Circular Walks in the Scottish Highlands

Circular walks in the Scottish Highlands are a wonderful way to enjoy the incredible landscapes and stunning scenery that this beautiful area has to offer. From challenging hikes that take you over high mountain passes to easy strolls around picturesque lochs, the Scottish Highlands offer something for everyone.

Cow Hill, Fort William

There are a number of routes to choose when walking to the summit of Cow Hill in Fort William, which gives you the flexibility to choose the route and distance right for you.

The longest route is 9 miles from the West End Car Park at the south end of Fort William. You walk along residential streets initially, before joining the peat track which leads to the summit. On the return journey, you follow the forestry path around the hill, before joining up with the peat track once again and heading back to the car park.

The views across to Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis on this walk are wonderful and from the top you will have views of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, as well as across Fort William and beyond.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 17 minutes

The Ring of Steall

This challenging 10-mile circular walk starts and finishes at the Steall car park at the end of the road in Glen Nevis. The walk takes you through the Mamores mountain range, including a narrow and exposed ridge walk known as the Devil’s Ridge. The route takes in four Munros, An Gearanach, Stob Choire a Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a’Mhaim.

The walk makes for a long day, as it includes several steep ascents and descents. You can expect to complete the route in 9 – 12 hours. As you would expect, the route offers some truly magical views across the surrounding peaks and glens, including Ben Nevis.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 30 minutes

North Corran and Clovullin

This is a sedate and flat, circular route along the shores of Loch Linnhe and through the small villages of North Corran and Clovullin. It is accessed via a 5 minute ferry crossing of the Corran Narrows on the Corran Ferry. There is a public car park on the Fort William side of the ferry where you can park and then travel free of charge as a pedestrian on the ferry.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 30 minutes

Grey Mare’s Tale Waterfall

This circular walk in the Scottish Highlands, takes in wonderful views of the Grey Mare’s Tale in Kinlochleven. The walk starts and ends at the designated car park for the waterfall in the village.

The walk travels uphill to the top of the waterfall, across two burns and arrives just below Mamore Lodge Hotel. From here there are two choices for the route back.

The shorter route turns and follows the driveway down to meet the West Highland Way back down to the village and car park.

The longer route continues on past the hotel and nearby bothy and continues high above Loch Leven until it too joins the West Highland Way, although higher up. The route then follows the West Highland Way back to the village and car park.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 48 minutes

Loch an Eilein, near Aviemore

On the Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park you will find Loch An Eilein meaning Loch of the Island. The loch is a beautiful spot surrounded by pine trees and mountains, and has an island castle ruin too.

This flat, 3 mile circular walk starts and finishes at the attended car park just a few steps from the loch itself. The walk takes you around the picturesque Loch an Eilein, offering stunning views of the loch and the surrounding forest. As the route is mostly flat, it is suitable for all ages and walking abilities. Due to the location there is plenty of opportunity to spot the local wildlife, including red squirrels, Scottish crossbills and crested tits.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 1 hour 15 mins

The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

One of the more popular circular walks in the Scottish Highlands, which appears on many people’s itineraries, is the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. This 2.4km walk starts and finishes at the car park near Glenbrittle.

The walk takes you through a series of crystal-clear pools and cascading waterfalls, set against a backdrop of dramatic peaks. Completing the full walk up to the top of the pools and back again takes an average of 40 mins without any stops. However, you will definitely want to stop along the way to enjoy the views and take some photos.

The pools are also a popular spot for wild swimming if you fancy taking your swimsuit!

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 2 hours 25 mins