Posted by Maris on 11th Dec 2023
5 Most Impressive Hikes in Scottish Highlands With Stunning Views
Though not as lofty as their Alpine cousins, the Scottish highlands make up for it in splendor. Therefore, these are our top five Scottish hikes, presented in no particular order, if you're planning a hike in the Highlands.
1. Saddle Mountain
The Saddle is one of the few Scottish mountains that is commonly referred to by its English name. It's a much sought-after Munro and a great addition to any hillwalker's diary.
The Saddle is in my top five because of the Forcan Ridge, which links it to Meallan Odhar, its neighboring top, which is 1010 meters high. This ridgeline offers a challenging grade 1/2 scramble with lots of exposure for those who like heights.
Additionally, you will need to navigate the "bad step" on Forcan Ridge, thus it is advisable to become familiar with the path before attempting. Others, however, have a choice that preserves the personality of the mountain while ignoring the specifics.
Conveniently accessible from the A87 road between Shiel Bridge and Loch Cluanie, the walk itself rewards walkers with superb vistas towards Knoydart and back over to the north of the 5 Sisters of Kintail.
2. Beinn Alligin
One of the most beautiful locations, Torridon, is home to Beinn Alligin. Its Gaelic name translates to "Jewel Mountain". Maybe "a stunning mountain" would be a more realistic translation. It's understandable why.
Trekking in the Highlands is not without its challenges for Torridon, and the route via Beinn Alligin is no exception. This is a common view of Upper Loch Torridon from the Kinlochewe to Lochcarron A896 circle. Your heart will definitely race during this walk, but it won't solely do so because of the ascent.
Starting from a mere 50 meters above sea level, the hike reaches its highest point at 986 meters atop Sgurr Mhor. Beinn Alligin has some of the most stunning scenery in the Highlands. I think Beinn Alligin is one of Scotland's best mountains, with views as far as Skye and the Outer Hebrides on a clear day.
3. The Fisherfields Round
Is this the most dramatic hike in the Highlands? The Fisherfields are also known as "the great wilderness". This trip goes right through the heart of this wild area, home to five Munros and a Corbett (which used to be a Munro!).
This horseshoe is usually done in a clockwise direction, passing Bein a Chlaidheimh, Sgurr Ban, Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Tarsuinn, A'Mhaighdean, and Ruadh Stac Mor before coming back to the bothy at the base of the nearby An Teallach (a mountain for the more adventurous).
Due to its length and wildness, this walk is usually split into two days with a wild camp in between, but it may also be done in one long, tiring day because Shenevall makes an excellent base. It might be difficult to decide what to pack for a multi-day hike.
4. The Ring of Steall
In order to earn the esteemed title, aspiring "Munro baggers" must finish this circuit by trekking around four mountains that are higher than 3,000 feet.
Starting from Glen Nevis, the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, you follow the river into the slopes. One of the most striking sites in the Highlands is the 120-meter-tall Falls of Steall, which is Scotland's tallest waterfall. Although there are a few tiny rocky ridgeline sections to traverse, the path offers no technical difficulties in and of itself, which only adds to its grandeur.
This hill walk comprises 4 Munros in addition to a Gearanach, Stob Choire a Chairn, Am Bodach and the Devil's Ridge, a 1km stretch of quite easy but exposed and windy walking. The walk uphill concludes in Sgurr a'Mhaim. Even the most physically fit hikers can expect a long day.
5. Suilven
Almost vertically rising from sea level in a stunning fin-like shape, this extremely distinctive mountain is perhaps the last but definitely not the least on our list of the most dramatic walks in the Highlands. This hill, also called the "2D Mountain" and shaped like a Toblerone, offers a fantastic outlook and a day that is simply outstanding.
I would strongly recommend the long hike in from the east, through wild and steep terrain, for a genuinely wilderness-like experience, even though it is often climbed approaching from the west near Lochinver. There are several different ascension routes, from tough scrambling and climbing to moderate but challenging climbing.