Ness Islands on the River Ness in the city of Inverness
9 Scenic short walks for families
Enjoy countryside walks near Glasgow, forest walks near Edinburgh and dog-friendly family hill walks across Scotland's landscapes.
1. Ness Islands Walk, Inverness
The Ness Islands are a popular oasis of calm right in the city centre of Inverness. Set along the River Ness, these islands are connected to the city by suspension bridges built in the Victorian era. The paths around them are flat and if you're lucky you might be able to spot seals bobbing between the bridges. This scenic circular 3-mile (5 km) walk will take about an hour, but you can shorten it by cutting across one of the bridges if you're tight on time.
Why not extend your fantastic family day out with a stroll around Whin Park? An inviting spot that is ideal for family picnics that also offers up a playground, boating pond, miniature railway, and an ice cream and coffee shop that the kids will love!
2. Smugglers' Trail, Eyemouth
Along the Berwickshire Coastal Path in the Scottish Borders, the secretive Smugglers' Trail takes you on a journey to see the hidden coves and beaches that the 'free traders' used in days of old. Travel along the glistening shore and see where the smugglers would stash their 'booty' before selling to the local community.
Start your walk at the striking Gunsgreen House, where you can buy a map of the Smugglers' Trail. For the energetic family, there's the waymarked 8-mile (12 km) Eyemouth circular route, and for the little legs, there are also shorter options, such as a climb to Blaikie Heugh.
Find more walks in South Scotland
St Abb’s, Scottish Borders
3. Kelburn Castle & Country Park, Largs
Kelburn is a hard place to miss, with its eclectic and colourful exterior, it just invites you in to explore! 13th century Kelburn Estate, near Largs in Ayrshire & Arran, is a great place for a family day out, with the flamboyant designs on the castle walls sure to captivate curious minds, young and old. The Kelburn Glen, with its waterfalls and deep gorges, is regarded by many as one of Scotland's most beautiful, and the Short Glen Walk/Sculpture Trail is a yet another great option for families.
Kids will also love the Secret Forest - a network of enchanting woodland paths with amazing surprises along the way. After all that, there's still the Adventure Course, Pets Corner, and the Playbarn to explore!
Le domaine du château de Kelburn, Largs
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
4. Muir of Dinnet NNR & Burn O'Vat, Aberdeenshire
This popular National Nature Reserve sits to the east of Ballater in Royal Deeside, within the majestic Cairngorms National Park. Four great waymarked walks start at the visitor centre, including the 1 mile (1.6 km) trail to the otherworldly Burn O' Vat - a huge, secret geological pothole which you enter via a narrow gap and stepping stones on the Vat burn. The pothole was reputedly used as a hiding place by notorious local outlaw, Gilderoy MacGregor.
Don't forget to explore the other trails to enjoy lovely views over Loch Kinord and Loch Davan. You might also spot some local wildlife - it really is a wonderful place for a family nature walk.
Visit Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
La réserve naturelle nationale du Muir of Dinnet, Aberdeenshire
© VisitScotland / Damian Shields
5. Tentsmuir Forest, Fife
Discover a massive sand dune system, one of Scotland's most dynamic coastlines, a pine-scented forest and wonderful wildlife, including seals, at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve. It's an ideal place for walking and off-road cycling a well as a picnic on the beach where you can slow down and just admire your jaw-dropping surroundings. Admire the variety of seashells on the shore and look out for red squirrels and dragonflies too.
Combine with a trip to nearby St Andrews for food and refreshments, a visit to St Andrews Aquarium or Craigtoun Park.
Explore Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve
La forêt de Tentsmuir, Fife
© Forestry and Land Scotland
6. Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff
Named after Lady Mary Murray, whose family were local landowners in the early 19th century, Lady Mary's Walk goes through beautiful woodland and along the banks of the River Earn and is great for bikes and buggies. Some of the trees here are over 150 years old and stunning in all seasons (though especially in autumn with the crisp red and yellow leaves floating overhead). Keep your eyes peeled for herons, kingfishers, grey wagtails, oystercatchers and dippers along the river, otters have been seen at dusk here too.
Explore Lady Mary's Walk and Laggan Hill
Lady Mary’s Walk, Perthshire
7. Falls of Clyde and New Lanark, Lanarkshire
Surrounded by lush green and auburn woodlands, the historic New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site is the gateway to the Falls of Clyde, which is famed for its dramatic waterfalls and beautiful riverside walks. There's an unstaffed visitor centre where you can learn more about the reserve and the more than 100 bird species that have been recorded here, as well as regular badger and bat walks throughout the year.
Combine your visit to the reserve with some time exploring New Lanark which, alongside a fantastic visitor experience, also offers a café, restaurant, hotel, shops and the fabulous Clearburn natural play and picnic area.
Discover New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site
La réserve naturelle des chutes de la Clyde, New Lanark
8. Gruffalo Trail, Ardkinglas, Argyll
Ardkinglas House is an impressive and historic exclusive-use venue on the shores of beautiful Loch Fyne in Argyll. The magical Woodland Garden is part of the 12,000-acre estate, is open year-round and contains an impressive collection of trees, including one of Britain's tallest.
The highlight for kids, and maybe adults too, is undoubtedly the Gruffalo Trail. Pick up the trail map from the Mouse at the start of the trail, who will guide you along the woodland route to find the Gruffalo. There's an admission charge for the trail and there's also the Treeshop garden centre, gift shop, and café if you're looking for a spot of lunch and souvenirs to take home.
L’Ardkinglas Woodland Garden sur les rives du Loch Fyne, Argyll
© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton
9. Loch Ard Sculpture Trail, Aberfoyle
Loch Ard, located in the popular Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, is home to the fascinating Loch Ard Sculpture Trail, a leisurely family walk, where the kids will have fun discovering the intricate and artistic sculptures. Each one represents an animal, insect or bird that plays a part in the forest's natural food chain. Along the route you'll find educational sound posts featuring toads, deer, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, jays, and buzzards.
There are five trails nearby that are suitable for bikes, buggies, and wheelchairs, ranging from 2 to 10 miles (3 to 16 km). Download the free Queen Elizabeth Forest Park leaflet to find out more or stop off at The Lodge Visitor Centre near Aberfoyle to pick up a copy - the café there has one of the best views in Scotland! The more adventurous older kids, and adults will love the exhilarating treetop GoApe experience too!
Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Le Loch Ard, Aberfoyle
Taking a four-legged friend with you? Make sure you brush up on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for dogwalkers before you travel.
This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.