Five good reasons to visit Scotland for a walking holiday

Written by: Linda Jackson

Let’s not beat about the bush. When it comes to the great outdoors Scotland has it all... dramatic scenery, vast skies, an abundance of fresh air, picturesque lochs, wild seascapes and stunning panoramas. What more could any visitor taking a break in Scotland possibly want?

A good pair of walking boots, that’s what!

You’ll need them to make the most of the country’s natural assets, to explore a plethora of hiking trails in Scotland ranging from strolls beside picturesque canals to energetic mountain treks; sheltered walks beside lochs, invigorating coastal hikes, city hillside climbs, mountain treks and nature trails. From this collection we’ve chosen five areas and some diverse walks. Enjoy!

CITY WALK - Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Path up Arthur’s Seat

Visible from just about everywhere in Edinburgh, towering to a height of 824 feet, is Arthur’s Seat: the tallest peak in a group of hills a mile east of Edinburgh Castle. A visit to Edinburgh would not be complete without climbing it.

Located in Holyrood Park the trail to Arthur’s Seat is popular with walkers, joggers and mountain bike enthusiasts.

Those who reach the summit are rewarded with stunning 360° views stretching over Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and across the Firth of Forth.

The area is a touch of wild highland landscape in the heart of Edinburgh. The hills were formed from an extinct volcano system (350 million years old) and the name derives, it is said, from legends surrounding King Arthur.

View of Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat

Fit walkers should take the route starting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse (formerly a 12th century royal hunting estate, now the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth II) at the bottom of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

The trail ascends steeply, the Salisbury Crags towering above, before passing through a flat valley.

The summit makes a wonderful picnic and R&R spot. For the return route to the starting point follow the ‘tourist trail’ for a much gentler descent via Dunsapie Loch and the lower loch (around 4 miles, 2 hours).

>> Recommended Hotel: Click here to view hotels in the East Lothian Area

NATURE TRAIL - John Muir Way, East Lothian

North Berwick

Secreted to the south-east of Edinburgh is a region that warrants more attention than it gets: East Lothian, with its wild and rugged coastline, varied wildlife, tiny hamlets with cosy tea rooms, plus miles of sublime walking territory.

Follow in the footsteps of John Muir, the famous Scottish-American naturalist and conservationist and founder of America’s National Parks, born in Dunbar in 1838; after whom East Lothian’s long-distance path linking Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders was named: the John Muir Way.

It’s a continuous path stretching almost 45 miles, linked with many small pathways that can be explored on their own or as part of a circular route.

Bass Rock

Good for bird watching is the Dunbar-Longniddry stretch (around 26 miles in all).

This stretch can easily be split into sections: Dunbar-North Berwick (15 miles), North Berwick-Gullane (5 miles), Gullane-Longniddry (6 miles).

Ideally, be dropped off at your starting point and collected at the finish by your driver or taxi.

Expect to find striking geological features and panoramic views along the coastal path of Bass Rock, a 313ft trachyte plug (home to the largest colony of North Atlantic Gannets on the east of Britain); of North Berwick Law (a 613ft lump of volcanic rock, fantastic views from the summit); the island of Fidra (believed to be an inspiration for ‘Treasure Island’ by Stevenson), and across the Firth of Forth.

Fidra Island

Call in at the acclaimed Scottish Seabird Centre www.seabird.org en route.

Pass through Dirleton, a pretty village with an historic castle ruin boasting the longest herbaceous border in the world; through Gullane, calling in at Greywalls  and on to Aberlady Bay, a haven for thousands of waders and wildfowl.

You’ll find display boards on the way with details of birds you are likely to spot such as gannets, oystercatchers and eider duck.

>> Recommended Hotel: Greywalls Hotel

HISTORICAL CANAL STROLL - Crinan Canal, Argyll (Crinan)

One of Britain’s most beautiful shortcuts, this canal walk starts and ends with a lighthouse, and has a total of fifteen locks. It follows a towpath along the entire length of the Crinan Canal, around 9 miles (3-4 hours), linking Loch Fyne with the Sound of Jura, for ships travelling to the Western Isles through the Kintyre peninsula.

Crinan Canal

Landing Prawns at Crinan

Start at Crinan, a picturesque fishing village (population around 80) at the north end of the canal, and finish at Ardrishaig.

Almost a level route linked by a bus at the start and finish, this walk is good for bird watching with views over the river and marshy ground. Expect sea views at one point, pretty locks at Cairnbaan, Dunadd volcanic plug, and Moine Mhor - a unique salt marsh habitat.

The opening of Crinan Canal, built more than 200 years ago to improve access to the Western Isles, meant that the lengthy and difficult sailing route around the Mull of Kintyre could be avoided. It cut over 100 miles off that circuitous journey. Originally used by small cargo vessels called Clyde Puffers to deliver coal to the West Coast, returning with a whisky cargo, the canal is now a thoroughfare for yachts and fishing vessels.

>> Recommended Hotel: Crinan Hotel

MOUNTAIN & GLEN

View from Ben Nevis

On the west coast of the Highlands at the foot of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, sits Fort William, a renowned hub for outdoor activities. It’s also the gateway to Glen Nevis, one of the most picturesque glens in Scotland and a walking hotspot; famous rural Highland Glencoe lies just south of Fort William. These are mountainous areas renowned for their beauty.

Although there is a standard ‘tourist route’ (10.5 miles, 7-9 hours) up Ben Nevis, it is a strenuous climb with a tricky descent; inexperienced walkers are well advised to read all the precautions before tackling it. But why struggle when the area offers a collection of spectacular less strenuous walking routes. Here are a few:

A woodland walk that suits all abilities is the Creag Meagaidh trail; there are picnic tables and benches along the way (1.2 miles, one hour). Another easy walk is Fort William centre to 13th century Inverlochy Castle (2.75 miles, 1-1.5 hours).

For one of the best short walks in Scotland head for the dramatic Nevis Gorge to see the Steall Falls (2 miles, 1.5-2 hours). The Cow Hill circuit is more strenuous but expect fine views over the town and down Glen Nevis and Loch Linnhe (6.7 miles, 3-4 hours)

>> Recommended Hotel: Inverlochy Hotel

COASTAL PATH - Fife

St Andrews Castle

With different walking levels along its 80 miles the Fife Coastal Path ranges from flat easy walks to wild demanding hikes. Choose a bite-size section of the coastal path to suit. Stretching from Tay Bridge in the north to North Queensferry in the south, the path snakes around the coastline, passing castles, churches, picturesque fishing harbours, long sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs.

For an interesting choice of gentle walks base yourself in St Andrews:  venue of the Open Championship to be held this month (15-18 July 2010) on the Old Course, where the world’s greatest golfers battle for the prized Claret Jug, won by Tiger Woods at the last two St Andrews Opens.  Follow in his footsteps and enjoy a guided walk of the famous Old Course. Take a scenic stroll past ancient castle and cathedral ruins, or an audio walking tour of the

Anstruther Fish Bar & Restaurant

For the best fish and chips in the Kingdom of Fife, choose a section to walk near Anstruther (40 miles south of St Andrews), the town is renowned for them. Pop into the Anstruther Fish Bar & Restaurant www.anstrutherfishbar.co.uk, it’s a Scottish legend.

Interested in painting or photography? Then choose a part of the coastal path that includes picturesque Crail Harbour, popular with artists and photographers. The village dates back to the 16th century and features 17th and 18th century houses with traditional East Neuk features of outside stairs and crow (corbie)-stepped gables.

Crail Harbour

For walkers with a head for heights and a sense of adventure, take in the Elie Chain Walk section of the Fife Coastal Path around the base of Kincraig Point where there is a series of carved steps to climb and vertical and horizontal chains to cling to in order to access the cliffs and caves. Although the official route passes over the cliff tops, this is the highlight of the Fife Coastal Path.

>> Recommended Hotel: Old Course Hotel

Nothing like a good walk...

...to give you a healthy appetite.

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