4 picture perfect loch, coastal and inland walks in the Scottish Highlands
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WITH the longer days gradually starting to signal the imminent arrival of spring, there's never been a better time to consider hitting the great outdoors and taking in the beautiful Highland air.
You've a near endless source of walking inspiration from which to draw when choosing your preferred destination for a beautiful picture postcard walk.
From majestic coastlines, to stunning peaks and the mirror-still waters of beautiful inland lochs, there's all manner of memorable walks just waiting for you to put on your boots and go exploring.
If you're looking for some options, then one of these outdoor excursions may well be the perfect walk for you...
And if none of them are quite what you're looking for this time, then why not take a look at some of the walks we featured in past weeks...
Related: 4 beautiful inland, coastal and loch walks
WATCH: 5 more superb coastal, inland and loch walks in the Highlands
Loch Morlich
With its picturesque woodlands, superb views of the surrounding mountains and even a popular beach, Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms is a stunning location for a walk.
Although all manner of short and arduous treks snake out into the mountains from the shores of the loch, this particular walk – a circuit of the loch itself – is a great option for families and walkers of all abilities.
Setting off from one of the numerous (pay and display) lochside car parks, this circular walk winds its way along very good forest roads and trails for four-and-a-half miles.
With no real ascent of any kind, even walkers who feel they may not be fit enough to pit themselves against the surrounding peaks will be able to enjoy the mountainous surroundings without breaking out in a sweat.
What's more, the circuit is not just great for walkers – the route is also popular with cyclists, while the waters of the loch are often also enjoyed by kayakers and paddleboarders.
The beach, which sits at the loch's eastern-most end is also very popular in the summer, should a simple bit of sunbathing be more your idea of outdoor heaven. There are also good facilities and even café/food options near the beach, should you wish to break up your walk.
And, with the surroundings offering something whatever the season – from glorious sands in summer, to a winter wonderland in the colder months – it's a walk that rewards multiple visits.
Click here for our full Active Outdoors guide to this walk.
Loch an Eilein
Located just a few miles away from Loch Morlich, this popular circular walk – which is roughly three to four miles and completes a full circuit of Loch an Eilean – is another great all-round option for walkers of all abilities and is easy to reach by car from Aviemore.
Winding its way through beautiful Scots Pines, and taking in views of the castle ruin that sits on the island that gives this loch its name (which literally translates as 'loch of the island'), Loch an Eilein makes the most of its woodland setting, picturesque waters and views of the mountains.
It boasts ample parking at the start at the northernmost end of the loch (again pay-and-display), as well as toilet facilities, and the trails are easy to navigate and feature no real ascents of any note.
What's more, you've options to extend the walk further should you feel more adventurous, with a circuit of nearby Loch Gamhna increasing the total walk length to roughly 4.5 miles, should you wish to leave the main trail – although bear in mind that the path around this smaller loch is more basic and is muddy in places.
However, stick to just the well-defined loop of Loch an Eilein and you'll still find much to enjoy – from the picturesque setting to possible wildlife sightings, like osprey, which have been known to nest on the site of the castle ruins.
What's more, like Loch Morlich, there are also options in the area for two-wheeled exploration as well if you'd prefer to venture out by bike instead. One such option is this bike ride possibility from our Active Outdoor archives, which passes the loch's eastern shores but follows a different 6.5 mile route, and has a different start and end point at the nearby Inverdruie woodland car park.
Rosemarkie, Chanonry Point and Fortrose
If you'd prefer to head to the coast then this fantastic 4.5 mile circular walk will be right up your street – offering, as it does, excellent views of the Moray Firth, beach-walking, seal and dolphin watching opportunities.
Setting off from Rosemarkie, where there is ample car parking either in the designated car parks, or on the seafront, walkers head south along the beach towards the lighthouse at Chanonry Point.
Stop here a while and you may well be lucky enough to spot either some seals or dolphins, as the currents immediately offshore funnel nearby fish and have made it a popular feeding spot for the animals. Naturally, these strong currents are also potentially dangerous so make sure to keep any children or furry family members out of the water here.
There are also picnic tables should you wish to wait a while, enjoy a pre-prepared snack and see if the local wildlife will make an appearance.
When you do resume your walk, head up the western side of the peninsula, following the well-defined path until you reach Fortrose. Keep your eyes peeled for the village's ruined cathedral, which makes for a picturesque and peaceful setting and an ideal spot for some photography.
After leaving the cathedral head east along the footpaths that follow the main road back to Rosemarkie to complete the circuit. You can either follow the main road all the way back to the start, or, just as you reach the outskirts of Rosemarkie, peel off onto a minor road on the left, and follow this until it emerges back on the main road just a short distance from the village car parks. This alternate route enjoys elevated views out over the village and the firth, and makes for a nice bookend to your walk.
What's more, with a village pub and the popular beach café both located right next to the walk's start and end point, you'll be able to extend you stay with a nice bite to eat before or after your wee outdoor adventure.
Stacks of Duncansby
These spectacular sea stacks are a true must-see experience, rising almost like giant dragon's teeth out of the sea off the far north-eastern tip of Caithness.
This simple two mile there-and-back again walk sets off from the car park right next to the Duncansby Head lighthouse and heads south past a triangulation pillar and along the edge of the cliffs to the Kiln of Flux opposite the most southerly of the stacks.
Looking back north – with the sun at your back – the view that stretches out before you will likely linger long in the memory, with the various stacks stretching out before you, the lighthouse clearly visible and the islands of Orkney easy to spot in the far distance.
The return is via the same route you made on your way out. On your way – depending on the time of year – keep your eyes peeled for possible puffin sightings near the Geo of Sclaites inlet near the start of the walk.
Even if your visit doesn't coincide with the puffin breeding season, you'll likely see plenty of other seabirds on your walk, such as fulmar, gulls, and more. Naturally, given the cliff setting of this walk, make sure to stay well away from the edge at all times, and keep any children and pets under careful supervision.
And, if the majestic stacks whet your appetite for other spectacular Highland coastal rock formations, then why not pop along to one of these five options highlighted by Active Outdoors.
If you didn't find any walks on this list that take your fancy, then don't worry, why not check our some of the routes suggested last week or those of the week before. Or keep an eye on the website for yet more cracking walks in the near future. Which ones will feature? You'll have to wait and see...
