Hey there, city dwellers. So, you might have ventured short distances north, south, east and west from your front door hundreds of times earlier this year. Now we’re able to head off somewhere a bit different, here’s our selection of walks you can do, a short drive from your home city.
Read our outdoor access guidelines before you set off and there’s useful information on our outdoor safety page from Scottish Mountain Rescue.
From Edinburgh
Coasts and waters
St Abbs Head Lighthouse, St Abbs
St Abbs – 6.25km (4 miles)
Walk time: 2 hours
If you’re an Edinburgh resident, chances are the St Abbs Head circular walk is a route you’ll love to do again and again. With cliffs, seabird colonies, a seriously cool lighthouse and clear crystal waters to gaze across from above, you can’t beat a day out by the coast. Remember to take care during sections beside cliffs. One of the most important geological sites is found nearby at Siccar Point, a rock formation known as James Hutton’s Unconformity.
How far from home? Just over an hour.
Find more information about St Abbs Head circular walk
Hills and countryside
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Broughton Heights – 11 km (6.75 miles)
Walk time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours
For anyone craving the sight of rolling hills and open countryside, the Broughton Heights circuit is a fabulous choice. It takes in a short traverse of Trahenna Hill and rewards walkers with fabulous views over the Lothians countryside. Perfect for a moment of peace and quiet.
How far from home? 1 hour.
Find more information about Broughton Heights circuit
Forest
Pressmennan Wood – 4.5 km (2.75 miles)
Walk time: 1.5 hours
If you go down to the Pressmennan Wood today, you’re sure of a big surprise! This quiet little spot near Dunbar is home to deer, owls, otters and bats, as well as supposedly some other enchanting creatures, such as ‘Glingbobs’ and ‘Tootflits’. Have a look inside some of the fairy doors within the wise old trees, and wander past the peaceful Pressmennan Lake.
How far from home? 45 minutes.
Find more information about the Pressmennan Wood walk
From Glasgow
Coasts and waters
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Troon to Irvine – 11 km (6.75 miles)
Walk time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Linking together two coastal towns, the beach stroll from Troon to Irvine is the coastal walk you’ve been waiting for. On a bright summer’s day, head along a sweeping stretch of sparkling sand with views across to Arran and Ailsa Craig on clear days. Don’t miss the dragon sculpture atop the sand dunes of Irvine Beach.
How far from home? 45 minutes.
Find more information about the beach stroll from Troon to Irvine
Hills and countryside
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Cort-ma Law, Lennoxtown – 9 km (5.5 miles)
Walk time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Why not take a quick stroll up Cort-ma Law? Enjoy the easy rolling hills of the Campsie Fells, as well as a few things to capture your attention along the way – a deep mysterious well, several stone cairns, a waterfall and amazing views across Glasgow & The Clyde Valley.
How far from home? 30 minutes.
Find more information about the stroll up Cort-ma Law
Forest
Douglas Explorer, Ayr Road – 6 km (3.75 miles)
Walk time: 1.5 hours
Follow the Douglas Explorer through the ancient streets of Douglas and beyond. With every step you will come across significant people and events in Scotland’s history from the Wars of Independence with England to the Second World War, as well as a clock gifted to the village of Douglas by Mary Queen of Scots. You’ll also encounter Castle Dangerous, from the novel of the same name by Sir Walter Scott (1831).
How far from home? 40 minutes.
Follow the Douglas Explorer walk
From Aberdeen
Coasts and waters
Collieston and Old Slains Castle – 4.5 km (2.75 miles)
Walk time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Follow a rough coastal path around Collieston and Old Slains Castle. You guessed it – the highlight is undoubtedly the remains of 14th century Old Slains Castle! Looking out to the North Sea over some rocky cliffs, only a portion of the castle’s tower house survives. It was blown up in 1594 by King James IV himself after the owner of the castle, the 9th Earl of Erroll, backed a plot against him. Eek! The newer model is also a ruin, standing a bit further up the coast at Cruden Bay, which is said to have inspired Bram Stoker, when writing his gothic novel Dracula. Keep your eye on the sea too though as Collieston is a bit of a hotspot for whale and dolphin sightings.
How far from home? 35 minutes.
Find out more about the coastal path around Collieston and Old Slains Castle
Hills and countryside
Hill of Dunnideer – 5.25 km (3.25 miles)
Walk time: 1.5 hours
The Hill of Dunnideer might be small, but the views from the top are huge! Make your way up to the intriguing age-old fort which dates back to 1260. You’ll see the summit of Aberdeenshire peak, Bennachie, the highest peak for miles, which also has some Iron Age history of its own, and is another great Aberdeenshire walk.
How far from home? 1 hour.
Find information about the walk up the Hill of Dunnideer
Forest
Glen Tanar Pinewoods – 8 km (5 miles)
Walk time: 2 – 2.5 hours
The lovely Glen Tanar Pinewoods are located within a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and home to some of our largest and oldest Caledonian Scots pine trees, making it a haven for scuttling red squirrels, shy red deer and even capercaillies. This route crosses the bubbling River Tanar over an impressive bridge.
How far from home? 1 hour.
Find about more about the lovely Glen Tanar Pinewoods
From Dundee
Coast
Montrose Beach Circular – 11.5km (7 miles)
Walk time: 3 hours
Ah, the salty sea air – how we’ve missed you! Walk the Montrose Beach circular and enjoy this little stretch of the Angus Coastal Path. You’ll wander along the promenade before crossing the pristine sands and following an old path over the North Water viaduct, then back to Montrose. At the end, look out to the Scurdie Ness Lighthouse.
How far from home? 50 minutes.
Find more information about the Montrose Beach circular walk
Hills and countryside
Kinpurney Hill, Newtyle – 5.5 km (3.5 miles)
Walk time: 1.5 – 2 hours
The Kinpurney Hill walk has a bit of everything – open countryside, a mysterious tower, tumbling waterfall and a nice little hill ascent to get your heart rate up whilst offering pleasant views across to Dundee and the surrounding countryside of Angus and Perthshire.
How far from home? 20 minutes.
Find more information about the Kinpurney Hill walk
Forest
Queen’s Well, Glen Esk – 8 km (5 miles)
Walk time: 2 – 2.5 hours.
Enjoy the wide, flat route to which leads to the Queen’s Well at Glen Mark – thought to be Angus’ longest glen. In amongst the quiet countryside, you’ll find the striking crown-shaped monument, built in 1861 to honour Queen Victoria and Prince Albert passing through. If you have the experience and skills, you can extend the route to include Scotland’s most easterly Munro, Mount Keen.
How far from home? 1 hour.
Find about more about the Queen’s Well at Glen Mark
From Perth
Coasts and waters
Balmerino to Wormit – 9 km (5.5 miles)
Walk time: 2 – 2.5 hours
The Balmerino to Wormit circular is a relaxing outing, taking in the Tay Bridge and beautiful views across the water to Dundee, backed by Dundee Law. It passes the village of Balmerino, which has a fascinating ruined abbey, and a series of seal sculptures will guide you along Wormit Bay.
How far from home? 40 minutes.
Find information about the Balmerino to Wormit circular walk
Hills and countryside
Aberfeldy and Kenmore Hill circuit – 22 km (13.75 miles)
Walk time: 5 – 7 hours
The river path from Aberfeldy to Kenmore is very pleasant for a longer walk or can be tackled in smaller sections. You’ll start at the Birks of Aberfeldy, and finish by passing Taymouth Castle. Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of Ben Lawers and Loch Tay.
How far from home? Just under an hour.
Find our more about the river walk from Aberfeldy to Kenmore
Forest
Moncrieffe Hill – 8 km (5 miles)
Walk time: 2- 3 hours
A peaceful jaunt, this excellent circular walk explores Moncreiffe Hill, which sits in amongst a beautiful woodland. At the top of the hill, enjoy the views of Perth, the Ochil Hills and Fife. Recently, this route hosted a get-together for 21 golden retrievers!
How far from home? 15 minutes.
Find out how to explore Moncreiffe Hill on a circular walk
From Stirling
Coasts and waters
Loch Venachar – 7 km (4.25 miles)
Walk time: 2 hours
Follow the circular forest track around this pretty corner of the Trossachs and Loch Venachar. Along the way, you’ll see clear views of the towering Corbett, Ben Ledi. The walk will lead you to a hidden lochan amidst the trees.
How far from home? 40 minutes.
Find information about the circular forest track around Loch Venachar
Hills and countryside
Lendrick Hill – 7.25 km (4.5 miles)
Walk time: 2 – 3 hours
The circular route to Lendrick Hill explores a very pretty, picturesque part of Scotland, just outside the quiet town of Dollar. Follow the high path for lovely views of the countryside.
How far from home? 30 minutes.
Find out more about the circular route to Lendrick Hill
From Inverness
Coasts and waters
Rosemarkie and Hillockhead Circuit – 9.25 km (5.75 miles)
Walk time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
The Rosemarkie and Hillockhead Circuit is an invigorating coastal hike exploring the diverse landscapes of the Black Isle. Take the route along the gorgeous Rosemarkie Beach, or follow the path up the steps for the curious ‘Caird’s Cave’. The route passes country lanes, wooded glen, waterfalls and a lovely shoreline section – bliss!
Please note that the shoreline section of the walk cannot be completed at high tide.
How far from home? 30 minutes.
Find more information about the Rosemarkie and Hillockhead Circuit
Hills and countryside
Ben Bhraggie – (9.5km or 6 miles)
Walk time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours
Ben Bhraggie (Beinn a’Bhragaidh in Gaelic) is surely one to ‘Bhraggie’ to your pals about! Standing at 397 m above sea level, it is a wee peak that rewards with dreamy views across to the coast and surrounding hills – on a clear day you can see both coastlines of Scotland.
How far from home? 1 hour 30 minutes.
Find more information about Ben Bhraggie walk
From Dunfermline
Coasts and waters
Fife Coastal Path – (17.5km or 11 miles)
Walk time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
This epic long-distance route stretches for 117 miles but can be tackled in eight individual stages. The gentlest of these is the section at one end of the path which leads 11 miles between Kincardine and Limekilns, just south west of Dunfermline. It runs over flat terrain, cutting through pretty villages like Culross, Charlestown and Limekilns.
How far from home? 30 minutes.
Find more information about the Kincardine and Limekilns route
Hills and countryside
West Lomond – (8km or 5 miles)
Walk time: 3 hours
West Lomond is one of the steeper spots in Fife. Head off along this popular route for incredible views and a breath of fresh air – it’s a great one to bring the dog too!
How far from home? 30 minutes.
Find about more about West Lomond route
All timings are approximate, by car and taken from Google Maps.
When you’re out and about, please remember to follow the outdoor access guidelines. Please always be a responsible visitor and leave no trace behind. Don’t forget to check out these routes, suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
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