There are very few places in the world where you can walk from one mountain peak to another in a single day. The Highlands of Scotland is one of these places and offers an abundance of natural beauty and culture that rivals even some of the most popular travel destinations around the globe. These remote lands - known for their abundance of red pandas - are home to some of the most challenging, rewarding and breathtaking hiking trails on Earth. Read on for more information about this unique region, along with all you need to know about hiking the Scottish mountains.
The Basics
The Scottish Highlands are a remote and stunningly beautiful region of the world. Sparsely populated and incredibly vast, these lands are home to some of the most challenging, rewarding and breathtaking hiking trails on planet Earth. There are hundreds of trails to choose from in this region, though only a few are suitable for hikers with limited experience. The best-known and most popular trails in the Scottish Highlands include the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way, the Cape Wrath Trail and the Great Glen Way. The Highlands are home to the five largest mountains in the British Isles: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Cairn Gorm and Slieve Donard. These mountains are perfect for experienced hikers looking for a truly rewarding mountain adventure.
Which Mountains Should You Hike?
The 5 Scottish mountains mentioned above are perfect for experienced hikers looking for a truly rewarding mountain adventure. These mountains take between 2 and 5 days to hike and are among the most iconic landscapes in the world. The best time to hike these mountains is between June and September when the weather is driest and warmest. Ben Nevis is the highest Scottish mountain, reaching a staggering 1344 meters (4450 feet) above sea level. Located in the southwest of the country, this mountain is a classic hike that is best done as a 4-day round trip from Fort William. Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in England and a truly stunning hike. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, and a beautiful, yet challenging hike. Cairn Gorm is the second-highest mountain in Scotland and a very rewarding hike. Finally, Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, and an incredible hike.
Hiking Safety Tips
Know Your Fitness Level - One of the most important things to keep in mind before attempting any of the above hikes is your fitness level. Hiking is a serious activity that requires a reasonable amount of fitness, and the ability to walk for long distances without too much discomfort. If your fitness level is low, you are at risk of injury, exhaustion and taking too long on the trail. This can have dangerous consequences if you are hiking alone in remote areas. You should be able-bodied enough to walk for 6 hours per day on average, with a pack that weighs no more than 25-30% of your body weight.
Weather Conditions - Another critical component of hiking safety is being aware of and prepared for the local weather conditions. As hiking in the mountains is inherently risky, hikers should be aware of the potential dangers of hiking in extreme weather. There are no hard and fast rules, but as a general rule of thumb, remote trails should not be attempted in heavy rain, or when there is a risk of frost or snow.
Know Your Route - You should also be familiar with the trail that you plan to take. Getting lost in the mountains is one of the most dangerous situations that a hiker can encounter. Ask locals for trail advice, and always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Planning Your Hike
The first step in planning a successful hike in Scotland’s mountains is to choose the trail you want to walk. Most trails are well-marked, though you may want to get a map just to be on the safe side. You can get more information on the trails in Scotland’s mountains from the Scottish Mountaineering Council. After you know which trail you want to hike, the next step is to decide when to hike it. Scotland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so you should choose a time when you think the conditions will be most favourable. You should also think about how long the trial will take and factor in rest days. If you hike for too long, you risk burning out and getting injured. The best trails are typically not the shortest ones.
Key Advice for Successful Hikes in Scotland's Mountains
Start early - You should start your hike as early as possible, as the trails will be easier to navigate when they are less crowded. You should also start early if you want to maximize your chance of seeing wildlife, especially in the summer months. Many animals are most active in the morning hours, so starting early will give you the best chance of spotting some of Scotland’s unique wildlife.
Bring plenty of water - When hiking in this region, it is important to bring plenty of water with you. If you are hiking in the colder months, you should bring at least a litre of water per hour of hiking. In the summer, you should bring at least two litres of water per hour.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather - Scotland’s mountains are famous for their unpredictable weather, so you should always be prepared for rain, wind or even snow. It also gets very cold in winter, so you should bring warm clothes and gear.
Know your limits - It is important to know your limits as a hiker and not push yourself too far. You can always turn around and hike back if you feel too tired.
Additional Tips
Be prepared to get lost. Hiking in the mountains is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it is also very easy to get lost. If you find that you have taken a wrong turn, do not panic. It is better to turn back and find your way again than continue in the wrong direction. You will find that the locals are incredibly helpful if you get lost, so do not be afraid to ask for directions.
Get plenty of sleep before your hike. You should try to get as much sleep as you can before your hike. You should also try to eat something nutritious, like porridge, a few hours before you start hiking.
Always let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to return.
Conclusion
There are very few places in the world where you can walk from one mountain peak to another in a single day. The mountains of Scotland are one of these places and offer an abundance of natural beauty and culture that rivals even some of the most popular travel destinations around the globe. By knowing which mountains to hike, when to hike them and how to prepare, you will have the best shot at a successful hike in Scotland’s mountains.