the Old Royal Station at Ballater. The station is packed with local tourist information and houses a Royalty and Railways exhibition, which re-creates the grandeur and ceremony of a bygone age.
To begin your journey, walk past the Station Restaurant and visitor centre and turn left between the station buildings, and then right to access the platform and thus the path. Follow the walkway, which soon becomes a delightful fenced path, with the wooded hill of Craigendarroch (crag of oaks) rising to your left. Cross the A93 road with care and continue along the peaceful path. In about 800m, the ruined 15th century church and kirkyard of Kirkton of Tullich is just on the left. St Nathalan founded the first chapel here in the 7th century..........
To see more about this walk please click here
Randolph's Leap
Go through gate and past children's play area with information board giving details of wildlife to watch out for including: osprey, sandpiper, dipper, treecreeper, oystercatcher, lapwing, curlew, pheasants, duck, highland cattle, and salmon, plus trees such as oak, birch and scots pine. Follow path and white arrows to River Findhorn.
At fork in path either take left and follow path back to Logie Steading (1km short walk), or carry straight on following sign for Randolph's Leap along the banks of the River Findhorn. Enjoy the leisurely pace of the river as it slowly meanders towards its estuary at Findhorn Bay. Watch for salmon leaping in the tranquil dark pools. As the River Findhorn branches off to the right, carry on along banks of River Divie past a field on the left which might have highland cattle grazing.
When path joins the B9007 turn right across bridge over Divie and climb up hill for 0.25 miles (please take care and walk facing on-coming traffic). A signpost for Randolph's Leap and information panel will appear in a gap on the right.
To see more about this walk please click here
Fochabers and Spey Bay
From Spey Bay, follow Speyside Way signs back along the road for 250m, and then turn right onto a track, which is followed for 1.5km. The Speyside Way path is currently being extended to Buckie along the coast and further up the Spey to Aviemore. There are fine views along the track to Ben Aigen and beyond it to distant Ben Rinnes.
At the old railway line, turn right, down to the river. Go up steps to the impressive railway viaduct, and cross the river. Continue on a path above the golf course.
At the road bridge, go up the steps on the left and turn left on the road (a short diversion right leads into the attractive village of Garmouth, where King Charles II signed the Solemn League and Covenant in June 1650, accepting the proposed Reformation of the Church).
Continue down the minor road, which gives very easy walking with wide views, for 4km/2.5 miles past the unusual Red Kirk of 1733 to enter Mosstodloch and reach the A96...........
To see more about this walk please click here
Cruden Bay and Bullers of Buchan
Follow the signs for the harbour and beach. At the car park, facing the church, turn right towards the end of the car park and take the path ahead through woodland. Follow the path across a burn, through a mini-gorge and curve left along the top of the cliffs to Slains Castle.
In front of the castle turn left away from the sea across the end of the inlet of Long Haven and at a junction, turn right along a straight track. At the road corner go through the car park, turn right through a gate and walk along a path back towards the sea. Turn left to continue along a narrow and winding cliff-top path, passing the island of Dunbury and the headland of the Grey Mare, the path eventually turns sharply inland at the inlet of Robie's Haven.
Turn right to pass in front of cottages and keep walking until you reach the rim of the Bullers of Buchan.
To see more about this walk please click here
Crinan Forest Walk
This Forestry Commission Scotland walk is waymarked with distinctive posts showing a small ship symbol - a reference to the 'puffers' or coaster boats once common on the Crinan Canal.
Start by following the 'puffer' way-marks from the car park at Crinan Harbour. Continue along the shore into the woods - take care at high water along this section. Follow the path up through the woods and turn right on reaching the forest track. Turn left at the next junction and look out for a waymark on the right indicating a small path. Go past a lochan and round a small wood, to follow the path uphill to the fort; take care - the seaward side is very steep. Descend from the fort, through the deer fences and onto the forest road running around Ardnoe Point to rejoin the outward route back to the harbour.
To see more about this walk please click here
Explore Abernethy - Riverside Walk
This gentle walk takes you along the banks of the river Nethy, passing through mixed decidous woodland with an abundance of wildflowers, finches and tits. Grey Heron and Dipper are often seen in the water.
The trail then passes on into a century old tree nursery, once used to replenish the woods of Scots Pine during the timber industries of the 19th Century. The footpath then meanders through mature pine woodland within the Dell Wood National Nature Reserve. Look out for Red squirrel, Roe deer and Crested tit!
Return to the starting point at the community centre along Culvardie Road, past beautiful cottages and gardens. This is an all abilities route along the river for 1km, with regular resting points, clear overhead tunnel, low gradients with one short stretch at 1:8. Follow signs to return by Dell Road or Dell Wood.
To see more about this walk please click here
Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna
On Rothiemurchus Estate, this walk is well maintained and much information is made available to walkers. The shorter version, round Loch an Eilein only, is 3 miles and is probably the most popular walk in the area, in both summer and winter. The walk around Loch Gamhna is less frequented; a pity, because it offers splendid views.
The walk begins at the car park at the north end of Loch an Eilein. The Visitor Centre is well worth a visit. There is a castle in the Loch which is about 600 years old; it was a place of refuge for local people when raiding clans appeared. In the main the paths are good; only for a few hundred metres at the far end of Loch Gamhna is the walking bad. Walking round the two lochs offers contrasts, Loch an Eilein being set amongst old Scots Pines while much of Loch Gamhna is bordered by open moorland. Both are pleasant walks.
To see more about this walk please click here
Alva Glen
Start from the car park in Alva at the north end of Brook Street - follow signs of Alva Glen - north of the main road (A91) between Stirling & Tillicoultry.
From the top of Brook Street; follow the path through the woods, turn left after crossing the burn and climb some steps to follow the line of an old water pipe under the path up the glen. The path is mostly well surfaced and meanders back and forth across the burn. At the third bridge the path swings up the hill in a series of hairpin bends, finally reaching a viewpoint high above the glen. Go through the kissing gate and take the high level path back around the hill and down a steep path to the edge of the golf course - take care in wet conditions here. Cross an old wall via a stile to get back to the start.
To see more about this walk please click here
Fala Flow
The walk begins at a track road just off to the right of the A68, a few yards south of the historic village of Fala. This route leads across wild and exposed heather moorland.
To start, walk past the cemetery on the right and continue straight ahead under the power lines that traverse the landscape.
For the most part the area is a blanket bog where Heather, Bell Heather, Cotton Grass and Sundew are found. The remains of the Fala Luggie, a tower built in the 1600s, is visible to your right. It is thought to have been built in connection with the Roman road Watling Street as a look-out tower. On the other side of the path is a small loch known as Fala Flow which is believed by some to have no bottom as its waters are of a dark peaty colour. Looking past the loch on the horizon we see the Lammermuir Hills with the towers of the Dun Law Windfarm clearly visible. The remains of Soutra Aisle are also visible.
Soutra Aisle was an important mediaeval monastic complex comprising a hospital, monastery, and church and was founded by Malcolm IV of Scotland. The hospital was run by Augustinian monks, and is believed to have been the largest hospital in mediaeval Scotland. Investigations have discovered that the monks of the hospital were using treatments to treat patients far in advance than current day estimates have suggested. The hospital was also strategically positioned between the Scottish and English borders and dealt with many casualties of Scottish-English battles. The site also boasts a rich variety of wildlife from otters to migrating geese.
Before crossing Brothershiels Burn, you will come to a gate. Take care to close the gate behind you as this is grazing land. From here, the track can become wet. Proceed in a loop towards the linear end of the route which you should follow back to the beginning.
To see more about this walk please click here
North Esk Reservoir
The start point is at the southerly end of the Midlothian village of Carlops at the waymarked sign 'Buteland by the Borestane'.
Set out on the track that rises up the slope opposite the car park below the Witches Rock. Eventually the road becomes a rough gravel track and there is a steep zigzag ascent just before Fairliehope. Beyond this, you should continue on towards the North Esk Reservoir, with its waterfowl and marsh birds. At the reservoir it is possible to go east along the dam and find a rough waymarked track heading south-east to Spittal Farm and Ninemileburn. The Knights Templar at one time owned much of the land in this area and did so until 1560 when the Order was suppressed.
Descending the hill take in the wonderful views north-east over the arable landscape of Midlothian. Continue downhill past Spittal Farm to the T-junction via the old road at Ninemileburn. Here turn right and walk back to Carlops. The route then leads back to the main car park.
To see more about this walk please click here
Information on this page has been supplied by:
Visit Scotland
Some walks in Scotland
Deeside Railway Line
Before beginning the walk, it's well worth taking some time to enjoy the Old Royal Station at Ballater. The station is packed with local tourist information and houses a Royalty and Railways exhibition, which re-creates the grandeur and ceremony of a bygone age.
To begin your journey, walk past the Station Restaurant and visitor centre and turn left between the station buildings, and then right to access the platform and thus the path. Follow the walkway, which soon becomes a delightful fenced path, with the wooded hill of Craigendarroch (crag of oaks) rising to your left. Cross the A93 road with care and continue along the peaceful path. In about 800m, the ruined 15th century church and kirkyard of Kirkton of Tullich is just on the left. St Nathalan founded the first chapel here in the 7th century..........
To see more about this walk please click here
Randolph's Leap
Go through gate and past children's play area with information board giving details of wildlife to watch out for including: osprey, sandpiper, dipper, treecreeper, oystercatcher, lapwing, curlew, pheasants, duck, highland cattle, and salmon, plus trees such as oak, birch and scots pine. Follow path and white arrows to River Findhorn.
At fork in path either take left and follow path back to Logie Steading (1km short walk), or carry straight on following sign for Randolph's Leap along the banks of the River Findhorn. Enjoy the leisurely pace of the river as it slowly meanders towards its estuary at Findhorn Bay. Watch for salmon leaping in the tranquil dark pools. As the River Findhorn branches off to the right, carry on along banks of River Divie past a field on the left which might have highland cattle grazing.
When path joins the B9007 turn right across bridge over Divie and climb up hill for 0.25 miles (please take care and walk facing on-coming traffic). A signpost for Randolph's Leap and information panel will appear in a gap on the right.
To see more about this walk please click here
Fochabers and Spey Bay
From Spey Bay, follow Speyside Way signs back along the road for 250m, and then turn right onto a track, which is followed for 1.5km. The Speyside Way path is currently being extended to Buckie along the coast and further up the Spey to Aviemore. There are fine views along the track to Ben Aigen and beyond it to distant Ben Rinnes.
At the old railway line, turn right, down to the river. Go up steps to the impressive railway viaduct, and cross the river. Continue on a path above the golf course.
At the road bridge, go up the steps on the left and turn left on the road (a short diversion right leads into the attractive village of Garmouth, where King Charles II signed the Solemn League and Covenant in June 1650, accepting the proposed Reformation of the Church).
Continue down the minor road, which gives very easy walking with wide views, for 4km/2.5 miles past the unusual Red Kirk of 1733 to enter Mosstodloch and reach the A96...........
To see more about this walk please click here
Cruden Bay and Bullers of Buchan
Follow the signs for the harbour and beach. At the car park, facing the church, turn right towards the end of the car park and take the path ahead through woodland. Follow the path across a burn, through a mini-gorge and curve left along the top of the cliffs to Slains Castle.
In front of the castle turn left away from the sea across the end of the inlet of Long Haven and at a junction, turn right along a straight track. At the road corner go through the car park, turn right through a gate and walk along a path back towards the sea. Turn left to continue along a narrow and winding cliff-top path, passing the island of Dunbury and the headland of the Grey Mare, the path eventually turns sharply inland at the inlet of Robie's Haven.
Turn right to pass in front of cottages and keep walking until you reach the rim of the Bullers of Buchan.
To see more about this walk please click here
Crinan Forest Walk
This Forestry Commission Scotland walk is waymarked with distinctive posts showing a small ship symbol - a reference to the 'puffers' or coaster boats once common on the Crinan Canal.
Start by following the 'puffer' way-marks from the car park at Crinan Harbour. Continue along the shore into the woods - take care at high water along this section. Follow the path up through the woods and turn right on reaching the forest track. Turn left at the next junction and look out for a waymark on the right indicating a small path. Go past a lochan and round a small wood, to follow the path uphill to the fort; take care - the seaward side is very steep. Descend from the fort, through the deer fences and onto the forest road running around Ardnoe Point to rejoin the outward route back to the harbour.
To see more about this walk please click here
Explore Abernethy - Riverside Walk
This gentle walk takes you along the banks of the river Nethy, passing through mixed decidous woodland with an abundance of wildflowers, finches and tits. Grey Heron and Dipper are often seen in the water.
The trail then passes on into a century old tree nursery, once used to replenish the woods of Scots Pine during the timber industries of the 19th Century. The footpath then meanders through mature pine woodland within the Dell Wood National Nature Reserve. Look out for Red squirrel, Roe deer and Crested tit!
Return to the starting point at the community centre along Culvardie Road, past beautiful cottages and gardens. This is an all abilities route along the river for 1km, with regular resting points, clear overhead tunnel, low gradients with one short stretch at 1:8. Follow signs to return by Dell Road or Dell Wood.
To see more about this walk please click here
Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna
On Rothiemurchus Estate, this walk is well maintained and much information is made available to walkers. The shorter version, round Loch an Eilein only, is 3 miles and is probably the most popular walk in the area, in both summer and winter. The walk around Loch Gamhna is less frequented; a pity, because it offers splendid views.
The walk begins at the car park at the north end of Loch an Eilein. The Visitor Centre is well worth a visit. There is a castle in the Loch which is about 600 years old; it was a place of refuge for local people when raiding clans appeared. In the main the paths are good; only for a few hundred metres at the far end of Loch Gamhna is the walking bad. Walking round the two lochs offers contrasts, Loch an Eilein being set amongst old Scots Pines while much of Loch Gamhna is bordered by open moorland. Both are pleasant walks.
To see more about this walk please click here
Alva Glen
Start from the car park in Alva at the north end of Brook Street - follow signs of Alva Glen - north of the main road (A91) between Stirling & Tillicoultry.
From the top of Brook Street; follow the path through the woods, turn left after crossing the burn and climb some steps to follow the line of an old water pipe under the path up the glen. The path is mostly well surfaced and meanders back and forth across the burn. At the third bridge the path swings up the hill in a series of hairpin bends, finally reaching a viewpoint high above the glen. Go through the kissing gate and take the high level path back around the hill and down a steep path to the edge of the golf course - take care in wet conditions here. Cross an old wall via a stile to get back to the start.
To see more about this walk please click here
Fala Flow
The walk begins at a track road just off to the right of the A68, a few yards south of the historic village of Fala. This route leads across wild and exposed heather moorland.
To start, walk past the cemetery on the right and continue straight ahead under the power lines that traverse the landscape.
For the most part the area is a blanket bog where Heather, Bell Heather, Cotton Grass and Sundew are found. The remains of the Fala Luggie, a tower built in the 1600s, is visible to your right. It is thought to have been built in connection with the Roman road Watling Street as a look-out tower. On the other side of the path is a small loch known as Fala Flow which is believed by some to have no bottom as its waters are of a dark peaty colour. Looking past the loch on the horizon we see the Lammermuir Hills with the towers of the Dun Law Windfarm clearly visible. The remains of Soutra Aisle are also visible.
Soutra Aisle was an important mediaeval monastic complex comprising a hospital, monastery, and church and was founded by Malcolm IV of Scotland. The hospital was run by Augustinian monks, and is believed to have been the largest hospital in mediaeval Scotland. Investigations have discovered that the monks of the hospital were using treatments to treat patients far in advance than current day estimates have suggested. The hospital was also strategically positioned between the Scottish and English borders and dealt with many casualties of Scottish-English battles. The site also boasts a rich variety of wildlife from otters to migrating geese.
Before crossing Brothershiels Burn, you will come to a gate. Take care to close the gate behind you as this is grazing land. From here, the track can become wet. Proceed in a loop towards the linear end of the route which you should follow back to the beginning.
To see more about this walk please click here
North Esk Reservoir
The start point is at the southerly end of the Midlothian village of Carlops at the waymarked sign 'Buteland by the Borestane'.
Set out on the track that rises up the slope opposite the car park below the Witches Rock. Eventually the road becomes a rough gravel track and there is a steep zigzag ascent just before Fairliehope. Beyond this, you should continue on towards the North Esk Reservoir, with its waterfowl and marsh birds. At the reservoir it is possible to go east along the dam and find a rough waymarked track heading south-east to Spittal Farm and Ninemileburn. The Knights Templar at one time owned much of the land in this area and did so until 1560 when the Order was suppressed.
Descending the hill take in the wonderful views north-east over the arable landscape of Midlothian. Continue downhill past Spittal Farm to the T-junction via the old road at Ninemileburn. Here turn right and walk back to Carlops. The route then leads back to the main car park.
To see more about this walk please click here
Information on this page has been supplied by:
Visit Scotland
