Scotland's Finest 100 Best Walks
Just north of Kylesku Bridge
"Scotland's 100 Best Walks", Lomond Books, ISBN: 0-947782-66-4, is a veritable treasure trove compiled by Cameron McNeish, the UK's foremost hill walker (hiker) and broadcaster.
These are not long distance walking trails, although .......quite a few can be longer indeed! These are 'other' walks, from easy low-level walks along forest paths and coastlines, to longer and at times challenging mountain tracks. You want to walk? Look no further!
In the book itself you'll find detailed and anecdotal route descriptions sometimes rooted in history and legend. Truly a walker's delight!
I simply couldn't resist and have used the information to list these walks.
You want to know more? Go and get the book! Cameron McNeish is not only a true authority on hill walking, or 'hiking', but is a very accomplished and most entertaining writer as well. He is, as they say, the whole deal (or package).
Walks on the map!
A word of warning: Walking in the 'wilds' of Scotland can be tricky and sometimes outright dangerous! Do not take unnecessary risks!
The horrible tragedy on the The Aonach Eagach Ridge (5 August 2023) which involved 3 people, serves to highlight the dangers.
Southern Hills And Coast
1
Start & Finish: FFJ2+GQF Killin
2
Tarmachan Horseshoe near Killin. 10 km moderate hill walk (3-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: GMWV+8CW Bridge of Balgie
3
Glen Ogle Railway Trail near Lochearnhead. 9 km easy low-level walk (3 hrs).
Start & Finish: 9PP6+68P Lochearnhead
4
Ben More and Stob Binnein near Crianlarich. 15 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 9CXG+6GM Crianlarich
5
Beinn Laoigh (Ben Lui) near Crianlarich. 20 km moderate hill walk (7-9 hrs).
Start: C8G7+73R Crianlarich
Finish: C46V+7PX Crianlarich
6
Region: Argyll & The Isles
Cruachan Horseshoe near Taynuilt. 15 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 9VVM+QG Dalmally
7
Region: Argyll & The Isles
Beinn Lora near Benderloch. 5 km easy hill walk (2-3 hrs).
Start & Finish: FHQW+858 Benderloch
8
Region: Argyll & The Isles
Dunstaffnage Trail (Castle!) near Oban. 8 km easy low-level walk (3-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: CGQJ+59Q Ganavan
9
Region: Argyll & The Isles
The Cobbler near Arrochar. 15 km moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: 664X+68H Arrochar
10
Ben A'n (Am Binnein) near Aberfoyle. 6 km easy hill walk (2-3 hrs).
Start & Finish: 6HMV+2FW Callander
11
Ben Ledi near Callander. 12 km easy/moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 7P38+QH4 Callander
12
Ben Venue near Aberfoyle. 13 km easy/moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 5GQ8+66X Ledard, Stirling
13
Ben Lomond (West Highland Way) near Drymen. 12 km easy/moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start: 5925+V8G Rowardennan, Glasgow
Finish: 5955+Q6R Rowardennan, Glasgow
14
Conic Hill (West Highland Way) near Drymen. 10 km easy hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start: 3H98+QVC Drymen, Glasgow
Finish: 3FP6+CGF Drymen, Glasgow
15
The Whangie near Milngavie. 5 km easy hill walk (2-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: XJW6+XFW Auchengillan, Glasgow
16
Campsie Fells near Strathblane. 12 km easy/moderate hill walk (3-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: 2M23+X8Q Blairquhosh, Glasgow
The Borders and the South West
17
Region: Dumfries & Galloway
The Merrick near Newton Stewart. 16 km strenuous hill walk (8-10 hrs).
Start & Finish: 3GR8+VF Glentrool, Newton Stewart
18
Region: Dumfries & Galloway
Solway's Castle Point near Dalbeattie. 9 km easy low-level walk (2-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: V5JP+373 Dalbeattie
19
Region: Dumfries & Galloway
Criffel near Dumfries. 6.5 km easy hill walk (3-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: X94R+37 Dumfries
20
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
St Mary's Loch-Traquair (Southern Upland Way) near Peebles. 20 km easy hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start: FQFW+6QC Selkirk
Finish: JW9M+9VQ Innerleithen
21
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
Minchmoor and the Three Brethren near Selkirk. 16 km easy hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: H35G+8PF Selkirk
22
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
Taste of Ettrick near Moffat. 6 km easy hill walk (2-3 hrs).
Start & Finish: CR9H+GM Selkirk
23
Region: Dumfries & Galloway
Lowther Hills (Southern Upland Way) near Moffat. 12 km easy hill walk (4-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: 96WF+P7V Biggar
24
Region: Dumfries & Galloway
Hart Fell near Moffat. 13 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 9GMM+HWV Moffat
25
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
White Coomb & Grey Mare's Tail near Moffat. 7 km moderate hill walk (3-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: CP96+6X5 Moffat
26
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
Eildon Hills near Melrose. 10 km easy hill walk (3-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: H7XJ+F66 Melrose
27
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
Glensax Horseshoe near Peebles. 20 km moderate hill walk (7-9 hrs).
Start & Finish: MR24+4W Peebles
28
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
Pentlands (Scald Law) near Edinburgh. 13.5 km moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: VQ3F+VX Edinburgh
Eastern Highlands and Coast
29
Region: Fife
Pittenweem To Fife Ness near St Andrews. 14 km moderate low-level walk (5-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 677G+95V Anstruther
30
Region: Perth(shire), Angus & Dundee
Birnam Hill near Birnam. 7 km easy hill walk (2-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: HC5C+PM3 Dunkeld
31
Region: Perth(shire), Angus & Dundee
Birks Of Aberfeldy near Aberfeldy. 6.5 km easy low-level walk (2-3 hrs).
Start & Finish: J48M+C89 Aberfeldy
32
Region: Perth(shire), Angus & Dundee
Pitlochry's Lochs And Rivers near Pitlochry. 10 km moderate low-level walk (3-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: P65X+4Q7 Pitlochry
33
Region: Perth(shire), Angus & Dundee
Ben Vrackie-Speckled Hill near Pitlochry. 8 km easy hill walk (3-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: P78F+42 Pitlochry
34
Region: Perth(shire), Angus & Dundee
Driesh and Mayar near Kirriemuir. 14 km moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: RVVX+8M8 Kirriemuir
35
Region: Aberdeen(shire) & Moray
Dark Lochnagar near Braemar. 30 km strenuous hill walk (8-10 hrs).
Start & Finish: XJG5+XXC Auchallater, Ballater
36
Region: Aberdeen(shire) & Moray
Bennachie near Inverurie. 9 km easy hill walk (3-4 hrs)>
Start & Finish: 7FMX+W5 Inverurie
37
Region: Aberdeen(shire) & Moray
Coastal Walk to Findlater Castle near Elgin. 8 km easy coastal walk (3-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: M5VJ+H2 Buckie
38
Region: Aberdeen(shire) & Moray
Benn Rinnes-Whisky Hill near Dufftown. 9.5 km easy hill walk (3-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: CR38+WF9 Keith
39
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Abernethy Forest near Aviemore. 18 km long low-level walk (6-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: 588F+2PX Aviemore
40
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Meall a' Bhuachaille near Aviemore. 8 km easy hill walk (3-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: 588F+2PX Aviemore
41
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Around Loch an Eilein (Castle!) near Aviemore. 5 km moderate low-level walk (2-3 hrs).
Start & Finish: 553G+Q4 Aviemore
42
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Braeriach's High-Level Classic near Aviemore. 21 km moderate hill walk (8-10 hrs).
Start & Finish: 48WC+G9 Aviemore
43
Region: Aberdeen(shire) & Moray
Ben Macdui (From The South) near Braemar. 30 km moderate hill walk (8-10 hrs).
Start & Finish: XFQ4+RJ Braemar, Ballater
44
Region: Aberdeen(shire) & Moray
Corries Of Beinn a' Bhuird & Ben Avon near Braemar. 40 km strenuous hill walk (10-12 hrs).
Start & Finish: 2M36+9Q2 Bridge of Dee, Ballater
45
Region: Aberdeen(shire) & Moray
Lairig Ghru near Aviemore. 30 km long hill walk (10-14 hrs).
Start: 56F3+J9H Aviemore
Finish: XFQ4+RJ Braemar, Ballater
46
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Creag Bheag near Kingussie. 6 km easy hill walk (2 hrs).
Start & Finish: 3WPV+V7C Kingussie
47
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
General Wade's Badenoch Road near Newtonmore. 24 km long low-level walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 3V8J+GW7 Newtonmore
48
Region: Perth(shire), Angus & Dundee
Minigaig-Blair Atholl (Castle!) to Kingussie near Blair Atholl. 50 km strenuous 2 days hill walk (2 days).
Start: Q583+QQ Blair Atholl, Pitlochry
Finish: 3WHW+RFG Kingussie
49
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
A' Chailleach, Monadh Liath near Newtonmore. 10 km moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start: 3R9R+VM8 Newtonmore
Central Highlands
50
Creag Meagaidh near Spean Bridge. 16 km strenuous hill walk (7-9 hrs).
Start & Finish: XG23+JRG Newtonmore
51
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Beinn a'Chlachair near Spean Bridge. 20 km moderate hill walk (7-9 hrs).
Start & Finish: WC6F+P9Q Roy Bridge
52
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Ben Alder near Newtonmore. 50 km strenuous 2 days hill walk (2 days).
Start & Finish: XHGW+437 Newtonmore
53
Rannoch Moor (West Highland Way) near Bridge of Orchy. 28 km moderate hill walk (8-10 hrs).
Start & Finish: M535+CWM Ballachulish
54
Region: Argyll & The Isles
Stob Ghabhar & Stob a'Choire Odhair (West Highland Way) near Bridge of Orchy. 20 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: G5RP+8GR Bridge of Orchy
55
Buachaille Etive Mor (West Highland Way) near Glencoe. 13 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: M37W+WG3 Ballachulish
56
Bidean nam Bian near Glencoe. 10 km moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: MX9X+P54 Ballachulish
57
The Aonach Eagach near Glencoe. 6.5 km (moderate hill walk/scramble (3-5 hrs),
BUT you have to be careful! Accidents have happened there!.
Start & Finish: M289+M2 Ballachulish
58
The Ring Of Steall near Fort William. 15 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: QXGX+XM Achriabhach, Fort William
59
Glen Nevis Gorge & Meadows near Fort William. 6 km easy low-level walk (2-4 hrs).
Start & Finish: QXGX+XM Achriabhach, Fort William
60
Ben Nevis & Carn Mor Dearg near Fort William. 20 km strenuous hill walk (7-9 hrs).
Start & Finish: RW5C+8V Achintee, Fort William
61
Stob a'Choire Meadhoin & Stob Coire Easain near Spean Bridge. 15 km moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: V78R+6J, Roybridge, Roy Bridge
Western Highlands
62
Ardgour/Garbh Bheinn near Strontian. 13 km strenuous hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: MJM8+9C3 Inversanda, Fort William
63
Moidart/Ross-Bheinn Peninsula Hills near Glenfinnan. 16 km strenuous hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: V8CJ+P74 Lochailort
64
Moidart/Glenfinnan Corbetts near Glenfinnan. 12 km moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: VFGF+X59 Glenfinnan
65
Streap near Glenfinnan. 14 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: VJ73+PM4 Glenfinnan
66
Knoydart/Sgurr na Ciche 'near' (20 km!) Achnacarry. 21 km strenuous hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: XMCG+5C7 Strathan, Spean Bridge
67
Knoydart/Ladhar Bheinn 'near' (40 km!) Invergarry. 35 km moderate 2 days hill walk (2 days).
Start & Finish: 4J37+Q7 Kinloch Hourn, Invergarry
68
Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh
Beinn Sgritheall 'near' (25 km!) Shiel Bridge. 10 km moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: 49WH+JPM Camusbane, Kyle
69
Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh
The Saddle/An Diolaid near Shiel Bridge. 16 km moderate hill walk/scramble (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 5JGP+7F Shiel Bridge, Kyle
70
Gleouraich & Spidean Mialach 'near' (30 km!) Invergarry. 12 km moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 3PGW+7PF Coille Mhorgil, Invergarry
71
Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh
Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan 'near' (30 km!) Invergarry. 22 km strenuous hill walk (7-9 hrs).
Start & Finish: 5R5V+V84 Glen Moriston, Inverness
Northern Highlands
72
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Coire Lair horseshoe near Strathcarron. 16 km strenuous hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: FMJ8+RP Achnashellach, Strathcarron
73
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Torridon/Beinn Damh near Shieldaig. 12 km moderate hill walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: GFH9+W9R Annat, Achnasheen
74
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Torridon/Beinn Alligin near Shieldaig. 10 km moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: HC5P+CC Alligin, Achnasheen
75
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Torridon/Liathach near Kinlochewe. 12 km strenuous hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: HG3W+3Q Torridon, Achnasheen
76
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Torridon/Beinn Eighe near Kinlochewe. 16 km strenuous hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: HJ88+6J Coulin, Achnasheen
77
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
The Great Wilderness/Slioch near Kinlochewe. 20 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: JP57+F9 Kinlochewe, Achnasheen
78
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
The Great Wilderness/A'Mhaigdean near Dundonnelll. 40 km strenuous hill walk (10-14 hrs).
Start & Finish: RR8F+2J Eilean Darach Lodge, Garve
79
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
The Great Wilderness/An Teallach near Dundonnell. 22 km strenuous hill walk (10-12 hrs).
Start & Finish: RR8F+2J Eilean Darach Lodge, Garve
80
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Seana Bhraigh near Ullapool. 25 km strenuous hill walk (8-10 hrs).
Start & Finish: RW9P+WXM Inverlael, Garve
81
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Assynt/Coigach & The Fiddler near Ullapool. 16 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: XVXW+QFV Ullapool
82
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Assynt/Rubha Mor of Achnahaird near Lochinver. 16 km moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 3JCM+7F Ullapool
83
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Assynt/Stac Pollaidh near Lochinver. 3 km moderate hill walk (2-3 hrs).
Start & Finish: 2QMV+R4 Ullapool
84
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Assynt/Suilven near Lochinver. 25 km strenuous hill walk (8-10 hrs).
Start: 3272+5C7 Ledmore, Lairg
Finish: 4QX5+5RQ Lochinver, Lairg
85
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Sutherland/Sandwood Bay near Kinlochbervie. 16 km moderate coastal walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: FWR2+96 Blairmore, Lairg
86
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Sutherland/Foinaven near Kinlochbervie. 28 km strenuous hill walk (12-15 hrs).
Start & Finish: 839R+224 Achfary, Lairg
87
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Sutherland/Ben Hope near Altnaharra. 7 km easy hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 99R8+5QW Alltnacaillich, Lairg
The Islands
88
Region: Orkney Islands
Orkney-Isle of Hoy/Hills of Hoy. 19 km moderate coastal walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: WM8Q+F7 Stromness
89
Region: Shetland Islands
Shetland-Isle of Unst/Hermaness Hill. 8 km moderate coastal walk (3-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: R47F+39P Burrafirth, Shetland
90
Region: Western Isles (Outer Hebrides)
Isle of Harris/Clisham near Tarbert. 7 km moderate hill walk (4-5 hrs).
Start & Finish: X62C+7G Isle of Harris
91
Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh
Isle of Skye/Marsco near Sligachan. 18 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 7RQG+XX8 Sligachan, Isle of Skye
92
Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh
Isle of Skye/Sgurr nan Gillean near Slichagan. 16 km strenuous and technical hill walk/scramble (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 7RQF+G3W Sligachan, Isle of Skye
93
Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh
Isle of Skye/Bla Bheinn (Blaven) near Broadford 6.5 km moderate hill walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 6XC5+9CR Torrin, Isle of Skye
94
Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh
Isle of Skye/Boreraig & Suisinish near Broadford. 16 km moderate coastal walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: 6372+VVQ Kilbride, Isle of Skye
95
Isle of Rum/Rum Cuillin near Kinloch. 21 km strenuous hill walk (8-12 hrs).
Start & Finish: 2P67+R5R Isle Of Rum
96
Isle of Mull/Ben More near Knock. 13 km moderate hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: FX53+GH9 Dhiseig, Isle of Mull
97
Isle of Mull/Carsaig Arches near Carsaig. 13 km moderate coastal walk (5-7 hrs).
Start & Finish: 82CH+766 Carsaig, Isle of Mull
98
Region: Argyll & The Isles
Isle of Kerrera/The Green Isle near Balliemore. 12 km easy coastal walk (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: 9FXM+W2 Balliemore, Oban
99
Region: Argyll & The Isles
Isle of Jura/The Paps near Leargybreck. 16 km strenuous hill walk (6-8 hrs).
Start & Finish: V3HC+FV8 Isle of Jura
100
Region: Ayrshire, Arran & Clyde Valley
Isle of Arran/Cir Mhor near Sannox. 13 km strenuous hill walk/scramble (4-6 hrs).
Start & Finish: MR6V+MMV Isle of Arran