A new study has identified the most picturesque walking trails in Scotland, with 5 routes in particular capturing the imaginations of hikers looking to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes
Scotland’s “most scenic” hikes have been revealed in a new study, with five stunning walks around the country singled out. House of Bruar has unveiled its list of Scotland’s “top five most scenic summer walking trails”, ranking each hike based on its popularity on Instagram.
The West Highland Way tops House of Bruar’s list of the most picturesque walking trails in Scotland. This famous hike, which boasts 165,000 Instagram hashtags, is considered one of the country’s most renowned trails.
The West Highland Way, attracting walkers from across the globe, spans approximately 96 miles. The trail commences in Milngavie near Glasgow and extends to Fort William, traversing diverse terrains including mountains, lochs and woodlands.
The experts described the West Highland Way as “an immersive journey into Scotland’s natural wonders” and lauded it as “particularly inviting” during the summer months, reports the Daily Record. Coming in second on House of Bruar’s list is the Fife Coastal Path, which has amassed 81,200 hashtags on Instagram.
Stretching 117 miles from Kincardine on the north shore of the Firth of Forth to Newburgh at the south shore of the Firth of Tay, the Fife Coastal Path meanders along the Fife coastline, regarded as one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions.
House of Bruar highlighted the Fife Coastal Path’s “beautiful cliffside views and quaint fishing villages” and praised the trek for its combination of “natural beauty and coastal charm.”
The Great Glen Way, which boasts 20,900 Instagram hashtags, secured third spot in the rankings. The 79-mile walking route cuts through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, stretching from Fort William to Inverness.
The path follows the Great Glen Fault line via Loch Ness and the surrounding woodlands. House of Bruar noted its standout feature as its “diverse scenery” – encompassing everything from lochs to mountains.
Trailing in fourth position on House of Bruar’s rankings is the John Muir Way, which spans 134 miles across central Scotland from Helensburgh to Dunbar. The trek was discovered to have 11,400 hashtags on Instagram.
The John Muir Way takes its name from Scottish conservationist John Muir. Its final destination, Dunbar, is where Muir was born in 1838. The route encompasses woodlands, beaches, and canals alongside rivers and parks within built-up areas.
The Southern Upland Way, with 5,000 Instagram hashtags, completes the experts’ rankings. The trek spans 212 miles from Portpatrick on the southwest coast to Cockburnspath on the east.
The Southern Upland Way is celebrated for its spectacular landscapes. It winds through isolated hills, forests, and valleys – providing magnificent views of the Southern Uplands.
House of Bruar remarked: “Scotland is rich in stunning natural landscapes, and there’s no better time to experience all it has to offer than during the summer months. While the country may be known for its cooler, often unpredictable weather, the summer brings refreshing sunshine, longer days, and moderate temperatures, perfect for sightseeing and embracing the great outdoors.
“With breathtaking mountain vistas and peaceful loch-side escapes, summer in Scotland is filled with endless opportunities for exploration.” The full study can be found on the House of Bruar website.
Scotland’s top five most scenic summer walking trails:
- West Highland Way
- Fife Coastal Path
- The Great Glen Way
- John Muir Way
- Southern Upland Way
Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]