Scotland offers some of the best walking locations in Europe and is the perfect holiday destination for a walking, trekking or other type of adventure break. From a gentle country stroll, coastal or hill walk to a long distance trek or mountain climb, whatever you fancy you are bound to enjoy Scotland's breathtaking landscape whilst tackling Scotland diverse range of walking experiences.
Challenging routes, breath-taking scenery, glimpses of wildlife and excellent facilities, it all can be found in Scotland. Walking in Scotland is also ideal for the whole family - is a great way to exercise, encourage a healthy activity and at the same time explore Scotland. Walks needn't be long either, enjoy a view from a short walk whilst getting some fresh air and working up an appetite before returning to your hotel or guest house.
Scotland is the home of the Highlands, the famous mountainous regions of Scotland, where there are some of highest mountain in the UK, including the highest Ben Nevis and the second highest mountain Ben Macdui.
A particularly good walking area in Scotland is the West Highland Way which links the lowlands of Scotland to the Highlands, passing near Ben Nevis and finishing at Fort William. This area has become increasingly popular with walkers due to the ease of access near to Glasgow and the stunning scenery of glens, cross ridges and hills, with as many as 70,000 people walking the route every year.
Fort William and Lochaber is the area where Ben Nevis and Ben Macdui can be found and are considered to be the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Fort William is the largest town in the west Highlands of Scotland, whilst Lochaber is renowned for magnificent scenery, and nearby is Loch Morar - the deepest loch and beautiful glens and forests.
To the South is the famous Glen Coe, perhaps the most dramatic of Scotland's glens and for keen walkers represents the true Mecca. The spectacular Buachaille Etive Mor, a mountain with a near-perfect pyramidal shape, is an attractive guardian at the entrance to the glen.
There is fascinating geology to be admired - such as formations of Lewisian gneiss in the North West, amongst the oldest found anywhere on Earth at up to 3,000 million years old. When out and about walking you will see plenty of wildlife, populations of seals and seabirds such as Gannets as well as the Golden Eagle, and beautiful plants and tree such as the UK's tallest tree - the Stronardron Douglas Fir which can be found in Argyll.
Walking makes for a great free activity in the summer when you can see for miles and miles from the mountains and enjoy a picnic amongst some of the most beautiful surroundings, which tastes even better if you've earned it! Winter however is also a good time for walking in Scotland as it is quieter and cooler so walking further is easier. Inexperienced walkers should take care in the winter and always go in a group.