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There’s nothing like exploring the Scottish Highlands on foot during a stay at Eagle Brae. Here, we have some of the most spectacular walking and cycle routes in the world. Our local Glen Affric alone has so much to offer. Not to mention the vast north and south sides of Loch Ness. With beautiful scenery and magnificent landscapes, there’s a lot to see and explore on local Scottish Highland walks.
Here are some of the best Scottish Highland walks in the local area:
The Affric Kintail Way is a great local route. This cross-country trail stretches from Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness to Morvich in Kintail. The 44-mile long trail has much to offer with a variety of landscapes and stunning views. However, please note, some of the sections of the trails are quite difficult, with considerable assent at some locations. The majority of the route is forest track, which can be a little tricky to get through.
If you are planning on making a short walk around Inverness, Reelig Glen is a good route to follow. This Inverness walking trail is 1.9 km long and takes only an hour to complete. The Reelig Glen Highland Walk offers a truly unique experience, since it features a magnificent beach, pine and fir woodland above the glen. Be sure to spot “Dughall Mor”, which is one of the tallest trees in Britain, with a height of 200 feet (64 metres).
The spectacular Plodda Falls are part of the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve. There are two walking trails in this area, created by the Forestry Commission of Scotland – The Plodda Falls Trail and the Tweedmouth Trail. Both feature amazing views of the 46 metre high falls. They start at Tomich village. Simply follow the signs to the car park and the trails are waymarked from there.
The Dog Falls and Coire Loch Trails are two of our favourite Glen Affric walking routes. The Dog Falls Trail through beautiful woodland takes you up to a viewpoint overlooking Dog Falls. So-called because the falls are in the shape of a dog’s leg. The Coire Loch Trail leads to a magnificent hidden loch. Waymarked by the Forestry Commission, both walks follow an uneven path with slopes and steps.
The Trail of the Seven Lochs is a 50-mile circular walking route in the Scottish Highlands. Although the route doesn’t have a designated starting point, a good place to start is the Forestry Commission Exhibition Centre at Inverfarigaig. The Trail of the Seven Lochs offers some of the most stunning views you will come across around Loch Ness. Although the entire trail is waymarked, it is advised that you keep a compass with you, as the route can become difficult to navigate in bad weather.
You can explore the Caledonian Canal on foot, bike or by boat. The Caledonian Canal is recognised as one of the great waterways of the world and offers its visitors some of the most spectacular scenes. The canal cuts through Scotland’s Great Glen and connects Inverness to Fort William. The Caledonian Canal also makes for a good cycling route, allowing you to experience the waterway easily.
Located on the south side of Loch Ness, this trail offers a fantastic walking and biking experience. You will find a mixture of minor roads, forest tracks and purpose-built trails. The South Loch Ness Trail is 58 km long and starts in Torbreck near Inverness. The trail offers spectacular views, several points of interest and has designated spots along the route where you can stop and relax. The South Loch Ness trail really is the most popular Inverness walking and cycling route in the Scottish Highlands. Several sections of the trail are suitable for biking and cycling as well, which really is the best way to explore all that the Scottish Highlands have to offer. You can cover the whole route or select any one of the three sections to get the most out of the South Loch Ness Trail.
Our list of walks wouldn’t be complete without the Great Glen Way. The Great Glen Way makes for a slightly challenging walking route in Inverness. The route offers some of the most dramatic scenery Scotland has to offer. The trail follows all the way from Fort William in the south-west, to Inverness in the north east. Several historical and natural heritage sites are located along the route, which makes the Great Glen Way trail worth visiting.
The Loch Ness 360° Trail joins the South Loch Ness Trail and the Great Glen Way into a 360 degree loop around Loch Ness. This stunning 72-mile Inverness walking route can be completed in approximately 6 days.
Inverness walking trails are among some of the most scenic in the world and are well worth adding to your bucket list. And, if you are staying with us, they are right on your doorstep.
To find out more about walking holidays at Eagle Brae, contact us or call us on 01463 761 301.
