There aren’t many better places in the world for hiking than the Scottish Highlands. It literally has everything you could ask for, and you don’t necessarily need to scale mountains or be an experienced hiker to go exploring. All you need is that desire to get out and explore and see Scotland for what it truly is – a natural wonder of the world that everyone deserves to discover.
If you’re taking one of our Scottish motorhomes and heading to the Highlands, here are our top 5 hiking routes that we recommend you go for.
Ben Nevis – Glen Nevis
Ben Nevis is one of the most globally renowned mountains for hiking, and getting to the summit is a dream of most people who love hiking or the outdoors.
This one is one of the most challenging routes; we’d say it’s hard with steep ascents and descents, and you definitely need good fitness to tackle it. It definitely isn’t for a novice with no fitness level, but if you like hiking and have good fitness, you should be OK to do Ben Nevis.
You start and end at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to reach the summit and return back to the Visitor Centre, following a 17 km round-trip route. That said, if you are struggling at any point, we’d always recommend turning back. And always check the weather before you go!
Places to eat (Fort William afterwards):
- Ben Nevis Inn
- Crannog at Garrison West
- Silly Goose at the Lime Tree
- Sónas Restaurant
Ring of Steall – Glen Nevis
This one definitely isn’t for a novice hiker or even an intermediate one. We’d only recommend experienced hikers take on the Ring of Steall at Glen Nevis. Depending on the exact route you take, you could be walking for 15–18 km with a lot of steep sections and scrambling along ridges.
If you decide to take a route that sees you scrambling along ridges and you’re not an experienced hiker with the correct gear, turn back.
That said, if you do take this route, it’s one of the most dramatic ridge walks in Scotland, taking in four Munros and the iconic Steall Falls waterfalls.
Best places to eat nearby:
- The Geographer – classic pub restaurant
- Ben Nevis Inn – hearty mains after this epic hike
- The Tavern Restaurant – gastropub comfort food
Stac Pollaidh – Assynt (NW Highlands)
At 5 to 6 km, the Stac Pollaidh route is a little bit more doable for most people, but we would still say it’s a moderate to hard route with some steep slopes and rocky areas. You start and end at the Stac Pollaidh car park, and you will see signs when you get there and when you’re following the route.
The panoramic views are simply amazing, especially of the Assynt and the nearby Summer Isles.
Places to eat nearby (Lochinver area):
Lochinver has smaller local eateries, seafood cafes, and pubs. They’re only a short drive from the Stac Pollaidh car park.
Glencoe Lochan – Glencoe Forest
For any of you who were hoping we’d include an easy route, here’s one for you, and what better place for it to be than through the Glencoe Forest? The route is only around 3.2 km and starts at the Glencoe Lochan car park, following the Lochan loop – you’ll see the signs for it when you get to the car park. To walk surrounded by the towering Highland peaks is a truly breathtaking experience.
It’s a gentle, woodland loop that’s great for all experience levels, and we know you’ll enjoy a gentle stroll surrounded by the towering Highland peaks.
Places to eat in Glencoe/Ballachulish:
- The Laroch Restaurant and Bar
- Kitchen Food Truck
- Moss
- Clachaig Inn
West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William
This one is a bit rogue, but we’re sure there are some experienced hikers, or people who are travelling to Scotland for a hiking trip, who will appreciate this one.
The West Highland Way is 96 miles long, starting at Milngavie just outside Glasgow and finishing in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Bear in mind, you do also have to get back.
It’s not necessarily a difficult route, but it is challenging, obviously, because it’s 96 miles long. That said, the scenery is out of this world – lochs, moorlands, mountains, forests, and glens will surround every mile of the walk. The route can take anywhere up to 10 days. It depends on how often you stop and how fast you want to do the route.
Places to eat (en route and at the end):
- The Geographer
- Crannog Seafood Restaurant
- Caorann Restaurant, Fort William
- The Wildcat
- The Crofter Bar and Restaurant
We think we’ve covered a good range of routes for beginner to experienced hikers. One thing we will always recommend is taking supplies with you, especially plenty of water and some snacks for energy, and always let someone know your intended route.
And for added safety, travel on a clear day with dry ground and not when it’s too hot outside.