walking tours scotland self guided

                      Walking and Hiking Tours in Scotland

Scotland's Western Highlands and Isle of Skye

Scotland: Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides

Scotland: The Great Glen Way Self-Guided Tour

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Guided & Self-Guided Walking and Hiking Tours in Scotland

Scotland: Western HIghlands and Isle of Skye

GUIDED 

$3,975 - 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS

The Scottish Highlands-- a vast land of raw beauty and rugged mountains, unspoiled wilderness and majestic scenery. 

$3,975 - 7 Nights / 8 Days

And off-shore lie the Hebrides, a myriad of magical islands rugged landscapes that  slide unhurriedly into the Atlantic.

The Great Glen Way

SELF-GUIDED

$1,350 - 8 Nights / 9 Days / 7 Days Walking

Discovering the impressive castles on the route, including Uruhart Castle and Ardverikie Castle.

West Highland Way - North Section

$975 - 6 Nights / 7 Days / 5 Days Walking

Climbing the challenging highland section of the West Highland Way..

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Bosnia and herzegovina, czech republic, liechtenstein, netherlands, north macedonia, switzerland, türkiye/turkey, united kingdom, bike & boat, multi-activity, vessels & boats, advanced search, scotland self-guided walking tours, explore scotland your way on a beautiful self-guided walking holiday.

Scotland’s enviable blend of vibrant cities, heritage towns and soul-stirring scenery littered with historic treasures makes it an attractive destination for a self-guided walking tour.

This is a rugged, remote land of dramatic landscapes, from craggy mountains, ancient forests and brilliant green glens to fjord-like lochs and a complex coastline dotted with lonely islands and wave-beaten cliffs—perfect for self-guided hiking trips.

Explore the spectacular scenery of the unspoiled, uncrowded Inner Hebrides archipelago by foot; reach the top of Ben Nevis; or enjoy a self-guided hike through the timeless countryside of the Scottish Highlands, discovering historic towns, highland villages and stunning mountains, lochs and glens.

Whichever itinerary you choose, you won’t regret a self-guided walking tour of Scotland’s epic wilderness.

Find your trip

West Highland Way - 10 Days

Isle of Arran Coastal Way

West Highland Way

The Great Glen Way

Introductory to Moderate

Highlights of the Great Glen Way

The Full Pennine Way

Challenging

• Popular activities
• Popular travel regions

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• Responsible travel
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• Leaders in the field
• Custom made itineraries
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Making Scotland affordable

Our self-guided trips in Scotland are designed to be affordable providing you with all the necessary ingredients for a successful journey at a price that will leave more in your pocket for those random shopping finds on the trail.

Explore Scotland at your own pace

On self-guided walking trips in Scotland you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self-guided walking trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self-guided walking trip offers.

Enjoy flexibility and choice

Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.

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Self-Guided Tours in Scotland

• Choose from 27 Scotland tours
• 11 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Self-Guided Scotland tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa Scotland travel expert at TourRadar

Classic Scotland Self Drive

Self guide cycle tour - hebridean way, best of scottish lochs, the highlands, edinburgh and glasgow in 6days (partially-guided, independent), taste of scotland, nc500 self drive tour, scotland culinary, walking the rob roy way, walking the west highland way, london and edinburgh in a week, st. cuthbert's way.

• In-depth Cultural
• Cruise Loch Lomond and admire the serene shores
• Tour St Andrews and the ancient golf course
• Visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness

“Excellent hotels and average B&Bs. The Edinburgh B&B was an interesting house, but there was no parking there.”

• Self-Guided Cycling
• Sightseeing
• Ride through the Hebridean Way starting at Vatersay
• Visit the historic Callanish Standing Stones
• End the tour at the dramatic Butt of Lewis

• Christmas & New Year
• Visit the historic Edinburgh Castle
• Explore Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
• Discover Edinburgh on a guided walking tour

• Search for Nessie on a Loch Ness cruise
• Drive through the stunning Glencoe Valley
• Explore Glasgow's vibrant art and music scene

• Drive the dramatic Bealach na Bà road
• Visit iconic castles and prehistoric brochs
• Explore Inverness and its vibrant shops

• Food & Culinary
• Explore Glasgow's music and architecture
• Join a Haggis Making Demonstration
• Walk Edinburgh's Old and New Towns

• Hiking & Trekking
• Self Guided Walking Holidays
• See the Falls of Leny and Loch Lubnaig
• Explore Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
• Start your walk from Drymen village

• Hike Conic Hill for Loch Lomond views
• Climb the Devil's Staircase in Glencoe
• Sample whisky at Glengoyne Distillery

• Tour Edinburgh Castle's historic chambers
• Discover Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
• Cruise past London's landmarks on the Thames

• Hike the Eildon Hills for views
• Cross into England over Cheviot Hills
• Visit Sir Walter Scott's grave

Discover TourRadar

Walkabout Scotland West Highland Way Self-Guided

• Milngavie to Balmaha
• Balmaha to Crianlarich
• Crianlarich to Kingshouse
• Kingshouse to Fort William
• Balmaha to Drovers
• Drovers to Bridge of Orchy
• Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse
• Milngavie to Drymen
• Drymen to Rowardennan
• Rowardennan to Drovers
• Drovers to Tyndrum
• Tyndrum to Kingshouse
• Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
• Kinlochleven to Fort William

• Travel Info
• Sustainability
• Terms & Conditions

Scotland Walking Tours: Self Guided

Our walking holidays in Scotland show off the iconic Highlands landscape in all its rugged beauty. Walking the West Highland Way allows you to truly connect with the environment, traversing the fault line that divides the lowlands from the highlands so you can witness the shift in terrain underfoot.

A self-guided Scotland walking tour grants you flexibility in scheduling so you can choose the best time to go. Looking for guided walking tours in Scotland instead of going on your own? We’d love to take you on a short break!

We also offer tours in several other destinations. Check out our Self Guided Walking Tours in Ireland for a variety of other walking route options. We’re always happy to discuss the various routes we offer, so get in touch and let’s chat about your holiday plans!

About Our Scotland Hiking Trips

Our self-guided hiking trips in Scotland follow the iconic West Highland Way. This 96-mile hike traverses the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering you plenty of jaw-dropping vistas en route. You can choose the number of days you’d like to walk and total distance covered.

• This is how our self-guided Scotland walking holidays work:
• We work with you to plan your ideal holiday itinerary.
• We will pre-book all your accommodations.
• We also pre-arrange all of your daily luggage transfers to your next accommodation so you can walk more comfortably with just a small daypack.
• We will provide you with detailed maps, virtual route notes and GPX tracks for your journey.
• You’ll also get plenty of travel information, including recommendations for the best restaurants, pubs, and other places of interest to visit along the way.

We are making the important switch to a paperless system in order to align with our commitment to sustainability. By going paperless we aim to significantly reduce our environmental footprint by cutting down on paper waste, decreasing the need for printing, and overall lessening our reliance on natural resources. This means we can now streamline our processes in the digital world for our company and clients by taking this eco-friendly approach to our Route Notes.

Take a look at our suggested itineraries below, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us and we’d be delighted to help.

Explore Our Self Guided Scotland Walking Tours

West Highland Way – 10 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

Grade: Moderate

West Highland Way – 6 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

Grade: Easy to Moderate

West Highland Way – 7 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

We're proud of our excellent reviews.

Walking Holidays in Scotland

Explore Great Glens and Fells with Walking Holidays in Scotland

It’s easy to forget how much of Scotland is still wild and under-explored. Hiking Scotland’s hills has often figured as a way of finding respite from the frenetic pace of the city.  For those looking for a challenge think The West Highland Way . An island escape,  The Isle of Arran . For a more leisurely walk in Scotland, following the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness – look no further than  The Great Glen Way .

• Destination Guide

Explore our Scotland Walking Holidays

West Highland Way

• Duration: 4 to 10 nights
• Length: 44 to 96 mls (km)
• Location: West Scotland
• Grade: Moderate to Challenging
• Season: Mar to Oct

St Cuthbert’s Way

• Duration: 6 to 8 nights
• Length: 62 mls (km)
• Location: Scottish Borders
• Grade: Moderate

Great Glen Way

• Length: 73 mls (km)
• Location: Mid Scotland
• Grade: Easy to Moderate

Cateran Trail

• Duration: 6 to 7 nights
• Length: 64 to 64 mls (km)
• Location: Central Scotland

Isle of Arran Coastal Way

• Duration: 7 nights
• Length: 65 mls (km)
• Location: Northern Scotland

John Muir Way

• Duration: 11 to 12 nights
• Length: 134 mls (km)
• Location: Southern Scotland
• From: £1470

Fife Coastal Path

• Duration: 8 to 10 nights
• Length: 82 mls (km)
• Location: Eastern Scotland
• From: £1135

Speyside Way

• Location: North East Scotland
• Grade: Easy

Borders Abbeys Way

• Length: 69 mls (km)

Rob Roy Way

• Duration: 7 to 8 nights
• Length: 79 mls (km)

Overview of Scotland's Walking Routes

The most northerly region of the UK also contains the most mountainous terrain, with the highest mountain in Britain (Ben Nevis) towering over Scotland's distinctive highlands. Generally, the south and central lowlands are characterised by gentler forested areas in comparison to more rugged features of the north. Scotland's topography is divided between mainland and islands and dominated by the cavernous lochs sprawling across its landmass - 90% of the standing fresh water volume of Great Britain lies within Scotland.

Explore highlands, lochs and deep glens in Scotland's areas of iconic natural beauty. Your walking holiday can take you into areas full of echoes of Scottish history. Choose from walking the romantic Rob Roy Way in Scotland's Southern Highlands, along the shores of Loch Lomond with its islands set against stunning mountain backdrops and ascend the Devil's Staircase on the West Highland Way  or the beautiful  Isle of Arran , ‘Scotland in miniature’. End your time walking with a day in Edinburgh for a final experience of Scotland’s fascinating history.

Best Time to Walk in Scotland

Scotland is significantly colder and wetter than England and Wales. For this reason it is best to avoid the winter months (November through to March), which can be very challenging. The warmest months, and best time to visit are from April through to October. Dry weather cannot unfortunately be guaranteed, but the days will be warmer, lighter and better for walking.

Unlike the rest of the UK, Scottish school holidays generally run from late June until mid-August and so those wishing to miss the busiest months should avoid these times.

Those hoping to walk the West Highland Way or the Great Glen Way should also be aware of the much hated ‘midge’. These tiny, biting insects exist in high numbers in the north-west of Scotland and are at their worst during the hottest months, especially August. For this reason, May, June and September can be better months to visit the North West Highlands.

Traveling to Scotland

By Plane:  The quickest way to get to Scotland is by plane. Scotland has 3 international airports, Edinburgh and Glasgow in the south and Aberdeen in the north. Edinburgh and Glasgow both have excellent transport links into the rest of Scotland, whilst Aberdeen is slightly more isolated.

As Scotland is quite far from London, it is generally easier to fly directly into a Scottish airport rather flying into a London airport and then making your way to Scotland. However there are regular daily flights into Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen from all of the major London airports. Likewise if you are starting your holiday in a different part of England or Wales, you will find regular flights to Scotland from most British airports.

By Eurostar/ Train:  If travelling from mainland Europe, the UK can be reached by train from Paris, Brussels and Lille using the Eurostar. The Eurostar arrives in London, and from there you will find excellent train and bus connections to Scotland.

A train from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow will take approximately 4 ½ hours. Both cities then have excellent train connections with the rest of Scotland. Alternatively, you can take the Caledonian Sleeper, which is an overnight sleeper train from London to major Scottish destinations, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. It is a particularly good option if you're travelling to northern Scotland.

Other major British cities with good train connections into Scotland include Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. You should book train journeys as far in advance as possible to secure the best fares.

By Ferry:  If traveling from mainland Europe, there is an overnight car ferry from IJmuiden in Holland to the city of Newcastle, which lies just south of the Scottish border. The journey takes 17 hours, although a cabin is included in your fare. From Newcastle, there are very good transport links into Scotland.

It is also possible to travel by ferry from Northern Ireland to Glasgow.

Scotland Client Reviews

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Walking in scotland destination guide, medical cover.

No vaccinations are required for entry into Britain. All citizens of the EU are entitled to free medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). If you are travelling from outside the EU you will receive free treatment from the Accident and Emergency Unit, but not if you are admitted into hospital or receive treatment at a general doctor's surgery. Consequently health insurance is highly recommended.

Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept all major debit and credit cards, although you should always carry a bit of cash on you, particularly when visiting more rural areas or when using small businesses. You will also find an ATM in most small towns.

Tipping is expected in most cafés and restaurants but not mandatory. Anything between 5% and 15%, depending on the quality of service is acceptable. It is not necessary to tip bar staff as you will usually order and collect your drinks at the bar.

Internet and Phone coverage

Good, speedy internet and phone coverage in Scotland is generally clustered around the more urban areas, although reception in rural areas is generally reliable. That being said, you should always be aware that in more remote areas coverage is patchy, and in places like the Cairngorms National Park - coverage is sporadic at best. It is increasingly common to have free wi-fi in cafés, hotels and B&Bs but not guaranteed.

Travel Documents

Citizens of the EU are free to visit the UK for any length of time with just their passports, whilst those from the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand can visit for 6 months with just their passports. Those from other countries will need to look into Visas. Once you have arrived in Scotland, you are free to cross the borders of England and Wales without having your documents checked again.

Getting Around

Celtic Trails will arrange necessary transfers for yourself and your luggage for the duration of the walk. This is included in the price of the holiday, but does not include transport to the start of the walk. We are very happy to arrange private transfer to the start of your walk at an additional cost. Alternatively, there are the following options:

Train:  The entire UK has an excellent train network and it is the most popular form of public transport because it is comfortable, safe and fast. It covers all cities and most towns and is also suitable for travelling on with large pieces of luggage.

In Scotland, most train routes centre on Edinburgh and Glasgow. From both of these cities you can travel north along the east coast towards Aberdeen, along the west coast towards Fort William and also through the centre towards Inverness. There are also train routes going south along both the east and west coasts.

In order to check train routes and times visit  www.nationalrail.co.uk . If you would like advice on which is the nearest train station to the start/end of your walk please get in touch. Train tickets can be bought on the National Rail website or at the train station on the day.

Coach: Coach travel is often one of the most affordable ways of making long journeys across the UK (but not necessarily the quickest). National Express www.nationalexpress.com and Megabus www.uk.megabus.com are the main long distance coach companies in the UK serving major towns, cities and airports. Tickets for long distance coach journeys should always be bought online well in advance.

Bus : Buses (generally smaller than coaches) are used across Scotland for shorter journeys. There are thousands of bus routes and you will find a service running through most towns in Scotland. They are particularly useful in more rural parts, where there is not a train service. Tickets are bought from the bus driver. Timetables in Scotland can be checked at www.travelinescotland.com

Taxi:  Travelling by taxi is not cheap but it is the most convenient way of travelling if you only have a small number of journeys to make. If you are in particularly rural area or need a taxi late at night, it is advisable that you book a day or two in advance. Taxi journeys should always be booked in advance unless you are in a major city or airport. Celtic Trails are very happy to provide you with the numbers of local, trustworthy taxi companies and also to book a taxi if enough notice is given.

Car: If you plan to drive to the start of your walking holiday, please let us know as we can provide advice on where to leave your car whilst walking.

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Why Celtic Trails?

Our self-guided tours in Scotland

Self-guided tours in scotland.

Want to be in control of your tour ? Adventures scotland offers an alternative option to the classics guided tours. Our self-drive tours in give you the independance to enjoy Scotland’s treasures at your own pace. You will definitely love the freedom to stop and go as you wish. All our tours are just inspiration ideas for your own tailor-made adventure. We will do all the planning and booking (itinerary, attractions,  accomodations), so all you need to do is drive and experience Scotland landscapes ! Have your own car? Great! We can also plan your Self Drive tour package without the car rental. Contact us for more details.

Self-Guided tours ideas

Check out our itinerary ideas, or create the one you dream of.

Self-drive: Skye and Highlands

9 days from £999 / person.

Scotland Isle of Skye tour and B&B, from the Trotternish Peninsula to Ben Nevis via Glencoe and Edinburgh.

• Easy or moderate walking holiday and sightseeing
• 2-4 hours walking / day
• self-guided tour

The Ultimate Outlander Tour

8 days from £999 / person.

• 1-2 hours walking / day

The Highlands by Train

9 days from £1150 / person.

The best of the Highlands by train

Campervan tour: Skye and Highlands

9 days from £899 / person.

A road trip by van to the most beautiful sites from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye.

• Self-guided tour

The Sorcerer trail

8 days from £949 / person.

A Harry Potter trip to Scotland to discover the Highlands with your family: Loch Ness, Jacobite Steam Train, Glencoe…

• Easy walking holiday and sightseeing

My house in the Scottish Highlands (special family tour)

8 days from £929 / person.

A family stay to discover the Highlands in a small typical Scottish house!

• Easy or moderate adventure holiday and sightseeing

The Shetlands, land of the Vikings

Self-guided discovery tour of the Shetlands: set off to discover the wilderness and Viking culture, all in a cottage!

• Moderate walking holiday and sightseeing
• 3-5 hours walking / day

The Legendary West Highland Way

The most famous Scottish trek of the west highland way, in hotel and B&B among beautiful landscapes of the Highlands!

• 4-6 hours walking / day

Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way by boat

9 days from £1499 / person.

Cast off and enjoy the rhythm of the water.

• Easy adventures holiday and sightseeing

The Ultimate James Bond tour

It’s time to put on your suit, your ember gaze and settle down in a mythical Scottish pub and put yourself in Agent 007’s shoes! Your name is Bond, James Bond.

• Easy tour and sightseeing

The North Coast 500 road trip

12 days from £1249 / person.

Road trip in a campervan on the north coast of Scotland, wild and uncrowded, on one of the most beautiful roads in Europe !

• 2-5 hours walking / day

Skye, Harris and Lewis: The jewels of the Hebrides

10 days from £919 / person.

Complete tour of the emblematic islands of Harris, Lewis and Skye all in a comfortable B&B!

My Big Self-Drive Tour of The Highlands

14 days from £1149 / person.

Road trip on the mythical Scottish roads by van to discover the must-see and secret sites!

West Coast whisky tour: Islay, Jura and Arran

Whisky discovery tour travelling the roads of the wild islands of the Southern Hebrides

• Easy walking, (drinking) and sightseeing holiday
• 1-3 hours walking / day

The Great Glen Way by bike

7 days from £949 / person.

The most famous Scottish lakeside bikeway.

• Moderate cycling holiday and sightseeing
• 3-4 hours cycling / day

The wonders of the highlands by campervan

14 days from £999 / person.

Beautiful Arran a miniature Scotland

4 days from £399 / person.

Nicknamed “Miniature Scotland”, we will explore this beautiful island through superb walks in the northern mountains, while discovering the many stone circles dating back to the Neolithic period and the wide variety of locally produced delicacies.

Stag Weekend adrenaline pack

3 days from £199 / person.

Enjoy a memorable weekend with your friends !

• Active adventure holiday and sightseeing
• 3-4 hours walking / day

Hen Weekend adrenaline pack

Speyside whisky trail

A superb wandering trek in the heart of whisky country along the peaceful River Spey. You will have the chance to explore the largest National Park in the country, the ancient Caledonian forest, and also the charming and ancient villages en route.

• 2/5 Moderate (drinking) walking holiday and sightseeing

John Muir Way by Bike

6 days from £749 / person.

The John Muir Way is 215km long and makes a fantastic cycle route. It’s intended to provide a pleasant and sometimes challenging cycle through the countryside, not – like many traditional cycle routes – an efficient way from A to B on a bike.

• 2/5 Moderate cycling holiday and sightseeing
• 3-5 hours cycling / day

Arran without car

8 days from £990 / person.

• 2/5 Moderate hiking holiday and sightseeing
• 1-6 hours hiking / day

The Best Places You Should Visit on Your Edinburgh Self Guided Tour

• Published on: April 24, 2022

Welcome to one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A city steeped in rich history, picturesque medieval architecture, and a vibrant culture; Edinburgh will keep you coming back for more. Follow this Edinburgh self-walking tour for some of the best highlights of Edinburgh’s Old Town along with some spectacular hidden gems.

Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours

Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)

• Get to and from the Airport:  Save on airport transfers with HolidayTaxis .  F rom only US$69.08
• The easiest way to  get around Edinburgh is to use the City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Get Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets starting   at US$22.48 

With 11 main stops around Edinburgh’s Old Town , you can see the absolute best of the city in a short amount of time. Use the guide as an Edinburgh itinerary, a self-guided walking tour, or a bucket list of must-see spots in the Scottish capital.

This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase without incurring an additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website. Please see my legal page for more details.

1. Ross Fountain

Start your Edinburgh self-walking tour at Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens. This iconic cast-iron fountain was first installed in 1872 and later restored in 2017 and 2018. It’s a beloved spot by both locals and tourists and also boasts magical views of the Edinburgh Castle.

2. Scott Monument

Follow through Princes Street Garden as you make your way to the other side of the park. Follow the stairs and exit the park on the right-hand side. You’ll soon come across the tall-standing Scott Monument. The historic monument is dedicated to renowned Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. He was born in Edinburgh in 1771 and passed away in 1832.

“ Is death the last step? No, it is the final awakening. ” – Sir Walter Scott

Follow past the Scottish National Gallery to arrive at your next stop. If you have time, explore the gallery to see works by Van Gogh, Monet, Dalí, and more. Have more time in Edinburgh? Pencil it in for another day! The gallery, like all public museums in the UK, is free to enter.

3. Edinburgh Self-Walking Tour and The Writers Museum

Somewhat of a hidden gem, the Writers Museum in the picturesque Lady Stair’s Close is a must-see in Edinburgh. Enter this free museum to learn more about Sir Walter Scott and other famous Scottish writers, or simply soak up the beauty of this tucked-away spot off the Royal Mile.

4. Edinburgh Castle

Of course, we can’t forget Edinburgh’s main attraction! Follow up a portion of the Royal Mile dotted in jolly bagpipe players and long-standing medieval architecture.

You can pay to enter the castle grounds or admire it from outside. Whatever your budget, time, and interests decide!

Inhabited since the Iron Age, the Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest places in the city. Here you will also have fantastic views overlooking parts of Edinburgh, providing a sneak peek to one of the next stops on this self-guided Edinburgh walking tour.

Did you know that the Edinburgh Castle is built on top of an extinct volcano?

5. Victoria Street

Easily one of the most interesting and colourful streets in Edinburgh , your next step of  Edinburgh self-walking tour is Victoria Street. Built during the early 1800s, this beautiful hilly spot is lined with incredible shops, boutiques, and cafes and even features a unique second-level walkway to get even more marvellous views of the street.

6. Grassmarket

Walk up Victoria Street which loops into W Bow. Take a left and you’ll find yourself at Grassmarket, a pedestrian-friendly historic marketplace. Here you may find some street vendors along with lots of surrounding pubs and restaurants. It’s a favourite area among locals and tourists alike.

Would you like this guide in a printable version?

7. the vennel viewpoint.

Walk to the other end of Grassmarket and look to your left for a tall staircase. Avoid the temptation to look back – just yet – until you make it to the top of the stairs.

Turn around and enjoy one of the most picturesque views of the Edinburgh Castle!

Here you’ll also find the Flodden Walls which were built in 1560 to protect against an English invasion (which never actually came).

8. The Elephant House

Make your way back down the stairs and through Grassmarket again as you keep right. You’ll soon stumble upon The Elephant House on Merchant Street. This is a book lover’s paradise as it was a favourite spot for JK Rowling when she was writing the Harry Potter series while looking out at Edinburgh Castle .

It’s easy to say much of Harry Potter was inspired by the architecture, charm, and people of Edinburgh. The more time you spend here (and the more Harry Potter you read or write), it will quickly become apparent.

9. St. Giles’ Cathedral

One of the city’s most stunning cathedrals, situated between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the famous Royal Mile. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Giles, who is the patron saint of Edinburgh.

Walk inside and experience the historical charm of this building. On the southeast corner, there is the peculiar, gothic-style Thistle Chapel, one of the most important parts of the church

10. Dunbars Close

Leisurely continue down the Royal Mil e until you find the cobbled Dunbars Close on the left-hand side. Hop off the tourist path and into this secret 17th-century garden. The hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile swiftly fades away when you enter into this tranquil oasis. Spend as much time as you’d like meandering through this piece of Edinburgh greenery.

11. Edinburgh Self-Walking Tour and Calton Hill

Your final stop on your Edinburgh self-walking tour will take you to the iconic Calton Hill at the end of Princes Street.

The views of Edinburgh from Calton Hill are just as stunning as the hill’s monuments themselves. Witness the Athens-like National Monument of Scotland and the early 19th-century Nelson Tower built to honour Vice-Admiral Nelson after his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Calton Hill is lovely both day and evening, but if you time it right, you can catch a gorgeous sunset here

READ ALSO: HOW TO EXPERIENCE EDINBURGH LIKE A LOCAL. A GUIDE TO STOCKBRIDGE

Discover other things to do in edinburgh.

Edinburgh is a city of legends and history. The city has a lot to offer and walking tours are one of the most popular activities to explore one of the world’s most culturally rich and beautiful cities. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, history enthusiast or on the ghost haunting mission, there’s a walking tour in Edinburgh to suit everyone!

Check our article on the best Edinburgh’s walking tours.

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Faster access, friendly help, visiting glasgow also check out the below to see what places to visit.

• What to See in Glasgow in One Day

Let me plan a custom travel itinerary made for YOU!

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My name is Kate and I created Scotland Itinerary Planning to give you those life-changing experiences right in the beautiful country I call home.

I’m proud to live in Edinburgh, Scotland , one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Living in Edinburgh has provided me a base to explore extensively around this magical little country.

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Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour

This post is a free, self-guided tour of Edinburgh, along with a map and route, put together by local tour guides for Free Tours by Foot.  

You can expect to walk nearly 2 miles or just over 3.2 kilometres.

Below is the abridged version. You can get the full version with directions by downloading this map, PDF version , or downloading our audio tour (see below).

Click the map to enlarge it or to download it to your smartphone.

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We also offer an audio tour of historic Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

Purchase our Audio Tour of Edinburgh

Additionally, you can also take free guided walking tours that run multiple times each day. These tours are in reality pay-what-you-wish tours.

Edinburgh is one of the most historic cities in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom.

In addition to its medieval history, this city’s history of education and learning has also affected our modern lives.

Whether it be the contributions that Adam Smith made to our modern understanding of a free market economy or the inspiration pulled from Edinburgh for the Harry Potter series, the people and the atmosphere of this city have contributed to the world in many important ways.

This tour will lead you through some of the most influential and popular landmarks in Edinburgh with plenty of sightseeing on the way.

In addition to historic sites, I’ll also point out some options for food, museums, art, and other ways to make the most of your time in Edinburgh.

This tour will begin at Edinburgh Castle and continue downhill, mostly following the Royal Mile, with a few turns onto other streets.

Once you’ve made your way to the castle gates, you’ll be ready to begin this tour.

Edinburgh Castle

This is the most historically significant landmark in all of Edinburgh, and there have been people living in the area since around the second century CE.

The castle itself became a royal residence in 1124, and it has been through a total of 26 sieges throughout its history.

This makes Edinburgh Castle the most besieged location in Scotland and one of the most attacked structures in the whole world.

This is the home of the Honours of Scotland, also known as the Scottish Crown Jewels. Entry is ticketed, and you can visit every day of the year.

The Castle is open from 9:30 am - 18:00 (6 pm) daily from April - September and from 9:30 am - 17:00 (5 pm) daily from October - March.

Tickets are £17.50 for Adults, £14 for Seniors and Unemployed, and £10.50 for Children. Visit the website .

Kids under 5 get in for free with an Adult. Alternatively, you can save money on tickets using either the Edinburgh Explorer Pass or the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.

We also offer a 25-stop audio tour of historic Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides, that you could take whenever you wish.

• Purchase an audio tour (£2.30)
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

The Witches’ Well

This monument was erected in memory of the more than 4,000 alleged witches who were burned at the stake in front of Edinburgh Castle from the 15th - 18th century.

The plaque features symbolic imagery including a foxglove plant which represents the use of herbal medicine, two heads representing evil and good, and a snake that is representative of both treachery and wisdom.

Many in Edinburgh would like to see an even better memorial, as this one is fairly small and has fallen into disrepair.

Castlehill Attractions

Castlehill is filled with notable attractions, but there are three, in particular, you may want to visit:

• The Scotch Whiskey Experience
• The Witchery
• Camera Obscura & The World of Illusions

The Scotch Whiskey Experience has one of the largest collections of Scotch Whiskey in the world, and it also has a ride that allows you to experience how this drink is made.

The Witchery is an interesting restaurant with 9 theatrical suites that are designed to look medieval. Although prices are high, this is a very popular location for tourists.

Camera Obscura & The World of Illusions is a family-friendly attraction with multiple interactive exhibitions.

It's also home to the Camera Obscura, which reportedly projected moving images 40 years before the motion picture was invented.

Princes Street Gardens & Museums

These beautiful gardens are located right alongside Edinburgh Castle, and there are a lot of great monuments to see in the area.

This is also the location where several local events and festivals take place every year.

Located across from the Prince Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery and Royal Scottish Academy are both beautiful art museums which you can visit for free.

The Scottish National Gallery is especially worthy of a visit because it houses works by Raphael, Claude Monet, and Paul Gauguin.

Museum on the Mound

This is the Head Office of the Bank of Scotland, and it was originally built in 1806.

Although it’s still used by the bank, there is also an interesting museum inside which is free to visit.

The museum focuses on the history of economics in Edinburgh, as well as the money and coinage used in the city over many centuries.

One of the most interesting exhibits is a £1 million note from the Bank of England.

The Museum on the Mound is open from Tuesday - Friday from 10 am - 17:00 (5 pm).

It’s also open on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 13:00 (1 pm) to 17:00 (5 pm), and admission is free.

The Writer’s Museum

Housed in a historic building known as Lady Stair’s Close, this museum is dedicated to the lives and works of 3 well-known and beloved Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Robert Burns is known for poems like Halloween and Auld Lang Syne .

Sir Walter Scott is known for the poem The Lady of the Lake and novels like Rob Roy and Ivanhoe .

Robert Louis Stevenson is known for novels like Treasure Island and the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde .

The collection on display here includes portraits, written works, and personal objects owned by the three writers. Admission is free and the museum is open daily.

The Writer’s Museum is open daily from 10 am - 17:00 (5 pm) and admission is free.

Gladstone’s Land

This 17th-century tenement house is one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile.

And it has been restored to remain faithful to its roots so that visitors can experience what life was like hundreds of years ago.

Although admission isn’t free, it is fairly affordable and open daily throughout most of the year.

Check out the official website for more information.

High Court of Justiciary

This is the supreme criminal court of Scotland, and even to this day, they hear cases of both criminal trials and appeals.

One of the most interesting things to see here is the statue of David Hume, a philosopher who once coined the phrase “reason is the slave of the passions.”

Hume was inspired by the likes of Sir Isaac Newton and John Locke, and he saw philosophy as something that could be scientifically tested and experimented.

Hume inspired many notable figures, including people like Adam Smith and Benjamin Franklin.

The Heart of Midlothian Mosaic

This used to be the site of the Old Tolbooth, an administrative building that was also used as a prison and a site of public executions.

The mosaic that exists here now is named after the Midlothian county, of which Edinburgh was the county town.

It memorializes the location of the jail, and there is an odd tradition of spitting on it for good luck. 

While there’s no law against doing this yourself, it’s certainly not the most delightful of customs.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Although it was founded in the 12th century, this church became an important historical location in the 16th century during the period of the Reformation.

John Knox served as a minister when St. Giles’ became a protestant church in 1559, and he brought the language of the bible to everyday Scots, making it more accessible to the common man.

Although St. Giles was granted cathedral status from 1661-1689, it has been a Presbyterian church since then and is no longer technically a cathedral, but it’s still colloquially known by that name.

The most recent addition is the Thistle Chapel, built in 1909.

This chapel is fairly important, as it is the site of the ceremony where the Queen selects new members of The Order of the Thistle every other year.

The Real Mary King’s Close

This close was a pretty important location during the 17th-century, and it was the site where George Rae once treated victims of the plague using the suit that has since become known as the “plague doctor” attire.

Although parts of the close were demolished and buried during the 18th century, you can now visit daily and tour the close for yourself to see and learn about the area.

Many hauntings have been reported at Mary King’s Close over the years, and as a result, it has become a subject of fascination for believers of the supernatural.

Nowadays, you can get a fully guided tour of the close which is offered daily from 9:30 - 18:00 every 15 minutes.

Tickets are £17.95 for adults.

Adam Smith Statue

Built in 2008, this is the newest statue on the Royal Mile, and it depicts one of the most important Scottish figures in the history of the country.

Adam Smith is well known as one of the fathers of modern free trade economics, and he’s also the author of The Wealth of Nations, which would quickly become influential in American politics.

American founding fathers James Madison, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson all spoke very highly of Adam Smith’s ideas.

And it’s clear to see that his economic concepts were important both here in Scotland and in other parts of the world as well.

Mercat Cross

This was once the site where civic proclamations were publicly read to citizens by a town crier, and it was also used for many punishments including hangings and other public executions.

Although the original cross dates back to 1365, it has been damaged and altered multiple times over the years.

Today, a royal unicorn sits at the top with a Scottish flag beside it.

The Mercat Cross is lined with the royal arms of Britain, Scotland, England, Ireland, Edinburgh, Leith, the Canongate, and the University of Edinburgh.

Statue of James Braidwood

Although this figure may not appear familiar, he was actually a pretty important person in the history of Edinburgh and the United Kingdom as a whole.

James Braidwood not only founded the first fire service in the city, but he was also the first director of the London Fire Engine Establishment which would come to be known as the London Fire Brigade.

Braidwood is credited with developing modern fire fighting principles that are still in use today.

And he was recognized for acts of heroism during the great fires of Edinburgh in 1824 and London in 1830.

Parliament Square and Old Scottish Parliament

Located behind St. Giles Cathedral, this public square was formed in front of the Parliament House in 1632.

An equestrian statue of Charles II of Scotland stands at the entrance to the Old Supreme Courts of Scotland which is next to the Parliament House on the right.

The Parliament House would only be in use from 1639 - 1707 when it was dissolved as a result of the Acts of Union.

The Acts of Union led to the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Edinburgh City Chambers

As you come out from behind St. Giles’ Cathedral, you’ll see the memorial to the 5th Duke of Buccleuch ahead of you and the Edinburgh City Chambers on the left.

This is the meeting place of the City of Edinburgh Council, and these chambers have existed under one name or another since 1753.

The building here was originally designed to be the Royal Exchange, which led to the partial demolition and burying of Mary King’s Close, as we discussed earlier.

The Royal Exchange was never very popular among merchants, so the Town Council eventually took over the Northern part of the building and used it as the City Chambers starting in 1811.

By 1893, they had taken over the whole building, and it remained home to the city’s council of state for most of the years since.

Its other most important function was as a filming location for the movie Braveheart.

You can also find plaques on the ground with handprints of famous Scots, including J.K. Rowling. This is also a stop on our self-guided Harry Potter Tour .

The National Library of Scotland

Although it was initially opened in 1689, this library would not officially become the property of the nation until the 1920s, at which time it became the National Library of Scotland.

There are more than 26 million items of historic relevance here, and it’s also the home of Scotland’s Moving Image Archive which has over 46,000 videos and films.

Items of note in the library include a letter from Charles Darwin, a Gutenberg Bible, the First Folio of Shakespeare, and more.

Edinburgh Central Library

This was the first public library in Edinburgh, and it was initially built and opened in 1890 with the help of funding from Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy Scottish-American industrialist turned philanthropist.

Upon Carnegie’s insistence, the motto “Let There Be Light” was placed above the entrance.

Above the inner doorway, you’ll find the lintel from the home of Sir Thomas Hope, the owner of the home that was once located on this site before the library was constructed.

The Elephant House

Even though this cafe isn’t particularly old, it has still become a quite notable location in Edinburgh thanks to the famous people who have visited.

Perhaps most notably, JK Rowling is said to have worked on her first Harry Potter novel right here at the Elephant House, and you’ll see all kinds of signs that have been left there by fans.

Authors Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith also frequented the Elephant House, which makes this a popular stop for budding writers and fans of their work.

National Museum of Scotland

This is a relatively new museum just East of the Greyfriars Kirkyard which combines both the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Museum.

While the building of the Museum of Scotland opened in 1998, the connected Royal Scottish Museum building opened all the way back in 1866, which is why the museum includes such different architectural styles.

The focus of this museum is the achievements of Scotland and its inhabitants, including examples of art, science, technology, and historical artifacts.

Exhibits include Dolly the sheep -- the first successfully cloned mammal, one of Elton John’s suits, a kinetic sculpture known as the Millennium Clock, and many more.

Admission is free and they are open daily from 10:30 - 16:30 (4:30 pm). Advanced online booking is required.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Although this graveyard dates back to 1562, it has more recently become known as one of the locations where JK Rowling may have gotten a few ideas for the names of her characters.

This is also the location where the dog that would come to be known as the Greyfriars Bobby would stay by the gravestone of his deceased owner for 14 years until he also passed away.

Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, loyal dogs, or historic headstones, there’s plenty to see and experience at Greyfriars Kirkyard and it’s open from Monday - Friday.

Admission is ticketed , but it is very affordable.

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Walking in Scotland

Book your self-guided walking holiday in Scotland from our range of itineraries along the country's best trails: well-known Great Trails to remote hidden gems.

https://www.contours.co.uk/scotland

See Scotland at your own pace on a self-guided walking holiday. The scenery here is renowned worldwide for its breath-taking beauty. Far-reaching panoramas encompass magnificent mountain views, rolling heather-clad hills, and sparkling lochs within remote glens. Scotland's rugged coastline promises some of the greatest walking in the UK, too, overlooking not just the sea but a host of magical islands.

With the country's rich wildlife and turbulent history, there's so much here to attract walkers of all abilities and interests. Brimming with a hearty mixture of industrial and cultural history, Scotland has plenty to offer those keen to explore the country's past, in particular its unrivalled contribution to today's whisky production. We highly recommend dropping in for a dram at one of the many distilleries along trails like the Speyside Way .

The most iconic walking trail in Scotland is arguably the West Highland Way , which boasts fine examples of the very best Scottish scenery. However we do offer a vast array of other Scottish trails for those interested in discovering everything from dramatic coastlines to mountain-top vistas. Select a trail below to find out more.

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Borders Abbeys Way

Fife Coastal Path

Forth to Farne Way

Great Glen Way

John Muir Way

Kintyre Way

Rob Roy Way

Speyside Way

St Cuthbert's Way

West Highland Way

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HIKING TOURS IN SCOTLAND

The scottish highlands remain a mysterious frontier even after thousands of years of human settlement. somehow the sweeping moors, deep forests, mountain valleys, and deep lochs remain as interminable and intriguing as they were when the scottish so heartily rebuked both the romans and the english..

Explore the best of Scotland with Ryder-Walker’s Guided Scotland: Highlands and Islands and the Self-Guided Rob Roy Way . Immerse yourself in the captivating Highlands and Islands trek, featuring our favorite hikes around the charming market town of Callander before traveling to the iconic Isle of Skye. Alternately, embark on the historic Rob Roy Way, tracing the life of the legendary robber-outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.

You can imagine the old legends of knights and faeries coming to life as you hike through the ancient Scottish woods beneath the summits of the highest peaks in Scotland, the Munros (mountains over 3,000 ft). The Munros are featured in both the Highlands and Islands and the Rob Roy Way itineraries. Meanwhile, the Isle of Skye is a legendary location for good reason – the landscape here is truly austere with jagged peaks, remote villages, and medieval castles all adding to the brooding atmosphere of the landscape. Whether you are starting out your hiking day with a sturdy Scottish breakfast or arriving at a village just in time to catch a sheepdog exhibition, the eternal charm of the Scottish Highlands is sure to inspire you to explore the hidden mysteries of Scotland.

As a cultural excursion, our tours in Scotland are some of Ryder-Walker’s richest hikes, full of historic locations, local lore, and vibrant living culture. It’s hard not to fall in love with the Scottish sense of life. At night cheery traditional Scottish music fills the pubs with the sounds of fiddles, guitars, pipes, flutes, and drums. Scottish food is also an unsung hero, with the local pies, pub fare, and farm-to-table restaurants far exceeding the United Kingdom’s dim reputation for cuisine. You might even get a chance to try the infamous haggis, a pudding of spiced sheep’s pluck. Overall, you won’t find more warmth and cheer than in the chilly reaches of the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye.

Our Highlands and Islands tour focuses on what we think is the absolute best hiking across Scotland. The section that travels through the Scottish Highlands explores the Trossachs National Park – the same national park that the Rob Roy Way traverses. Here you will hike some of the highest peaks in Scotland and wander through the beech forests that inspired the nature poems of legendary Scottish poet Alexander Campbell. On the Isle of Skye, the trek takes a turn for the more dramatic, as the landscape of the far northern island reveals its true majesty. Notably, the Torridan mountains are a low-lying, and surprisingly dramatic chain of mountains known for their twisted rock formations. Other features of note in Skye are the island’s massive vistas, roaming sheep flocks, and windswept coastline.

The Rob Roy Way follows the life of a real-life Robin Hood; a tale of clan politics and resisting the changing world from the insular world of the remote highlands. Rob Roy MacGregor himself gained notoriety as a cattle thief and would end his life as a hero to all of Scotland. Along the Rob Roy Way, we visit locations where Rob Roy did battle with Spanish pirates, hid, and escaped from the law. We visit the historic home of the MacGregor clan, and the site of his eventual burial. Along the route, the Rob Roy Way explores remote stretches of the Southern Scottish Highlands, across moorland, and along the shores of Loch Tay. The Rob Roy Way is the perfect hike for someone who is looking for an adventure without any grueling challenge. While the Scottish wilderness is impressive and often austere, the hiking maintains a certain levity, and the Scottish Munros are never so huge that the hiking becomes truly difficult for any reason other than distance.

Choose your adventure and discover the beauty, history, and allure of Scotland with Ryder-Walker. Whether you’re drawn to the mystique of the Highlands and Islands trek or the historical charm of the Rob Roy Way journey, both hikes promise an unforgettable exploration of Scotland’s hidden mysteries and lore.

GUIDED TRIPS

Self-guided trips.

Scotland | Highlands and Islands

Scotland is a unique country boasting 790 diverse islands, a rugged coastline, thousands of hidden lochs, a distinctive culture, imposing mountains looming stoically against the wilds of the infamous Scottish climate and vast stretches of uncharted trails. During this trek we traverse many miles of awe-inspiring mountains and precipitous glens, summit dramatic peaks and ramble through mossy forests. We visit...

Guided Tour Date

Scotland | Scotland: Rob Roy Way

Walk in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s most brilliant outdoorsmen, legendary outlaws, and greatest heroes – Rob Roy MacGregor. Through green meadows, along the coasts of sapphire lochs and across the feet of snowcapped Munros (peaks over 3,000 feet), you walk as he did during this nine-day hiking tour through a beautiful region of the Scottish Highlands called the Trossachs....

Self-Guided Tour Date

Hear It From Our Guests

Need some help deciding choose your hiking style , recent posts.

Explore Four Favorite Gems of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

The Real Story of Rob Roy MacGregor

Our Scotland hiking tour was amazing—here are some photos

Treks you might like, find your trek.

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Hiking Tours in Scotland

• Walk the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond on the iconic West Highland Way
• Explore the Isle of Skye - from secluded glens to must-see spots 
• Stay in Inverness, near mysterious Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield
• Visit the distilleries that produce Islay's world-renowned single-malt whisky
• Wander the country's historic capital, Edinburgh, complete with hilltop castle
• Discover the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of far-flung islands

A hiking tour in Scotland immerses you in the very fabric of its wild beauty and rich culture through a patchwork of stunning footpaths. Scotland is bursting with coastal routes, rugged and dramatic landscapes, ancient abbeys and historic castles converted into splendid hotels.

In Scotland you can hike some of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails including the impressive West Highland Way up to the base of the mighty Ben Nevis and the Great Glen Way along the shores of Loch Ness. These locations are where many blockbusters were filmed, like Harry Potter and Braveheart!

Macs Adventure was founded in Scotland in 2003, and over the years we have researched and refined our self-guided itineraries into a unique and brilliant collection of hand-picked hiking tours . We have a hiking tour for every ability and preference!

Our Rail & Hike  trips combine world-class train journeys with classic hikes, and this is showcased beautifully in our Highlands & Isle of Skye tour which starts in historic Edinburgh. Whether you'd like to hop between Scottish islands , experience Whisky & Walks tours  or are looking for some In Style accommodation with smoked Scottish salmon and hand-dived scallops on your vacation, we can arrange a hiking tour in Scotland that will leave an everlasting impression.

Our Hiking Tours in Scotland

Featured Tours - Scotland

Walking in the Scottish Highlands

West Highland Way - 9 Days & 8 Nights

Grand Tour of Scotland: Rail & Hike

Great Glen Way - 9 Days & 8 Nights

Highlands and Isle of Skye Rail & Hike In Style

Fife Coastal Path - 8 Days & 7 Nights

Discover scotland.

Macs Adventure is company with roots in Scotland and full of exceptional and knowledgeable experts!  Since our foundation in 2003, our professional team has researched and refined our self-guided itineraries in Scotland to bring you a unique collection of  hand-picked hiking tours  that allow you to explore everything Scotland has to offer. 

On your Macs tour you’ll stay in comfortable, friendly, locally-owned B&B’s, guesthouses, and In Style hotels. We’ll take care of transferring your heavy bags each day so you can just march to the tune of your own…bagpipe!?

Self-guided travel is low impact. Learn more about our Sustainable Travel  journey.

We love Scotland with a passion and our main aim is to make sure that you do too.  

1. Best for classic long-distance (& bragging rights!): West Highland Way

2. Best for history, legends & scenery: The Highlands & Isle of Skye

3. Best for iconic train journeys: Rail & Hike collection

4. Best for the mighty Loch Ness: The Great Glen Way

5. Best for a touch of comfort: Hiking In Style Tours

Top tip: Book tours back-to-back if you can’t choose!

If you’d like to speak to one of our experts,  inquire here or give us a call at (720) 487-9898.

1.  Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike – 8 days of exciting hikes, castles, history and a Jacobite steam train over Glenfinnan viaduct. Edinburgh to Glasgow. 

2.  Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike in Style – All the same enriching history, culture and hikes as the above, but with higher-grade accommodation - castle hotels and beautifully appointed lodges.

3.  Skye Highs Short Break – 4 nights immersed in Scottish culture and landscapes, a hop aboard the Jacobite steam train and, optional short day hikes.

4.  Skye & The Outer Hebrides – 8 days of point to point walks, views of Cuillin Ridge on Skye, visits to remote and wild Isles of Harris and Lewis, and unbelievable white-sandy beaches.

Head over to our  Hiking on the Isle of Skye page for more information.

This exclusive collection is designed for a little comfort at the end of the days hiking. They include converted castle hotels, country house hotels and boutique guesthouses.

Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike In Style : Experience world-class rail journeys, with hand-picked hikes by day and fabulous accommodations in the evening.  

Best of Skye In Style : Stay in 4* hotels and soak up this remote island on our favorite hikes.

Great Glen Way In Comfort :  Hike the entire Great Glen Way from Fort William to Inverness, overnighting in the best 3-5* accommodation right off the trail. 

Have have teamed up with organizations to support the paths our customers walk on. We're donating $5 for every customer traveling along the West Highland Way in 2024.

These paths are like the lifeblood of our business, and we want to make sure they're here for generations to come.

Learn more about the importance of trail maintenance .

Countless happy hikers have completed The West Highland Way with Macs. It continues to be one of our most popular routes and is a favorite with our team and guests.

For a taste of the experience watch father and daughter on their West Highland Way adventure.

Join Ewan on his travels from the west coastal town of Fort William and alongside the vast Loch Ness to Inverness on the east coast.

Hike past canal locks, mountain scenery with panoramic views and stop in traditional pubs.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Nessie as well!

A great insight to the roads in the Highlands as we drive with Taylor past towering mountains to white-sand beaches around Scotland.

Keep watching to find out her selection of the hand-picked day hikes that’ll be sure to help stretch your legs.

The Jacobite steam train to Mallaig is one of the greatest rail journeys in the world! It crosses over the historic Glenfinnan viaduct, which made international fame in the Harry Potter films.

Follow Caroline on her hike in the wild beauty of the Isle of Skye.

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Classic Walking Trails in Scotland

Discover scotland's most popular walking trails.

Take on the challenge of walking one of Scotland’s classic long-distance trails and enjoy a feeling of immense freedom and adventure. Soak up the breathtaking scenery and spectacular wilderness as you walk through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, then celebrate your achievement with a dram of whisky in a traditional pub.

West Highland Way

Great glen way, rob roy way, speyside way.

From £785pp

• Experience one of the world's most famous long-distance walks
• Enjoy breathtaking scenery from Loch Lomond into the heart of the Scottish Highlands
• Relish the wonderful international camaraderie of your fellow walkers

From £710pp

• Experience one of Scotland's most famous long-distance walks
• Explore mysterious Loch Ness and enjoy a cruise on the loch
• Hike through deep glens, ancient forests and dramatic mountains

From £860pp

• Follow in the footsteps of legendary Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor
• Walk through beautiful forests and alongside some of Scotland's finest lochs, rivers and waterfalls
• Discover the well-worn track used during the dramatic Jacobite uprisings and clan feuds

From £995pp

• Sample whisky at some of Scotland's finest distilleries, such as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich
• Walk through the magnificent Cairngorms - Britain's largest National Park
• Visit Ballindalloch Castle, one of the most romantic castles in Scotland

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West Highland Way (various tour options)

Scotland’s West Highland Way is one of the classic world-famous long-distance self-guided hiking tours. It covers 152 kilometers from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. Enjoy walking through an iconic landscape of imposing mountains, playful rivers, and peaceful lakes. The hiking trail is very well-marked and passes by the shores of the famous Loch Lomond, and across the lush Rannoch Moor to finish at the foot of the highest mountain in Britain – Ben Nevis. This trail is rightfully named the finest in Scotland and popular with travelers of all ages from all around the world. Join us on one of the most unforgettable independent walking experiences in Europe! *We offer various options of self-guided walks along the West Highland Way, so check details with us in case you are short of time or wish to make a longer (or even easier) tour.

Walking Grade/ Difficulty

See more here

• Destination Scotland
• Duration 8 (5-11) Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
• What is included Hand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation incl. breakfast; Luggage transportation; People transfers to/from the trail when changes in overnight places require that; Detailed roadbook, maps and GPS tracks (1 set per reservation); Emergency phone support
• What is not included Transfers to Milngavie or from Fort William; Any additional transfers required if unable to walk; Other meals and drinks; Travel insurance; Any entrance fees, admissions or services not specified.
• Best period April, May, June, July, August, September, mid-October

FROM OUR GALLERY

Independent walking tour along the West Highland Way in Scotland, UK

Day 1. Arrival in Milngavie

Day 2. milngavie - drymen (19km, 5,30-6hrs, +300m/- 300m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us), day 3. drymen - rowardennan (23km, 6-7hrs, +730m/- 780m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us), day 4. rowardennan - crianlarich (33km, 8,30-9hrs, +1015m/-770m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us), day 5. crianlarich - inveroran (24km, 6,30-7hrs, +180m/-170m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us), day 6. inveroran - kinlochleven (31km, 8-8,30hrs, +450m/-680m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us), day 7. kinlochleven - fort william (24km, 6,30-7hrs, +770m/-770m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us), day 8. departure day, tour location.

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Isle of Skye - Self Guided Walking Holidays Scotland

A wonderful trek across the magical Isle of Skye over a route that is truly spectacular, involving a rich blend of coastal paths and high level passes through the ancient Cuillin Mountains.

The EasyWays Skye Tour takes you to the best parts of this beautiful island offering a variation on choice of routes on the island.

The heritage of Skye exists in the landscape, from the dinosaur footprints in the rocks at Staffin Bay in North Skye, to the Neolithic chambered cairns and stone circles scattered around the countryside.

The Skye of today is is shaped by historic events leading from the demise of the clan system and recognition of this living heritage is still held very strongly today enriching much of the highland spirit evident throughout the island.

Beginning at Ardvasar our Isle of Skye Spectacular will take you to the most southerly point at Sleat with its picturesque lighthouse and remote sandy bay before a truly wonderful coastline walk through Coille Dalavil and the Ancient Clan Donald ruins to Tarskavaig.

Continue from Broadford over remote Glasnakillie and Elgol before a dramatic walk alongside Loch Scavaig with views of Seal Island and the impressive Cuillin Mountains all around. An option to cross Loch Scavaig by small ferry is offered here to reduce the walk distance.

Complete this section via the decent into Glen Sligachan to end at the Sligachan Hotel where true Scottish Hospitality awaits in the form of a choice over 100 whiskys before heading north to Portree where our walk then provides a number of options to suit every taste.

Skye offers something for everyone, ranging from a visit to the Talisker Distillery at Carbost or the crystal clear water of the Fairy Pools on the River Brittle to the mighty Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing in the northern Trotternish Ridge. While these are just a few of the popular tourist destinations, more remote areas of the island provide spectacular views not to be missed and EasyWays will tailor a route to match your expectations.

From £815 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

April — October

Contact details

• +44 (1324) 714132
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Small Group (1-16)
• Outdoor Activities
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £815 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information

Self-Guided Walking Holidays - the Easy Way At EasyWays our goal is to make arranging a walking holiday just that - easy! Simply tell us what you’d like to do and we will take care of all bookings of accommodation, bag carrying services and any taxi transfers leaving you free to relax and enjoy your walk with total peace of mind that everything is taken care of on your behalf. The EasyWays Tour Pack When you book with EasyWays we’ll send you a unique link to your comprehensive tour pack outlining each stage of your walk with details of all available facilities en-route.

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Opening times

08.00 - 17.00 hrs Monday - Friday Out of office support - call office number.

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