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12 Best winter walks in Scotland
As the temperature dips and Scotland's jaw dropping landscapes sparkle in the clear winter light, nothing beats a refreshing winter walk to soak up the winter wonderland around you. Enjoy the magical appearance of hills glistening with snow, crisp air filling your lungs and frost crunching underfoot - plus it's a good excuse to warm up with a hot chocolate when you get back to base. We've rounded up some of the best winter walks, walking routes and trails, including loch view walks, city routes, woodland wanders, family-friendly gems and mountain hikes. Here are our top picks of winter walks in Scotland.
The following list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.
- 1
Loch Morlich
Cairngorms National Park
Sunset over Loch Morlich.
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
- Distance: 6 km (3.75 miles)
- Time: 1.5 - 2 hrs
- Starting point: Loch Morlich car park
One of the best walks in the Cairngorms, this loop around Loch Morlich offers stunning views of the northern Cairngorm mountains, which look especially majestic dusted with snow. Situated in the heart of Glenmore Forest, a spot of Cairngorms winter walking will make you feel like you have stepped into the pages of a story book.
- 2
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
North Highlands
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
- Distance: 2 km (1.25 miles)
- Time: 1 hr
- Starting point: Knockan Crag visitor centre
Colliding continents, exploding volcanoes and millions of years of history - discover the epic story of the stunning landscapes around you. Begin at the Rock Room visitor centre before heading out onto the trails, where sculptures and jaw-dropping viewpoints await.
- 3
Calton Hill
Edinburgh
Calton Hill in winter.
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
- Distance: 1.75 km (1 mile)
- Time: 1 - 1.5 hrs
- Starting point: Waverley Train Station
If you're staying in Edinburgh, head to Calton Hill, located east of Princes Street, for a winter hill walk with beautiful views of Scotland's capital. There are lots of buildings and monuments to discover, including the 1831 Dugald Stewart Monument which was designed by William Henry Playfair.
- 4
Granite Trail
Aberdeen
Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen city centre.
Uncover the stories behind some of Aberdeen's most impressive granite buildings and sculptures on this city centre trail. Learn about the granite industry throughout the ages and tour some of the key buildings and monuments made of this glittering stone. One of the best winter walks in the city.
- 5
Clatteringshaws
Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries & Galloway
Clatteringshaws Loch
- Distance: 5.5 km (3.5 miles)
- Time: 1.5 - 2 hr
- Starting point: Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
This enchanting route, in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere, begins with a stroll along the edge of Clatteringshaws Loch to visit Bruce's Stone, which commemorates Robert the Bruce's victory at the Battle of Glen Trool in 1307. The route then leads to the visitor centre to begin the Loch View hike through winter woodland, reaching a stunning vantage point over the loch.
- 6
Castle Fraser Estate
Aberdeenshire
Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire
Kids will feel like they've walked into a winter fairy tale in the grounds of this stunning castle. Although the castle itself is closed from late October until March, you can explore the beautiful grounds all year round and follow two great winter walks: the Alton Brae Trail and Miss Bristow's Trail.
- 7
The Scottish Deer Centre
Fife
Animals at the Scottish Deer Centre.
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Although not strictly a "walk", The Scottish Deer Centre is an outdoor wildlife park covering 55 acres - plenty of room for your family to stretch their legs, enjoy some fresh air and meet the park's star residents. Your wee ones will love hand feeding the deer and what could be more exciting than seeing reindeer up close at this magical time of year?!
- 8
Ben Lomond
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Ben Lomond seen from the An Ceann Mòr viewing point at Inveruglas, Loch Lomond
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
- Starting point: Rowardennan car park
Experience one of Scotland's most popular mountain walks in the quieter winter months and enjoy uninterrupted views of stunning Loch Lomond. Look out for elusive ptarmigan in their snow-white winter plumage as you climb this famous Munro.
- 9
Stac Pollaidh Circuit
North Highlands
The landscape of Assynt looking towards the peak of Stac Pollaidh.
© Unsplash
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.75 miles)
- Time: 2 - 4 hours
- Starting point: Stac Pollaidh car park
A stunning winter mountain walk around towering Stac Pollaidh, with sweeping views over the wintry landscapes of Assynt. One of the best winter hikes in Scotland. You can also add on a short (but steep) climb for breathtaking views across to Suilven and the Summer Isles.
- 10
Buckhaven to Elie
Fife
Elie harbour in the East Neuk of Fife.
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Time: 4 - 5 hours
- Starting point: Buckhaven
The 20 km section from Buckhaven to Elie offers charming villages, golf courses, historic monuments and an abundance of wildlife, perfect for a winter walking holiday. Elie is a lovely place to finish off your walk. The Fife Coastal Path is one of the most interesting paths in Scotland with a huge variety of things to see and do along the way - a popular spot for dog walks in Fife too!
- 11
Cruden Bay to the Bullers of Buchan
Aberdeenshire
Slains Castle at sunset.
- Distance: 4.5 km (2.7 miles)
- Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
- Starting point: Cruden Bay
Experience the drama of Aberdeenshire's coast on this rousing walk from Cruden Bay. Along with impressive geological features, you will pass the eerie ruins of Slains Castle, thought to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Perhaps the wander will inspire you to come up with a story of your own…
- 12
Ayrshire Coastal Path
Ayrshire
View from the Ballast Bank in Troon.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path offers dramatic views along the Ayrshire Coast and the Firth of Clyde. As Ayrshire walks go, this is one of the best - with exciting places to see such as the ruins of Dunure Castle.
Safety first
Winter weather can make walking in the mountains incredibly challenging. Always check the weather forecast before heading off into the hills, pack the essentials and wrap up warm.
Read safety advice from Mountaineering Scotland
Check out Mountaineering Scotland's #ThinkWINTER page for the latest guidance and advice.
Other things you might like
Winter & Christmas breaks
12 Days of Christmas breaks in Scotland
11 Alternative winter activities in Scotland
Walking in Scotland
Snowboarding & skiing in Scotland
Ski accommodation in Scotland
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