HIKING
In this page I'd like to share with you my love of walking and hiking in Scotland, and in particular, the Highlands. For me, there is nothing better in the whole world than to be on a trail, up a mountain and sleeping in the wilderness either in a tent, under a tarp, or even under the stars if the weather and the midgies allow it.
I will share some of my favourite hikes, trails and hills, and post some 'links' to others.
The Highlands
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I love anything to do with Scotland, but for me, my heart is definitely in The Highlands.
I have always felt more at home there than anywhere else I've ever been. The land, the scenery, the people, the mountains, it's the whole package for me. Whenever i'm away from them my heart is very empty, and when I'm home I am completely at peace.
By far the largest region in Scotland, the Highlands covers nearly 10,000 square miles in northern Scotland. The Highlands are not defined by modern man-made political borders, but originally they run along a visible natural geological line from Glasgow to Aberdeen.
Anything from and including Glasgow and
Aberdeen and above is Highland, and is home to stunning scenery, amazing and unique wildlife and an ancient cultures like no other. In truth, as most Highlanders, Scots and millions of visitors will agree,
Scotland, and especially the Highlands truly is 'God's Country'.
Mountains
For those among us that love being in the mountains no matter what the weather or time of year the usual attraction is to find and climb a 'Munro', or a mountain over 3,000 feet in height. There are some 282 Munro's in Scotland and they vary in degrees of level of difficulty to suit all skill-sets.
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In the past I have managed to complete 44 Munro's, so I am a long way to completing them all. In truth, I tend to be drawn back repeatedly to my favourite hill, 'Ben Nevis'. Whether on the Pony trail, the CMD Ridge, or even up the North Face, I just love this mountain, and I have been fortunate to have viewed it in all weathers, shrouded in mist, bathed in sunshine from bottom to top and covered in a blanket of snow like something from the arctic. No matter what I just cannot get enough of this hill.
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Here is a 'Link' to the 'Walk Highlands' list of Munro's so that you can either copy the link, or print it off and plan which one you're going to do next?. Maybe you can find your favourite hill too?.
Distance Walks
Walking is a passion of mine, for me it soothes the soul and challenges the mind and body in a way that nothing else does. The sense of achievement when you reach your distance for the day is extremely satisfying and rewarding.
The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way stretches 96 miles (154 Km) from Milngavie to Fort William, taking in a huge variety of scenery along the way, from countryside parks to loch-shores and open moorlands to steep mountains.
Distances
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Milngavie to Drymen: 12 miles/19 km
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Drymen to Rowardennan: 15 miles/24 km
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Rowardennan to Inverarnan: 14 miles/22.5 km
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Inverarnan to Tyndrum: 12 miles/19.5 km
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Tyndrum to Inveroran: 9 miles/14.5 km
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Inveroran to Kingshouse : 10 miles/16 km
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Kingshouse to Kinlochleven: 9 miles/ 14.5 km
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Kinlochleven to Fort William: 15 miles/24 km
West Highland Way – 5 days Route
The longest day of the 5-day route is 22.5 miles with the shortest being the last (15 miles). Refreshment stops and a variety of types of accommodation can be found in most areas. There is no strict way of planning your West Highland Way hike but all routes begin in Milngavie.
The Rob Roy Way
A seven day walk across the Southern Highland of Scotland taking in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Starting from Drymen on the West Highland Way it goes north east to finish in Pitlochry. The Way is 77 or 94 miles - (124 or 151Km) dependent on route choice.
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This walk follows the tracks and paths used by Rob Roy MacGregor in the 17th & 18th centuries as he worked fought and lived the life of Scotland's most notorious outlaw. The paths were also well used by other historical characters throughout the Jacobite uprisings, and the feuds between the local clans. Sense the history of Scotland as you travel through glens, along rivers & burns and past mountains & lochs. Soak up some of Scotland's greatest scenery.
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Stage descriptions Length Time
Drymen to Aberfoyle 10.5m 4.5 - 5 hours
Aberfoyle to Callander 9m 4.5 - 5 hours
Callander to Strathyre 9m 4 - 5 hours
Strathyre to Killin 13m 5 - 6 hours
Killin to Ardtalnaig 11.5m 4 - 4.5 hours
Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy 15m 6 - 7 hours
Aberfeldy to Pitlochry 9m 4 - 5 hours
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Amulree Alternative
Ardtalnaig to Amulree 16.5m 6 - 7 hours
Amulree to Aberfeldy 15.5m 6 - 7 hours
The Challenge
Much of the route follows tracks, minor roads (20%) and cycle paths, with shorter sections on footpaths. Extra care needs to be taken on road sections. There is a fair amount of ascent and descent involved, but the walking is mostly straightforward and covering the distance is perhaps the biggest challenge.
The Great Glen Way
This magnificent 79 mile/127 km waymarked route stretches from Fort William in the south west to Inverness in the north east. Starting (or ending) in Fort William in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the route follows the country’s greatest geological fault and follows sections of Thomas Telford’s historic Caledonian Canal before reaching Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
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The Great Glen Way can be walked in 4 – 7 days, staying overnight in the various communities along the way, and suits all levels of walker. For the most part the route is low-level and mainly follows canal towpaths, forest tracks and roads. There are some challenging sections though, and the more experienced walker may wish to tackle the Munros or Corbetts which lie within easy reach of the route. Keep an eye out for osprey, golden eagles, red kite and deer while enjoying the views available from this low-level yet challenging long distance route.
https://www.highland.gov.uk/greatglenway/
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This is one of my favourite walks, I've done this many a time, on both sides of Loch Ness. The views from the hill tops are just amazing, as are the walks through the forest sections.
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Highlights
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Neptune’s Staircase, and its views of Ben Nevis
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the Caledonian Canal – Thomas Telford’s historic work of engineering, including Neptune’s Staircase
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Achnacarry House (short detour) with its links to the Clan Cameron Museum and Commando training
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spectacular views over Loch Ness and the Great Glen from the High Route
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17th century heritage in Fort William and Fort Augustus
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starts near the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK
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Be aware
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some stretches of minor road walking, mainly around Gairlochy, Kilfinnan, Drumnadrochit and Abriachan
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limited accommodation in Gairlochy and South Laggan: use Spean Bridge/Invergarry as alternatives.
Scotland's Trails
There are many other trails that you can try, all of varying levels to suit just about anyone interested in the great outdoors, hiking, and trekking. Here is a 'Link' to 'Scotland's Great Trails' website so you can find something in your area, or possibly a trail you haven't heard of. https://www.scotlandsgreattrails.com/trails/
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Go and enjoy a great walk, see the wildlife and enjoy being part of the landscape around you. There is nothing better that walking, camping and wild camping in nature, and Scotland is nature at it's best.
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Literature
Some of the Guide Books and Maps I used on Hikes.
