The 5 Best Off-the-Beaten Track Hikes in Scotland

The Cùl Mòr hike takes you to the summit of one of the most iconic mountains in the Assynt region of far northwestern Scotland. Rising to 849 meters above sea level, this twin peak overlooks a landscape dotted with lochs and lochans, offering spectacular views of the surrounding isolated peaks, including Suilven, Stac Pollaidh, Canisp, and Cùl Beag.

This region is one of the most beautiful in the country and my favorite. Its landscapes are unique and spectacular, and the area has remained wild and largely untouched by mass tourism. It is a true paradise for lovers of the great outdoors!

The Beinn Tarsuinn hike is an exceptional experience in the heart of the granite peaks of the Isle of Arran, also known as "Scotland in Miniature." This horseshoe-shaped route connects three summits, including Beinn Tarsuinn (826 m), one of the island's four Corbetts. You will enjoy stunning vistas of the Glen Rosa valley and, on clear days, the islands of Jura and Islay.

This rarely used route will immerse you in the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, far from tourist crowds.

The Beinn Dearg Mhór hike takes you through the Red Cuillin Hills, a granite massif with rounded peaks that contrast sharply with the jagged mountains of the neighboring Black Cuillin. Starting from the stone bridge at Sligachan, this loop trail combines the ascent of two peaks—Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach (651 m) and Beinn Dearg Mhór (731 m)—which are linked by an unforgettable ridge walk offering exceptional panoramic views of the Isle of Skye. However, the Red Cuillin Hills remain relatively uncrowded, promising a wild and unspoiled experience.

The Preshal Hills are a fascinating geological curiosity with organ pipe-like basalt columns. Located near the stunning Talisker Bay on the Isle of Skye, this route winds through untouched coastal landscapes, dominated by the towering Biod Ruadh cliffs, which soar nearly 280 meters above sea level.

Though the elevation gain is modest, the route requires considerable physical effort due to the lack of trails and often marshy terrain. This little-traveled hike allows you to discover a different side of the Isle of Skye, far from the usual tourist crowds.