Bagging Munros, wild camping and mysterious lochs: readers’ favourite wilderness trips in Scotland | Scotland holidays
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Camping at Sutherland’s Bone Caves
We live in the North West Highlands of Scotland and often spend our free time on micro-adventures. We tend to avoid the busiest times of the year. One February half term my sister and I loaded up our old campers with mattresses and kids and headed north to Inchnadamf. Our destination was the bone caves of Assynth. Wild camping was free, we were cozy in the van and woke up to a dusting of snow, blue skies and a gorgeous sunrise. We took a walk to the caves and back through an uninhabited valley, following the limestone river that bubbled above ground and sometimes underground. The weather was perfect for a cool paddle in the sea at Clachtoll, followed by a camp dinner cooked in the bitter cold of the car park at Knockan Crag with its amazing sculptures and a geological timeline that the children deeply connected with. An unforgettable trip that we may never be able to fully recreate, but I will never forget.
Marion
From dizzying heights to the shores of Nevis
From the small village of Bracorina, overlooking Loch Morar, there is a rocky walk to the ridge with only solitary loons, hardy highland sheep and the odd sea eagle for company. Cross the heights and you’ll be greeted with a steep walk down through fern thickets to an abandoned farming village on the shores of the sea loch, Nevis, with views of the most remote peninsula of the British Isles, Neudart. This rewarding, sweaty and intuitive walk encapsulates all that is magical about this untouched corner of Scotland.
Miles Watson
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An artist’s view of the majestic Mull
The Isle of Mull is a rugged paradise and on its west coast, across a single lane road surrounded by the sea, is the magnificent Balmeanach. You can book a country house for eight people, once inhabited by the artist Jolomo (John Lowry Morrison), where, appropriately enough, your surroundings give you the impression that you have stepped into a vast landscape painting. Watch wild deer and birds in the shadow of Gribun Cliffs, enter MacKinnon’s Cave or gaze out into the Atlantic Ocean from a secluded beach.
Jonathan
Train and sail to Arran
For me, the best thing about Scotland’s wilderness is its accessibility. Early risers in Glasgow can have a late breakfast on the slopes of the less-climbed Bein Tarswin in Arran while watching the CalMac ferry they arrived on on their way back to the mainland, all by 11am and on public transport. Tarsuinn and its similarly quiet neighbour, Cir Mhòr, offer the same impressive views as nearby Goatfell, but with a fraction of the visitors. Intrepid adventurers can camp here overnight before tackling the other two Corbetts Islands. Those looking for home comfort can enjoy the walk back to Brodick civilization along Glen Rosa, with its views and secret swimming spots. Rail and Sail from Glasgow city center with Scotrail and CalMac.
Craig
The mysterious lake of Loch Duich
The village of Ratagan on the shores of Loch Duich offers views of the dark and mysterious looking loch with the five sisters of Kintail rising into the sky on the other side. It’s idyllic, like getting a huge, warm hug from Mother Nature. Ratagan is a great place to explore all that the area has to offer, including the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castlewhich is only a short drive away.
Mhari
Hiking in the Wester Ross Wilderness
In Wester Ross is our last ‘great wilderness’, mountains so remote they require days of hiking to explore. I was delighted to get a more accessible taste of these overhanging mountains on the Beinn Eighe Mountain Path, Britain’s only waymarked mountain walk. Climbing through Scots pine forest, the landscape opens up to rougher, rockier terrain before you reach the summit with incredible views. The route down passes lakes and waterfalls. We had dinner at Khan Badakroa pub full of jolly vibes, delicious local food and sea views.
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Small but beautiful Eigg
Eigg is a stunning (small) island just a few hours by boat from Malaig. It’s perfect for hiking, biking and swimming (with a seal if you’re lucky). The beach at Laig is beautiful, with the best sunsets I have ever seen.
Jill
Tranquility in the Cairngorms
The Spittal of Glenmuick remains a gem in the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside. The walks here take in a variety of scenery from rugged and wild to peaceful and scenic, depending on everything from the time of day to the time of year – nearby Braemar drops to -27C in winter. A loop of Loch Muick is manageable for most; those looking for more can take in the several Munros that tower above, which includes majestic Lochnagar and the dramatic drop into the water below. An early start is recommended to enjoy the seclusion and tranquility of this special place.
Bill
Headlands, cliffs and wildflower meadows, Durness
In Upper Scotland, the full-day coastal walk starts from the ferry from Durness to Cape Wrath, through wildflower meadows, dunes and sand cliffs. Best of all, go when the tide is out, when you can walk out into the middle of the wide, sandy estuary. Go around the top where you can finish Balnakeil Craft Villagein time for a hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain or continue to beautiful Balnakeil Bay.
Alison
Winning tip: walking in lovely circles on Kerrera
Take it West Highland Line from Glasgow to Oban; within an hour you are driving through the hilly Trossachs. A 30 minute wander and a little ferry hop across the Sound of Kerrera… you arrive. On Kerrera, as you meander along the circular walk that surrounds this small island, your friends will be wild goats and the odd seal. Homemade delights await you along the way in the Tea Garden before Guillen Castle rises before you. Stop to enjoy sweeping views of Mull and the Slate Islands before heading back – via Balliemore Farm for an ice cream – to the ferry port.
Susie
Please use the comments to tell us about your favorite drives in the Scottish countryside
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