Heading to Scotland in the next couple of months? As nature wakes up and the snow begins to melt, this is the perfect time of year to get outdoors. Get out into the countryside on your Scotland visit to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes this country has to offer. Here are a few of the best Scottish walks to try out this spring…
West Sands, St Andrews, Fife
Beach walks are perfect for a spring afternoon, so head to West Sands for a two-mile stretch of dunes that look beautiful whatever the weather. These dunes are backed by the famous St Andrews golf course, the Old Course, where golf lovers can pose on the iconic Swilken Bridge.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
This is one of the best known Scottish walks. In nice weather, the climb up to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh is one of the best walks in the city. An ancient volcano and the site of a 2000-year-old hill fort, it’s a particularly interesting spot to explore. From the top, you’ll have exceptional views of the city, the Firth of Forth, and the distant snow-capped mountains.
Mauldslie Woods Walk, Clyde Valley
Nestled in the tranquil Clyde Valley, Mauldslie Woods contain remnants of a medieval castle which was demolished in 1935. Spring is the perfect time to visit, when rain and snowmelt swells the Clyde River. This is also the best time of year to see the local kingfishers, who will be feeding their newly hatched young from around the end of April onwards.
Glencoe, Highlands
No Scotland visit is complete without a trip to the Highlands. For dramatic, mountainous landscapes, Glencoe is hard to beat! The most famous glen in Scotland, Glencoe is home to some of the best Scottish walks for spring – from the tough, 150km West Highland Way to the shorter and more gentle Lochan and Brecklet Trails.
Loch Ness, Inverness-shire
Loch Ness is Britain’s second largest lake and tends to be featured heavily in any guide to Scotland. The lake itself, while stunning, is perhaps only popular thanks to its legendary monster, the elusive Nessie. But the surrounding countryside around Loch Ness and Glen Affric is far less visited and well worth exploring. There are dozens of excellent forest and moorland walks starting from the north side of the loch – or take the Three Lochs Trail starting at Loch Duntelchaig for some quieter, less famous lakes that are just as beautiful as Loch Ness.