Scotland is full of great long distance walks. But did you know that there are some brilliant hill walks out there that will take you to the most amazing view points in less then 2 hours? We have made a shortlist of our personal favourites: the best short hikes in Scotland. Don’t be fooled though, all of these short hikes will require some steep hill walking. Get ready to be stunned by the most impressive short hikes!
Oh, and all of these walks can be found along our Scotland’s Essentials road trip.
Conic Hill (Loch Lomond) – the most stunning view over Loch Lomond
2.5 mi / 4km
Offering the best view over Loch Lomond. Park your car at the Balmaha car park and you’re good to go. It is only a short but steep walk up the hill before the full beauty of Loch Lomond reveals itself. Standing on top of the hill, you are right on the fault line – separating the highlands from the lowlands. Looking towards the loch you will have the impressive mountain ranges of the highlands on your right.
One tip from us – don’t take the same path back. If you walk along the ridge straight towards the water, you will find a much quieter, small path down that provides brilliant views over Loch Lomond. A drink afterwards at the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha (or a tour at Glengoyne Distillery a few miles south) will make for a perfect finish of the hike!
Devil’s Staircase (Glen Coe)
3.8 mi / 6km
The Devil’s staircase are in Glen Coe, getting its fear striking name from the soldiers who had to walk the old military road leading over the hills. Nowadays the staircase are part of the West Highland Way. You can easily park your car at Altnafeadh, on the Buachaille Etive Mor car park (A82). Walk north on the West Highland Way there – well sign posted – and you will soon start your ascend. The Devil’s Staircase are the steepest bit up, starting after roughly 1 km (0.7 mi). Don’t worry – the climb is sharp, but not nearly as bad as the name would suggest!
Once you managed to get up there, you are immediately awarded by the great view into Glen Coe. It offers a brilliant spot from which to take in the full vastness of the glen and the rounded off mountains. You could from there on decide to continue walking towards Kinlochleven, but if you want to see your car again you’ll have to turn around at some point..
Quiraing (Isle of Skye)
4 mi / 6.5km
The Quiraing must be one of the most breathtaking ridges to walk along. The rugged hills with its steep cliffs have a magical feeling to them. If you park at the Quiraing car park on the summit between Uig and Staffin, there is a short section of the path going up the hills. We strongly recommend to take the full loop of the hill circuit though. The biggest advantage being that the number of hikers thins out along the way, but the full circuit also surprises with some sudden and beautiful views. Plus, it’s still only a 4 mile walk, so why wouldn’t you?
The Needle and Table rock are unlike anything we have ever seen: promise us not to leave the Isle of Skye before seeing this stunning piece of nature! Tip: going to Skye? Don’t miss out on our Skye shortlist here.
Old Man of Storr (Isle of Skye)
2.8 mi / 4,5km
This walk is only a few miles south of the Quiraing hill circuit, but we still feel that you should not miss out on the Old Man either. Park your car along the A855 and pick up the Storr trail. The first bit is not too impressive, but once you get close to the rock pinnacles higher up, the moss covered landscape and the view over Raasay Sound make for a fantastic scenery. The Old Man of Storr stands out among the other pinnacles. He has an unearthly feeling to him, making us seem small and insignificant.
Glen Affric (Highlands)
3.8 mi / 6km
The ancient forest always makes us feel like we’ve entered Jurassic Park. Take your car to the Dog Falls parking space, and get walking! When you cross the bridge over the water, a sign posted loop takes you to the Dog Falls, and to the view point over loch ahead. It is a relatively easy walk, especially the bit taking you to the view point. And the view is well worth the effort, looking through the tree tops towards the water. We have found that the weather doesn’t ever matter! Sunshine of course always is good, but with low hanging clouds the glen gets an even more mysterious character.
Continue the loop towards the beautiful Dog Falls, from which the river runs through a narrow crevice through the rocks. And there is a bonus: we have always found the car park to be one of the best picnic areas on the riverside!
Arthur’s Seat (Edinburgh)
3 mi / 4.8km
Arthur’s seat is right on the edge of Edinburgh city center. On the hill you will have a brilliant view over the old city and the Firth of Forth sea arm. There is a well indicated route starting at the car park near Hollyrood Palace, that will take you round Holyrood park and up the hill. The walks gives a quiet and green retreat right in the middle of the Scotland’s capital. If you like hiking, and you happen to find yourself in Edinburgh: don’t miss out on this one!
A great website for more detailed information on all hikes is walkhighlands.co.uk
