The 5 Best Family Hikes in Scotland

The Quiraing hike on the Trotternish Peninsula takes you through one of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes. This iconic site, formed by a massive landslide, boasts unique rock formations, including vertiginous cliffs, rocky pinnacles, and hidden plateaus that seem otherworldly.

A must-see on the Isle of Skye, the Quiraing attracts many visitors, most of whom are content to admire the view from the parking lot or take a short walk. However, the full loop reveals extraordinary panoramas and many surprises, which only the most motivated hikers will discover far from the tourist crowds.

The Stac Pollaidh hike takes you to the summit of an iconic Assynt mountain famous for its Torridonian sandstone pinnacles and spectacular views of the region's lochs and isolated peaks.

This short, relatively accessible route has become very popular due to its exceptional effort-to-reward ratio: In less than two hours of hiking, you can enjoy one of the most impressive 360-degree panoramas in Scotland. Views stretch from Suilven to Cùl Mòr and take in the countless lochs scattered across the wild northwestern Highlands landscape.

The Old Man of Storr hike is undoubtedly one of the most iconic on the Isle of Skye, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. The route leads to the Sanctuary, a spectacular group of rock formations dominated by the Old Man, a 55-meter-high pinnacle which resulted from landslides 60 million years ago.

Hikers are rewarded with sublime scenery and breathtaking views of the island of Raasay, the Applecross Peninsula, and the Trotternish Ridge for a moderate effort.

The Beinn na Cro hike leads to the summit of a rarely visited mountain that rises to 572 meters. It is part of the Red Cuillin Hills, which are rounded granite mountains. Despite its modest elevation and relatively easy access, you are rewarded with an exceptional 360-degree panorama from this summit: the majestic Blà Bheinn and Loch Slapin below, the islands of Raasay and Scalpay, and the mainland in the distance.

The Linn of Dee hike is a magnificent family-friendly trail located in the heart of Scotland's Cairngorms National Park. The route passes through a forest of primitive Caledonian pines, which are regenerating naturally thanks to the National Trust for Scotland's efforts, before following the picturesque River Lui and its many waterfalls.

On the return journey, you will follow the river Dee. The water cuts its way through a narrow gorge, forming circular pools carved out by erosion, the entire scene overlooked by an elegant old stone bridge.