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7 Most Scenic Scottish Walking Vacations To Take With Family This Year

Are you fed up with the daily grind of life and looking for a rejuvenating experience? Then why not take your family on an adventurous walking holiday in Scotland? Spend some quality time together exploring breathtaking landscapes, discovering quaint villages, and indulging in the traditional food & culture of this beautiful country – all while soaking up fresh air amidst nature’s serenity. Pack those bags already – it will be one exhilarating journey that will create lasting memories!

Why a Scottish Walking Vacation?

When you are bored with your routine and hectic schedule, taking a break to spend more quality time with your family is the best option to re-energize yourself. A walking vacation through Scotland is just the perfect way to do that.

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While many people prefer to sit back and relax in a resort, many prefer to head out in the open and explore the world together. A walking holiday is a great idea if you fall in the latter category. However, you need to choose the right destination that can help you enjoy the best walking holidays. 

What better place than Scotland to fulfill your wish? The majestic beauty of Scotland’s landscape, the rich culture, and historical sites make it an ideal destination for a unique walking experience.

Scotland – Top Destination for Walking Holidays

Over the years, Scotland has remained one of the top destinations that have mesmerized visitors with its dramatic landscapes, magnificent castles, wildlife, and magical and historic locations. Hence, it is a perfect place for those who want to put on their walking shoes and head out to explore the nature and wilderness. 

Let’s take a quick look at the 7 most scenic Scottish walking holiday paths. 

West Highland Way

Speaking of the most scenic Scottish walking holiday routes, the West Highland Way is the most popular trail for those long-distance walks. However, you mustn’t underestimate this trail for a light hiking trip.

green riverbank with branch of tree

Traditionally, the trail begins from Milngavie in the south and finishes in Fort William in the north as it passes through some of the most scenic landscapes that Scotland has to offer. Similarly, you also need to focus on how you are going to cover this 153 km (95 miles) trail. For this, you can opt for West Highland Way with Mickledore walking packages that allow you to complete the entire trail in 6 to 9 days. 

Fife Coastal Path

When you are visiting Scotland for walking tours, the Fife Coastal Path can take you through some of the spectacular beaches and wildlife reserves in Scotland. The trail begins in North Queensferry which provides you with some stunning views of the estuary. From here you can view the Edinburgh skyline and the three iconic Forth Bridges.

forth bridge lit up at night over the river

As you move ahead in the northeast direction you pass through some quaint villages, historic monuments, and locations that keep you interested. Throughout the path, you pass through 15 award-winning beaches and various castles, windmills, churches, lighthouses, and abbeys.  This 130 km (81 miles) walking trail is a great option for those who prefer to get some excellent coastal views. 

Dava Way

Dava Way is probably the shortest walking route that you can come across when you are in Scotland. Hence, you can complete this in a day or two if you have the determination and will to do it. The path starts from Grantown-on-Spey and heads north towards Forres.

old stone church with stained glass windows and doors

You can also cycle through this trail if you prefer. As you walk through this path you see the Divie viaduct which is the most iconic man-made thing you will see on this trail. If you want to take a break you can stop at Breathing Place at Dunphail or the Halfway Hut. The path is waymarked and therefore you will have no issues following the signs. However, certain areas are muddy, and wearing waterproof footwear is advisable.  

St Cuthbert’s Way

Another iconic walking trail that you must try when you are looking for walking holidays is St Cuthbert’s Way. This route doesn’t require much competence and fitness; therefore this is an ideal trail when you want to go long-distance hiking with your loved ones. However, you will need the best walking shoes to keep you going on this trail. With 100 km (62 miles) ahead of you, the path begins in Melrose and ends in Lindisfarne in the North Sea.

red brick ruins of Lindisfarne Abbey Scotland

The trail takes you through some of the best landscapes and views that Scotland has to offer. Also, you pass through a section of Roman road and various historic abbeys, churches, hill forts, and castles. While you are on this path, you also walk beside the River Tweed and that can offer you a glimpse of the local wildlife. It would take you 4-7 days to complete the Way at a leisurely pace. 

Speyside Way

Starting from Buckie, the Speyside Way is another excellent walking route that can provide you with some of the best views of Scotland. The path begins at the mouth of River Spey and follows the valley upstream via Aviemore and ends in Newtonmore. This path provides you with a great view of some of the old viaducts, bridges, Caledonian pine forest, and open moorland. You also get to see some highland wildlife like deer, red squirrels, and Scottish wildcats. The path is ideal for beginners and there are plenty of facilities like B&Bs for eating and resting along the trail. You can complete this walking holiday in a little more than a week. 

winter view with brown grass and trees alongside lake

Southern Upland Way

Probably one of the longest walking routes in Scotland, the Southern Upland Way is a real challenge that also provides some of the best scenic landscapes along the path. This trail begins at Portpatrick and you move from west to east and coast to coast finally heading towards Cockburnspath where the trail ends.

blue sea reflecting village of Portpatrick Harbour

The trail takes you through the Rhins of Galloway and you get some splendid views of Kintyre Peninsula, Isle of Man and Ailsa Craig. You also pass through Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest-altitude village which stands at 1350 ft (410m). Considering that this trail is 344 km (214 miles) long you need to ensure that you have the fitness and mental readiness to handle the long demanding stretches in exposed open upland. You can always prepare for a long hike before you opt for this walking tour. You can cover this trail in 12 to 16 days. However, if you are taking more breaks, it might take 18 to 20 days.  

Great Trossachs Path

On the other end of the spectrum of Southern Upland Way is the Great Trossachs Path which is a fairly easy and less challenging walking path. If you have plans to enjoy some walking holidays with your family you can opt for this one as you begin your walking trail in Inversnaid and head east towards Callander.

river with brown trees in front of stone Trossachs Church Scotland

This 45 km (28 miles) path can provide you with some of the best scenic paths and the lovely Loch Katrine. Also, the path is marked and relatively short and has limited steep sections making it a fairly easy walking tour. On this path, you also walk through Stronachlachar, Brig o’ Turk, and other villages. The path is linked with the Great Trossachs Forest and offers a great view of Scotland’s countryside. It would take 2-3 days to complete this walk even at a leisurely pace. 

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