Hiking (and travelling) in Scotland

[Kiwi-family]

I have come across this pamphlet....http://www.scotlandsgreattrails.org/pdfs/Scotland's Great Trail leaflet.pdf

Clearly there is no one really long trail, but strung together a few of these might make for a wonderful walking trip in Scotland. My family came (hundreds of years ago) from Coll and so that would be a destination in itself - although no trails wander past of course. Add in a few castles and significant historical ruins/sites and I feel a family pilgrimage/educational trip coming on. For those who know more than I do, are any of these trails not to be missed? And how about historical/art/interesting sites in the country?
Funny how the camino forum has become my first port of call for walking advice rather than talking to Mr Google!

 

[camino07]

Thanks for that pamphlet Rachael,looks great. West Highland Way is on my list with the Great Glen Way to follow. Only problem is the weather. We drove past hikers walking in the rain and wind this July and I was glad to be in a warm car.
We had just walked from Sarria with the grandsons which was lovely. I'm sure the weather wont phase you
Heather

 

[Houlet]

Hi Rachael,

I'm a Scot who has walked many of the routes in Scotland. The West Highland Way is the busiest and most commercialised, that is accommodation is most readily available. There is no system like the albergues in the UK though so unless you carry a tent it is much more expensive.

Coll is a favourite island of mine with unspoiled sandy beaches but is a small island hence opportunities for walking are limited.

If you want any more specific info on routes PM me and I'll try to answer your questions.

Tom

 

[Bernice M]

have come across this pamphlet....http://www.scotlandsgreattrails.org/pdfs/Scotland's Great Trail leaflet.pdf

Clearly there is no one really long trail, but strung together a few of these might make for a wonderful walking trip in Scotland.

You can string together the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, although I'd suggest the GGW as training for the WHW. St Cuthbert's Way is lovely and the walk across the mudflats to Holy Island a fitting end to the walk. I've done all three in the last couple of months. Also the Moray Coastal Path is nice but not for those ruined by spectacular views elsewhere. The Southern Upland trail is reputed to be hard, and the John Muir trail a bit boring, but I haven't done them.
I've also done a little of the Fife Coastal path and recommend it. The Clyde/Union canal is reputedly a bit boring in parts and resolutely flat.
For Scotland ensure you have waterproof boots and always take full wet weather gear. If you want to know more, contact me back.

 

[MKalcolm M]

Beware the midges! Horrible little biting insects which can turn a walk into a torment. You need to consider when you are doing this, as to how prevalent they will be and how you feel being lathered in insect repellent, Speaking as a Scot who loves the outdoors, I would encourage you to come and walk in Scotland, but you must factor in the midges, or be driven mad by the little blighters.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Thanks for all these replies. It's really good to have on-the-ground experience to listen to. You wouldn't believe how fickle our family is - two days ago we were thinking about Scotland, yesterday we started considering sending one of our daughters to Africa next year to do a stint volunteering in an ECE centre before she starts her university studies and so now we are planning an African jaunt to visit our sponsored children who are very close to where daughter might be based. Scotland may have to wait - but the pull is strong so I know it will happen some day (probably with tent and hopefully without midges!!)

 

[Pabloke]

Funny that I was thinking about doing one of these trails before the end of the year.

Not sure which one. Speyside or Great Glen.

May be Speyside.