13 Stunning Pub Walks in Scotland

2. BURNS CIRCULAR WALK & THE GLOBE INN

Dumfries, South Scotland

The walk: Burns Circular Walk, Dumfries

Time: 2 – 2.5 hours

When Robert Burns moved to Dumfries in 1791 he would often walk along the banks of the River Nith to enjoy the nature around him. Follow his route along the river on this beautiful walk and look out for places connected with the Bard along the way, including Burns House Museum and his mausoleum.

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The pub: The Globe Inn, Dumfries

Time to pub: a few minutes’ walk

The most fitting place to end your walk – The Globe Inn – Robert Burns’ favourite pub, or ‘howff’ as he called it. Enjoy a varied menu featuring delicious locally sourced ingredients, including Lockerbie cheese and Galloway beef. At the bar, choose from 50 single malts or sip a pint of delicious real ale, made by local brewers, Sulwath Brewery.

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4. WIDEFORD HILL & HELGI’S

Kirkwall, Orkney

The walk: Wideford Hill, Orkney

Time: 2.5 – 3 hours

Get your legs working on a hike up Wideford Hill and enjoy the panoramic views of Kirkwall and the surrounding islands from the top. On your way down explore the ancient Wideford Cairn, an underground communal burial site which dates from 3000 BC.

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The pub: Helgi’s, Kirkwall

Time to pub: a few minutes’ walk

Inspired by Orkney’s Viking past, Helgi’s is a charming traditional pub offering a tasty menu and a huge range of locally produced drinks, including whisky from Scapa Distillery and Highland Park Distillery, and beer from Swannay Brewery and Orkney Brewery.

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6. BEN VRACKIE & THE MOULIN HOTEL

Near Pitlochry, Perthshire

The walk: Ben Vrackie near Pitlochry

Time: 3 – 4 hours

Towering over the charming town of Pitlochry, Ben Vrackie is a popular hike for anyone visiting the area. At 841 m high, this mountain offers stunning views out across the countryside to the Cairngorms National Park.

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The pub: Moulin Hotel, Pitlochry

Time to pub: a few minutes’ walk

The Moulin Hotel is a former coaching inn that has stood since 1695. It even has its own microbrewery. Sample the brewery’s delicious beers and order from the tempting menu in the charmingly traditional pub, which has many period features, including open fire places and exposed stone walls.

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9. LOCH NESS 360° TRAIL & THE CASTLE TAVERN

Loch Ness, Highlands

The walk: Loch Ness 360° Trail, Inverness

Time: varies per section of the trail, but around 6 – 7 hours

The Loch Ness 360° Trail is a great way to explore the mystical shores of this infamous loch. The trail in split into six sections – Inverness to Drumnadrochit, Drumnadrochit to Invermoriston, Invermoriston to Fort Augustus, Fort Augustus to Foyers, Foyers to Dores and Dores to Inverness. You can plan to complete all six sections on your trip, or if you’re only here for a short time, why not pick and choose your favourites? Whichever section you pick, you’ll be met with incredible scenery, a peaceful atmosphere and mesmerising views.

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The pub: The Castle Tavern, Inverness

Time to pub: less than 5 minutes

The Castle Tavern is a cosy, traditional real ale bar, restaurant and beer garden located in Inverness city centre, just off the banks of the River Ness. Tuck into the extensive menu featuring a range of delicious, locally-sourced foods, such as haggis crepes, sirloin steak, Scottish salmon and, of course, a good old fish & chips. Delve into the ever-changing collection of local ales and keep a look out for ‘Malt of the Month’.

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11. CREAG MHOR AND LOCH AVON & THE OLD BRIDGE INN

Glenmore, Cairngorms National Park

The walk: Creag Mhor and Loch Avon, Glenmore

Time: 8 – 10 hours

A stunning trail through the lush surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park, this route passes turquoise blue lochs and offers great views of the ancient Abernethy Forest. Highlights include a hike up Creag Mhor, a Corbett at 895 m, and a trip to Loch Avon, described by WalkHighlands as ‘one of the most remote and impressive lochs in Scotland’.

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The pub: Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore

Time to pub: 15 minute drive

Located on the banks of the River Spey in Aviemore, the Old Bridge Inn is famous for its roaring log fire, great atmosphere and tempting menu. The bar offers an excellent selection of cask ales and whiskies, and regularly hosts live music nights. Aviemore is just a 20 minute bus ride from Glenmore too (the start and end of this walk).

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13. LADHAR BHEINN & THE OLD FORGE

Lochaber, Highlands

The walk: Ladhar Bheinn from Inverie, Knoydart

Time: 9 – 12 hours

If you’re looking for a real ‘escape’ destination, Inverie is the place for you. Perched on the edge of jaw-dropping Loch Nevis, the tiny village is one of the remotest places on Scotland’s mainland (there are no roads to Inverie, so the only way to get there is by boat from Mallaig, or a very long walk over mountains). The spectacular setting and brilliant walking routes are well worth travelling for though. Inverie is surrounded by three towering Munros including Ladhar Bheinn (this walk’s destination) which offers stunning views of the rugged Knoydart landscape and out across the sea to the Isle of Skye.

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The pub: The Old Forge, Inverie

Time to pub: a few minutes’ walk

If you’re worried you won’t find much comfort so far off the beaten track – think again. The Old Forge has racked up a whole host of awards over the years and boasts a mouth-watering menu that’s famed for its locally caught shellfish. Famous as mainland Britain’s remotest pub (Guinness Book of World Records), The Old Forge is the perfect place to celebrate after a full day’s hiking, with a range of tempting cask ales on tap and regular live music sessions to get you in the party spirit.

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More Information

Most of the pubs on this list either offer accommodation or there are other nearby options for an overnight stay.

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