Walking Holidays in Scotland

The Borders Abbeys Way links four of Britain’s most magnificent ruined medieval abbeys; Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh. The abbeys along with a host of historical sites paint a picture of the conflicts between the kingdoms of Scotland and England that raged throughout the Borderlands from the mid-12th to early 17th centuries.

Well waymarked and good under foot, the walking is a pleasure. The gradients are for the most part gentle, yet the views are at times breathtakingly beautiful. Riverside paths following the Tweed and the Teviot, old drove roads and disused railway lines along with forest tracks and open moorland combine to guide you on a spectacular 68 mile circuit of the Scottish Borders countryside that will delight even the most seasoned walker.

Founded in the first half of the 12th century on the command of King David I of Scotland the abbeys are testament to the supremacy and prosperity of medieval Anglo Norman monasticism. However, for four centuries the abbeys and the Borders folk fell victim to the lawlessness and violence that engulfed the region. Never more so than during Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century, when Scotland, led by Robert the Bruce emerged victorious with the re-establishment of an independent Scottish monarchy. The ruins that remain today are largely the result of military campaigns by the Earl of Hertford in 1544 and 1545 on behalf of King Henry VIII of England. Further destruction came from repeated vandalism by cross border militias known as Reivers and later Moss Troopers, during a period when the Borders was a perilous and lawless frontier.

Those days are past now and what remains is a place of peacefulness, a gentle countryside where historic towns and picturesque villages await you with a warm welcome. Nature lovers will rejoice in the Borders. The Tweed and the Teviot are home to salmon, trout and grayling. As you walk the river banks look for swans, tufted ducks and the great crested grebe. Nearby will be the grey wagtail and the sandmartin. Listen for the curlew, the skylark and from the hawthorn bushes, the song of the yellow hammer. In the meadows common spotted orchid can be found as well as mountain pansy, harebell, wood sorrel and primrose. Woodland gives cover to the redpoll, bullfinch and siskin while providing shelter for roe deer, badgers, fox and great spotted woodpeckers.

The Fife Coastal Path is a journey of discovery. Designated by Scottish Natural Heritage as one of Scotland’s Great Trails the path is an absolute joy every step of the way as it stretches 81 miles from the Forth Estuary in the south, to the Tay Estuary in the north.

The path begins at North Queensferry with spectacular views of the estuary, the iconic Forth Bridges and the Edinburgh skyline. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the terrain is fascinating with evidence of lava flows and limestone strata containing marine fossils. Dysart Harbour and the Harbourmaster’s House are highlights as you make your way through the 7^th century Royal Burgh. Cultural heritage, historic monuments, quaint villages, valued nature reserves, volcanic plugs and Fife’s only working fishing harbour are just some of the gems decorating the path as you continue to St Andrews and your journey’s end at Newport-on-Tay.

Clifftop walking, woodland, abandoned railway and of course gorgeous grassy paths through golden sand dunes, combine to deliver an incredible walking experience as you travel through the Kingdom of Fife. Always charming, at times challenging, the Fife Coastal Path and the warm Scottish welcome of its hosts, will remain long in the memory of the walker.

The Great Glen Way is a 73 mile coast to coast path from Fort William on the Atlantic west coast to Inverness on the North Sea. The trail follows the natural geological fault line running through the Great Glen, also known as Glen Albyn or Glen Mor.

The walk begins at Fort William, in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. From there the Great Glen Way waves goodbye to Loch Linnhe and heads north on the Caledonian Canal past Neptune’s Staircase and on to Gairlochy before journeying along the banks of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness, famous for its mythical monster. The Way leaves Loch Ness as it travels through the ancient Abriachan woodland, home to pine martens, red squirrels and golden eagles, before joining the River Ness to reach Inverness Castle and the end of the trail.

With its good way marking, this is a relatively easy, and predominantly low level route along canal towpaths and enchanting forest tracks, providing great views of the lochs of the Great Glen and fine panoramas of the surrounding mountains. The castles and forts along the trail provide a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and culture.

The Great Glen Way is the perfect introduction to long distance walking in the Scottish Highlands.

This delightful coast to coast trail through central Scotland delivers a perfect blend of country, coastal and leafy urban walking. One of Scotland’s Great Trails, the John Muir Way journeys for 135 miles from Helensburgh on the Firth of Clyde to Dunbar in East Lothian. Along the way you’ll enjoy stunning views over Loch Lomond, walk beneath the impressive Campsie Fells and explore remnants of Roman forts and the Antonine Wall. You’ll spend time in Scotland’s capital, view historic homes, and marvel at miles of sweeping golden sands. All this before entering the John Muir Country Park, a haven for nature lovers. Finally, take time to reflect on your achievement with an idyllic clifftop approach to Dunbar.

John Muir was a remarkable man; a botanist, geologist and glaciologist. He found fame as an author, explorer and environmental campaigner, and is best known to many as the father of the United States national parks. Born in Dunbar in 1838, he spent the first eleven years of his life there, finding enjoyment exploring the surrounding countryside and coastline, as well as scrambling on the ruins of Dunbar Castle. He later wrote “When I was a boy in Scotland I was fond of everything that was wild, and all my life I’ve been growing fonder and fonder of wild places and wild creatures.”

It’s fitting therefore that in addition to the sublime scenery, the John Muir Way features a variety of habitats, home to a wealth of flora and fauna. The trail’s hedgerows, often fragrant with flowers, give shelter to the likes of voles and weasels as well as goldfinches and wrens. In the skies above expect to see kestrels and buzzards. The John Muir Country Park covers an area of nearly 2000 acres and this saltmarsh, grassland and woodland supports over 400 plant species and a variety of birdlife including the skylark and ringed plover. The canals and lochs on the Way are home to swans and a variety of ducks. Coastal paths are adorned with thrift, wild thyme and common orchids. Cormorants and lapwings patrol the coast while a number of islands in the Firth of Forth house colonies of puffins and gannets, most notably the magnificent Bass Rock.

All those that follow this incredible trail through Scotland will find themselves immersed in nature, enriched by history, and rewarded with a renewed feeling of wellbeing.

The Rob Roy Way encompasses many of the places linked with the now legendary Scottish outlaw and folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor, who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The 79 mile trail begins in Drymen, on the south eastern edge of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and journeys north through the picturesque landscapes of Stirlingshire and Perthshire, finishing in the vibrant town of Pitlochry.

Embarking on the Rob Roy Way, walkers are immersed in the tranquil woodlands of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, where the richness of Scotland’s flora and fauna immediately becomes apparent. As you thread your way through the wild expanse of the Trossachs, a rugged beauty unfolds, reminiscent of the untamed nature that once provided cover for Rob Roy’s daring endeavours. The splendour of the trail continues with the dramatic landscapes surrounding Loch Tay.

In addition to stunning wilderness, the route travels through charming villages and past historic sites, including the atmospheric ruins of the 16th-century Balquhidder Kirk, where Rob Roy MacGregor is laid to rest.

Celebrated for its blend of natural beauty and historical resonance, the Rob Roy Way invites adventurers to walk in the footsteps of a legend. Each step weaving together a narrative of rugged landscapes, serene lochs, and the indomitable spirit of the Scottish Highlands.

Weaving through the heart of Scotland’s whisky country, the Speyside Way stands testament to the country’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage. As a result it has established itself as one of Scotland’s most popular trails. The 65 mile journey commences in the vibrant town of Buckie on the Moray Firth and winds its way southward, culminating in the historic village of Aviemore nestled within the Cairngorms National Park. Walkers seeking further exploration and a longer experience can choose to incorporate the Tomintoul and Dufftown spurs into their holiday.

Your introduction to the Speyside Way is the crisp sea air of the Moray Firth. As you venture on, the trail unveils the picturesque Spey Valley, famed for its meandering river and fertile landscapes. The route guides you through charming whisky villages such as Craigellachie and Aberlour, where historic distilleries dot the landscape, inviting you to explore the craftsmanship behind Scotland’s beloved spirit.

The Speyside Way then leads you into the heart of the Cairngorms, offering a dramatic change in scenery. The trail takes you through ancient pine forests and over open moorlands, with majestic views of the Cairngorm Mountains as your backdrop.

Ultimately, the Speyside Way is much more than a walking trail, it’s an exploration of Scotland’s diverse landscapes, captivating history, and the artistry of its famed distilleries. Whether tracing the banks of the River Spey, strolling through woodlands, or savouring the warmth of Scottish hospitality, the Speyside Way promises to be a memorable adventure for those seeking the essence of Scotland’s cultural and natural treasures.

St Cuthbert’s Way threads its way through the quiet countryside of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, joining together places associated with the 7th Century Saint. It begins in the market town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders and finishes on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne on the edge of the North Sea. In-between it takes in some beautiful countryside, including the banks of the River Tweed and the foothills of the Cheviot Hills, and visits important historic sites such as Dryburgh Abbey and St Cuthbert’s Cave.

Starting in Melrose you will head through the Eildon Hills with great views of the surrounding countryside, before following the banks of the famous River Tweed. After a quick detour to the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, you follow the course of Dere Street, an ancient Roman Road, before heading cross country to Kirk Yetholm, the end point of the Pennine way.

You will now head through the foothills of the remote and beautiful Cheviot Hills, and on to the sleepy market town of Wooler. As the coast draws near, you will visit St Cuthbert’s Cave before descending to the unique tidal causeway which leads to Holy Island with its spectacular priory and castle.

The West Highland Way was the first long distance footpath to be established in Scotland and has gone on to earn its place as one of country’s most iconic routes. The trail begins in Milngavie near Glasgow and for 95 miles unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s rugged landscapes, finishing in Fort William, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

From the off, the West Highland Way guides you through tranquil lowland plains and ancient woodlands as it makes its way onto Conic Hill where you are rewarded with stunning views over Loch Lomond, the largest body of fresh water in Britain. The line of small islands along the loch mark the direction of the Highland Boundary Fault and the start of the Scottish Highlands.

Venturing onward, the West Highland Way propels you into the heart of Rannoch Moor, a vast and wild expanse whose beauty lies in its untamed nature. All eyes are drawn to the magnificent Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of the most recognisable mountains in Scotland. Ascending the impressive Devil’s Staircase, you skirt the edge of the iconic Aonach Eagach Ridge, gaining fine views of Glen Coe, and on a clear day, Ben Nevis and the Mamore mountains.

Continuing its grand narrative, the trail descends into the peaceful town of Kinlochleven, before a delightful final stretch through the picturesque Glen Nevis to Fort William.

Celebrated for its challenging terrain and unparalleled beauty, the West Highland Way beckons adventurers from around the world. This remarkable route has become a pilgrimage for those seeking the very essence of Scotland’s wilderness.