Five ‘outstanding’ walks in the Highlands and Moray
The Highlands and Moray offer some of the best places in Scotland to get out and enjoy the spectacular scenery, nature and cultural history in our midst.
Whether you want to wander around a loch, explore the coast or climb a mountain, you can find it all here – within easy reach.
A new coffee-table book from British mapmakers Ordnance Survey has collated some of the finest walks in Scotland, aiming to inspire people to get out and get active.
It includes sections on the north-west and north-east, covering vast swathes of the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire, as well as a focus on the archipelagos, taking in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
Central and southern Scotland is equally well covered, with detailed graded walks that offer great ideas for exploring the whole country.
We’ve picked five of the featured walks in the north that we think are worth taking a closer look at…
Loch Morlich
This popular route in Glenmore is a gentle introduction to the Cairngorms. The Northern Corries rise up beyond the water and pine forests of the lower slopes, creating a spectacular backdrop to the scene.
The walk begins at the beach – said to be the highest in Britain – and uses forest paths and tracks including the Old Logging Way along the north shore.
The trails are lovely to explore, giving access to the water in places and giving plenty of opportunity for wildlife watching. I’ve even had an osprey fly overhead on this route before!
Cullen and Portknockie
Famed for its fish soup, Cullen is a lovely coastal village with a unique history. The former railway viaduct running through its heart sets it apart from other settlements along the Moray coastline, as well as providing a wonderful platform for walkers and cyclists to enjoy.
The 4.6-mile circuit featured links Cullen with nearby Portknockie, passing the well-photographed Bow Fiddle Rock – a kayaker’s dream when conditions are calm enough.
With pretty harbours and stunning sea views, the route offers a wonderfully varied circuit for a short outing.
Loch Affric
A classic walk and one not to be missed, the circuit of Loch Affric takes you out into the wilds of this national nature reserve, which is being slowly transformed to restore the ancient Caledonian pine forest.
You’ll pass twisted granny pines and younger specimens as the area regenerates, with views to the Kintail mountains to the west at the far end.
If you travel a little further from the end of the road, you can visit the seasonal Alltbeithe Youth Hostel – but go prepared: this is a very remote location and a long walk back to the car park, especially at this time of year.
Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail
Get a real taste of the Highlands on this waymarked mountain trail. A four-mile circuit climbs steeply through the forest before leading on rocky trails through true mountain terrain to the Conservation cairn at the route’s high point.
You need to go prepared for this one, as it’s a real mountain walk and in winter conditions should only be tackled by experienced mountaineers.
On a fine day it is a magnificent outing, offering views to Beinn Eighe itself as well as across the water to Slioch before returning to pass a steep-sided gorge then via the woodland trail to Loch Maree.
Ledmore and Migdale
The peaceful woodland at Spinningdale has a fascinating human history of farming and industry that it is hard to imagine these days, as you wander along narrow paths and tracks that blend in with their surroundings.
Owned and managed by Woodland Trust Scotland, Ledmore and Migdale Wood is a real hidden gem with waymarked paths meandering through the nature reserve and out through an ancient oak forest to a fine viewpoint over the Dornoch Firth.
More details on all these walks and many more in the Highlands and across Scotland are available in Outstanding Walks Scotland. Always carry a map and compass as well as the appropriate equipment for your walk.
Remember that conditions can change very quickly, especially in the hills and mountains of the Highlands, so be prepared for whatever the weather might throw at you! And carry a head torch in case you need it.
• Outstanding Walks Scotland by Felicity Martin is published by Milestone Publishing under licence from Ordnance Survey, price £25.
The book includes a free six-month digital subscription to OS Maps.
It contains 60 walks from short strolls to full-day hikes, as well as 48 “Don’t Miss” sites around the country as well as Picture Perfect highlights from each of the seven areas of Scotland included.
