Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Hiking Trails in Scotland

By JJames janvier 19, 2025

Scotland is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, from towering peaks to scenic lochs, attracting thousands of hikers every year. While the well-known trails like Ben Nevis or the West Highland Way receive much of the attention, Scotland is also home to lesser-known, hidden gems that offer equally stunning views and a sense of tranquility away from the crowds. If you're looking for a more peaceful and secluded hiking experience, here are some lesser-known trails in Scotland that are definitely worth exploring.

1. The Fannichs (Northern Highlands)

The Fannichs are a group of 12 Munros located in the northern part of the Scottish Highlands, an area often overlooked by tourists. These mountains offer rugged, remote hiking with minimal crowds. The trail takes you through wild terrain, past lochs, and across high ridges, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Fannichs are perfect for experienced hikers who enjoy a challenging, quiet hike.

Highlights:

Remote, peaceful location
Panoramic views of the Northern Highlands
A challenge for seasoned hikers

2. The Arrochar Alps (Argyll and Bute)

While many hikers flock to the more famous peaks of Scotland, the Arrochar Alps remain a hidden gem in the Argyll and Bute region. With spectacular views over Loch Long and Loch Lomond, this area is home to a collection of stunning peaks. One of the lesser-known trails is the hike up Ben Vane, a relatively short but steep Munro that rewards hikers with breathtaking views. It's a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing some of Scotland’s finest scenery.

Highlights:

Stunning views of Loch Long and Loch Lomond
Less crowded than more famous Scottish peaks
Great for hikers looking for a quick but rewarding challenge

3. The Trotternish Ridge (Isle of Skye)

While the Isle of Skye is well-known for its dramatic landscapes, many hikers focus on the Old Man of Storr or the Quiraing. The Trotternish Ridge offers a more secluded experience. This ridge walk provides jaw-dropping views of the island's unique geological formations, with dramatic cliffs, pinnacles, and deep gorges. The hike is challenging but extremely rewarding, offering an authentic and peaceful experience of the Isle of Skye.

Highlights:

Majestic geological formations
Peaceful, secluded ridge walk
Spectacular views of Skye's rugged landscape

4. The Morven Hills (Cairngorms National Park)

Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the Morven Hills offer a quieter alternative to the park's more famous peaks. This trail takes you through vast, open moorland with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is relatively straightforward, making it suitable for hikers of all levels, and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the Cairngorms without the crowds.

Highlights:

Tranquil and remote setting
Stunning views of the Cairngorms
Suitable for hikers of all levels

5. Ben Alder (Central Highlands)

Ben Alder is one of the most isolated Munros in Scotland, often bypassed in favor of more popular peaks like Ben Nevis. This mountain is located in the central Highlands, offering a quiet, serene hiking experience. The trail to the summit takes you through forests and along rivers, with the final ascent offering stunning views of Loch Ericht and the surrounding landscape. This hike is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Highlights:

Remote and peaceful location
Beautiful views of Loch Ericht
Great for experienced hikers looking for solitude

6. Glen Etive (Argyll and Bute)

Glen Etive is one of the most beautiful and underappreciated glens in Scotland. While the area is known for its proximity to Ben Nevis, the lower glen remains largely unexplored. A hike through Glen Etive will take you along the River Etive, through dense forests, and past striking waterfalls. The glen offers some of the most peaceful and scenic hiking in the Scottish Highlands, perfect for those seeking a relaxing yet stunning walk.

Highlights:

Serene walk along the River Etive
Beautiful waterfalls and dense forests
Perfect for a peaceful day hike

7. The Fisherfield Forest (Northwest Highlands)

Known as the "Great Wilderness," the Fisherfield Forest in the Northwest Highlands is one of the most remote areas in Scotland. With no roads and only a few trails, this forest offers pristine hiking through untouched landscapes. The forest is home to a number of Munros, including the isolated and challenging An Teallach, one of Scotland’s most rugged peaks. This is a true wilderness experience, perfect for those looking to get off the beaten track.

Highlights:

Remote and untouched wilderness
Perfect for experienced hikers seeking a challenge
Home to rugged peaks and tranquil forested areas

8. The Ochil Hills (Central Scotland)

The Ochil Hills, located just outside Stirling, are often overlooked by hikers in favor of the more famous peaks in the Scottish Highlands. However, these hills offer a beautiful and peaceful hike with sweeping views over the Central Belt of Scotland. The trail to the summit of Ben Cleuch is one of the best in the area, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the River Forth, the Trossachs, and the Fife coastline.

Highlights:

Close to Stirling, making it easily accessible
Stunning views of the Central Belt
Peaceful and quiet hike

9. The Culra Bothy (Cairngorms National Park)

For those looking for an adventurous and secluded hike, the trail to the Culra Bothy in the Cairngorms is a hidden gem. The route takes you through beautiful forests and past crystal-clear rivers, with the opportunity to stay at the Culra Bothy, a remote mountain shelter. The hike is ideal for backpackers and those looking to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Highlights:

Remote bothy stay
Beautiful forest and river landscapes
Ideal for backpacking and multi-day hikes

10. The Beinn a' Ghlo (Central Highlands)

Beinn a' Ghlo is a stunning mountain range located in the central Highlands, often overlooked by hikers who head for the more famous peaks of the region. The range offers some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, with rugged ridges and beautiful valleys. The hike to the summit provides a challenging but rewarding experience, perfect for those seeking a more secluded and less-traveled route.

Highlights: