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10 Spectacular Winter Walks in Scotland

As the temperature dips and Scotland's jaw dropping landscapes sparkle in the clear winter light, nothing beats a refreshing stroll to soak up the winter wonderland around you. Enjoy the magical appearance of hills glistening with snow, crisp air filling your lungs and frost crunching underfoot - plus it's a good excuse to warm up with a hot chocolate when you get back to base.

We've rounded up some great walking routes and trails, including loch view walks, city routes, woodland wanders, family-friendly gems and mountain hikes. Here are our top picks of winter walks in Scotland:

Loch view walks

Pause to enjoy views of tranquil waters as you stretch your legs on a great winter walk - guaranteed to work up your appetite for a hearty meal later on! These two routes offer stunning views of wintery scenery.

1. Loch Morlich, Cairngorms National Park

Loch Morlich, Cairngorms National Park, Highlands

Distance: 6 km (3.75 miles)
Time: 1.5 - 2 hrs
Starting point: Loch Morlich car park

This loop around Loch Morlich offers stunning views of the northern Cairngorm mountains, which look especially majestic dusted with snow. Situated in the heart of Glenmore Forest, a winter walk here will feel like you have stepped into the pages of a story book.

Read about the Loch Morlich circuit

2. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, North Highlands

Lochan An Ais, Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, Highlands

Distance: 2 km (1.25 miles)
Time: 1 hr
Starting point: Knockan Crag visitor centre

Colliding continents, exploding volcanoes and millions of years of history - discover the epic story of the stunning landscapes around you. Begin at the Rock Room visitor centre before heading out onto the trails, where sculptures and jaw-dropping viewpoints await.

Read about the Knockan Crag trail

City walks

See Scotland's cities dressed in all their winter glory on a fantastic city walk. These two suggestions give lots of information about the history of the buildings and monuments you'll see as you walk.

3. Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Distance: 1.75 km (1 mile)
Time: 1 - 1.5 hrs
Starting point: Waverley Train Station

If you're staying in Edinburgh, head to Calton Hill, located east of Princes Street, for beautiful views of Scotland's capital. There are lots of buildings and monuments to discover, including the 1831 Dugald Stewart Monument which was designed by William Henry Playfair.

Find out more about the Calton Hill walk

4. Aberdeen

Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen

Uncover the stories behind some of Aberdeen's most impressive granite buildings and sculptures on this city centre trail. Learn about the granite industry throughout the ages and tour some of the key buildings and monuments made of this glittering stone.

Follow the Aberdeen granite trail

Woodland walks

There's nothing more enchanting than a walk through winter woodland. Here are two great options.

5. Cardrona Forest, Tweed Valley Forest Park, Scottish Borders

Cardrona Forest offers three great trails through the winter forest - the Burn Trail, an easy access route along the Kirk Burn, the Kirkburn Trail, which offers beautiful views of the Tweed Valley, and Wallace's Trail, a circular route that passes the remains of Cardrona Tower, which dates from the 1500s. Look out for red squirrels as you explore too!

Read about Cardrona Forest

6. Clatteringshaws, Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries & Galloway

Clatteringshaws Loch, Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries & Galloway

Distance: 5.5 km (3.5 miles)
Time: 1.5 - 2 hr
Starting point: Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre

This enchanting route, in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere, begins with a stroll along the edge of Clatteringshaws Loch to visit Bruce's Stone, which commemorates Robert the Bruce's victory at the Battle of Trool in 1307. The route then leads to the visitor centre to begin the Loch View hike through winter woodland, reaching a stunning vantage point over the loch.

Read about the Clatteringshaws Loch View trail

Family walks

Get the whole family together for fresh air and good old fashioned fun. These two picks both offer lots for your little ones to see and do while they stretch their legs in the fresh winter air.

7. Castle Fraser Estate, Aberdeenshire

Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire

Kids will feel like they've walked into a winter fairy tale in the grounds of this stunning castle. Although the castle itself is closed from late October - March you can explore the beautiful grounds all year round and follow two great trails, The Alton Brae Trail and Miss Bristow's Trail.

Read about Castle Fraser

8. The Scottish Deer Centre, Fife

The Scottish Deer Centre, Cupar, Fife © Kenny Lam

Although not strictly a 'walk', The Scottish Deer Centre is an outdoor wildlife park covering 55 acres - plenty of room for your family to stretch their legs, enjoy some fresh air and meet the park's star residents. Your wee ones will love hand feeding the deer and what could be more exciting than seeing reindeer up close at this magical time of year?!

Read about The Scottish Deer Centre

Mountain walks

With wintry landscapes spread out below you, mountain walking in the winter offers some of the most jaw-dropping views you can get. Bear in mind though, walking in the mountains in the winter is a form of mountaineering and shouldn't be attempted unless you have the specialist skills, knowledge and equipment to stay safe.

9. Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Starting point: Rowardennan car park

Experience one of Scotland's most popular mountains in the quieter winter months and enjoy uninterrupted views of stunning Loch Lomond. Look out for elusive ptarmigan in their snow-white winter plumage as you climb this famous Munro.

Find out more about Ben Lomond walk

10. Stac Pollaidh circuit, North Highlands

Stac Pollaidh, Highlands

Distance: 4.5 km (2.75 miles)
Time: 2 - 4 hours
Starting point: Stac Pollaidh car park

A stunning hike around towering Stac Pollaidh, with sweeping views over the wintry landscapes of Assynt. You can also add on a short (but steep) climb for breathtaking views across to Suilven and the Summer Isles.

Find out more about the Stac Pollaidh circuit

So there you have it - some of the brilliant walks you can enjoy in Scotland this winter. Find out more about walking in Scotland and join our iKnow Community to let the world know about your favourite winter walks.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

National restrictions have been introduced for hospitality venues from until Mon 2 Nov with additional local restrictions in four regions of central Scotland.

Check the current Covid-19 restrictions to plan and book ahead when considering your trip. You can search for activities that are open, and Good to Go, where they have a Covid-19 risk assessment.

You can still book your household onto organised activities - outdoor activities, tours, coaches - alongside other unconnected households, as operators can take larger numbers where capacity allows. Keep to your household within the activity, follow 2 m physical distancing (1 m for organised boat trips) and wear masks on coaches, tours and boat trips.

Winter walking advice

Wrap up warm

It can get extremely cold in Scotland during the winter - and sometimes in early spring too. Stay cosy with plenty of layers of clothing, a woolly hat, scarf and gloves, as well as a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.

Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear

Harsher weather conditions call for sturdy footwear with good grip. If you're going to be walking across ice and snow, you'll need a pair of boots that are crampon compatible.

Pack the essentials

Depending on the length and difficulty of your walk, you might also need to take the following:

Food and drink - high energy food, such as flapjacks, and a hot flask.
Torch and spare batteries - to help you find your way if it gets dark while you're out.
Walking poles - for support on snowy inclines.
Crampons and an ice axe - to prevent you from slipping and sliding downhill.
Map and compass - for navigating unfamiliar territory.

Know your route

It's easy to get caught out in the winter, especially if you're in unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure everyone in your group is aware of the route and set your alarm to get out and about early, to make the most of the daylight.

For longer walks and hill walking it's also a good idea to leave details of your route and the start/finish points with someone, along with the time you expect to be back.

Browse potential routes (along with difficulty ratings and route maps) at Walkhighlands.

Safety first in the mountains

Winter weather can make walking in the mountains incredibly challenging. Read safety advice from Mountaineering Scotland.

Always check the weather forecast before heading off into the hills. Look on the Met Office and the Mountain Weather Information Service for information about hazardous conditions - even strong winds can pose problems - and check the Scottish Avalanche Information Service for details of snow conditions.

10 Spectacular Winter Walks in Scotland

Loch view walks

1. Loch Morlich, Cairngorms National Park

2. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, North Highlands