Hiking in Scotland - Top 5 Hikes

November 22, 2017 in Destinations and Scotland

A mainstay for adventurers within the UK is a walking holiday in Scotland. Arguably the best place in the UK for this, hiking holidays in Scotland can be relaxing but also be a test of endurance. Being home to Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain as well as several other notable peaks and stunning hill ranges. If you like adventure and getting use out of your hiking boots, the following places should be on your to do list!

1.Walking up Ben Nevis

Reaching an impressive 1,344m (4,409 ft), Hiking Britain's highest mountain is an impressive yet not too daunting feat. The peak is often shrouded in mist and rises up from Fort William making for an impressive view from the get go. The somewhat steep hike will usually take at least four hours from base to summit. For those keen and experienced hikers that wish to test their endurance, a much longer northern route is possible, that winds around the terrain and rocky outcrops. However, for first timers the tourist path is recommended. If you are into endurance sports you can even enter the Ben Nevis Race!

Goboony-Hiking-in-Scotland-Ben-Nevis-View-Mountain

2.Hike up Quinag, Sutherland

Quinag is a remote set of peaks, that are often ice capped. With three peaks to climb and at least a 500 foot descent between all of them this is a great hike for those who would like a challenge. You can always just ascend the first peak if you want to take it easy
The mountain used to be used to be used by nomadic grazers and their sheep. Getting to one of the peaks and taking a look around, you will likely find yourself in awe of the ancient feel of this place, and with good reason given the mountains age of 3.5 billion years!
There are several possible starting points for the hike, however the favourite is a car park in grid reference NC232273.  This car park is already at 250m above sea level so will give you a good head start to the hike! 

For camping near Quinag, Scourie Campsite has plenty of motorhome pitches as well as beautiful views of the Highland’s coastline.

Price starts from £18 per night

GPS: 58.351700, -5.156019

Scourie, Lairg IV27 4TE, UK

Goboony Hiking in Scotland Quinag Sutherland

3.Hike to Dun da Lamh, Inverness-shire

This hike is a fairly gentle ascent (only 436 metres), whilst still having a lot to take in in terms of scenery. There are a few sections that are steep, however the walk is well signposted and involves a lot of open terrain which makes for stunning views, and is at its most magnificent on clear day. The duration of the hike is typically under 4 hours making it a good choice for a morning or afternoon. The end of the hike will bring you to a mysterious and ancient fort. Dun da Lamh fort is a ruined fort dating all the way back to the Iron Age. The Pictish fort overlooks both the river Spey and the river Mashie and surrounded on 3 sides with steep hillsides it is a formidable defence. The area hasn’t been archaeologically excavated but is a protected area, adding to its mystery. To begin the hike, park at Druim an Aird car park off the A86 west of Laggan. 

For camping near Dun da Lamh, check out Invernahavon Caravan Site, which is an ideal starting point for hikes around the Cairngorms.

Price start from £7.50 per night

GPS: 57.027505, -4.163749

Glentruim, By Newtonmore PH20 1BE, United Kingdom

Goboony Hiking Scotland Dun da Lamh Fort

4.Visit Wester Ross and Hike Beinn Alligin,

We wonder if this is where George RR. Martin got his idea for the world in Game of Thrones. The area certainly is fascinating (though no one has found any dragons there just yet). Beinn Alligin means Mountain of Beauty in Gaelic, and is a very apt name for this gorgeous peak and hike. Following a rugged path past streams bogs and heath, this 1100m ascent is not one you will forget. Not too far from the end of the hike you will come across some stunning waterfalls, that make for a picturesque finish to the expedition.

Goboony Hiking in Scotland Beinn Alligin Wester Ross

5.Inverness-shire, Hike through Lairig Ghru

Probably the most famous hill pass in Scotland, Lairig Ghru passes right through the Cairngorms and climbs to an impressive 835 metres. There are  a lot of potential routes including a great hike you can do here that is around 22 miles (for the most hardcore of hikers).

Hiking here you can pass the Pools of Dee, Fresh water pools surrounded by granite. Here you can see trout jumping out of the water. You can actually swim here, but it is too cold for most unless it has been a particularly hot summer and given its remote location it is not something to do on a whim.

There are several wild camping options in the area, however not all are suitable for motorhomes. An official campsite near the hike is the Glenmore Campsite, Aviemore.

Prices start from £16.95 per night

GPS: 57.167039, -3.695005

Aviemore PH22 1QU, UK

Goboony-Hiking-Scotland-Lairig-Ghru-Cairngorms-valley

So get ready for your next walking holiday in scotland, and check find a motorhome in your ideal place to start your adventure here on Goboony.