Travel: Best walks in Scotland in 2023 from the cities to the coast

As the temperature dips and jaw-dropping landscapes sparkle in the clear winter light, nothing beats a refreshing walk to soak up the winter wonderland around.

Marvel at the magical appearance of hills glistening with snow, the refreshing crisp air filling your lungs and frost crunching underfoot – plus it’s a great excuse to warm up with a hot chocolate when you get back to base.

Here are VisitScotland’s top walks to blow away those cobwebs on New Year’s Day – or any time. Pull on a cosy coat and enjoy some time outdoors with your loved ones…

Lochs

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!

Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, Kinross

Brimming with wildlife and history, Loch Leven is the largest natural shallow water body in lowland Britain. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail extends the whole way around the loch – a 13-mile, traffic-free shared access route you can walk, run, bike or ride along. Level and barrier-free for most of its length, the trail is suitable for walkers of all abilities, for cyclists, and for wheelchair and motorised scooter users.

There are a number of viewing hides and access points along the trail, with guides to five easily managed shorter walks available to download from the Loch Leven Heritage Trail’s website at lochlevenheritagetrail.co.uk

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, North Highlands (distance: 1.25 miles; time: one hour; 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. Head out on to trails, where sculptures and jaw-dropping viewpoints await.

© Shutterstock / Helix Photos

Loch Morlich, Cairngorms National Park (distance: 3.75 miles; time: 1.5-2 hours; starting point: Loch Morlich car park)

One of the best walks in the Cairngorms, 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 spot of Cairngorms winter walking will make you feel like you have stepped into the pages of a storybook.

Cities

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 spotted along the way.

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 some of the key buildings and monuments made of this glittering stone.

Visit aberdeencity.gov.uk/trails

Calton Hill, Edinburgh (distance: one mile; time: 1-1.5 hours; starting point: Waverley Train Station)

Located east of Princes Street, for a winter hill walk with 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 renowned architect William Henry Playfair.

© SYSTEM

Woodlands

Clatteringshaws, Galloway Forest Park (distance: 3.5 miles; time: 1.5-2 hours; 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 Glen 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.

Arbirlot Natural Trail/Falls, Arbroath

Arbirlot is a small village, three miles west of Arbroath, and is home to a spectacular 23ft waterfall. The waterfall comes from the Elliot Water, a minor river around seven-and-a-half miles long that flows through Arbirlot before reaching the North Sea at Elliot, Arbroath.

The waterfall is one of the most memorable features on the Arbirlot Natural Trail – a family-friendly, four-mile walk through stunning Angus countryside following a small river, the Elliot Water.

Coastal

Buckhaven To Elie, Fife (distance: 12 miles; time: 4-5 hours; starting point: Buckhaven)

The section from Buckhaven to Elie offers charming villages, golf courses, historic monuments and an abundance of wildlife, perfect for a winter walking holiday.

Elie is a lovely place to finish off your walk. The Fife Coastal Path is one of the most interesting paths in Scotland with a huge variety of things to see and do along the way – a popular spot for dog walks in Fife too!

Ayrshire Coastal Path

The Ayrshire Coastal Path (106 miles in total) offers dramatic views of the Firth of Clyde.

As walks go, this is one of the best, with exciting places to see such as the ruins of Dunure Castle.