WATCH: 4 beautiful walks through the Scottish Highland landscape
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WITH the clocks set to leap forward in just over a week, the lighter nights and approach of spring are helping to focus minds on the great outdoors once more.
The Highland landscape is chock full of beautiful picturesque settings just waiting to be explored.
A whole host of stunning and memorable walks can be found all over the region – from just outside your own front door, to many miles away
And, whatever walk you seek – be it a leisurely short stroll or a longer hike – there's plenty of inspiration from which to draw ideas..
If you're looking for some options, but not quite sure what walks to check out, then why not consider one of these outdoor adventures when you next seek a memorable stroll through our stunning landscape.
And if none of them tickle your fancy, why not check out these other recent walk options... and also keep your eyes peeled next week for even more ideas from all over the Highlands...
Whaligoe Steps and the Cairn O 'Get
STEP into a beautiful and history-packed landscape with this short but very memorable walk that takes in the stunning cliff landscape of the Whaligoe Steps as well as the ancient stone age burial chamber site of the Cairn O' Get and local brochs.
You can choose to start this 2.5 mile walk either from the small parking area for the Cairn O' Get or the 'secret' parking area for the Whaligoe Steps.
And by secret, I mean that there is no signage whatsoever for the Whaligoe Steps from the passing roads – and finding this stunning landmark is almost a rite of passage in itself.
Naturally the steps themselves are very steep, but the view from them, and back up the cliff is one that will linger long in the memory.
Just make sure to head to the site early if you plan on parking in the Whaligoe Steps parking area – as places are limited, and several are for residents only, leaving the general parking further reduced in size than it looks at first glance.
For a full description of this walk and it's landmarks read our Active Outdoors guide.
Meall Fuar-mhonaidh
CRAVING a spectacular panorama in the mountains, with gorgeous loch views as well?
Then you may wish to consider this six-mile there-and-back walk, which rises from high on the slopes above Loch Ness to the summit of Meall Fuar-mhonaidh – the highest peak on the loch's northern shores.
Reach the summit and you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Great Glen, Loch Ness and for many miles in every direction.
What's more, the walk starts from a car park at Grotaig that is already 200 metres above sea level – meaning the summit's 699 metre top does not feature as much climbing as that altitude alone would suggest when taken in isolation.
However, do not let that – or the well trodden path to the top – lull you into a false sense of security, for although it can be a less difficult walk than you'd initially think, it's summit plateau means it's very easy to get disoriented in poor weather. You will also want to stick to the path during the deer culling season.
For our full Active Outdoors guide to this walk click here.
Dingwall and the Macdonald Monument
AN excellent option for walkers of all abilities, this 3.5 mile circuit winds its way along the shore of the Cromarty Firth, through woodland and to Dingwall's famous Macdonald Monument.
Taking in a range of paths, grass and tarmac, the route shouldn't prove difficult for most eager to venture outdoors.
And, with the varying landscape, which takes you right to the water's edge at times, and through woodland with elevated views at others, there'll be something for everyone to enjoy.
What's more it's very easy to reach, with ample car parking close to the circuit, and the Dingwall Railway Station also close to many points of the walk – meaning you'll have plenty of travel options when planning your trip.
Click here to read our detailed Active Outdoors guide to the route.
Caledonian Canal
There are many great options for leisurely walks dotted all along the length of the Caledonian Canal – from following the old railway line at Loch Oich, to wandering along the riverside and Muirtown Basin area in Inverness.
Each offers their own charm, but one thing they all have in common is traffic-free footways on level terrain that can be enjoyed as a simple leisurely stroll for all abilities, or as part of a longer walk that then ventures off into wilder or hillier terrain.
Lengths can also vary depending on your mood, from a short outing to get fresh air in the lungs, to much longer 10-mile circuits that really stretch those legs.
This option focusses on the former, rather than the latter, with a simple circuit around the Muirtown Basin in Inverness following the clear canal-side paths the whole way, and crossing the waterway at the lock gates (so bear this in mind if you've a pushchair or mobility issues).
And, if you'd like to venture a little further the path continues on to the very entrance to the canal (crossing the local railway line at designated pedestrian crossings).
You may even wish to divert from the canal to explore the nature reserve that hugs the coastline to South Kessock before returning back to the basin via the same route. The choice, as they say, is yours.
Click here to read our Active Outdoors visit to Muirtown Basin, or pick up a copy of the local Ordnance Survey map to plan your preferred route and walk length.
Didn't find any walks that took your fancy? Never fret, why not have a look at some of the walks suggested in one of our earlier pieces. Or keep an eye on the website this time next week for yet more cracking walks from across the Highlands. Which ones will feature? You'll have to wait and see...
