Searching for places to visit
Check if a place is featured by using the search bar at the top of the page. If it’s not, I probably haven’t been there (yet!). If you’re searching for places to explore in a specific geographical area, browse the Interactive Map.
Ratings
I’ve assigned a star rating to each place, to help you prioritise if you have limited time:
★★★★★ one of the very best / unmissable
★★★★ one of the best
★★★ very interesting
★★ interesting
★ minor site
Ratings are subjective and are irrespective of cost. Ratings for cities, towns & villages are for the town itself (i.e. not its tourist attractions, which are rated separately). The same applies for walk ratings (e.g. a walk passing a museum will be rated independently of the museum).
Walks
📷 Chronological photo guide
As it says on the tin – a series of photos in the order they appear on the route, giving a flavour of what the walk is like.
📌 Location
📌 Brief description of the start location
🧭 6-figure Ordnance Survey grid reference
🛰️ GPS coordinates in decimal degrees – selecting this link should open directions on Google Maps
🚆🚌🚋🚇🚢✈️ Public transport options within 1 mi of route, if available
🚗 Parking details
▶▲ Route statistics
▶ Walk distance, in miles – for the full route including the return, unless specified (e.g. if the return is to be made by public transport)
▲ Total ascent, in metres
⌚⌛ Duration
Walks are divided into three time categories at the top of the page:
⌚ Short walks | Typically less than 2 hours
⌚ Half day walks | Typically 2 to 5 hours
⌚ Full day walks | Typically more than 5 hoursA more specific time estimate is given further down (⌛) in the route statistics section. These estimates are intended to apply to a regular walker with a good level of fitness, in normal (summer) conditions. Extra time should be allowed in adverse conditions such as snow, ice or poor visibility.
⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ Difficulty
⬤ Easy | Usually has good underfoot conditions and gentle gradients. Example: Loch Morlich circuit
⬤ Moderate | Generally involves some rougher terrain and / or some steeper gradients. Example: Arthur’s Seat via Salisbury Crags
⬤ Tough | Typically includes rough, pathless or boggy terrain and / or significant ascent / descent. A little scrambling (using hands) may be involved, but this will be indicated in the adjacent text. Example: Ben Lomond via the Ptarmigan Ridge
⬤ Very tough | Features something unusually challenging, such as exceptional distance (for a day walk), sustained scrambling or very long pathless sections. Example: Paps of Jura circuit
Example routes above fall roughly in the middle of their respective grades; some walks within each grade may be easier or more difficult. Walks may occasionally be assigned a hybrid grade.
Route maps
Full Ordnance Survey mapping is now available for all walks, at a variety of scales. The route’s elevation profile is also displayed underneath each map.
I compile route maps after the walk is completed, rather than recording a GPS trace during the walk. I cannot guarantee that route maps are 100% accurate, and they shouldn’t be used as a sole means of navigation. A data connection is required to load, pan or zoom the field of view. I recommend purchasing the relevant 1:25000 Ordnance Survey maps (other brands are available!), and learning how to use one to navigate before using them in remote or pathless places.
Route data can be exported in .gpx format using the link below the route profile, for use with GPS devices. Again, a physical map backup should also be taken for remote or pathless areas.
Refreshments
The most important part! Walks with somewhere to eat or drink on the route (or at the start / finish) are tagged with a “refreshments on route” label at the foot of the page.
Be responsible
We all have a duty to look after the places we explore in Scotland. This includes taking away all of our litter, taking care not to damage the natural or built environment, and adhering to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code – which covers where we can go and how to behave while doing so. Please make sure you are familiar with the code before you go on a trip, by reading the guides on the 🔗 Scottish Outdoor Access Code website.
Still need help?
Feel free to post your question below as a public comment, or see the About page for how to get in touch privately.
