Top 10 Scottish walks

The marketing team at Willerby loves a good walk. Great way to get fit and see some of our beautiful coast and countryside. It won’t be long before the last of the snow thaws away on the hilltops and the first crocuses of Spring break their way through the topsoil.

Feeling inspired to get outdoors yet? Well there’s nowhere finer than Scotland to don those walking boots, feel the fresh air in your lungs and experience some of the best walks that the UK has to offer.

Here’s our top 10 Scottish walks:

1. One of our favourite walks is at Lochnagar in the Cairngorms. Lord Byron was also inspired by this stunning Munro. It’s a full day out so be prepared and wear insect repellent (the midges are hungry) but the climb, the views, the terrain all worth it. It even has a track that you can run down from the summit if you’re feeling super fit. Start from Glen Muick and follow this route - it’s around a 12-mile loop.

2. The West Highland Way is perhaps the most famous. The whole thing can be done in around a week (96 miles) and there are companies that can move your luggage from hotel to hotel each day, so you don’t have to carry a week of clothes and a tent on your back! You might be a hardy sort though and prefer to camp along the way. Our favourite section is from Inveroran to Kingshouse but it’s pretty brutal if it’s raining and windy as it’s totally exposed. We’re a bunch of fair weathered walkers from Hull!

3. One of our marketing director’s favourite walks is at Aviemore. Famous for skiing in winter months it takes on a whole new personality in Spring. This walk starting at the Loch’s car park is a relatively short one (around 2 hours) but it’s loop takes you right around the beautiful loch, past beaches, mountains and forests. It’s one of those walks that makes you feel lucky to be alive.

4. A loch and sailing all in one day, what could be better? We like this one as you finish the day with a boat trip. Start the walk from the pier in Stronachlachar in the Trossachs then follow a liner route along Loch Katrine to the Trossachs pier. Here you’ll board the steamer and sail back to your car, admiring the views and stretching your calves! Just check the steamer times as they vary through the seasons. It’s a 13.25 mile walk and should take you around 5-5.5 hours plus an hour for the boat.

5. North Berwick has a super walk for dog owners, called The Law. Find the carpark right at the foot of this volcanic plug and start walking upwards for some astonishing views – including Edinburgh Castle in the far distance. It should take around an hour each way and it’ll really get that heart pumping. If you’ve any energy left, make your way to the beaches from the High Street and then finish off with a well-deserved cup of freshly roasted coffee and brownie and at Steampunk Café.

6. Sometimes we’re put off by linear paths as it can be difficult to get back to your starting point. Not so with the Crail to St Monans walk along part of the Fife Way as there is a great bus service back along the coast when you’ve finished. At 8 miles long, you’ll stroll through fishing villages, grassy paths and lots of sea views. Just perfect.

7. If you happen to be in Edinburgh you can’t miss Arthur’s Seat, the towering hill that dominates the city. Save half a day to go for a walk up it and along Salisbury Crags, a dramatic cliff edge that provides astonishing views of the city. It’s only a 3-mile loop, so get your trainers on and start at car park near Holyrood Palace.

8. The Clyde Walkway is 40 miles long, starting in Partick in Glasgow and ending in New Lanark in Lanarkshire. Stage 4 is a lovely, easy section taking you through woodland and agricultural terrain. Start at the car park Cardies Bridge and head to New Lanark on a 6 mile amble. We particularly like a stop you can make at Crossford at Dobbie’s garden centre. It’s also where you’ll find the Willerby Showground, open 7 days a week!

9. Got a head for heights? Then go for the big one – Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland. Don’t underestimate how hard it will be. And certainly don’t under prepare. This is not for the faint hearted but is absolutely worth it when you reach the summit. It’s going to take you 7-9 hours and is 10.75 miles long.

10. If you find yourself in the Isle of Skye, then lucky you! Home to some extraordinary scenery, the Black Cuillin has some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in the whole of the UK. Into scrambling or rock climbing, this will be heaven. Of course, like the other nine walks above, the marketing team at Hull like beauty with no pain. One of the sections starts at the Fairy Pools car park (get their early as it gets fully quickly) and heads to Coire Na Creiche (5 miles each way). You’ll be following streams and waterfalls and is relatively flat. How truly magical.

We hope you have enjoyed our Top 10 Scottish Walks. If you have a favourite walk why not share it with us on Facebook. If you happen to choose one of our walks please take a photo and we can share it!