Walking Holidays in Scotland
Scotland can lay claim to some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery Great Britain has to offer. Take a walking holiday in Scotland and find natural beauty on a grand scale, from routes through mountain passes to high-level tracks that give you far-reaching views over some of Scotland’s most famous lochs and forests.
Explore Great Glens and Fells with Walking Holidays in Scotland
It’s easy to forget how much of Scotland is still wild and under-explored. Hiking Scotland’s hills has often figured as a way of finding respite from the frenetic pace of the city. For those looking for a challenge think The West Highland Way. An island escape, The Isle of Arran. For a more leisurely walk in Scotland, following the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness – look no further than The Great Glen Way.
Overview
Scotland's Paths
The most northerly region of the UK also contains the most mountainous terrain, with the highest mountain in Britain (Ben Nevis) towering over Scotland's distinctive highlands. Generally, the south and central lowlands are characterised by gentler forested areas in comparison to more rugged features of the north. Scotland's topography is divided between mainland and islands and dominated by the cavernous lochs sprawling across its landmass - 90% of the standing fresh water volume of Great Britain lies within Scotland.
Explore highlands, lochs and deep glens in Scotland's areas of iconic natural beauty. Your walking holiday can take you into areas full of echoes of Scottish history. Choose from walking the romantic Rob Roy Way in Scotland's Southern Highlands, along the shores of Loch Lomond with its islands set against stunning mountain backdrops and ascend the Devil's Staircase on the West Highland Way or the beautiful Isle of Arran, ‘Scotland in miniature’. End your time walking with a day in Edinburgh for a final experience of Scotland’s fascinating history.
Best Time to Walk in Scotland
Scotland is significantly colder and wetter than England and Wales. For this reason it is best to avoid the winter months (November through to March), which can be very challenging. The warmest months, and best time to visit are from April through to October. Dry weather cannot unfortunately be guaranteed, but the days will be warmer, lighter and better for walking.
Unlike the rest of the UK, Scottish school holidays generally run from late June until mid-August and so those wishing to miss the busiest months should avoid these times.
Those hoping to walk the West Highland Way or the Great Glen Way should also be aware of the much hated ‘midge’. These tiny, biting insects exist in high numbers in the north-west of Scotland and are at their worst during the hottest months, especially August. For this reason, May, June and September can be better months to visit the North West Highlands.
Traveling to Scotland
By Plane: The quickest way to get to Scotland is by plane. Scotland has 3 international airports, Edinburgh and Glasgow in the south and Aberdeen in the north. Edinburgh and Glasgow both have excellent transport links into the rest of Scotland, whilst Aberdeen is slightly more isolated.
As Scotland is quite far from London, it is generally easier to fly directly into a Scottish airport rather flying into a London airport and then making your way to Scotland. However there are regular daily flights into Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen from all of the major London airports. Likewise if you are starting your holiday in a different part of England or Wales, you will find regular flights to Scotland from most British airports.
By Eurostar/ Train: If travelling from mainland Europe, the UK can be reached by train from Paris, Brussels and Lille using the Eurostar. The Eurostar arrives in London, and from there you will find excellent train and bus connections to Scotland.
A train from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow will take approximately 4 ½ hours. Both cities then have excellent train connections with the rest of Scotland. Alternatively, you can take the Caledonian Sleeper, which is an overnight sleeper train from London to major Scottish destinations, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. It is a particularly good option if you're travelling to northern Scotland.
Other major British cities with good train connections into Scotland include Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. You should book train journeys as far in advance as possible to secure the best fares.
By Ferry: If traveling from mainland Europe, there is an overnight car ferry from IJmuiden in Holland to the city of Newcastle, which lies just south of the Scottish border. The journey takes 17 hours, although a cabin is included in your fare. From Newcastle, there are very good transport links into Scotland.
It is also possible to travel by ferry from Northern Ireland to Glasgow.
Scotland Client Reviews
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"Very thorough, the information supplied shows attention to detail and anticipation of any possible problems."
"As we keep returning to them this in itself speaks highly of the organisation."
"We chose THIS walk for the diversity - great views, culture, historic and pre-historic sites, beaches, etc. This also seemed the most manageable for 2 older ladies with bad knees."
"Independent supportive walking. The views, food and people were amazing."
"organised, accurate, pleasant, responsive, helpful"
"Amy, Nathan and all those who helped put our RRW walk together, we are happy to report a near life-changing experience was had by myself, Daniel Gore and my wife Kristi Winther. That is, extraordinary and exceptional in its planning and realization."
"They organise everything to make you enjoy all the trip"
"Everything well arranged, clear agreements and good app (vamoos) and good map information"
"Celtic Trails provided an excellent service. The staff were competent and friendly. Questions were always answered promptly."