Mountain climbing in Scotland: 13 Insanely Lovely Walks

Uncover Scotland’s finest climbing trails, together with Aonach Eagach and the Nice Glen Method, for gorgeous views and historic landmarks.

Scotland is without doubt one of the finest locations on the earth to go climbing, because of its unbelievable nature, surroundings that takes your breath away, and nice historical past you may find out about whereas passing by the historic landmarks. Mountain climbing in Scotland is an thrilling expertise, and you may select from a number of trails.

We have now chosen the very best ones so that you can contemplate earlier than heading to this magnificent nation.

1. The Nice Glen Method

The Nice Glen Method is a surprising hike appropriate for long-distance walkers. It’s a fault line that provides you the possibility to absorb the splendor of three beautiful Lochs. The 117 km-long monitor passes by Scotland’s gorgeous highland ranges because it travels from one coast to the opposite.

Learn additionally: Mountain climbing Information to UK’s 15 Nationwide Parks

You’ll begin your hike at Ben Nevis, and finish it at Inverness. You’ll get pleasure from spectacular views of lochs, together with Loch Oich, Loch Lochy, and Loch Ness, all through the journey. In case your dream is to elope in Scotland and have an impressive photoshoot, any Scotland elopement photographer will suggest this stroll.

2. The West Highland Method

Certainly one of Scotland’s most well-known strolling routes is The West Highland Method. If you’re selecting the primary path for climbing in Scotland, this one is likely to be a very good begin. The stroll leads you to Fort William, which is located within the shadow of Ben Nevis, away from the bustle of Milngavie city.

This path is properly marked and even in case you are not an skilled hiker you may comply with the indicators and gained’t get misplaced. One of the best time to go on this hike is from spring to autumn when the climate is hotter. The path is 154 km lengthy, so prepare for a long-distance stroll.

3. Previous Man of Hoy

If historical past is your factor, then climbing in Orkney is for you. You’ll must board a ferry to get to the Previous Man of Hoy. This route is situated on a surprising island with quite a few archipelagoes. It’s situated on Scotland’s northeastern coast.

Right here, you may stroll alongside the coastal cliffs whereas admiring the gorgeous environment. It rises to round 450 ft and is straightforward to comply with. A 3-hour stroll from Rackwick and again is required. Concentrate on the wind which could be very robust right here, so even in summer season put on acceptable clothes.

4. Stac Pollaidh

A few of the most memorable views could be discovered at this location. The mountain Stac Pollaidh isn’t very tall. It’s amongst Scotland’s tiniest, just a bit over 600 meters excessive, and is located in Scotland’s northwest. This mountain’s summit is rocky. It additionally options quite a few pinnacles and steep slopes. 

The stroll takes three hours. You’ll ascend a difficult, winding path. You’ll encounter magnificent vistas on the highest level of the hills which can be unmatched in Scotland. You need to spend a while on the summit admiring the surroundings, which incorporates views of Cul Mor and Mt. Suilven. 

5. Loch an Eilein

The Loch an Eilein, located proper in the course of Rothiemurchus woodland, is the perfect vacation spot when you’ve got a hiking-inclined household. Mountain climbing in Scotland can take you amongst completely different landscapes and this one is exclusive as a result of it’s situated in a woodland and is surrounded by Caledonian pine bushes. 

It additionally supplies an exquisite view of the island’s Thirteenth-century fortress. Households will love the simple route across the lake. Nonetheless, you should preserve an eye fixed out for animals, akin to pink squirrels and Scottish crossbills. This is a perfect place for a picnic along with your family members.

Associated learn: Rookie household journey errors to keep away from

6. Satan’s Pulpit

The Satan’s Pulpit in Scotland is a steep gorge that pulls many hikers. By way of a slender valley within the sandstone, a river could be seen flowing under. Watch out since it may be pretty tough to descend to the underside. The descent to the underside is called the Satan’s Steps or Jacob’s Ladder, though both title serves as a warning that they are often treacherous, subsequently, this trek ought to solely be undertaken on dry days and with glorious footwear. 

Solely about 300 meters separate the parking zone and the gorge, making the hike itself pretty quick. Take it straightforward, although, as there’s a very slick rock staircase and a few locations with ropes to hold onto. As soon as there, take a couple of minutes off your sneakers earlier than heading to Satan’s Pulpit, situated simply round a creek bend. Right here, many individuals swim, so it’s worthwhile to sit down and take all of it in. 

7. Fairy Swimming pools

The Fairy Swimming pools, gorgeous swimming pools of crystalline blue water on the River Brittle, are situated near Glen Brittle on the base of the Black Cuillins. These well-known swimming pools draw vacationers from everywhere in the world as a result of they provide incredible Wild Swimming for individuals who are prepared to plunge into the chilly water. For many who are much less daring, these enchanted Fairy Swimming pools make for wonderful footage and among the most scenic routes for climbing in Scotland.

Lower than 7 kilometers lengthy, the path could also be completed in underneath 3 hours. Whereas transferring across the swimming pools, you get a tremendous and soothing view of them. The expertise is made extra thrilling by the truth that the path takes you removed from the crowds.

8. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Mountain climbing in Scotland for any Harry Potter fan should embrace a go to to Glenfinnan Viaduct. This path isn’t very lengthy. Nonetheless, it’s well-known and respected. Folks journey far and vast to see its breathtaking views. Try to be conscious that the stroll does get moderately steep at occasions.

The stroll is 4 kilometers lengthy. Relying in your degree of health and readiness, this could take between one and two hours. You’ll be able to spend a day in nature and observe nice views should you go on this hike. Additionally, you may convey snacks and have a picnic alongside the best way.

9. The Coffin Roads

Select this hike if you wish to be near the ocean and spend a while on considered one of Scotland’s most stunning seashores. Nonetheless, many individuals discover this title scary. This very fascinating title comes from historical past. Some individuals transported corpses to Harris alongside Coffin Street. The our bodies can be buried there far under the floor.

The hike begins at Leac a Li and Bealach Eorabhat is the place it ends. Eagles are one thing you have to be careful for whereas climbing. A few of the gorgeous seashores you will notice alongside the best way are Luskentyre and Seilebost.

10. Beinn a’Chrulaiste

Another hike for newbies, Beinn a’Chrulaiste is well-known within the space. Nonetheless, due to its hefty define, hikers and vacationers incessantly overlook it. A spectacular panorama is ready for you on the high of the highland, the place you may stroll. It begins on the ridge on the west facet and ends on the Kingshouse. 

It’s essential to notice that the bottom is considerably uneven and rocky. Sporting sturdy sneakers is necessary as a result of there are some hill climbs to deal with. Earlier than embarking on this stroll, remember to test the climate. The route is round 7 km lengthy and it’s a excellent day hike.

Learn additionally: A complete climbing information for newbies

11. The Cape Wrath Path

The Cape Wrath Path, which takes us to the very high of the mainland, is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Scotland. The Cape Wrath path, which covers 240 miles and is incessantly known as the hardest long-distance climbing path within the UK, begins in Fort William and ends at Cape Wrath. It may take 15-20 days to finish it.

On the journey to probably the most northwestern a part of the mainland, you’ll undergo the solitary wildernesses of Assynt and Knoydart, the place you gained’t run into anyone else for a number of weeks. Moreover, a lot of your nights will probably be spent in bothies. This can be a difficult however rewarding hike you’ll always remember.

12. The Aonach Eagach Ridgeline

The Aonach Eagach is the narrowest ridge stroll in Scotland and on the UK mainland, and it may be discovered within the renownedly stunning Glen Coe. An exciting scramble and vistas of the opposite Glen Coe peaks await skilled climbers.

This climb is dangerous as a result of it is stuffed with harmful rocks and trails which can be incessantly damp and slippery. It’s not one thing to try with out expertise or in poor circumstances. Nonetheless, as the photographs above and under show, it’s undoubtedly one of the vital wonderful mountain climbs.

13. The Southern Upland Method

The Southern Upland Method is the nation’s first acknowledged coast-to-coast path. From Portpatrick on the southwest coast to Cockburnspath on the east, it’s a distance of 344 kilometers. This can be a difficult multi-day stroll that always takes as much as 16 days to finish. You’ll climb greater than 80 peaks which can be increased than 600 meters, however by no means increased than 900 meters, and also you’ll really recognize the splendor of the Scottish borderlands.

Though it’s incessantly disregarded by Scottish hikers, the area is moderately gorgeous. Make no mistake, even for seasoned walkers, that is tough. However if you wish to discover the nation in a much less well-known vogue, this is without doubt one of the finest routes climbing in Scotland can give you.

Wrapping up: Mountain climbing in Scotland

In conclusion, Scotland affords among the most unforgettable climbing experiences on the earth. With breathtaking views, unbelievable nature, and wealthy historical past, every path is exclusive and stuffed with cultural significance.

Whether or not you’re an skilled hiker or a newbie, there’s a quick or lengthy path to swimsuit each degree of health and each style. So, pack your baggage, put in your climbing boots, and hit the paths to discover Scotland’s magnificent wilderness and historic landmarks.

Alysa Tarrant runs Voyaging Herbivore

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