Fun and Easy Scottish Day Hikes

Summer is approaching fast but there's no need to spend a lot of money to see some incredible sights. These beautiful Scottish routes are easily accessible and can be done in a few hours.

Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly

In the Northwest of the Highlands sits one of Scotland’s most incredible views. Stac Pollaidh is just 2,008 feet tall and can be climbed in around three hours.

The mountain is easily accessible with a car park at the bottom next to Loch Lurgainn. The route is easy to follow without much prior research as there are only two footpaths and both lead to the ridge. Once the ridge has been reached you can choose to scramble a further 300m to the summit. From the peak you’ll be able to look over Loch Lughainn and Inverpolly Nature Reserve.

The popularization of this route has led to the mountain becoming eroded so visit Stac Pollaidh while you still can.

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The Whangie, Kilpatrick Hills

This walk not only has a strange name but also some very strange features. Known for the peculiar rock formations, the Whangie is the scene of some spooky urban legends. The most famous tale is that the Devil created the gulley in the rocks when he slashed through them with his tail.

The walk begins in the Queen’s view car park and continues along a boardwalk with scenic views of the Campsie Fells. The path is steep and often muddy so make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear. From the top of the hill you will be able to see Loch Lomond with the Highlands behind it. After a short walk downhill you will reach the opening of the Whangie.

Whether you are a fan of Scottish folk lore or not, the Whangie is a walk you won’t want to miss.

BONUS:

About two miles away from the Whangie is Finnich Glen (or the Devils Pulpit), a 100ft gorge with a red river running through it. The Glen hosts some stunning scenery and has gained fame due to scenes from Outlander being filmed there.

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Tinto Hill, South Lanarkshire

Tinto hill is the highest point in central Scotland at 707 metres. On a clear day it is possible to see the Lake District, Arran, the Cairngorms and even some parts of Northern Ireland. The route is only 4.5 miles long and has a wide footpath making it one of the most accessible walks in Scotland.

There is a car park at the foot of the hill where the footpath starts. The path continues to the top of the hill then continues parallel with a fence. At the top of the hill there is a view indicator to show which direction certain viewable landmarks are in. The hill is popular for recreational activities such as paragliding, hanggliding and an annual race. The descent is the same route back.

It is traditional to take a stone from the bottom of the hill and place it on the top.

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Coire Fhionn Lochan, Arran

There are many stunning walks on the beautiful Isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland but none as unique as Coire Fhionn Lochan. This water filled correy sits hidden between two mountains on a route to the east of Thundergay. The route takes two hours to complete and can be achieved by anyone with a reasonable fitness level.

The hike begins at the side of the road just north of Thundergay and is clearly signposted. There is limited parking but public transport is available. The route starts with a steep ascent up a grassy footpath passing houses on the way until you reach a gate. The gently sloping grass path continues until a ladder stile is reached and from there that path can be a little muddy. Following that route you will come across an easily crossable burn with large, stable stepping stones. The path then becomes rockier with a steep, rock staircase leading to the summit. Once reaching the summit, the walk becomes easier and a flat gravel path will lead you to the corrie.

The views from the corrie are spectacular with golden sands alongside the loch and the stunning slopes of Meall Biorach and Meall Bhig in the background.