Category: *Long Distance Routes*

Scotland is blessed with many spectacular long-distance walking routes and here you’ll find a selection of those. These long walks are normally completed over several shorter days. In some cases you will find circular walking route options allowing you to return to the start point – ideal if you live near by and want to walk the route over time as a series of day hikes.

Walk 226 – Ayrshire Coastal Path – Glenapp to Ballantrae via clifftops (9.5 miles)

April 14, 2023

A spectacular way to begin the Ayrshire Coastal Path! Head uphill from Glenapp enjoying the views across Loch Ryan, north to Ailsa Craig and on a clear day as far as Northern Ireland. Count how many pheasants you see! You’ll then head down to remote Currarie Port where you have the chance to spot some seals, before embarking on an incredible high level cliff-top hike. This section of coastline is home to a wide variety of bird life and depending when you visit you might spot eagles, cormorants, yellow wagtails, gannets, oystercatchers and more. Don’t forget binoculars and a camera! … More Walk 226 – Ayrshire Coastal Path – Glenapp to Ballantrae via clifftops (9.5 miles)

Falls of Clyde in spate

Walk 210 – The Falls of Clyde Circular Walk, New Lanark – 7 miles

September 30, 2022

An extended version of the popular 3.7 mile Falls of Clyde walk. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, follow the Clyde Walkway through a scenic nature reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The highlight of the walk is the spectacular waterfalls along the river gorge, including the well-photographed Corra Linn: the largest in Britain by volume of water. The return route takes you along peaceful woodland trails down the west bank of the River Clyde and into Kirkfieldbank, then through Castlebank Park. … More Walk 210 – The Falls of Clyde Circular Walk, New Lanark – 7 miles

Walk 177 – Roon The Binn, Burntisland to Aberdour – 8 miles

July 12, 2018

A circular walk leading you around The Binn, a 193m (633ft) hill which dominates the Fife town of Burntisland. Along the way visit the intriguing remains of the village of Binnend, built to serve the shale oil industry in the 1880s and now lying abandoned in the woodland undergrowth. A mix of residential streets, earth paths and farm tracks, with the return section being along the Fife Coastal Path.  … More Walk 177 – Roon The Binn, Burntisland to Aberdour – 8 miles

Walk 160 – Knock Hill Circular, Largs – 8 miles

January 2, 2018

By joining two parts of the Ayrshire Coastal Path together, you can enjoy this circular route from Largs to the top of Knock Hill (268m / 879 ft) and back again. An easy first stage along Largs promenade soon gives way to farm tracks and boggy hillside paths before a steep ascent to the summit trig point. Enjoy panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Cowal Peninsula, southern Highlands, Isle of Cumbrae and Arran, as well as down into the town of Largs itself. The descent takes you West across farmland and through pleasant woodland then along a minor road behind Knock Castle.  … More Walk 160 – Knock Hill Circular, Largs – 8 miles

Walk 144 – The Affric Kintail Way, Highlands

September 28, 2017

The Affric Kintail Way is one of Scotland’s long distance routes, running 44 miles from Drumnadrochit south of Inverness, to Morvich in the West. The first half makes use of forestry tracks after which the landscape changes dramatically, transporting you through the mountainous wilderness of Glen Affric and the Kintail mountains. The whole route is well signposted.  … More Walk 144 – The Affric Kintail Way, Highlands

Walk 142 – Dalgety Bay to Braefoot Pier Coastal Walk – 7 miles

June 30, 2017

This is a semi-loop which begins in the upmarket residential area of St Davids and follows the Fife Coastal Path through several small woodlands to reach Braefoot Pier at the eastern end of Dalgety Bay. The return follows the pleasant NCN76 cycle path for a short distance before re-joining the Coastal Path. Superb views towards the Forth bridges and Inchcolm Island, and if you are lucky you might spot roe deer and pheasants along the way! Pass the remains of St Bridget’s Kirk and some WW1 and WW2 bunkers in Braefoot woods. Mostly earth paths and pavements with some steps.   … More Walk 142 – Dalgety Bay to Braefoot Pier Coastal Walk – 7 miles

Walk 137 – River Ayr Way (Catrine to Sorn loop) – 4.6 miles

May 20, 2017

Following the River Ayr Way along a pleasant woodland trail to Sorn, you will walk through the Catrine Voes and Woodlands Local Nature Reserve and past the historical Catrine Weir. Enjoy the view across to the majestic fourteenth century Sorn Castle, a bespoke wedding venue and home to the McIntyres. On reaching Sorn, cross the ‘Auld Brig’ before passing through part of the village and into the “Spooky Woods”. The return route to Catrine is via Chapel Brae, a pleasant single track road.  It passes Catrine War Memorial, from which you will be rewarded with fine views down to the village.  … More Walk 137 – River Ayr Way (Catrine to Sorn loop) – 4.6 miles

Walk 129 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ardrossan to Portencross (6.5 miles)

April 23, 2017

Plenty of beach-walking on this one, with options to use earth footpaths instead should you wish. I would say this is one of the sections of the Ayrshire Coastal Path where you are most likely to bump into other walkers along the way!  Being so close to the Isle of Arran, you have the potential for some incredible views across the Firth of Clyde. … More Walk 129 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ardrossan to Portencross (6.5 miles)

Walk 130 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Portencross to Largs (7 miles)

April 23, 2017

Portencross: Arguably one of the best places from which to view the Isle of Arran! The Isle of Cumbrae quickly takes it’s place as you progress towards Largs via the industrial grounds of Hunterston and the pretty town of Fairlie. Much of this walk is along cycle tracks, pavements and minor roads.  … More Walk 130 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Portencross to Largs (7 miles)

Walk 131 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Largs to Skelmorlie via Knock Hill (10.5 miles)

April 23, 2017

Beginning at Largs Marina this route takes you the length of the promenade before heading inland and uphill across boggy ground towards Knock Hill. From the trig point on a clear day your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views across the Firth of Clyde towards the isles of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran, as well as the Argyll hills and Cowal Peninsular. Descending towards Skelmorlie Castle and Wemyss Bay, with one very short exception the remainder of the walk is along quiet minor roads and pavements.  … More Walk 131 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Largs to Skelmorlie via Knock Hill (10.5 miles)

Looking across the Pow Burn towards the Firth of Clyde

Walk 126 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ayr – Prestwick – Troon (9.6 miles)

April 15, 2017

An easy walk starting at Seafield in Ayr and passing through Prestwick en route to Troon Marina. After the initial section through Ayr’s industrial backroads, you can enjoy sandy beaches and concrete promenades for the remainder of the route. Finish with the excitement of Troon’s cliff walk, or use the Ballast Bank if you feel safer ;-) … More Walk 126 – Ayrshire Coastal Path: Ayr – Prestwick – Troon (9.6 miles)