Five of the best walks in Scotland with loch views

Picture: Inchcailloch at Loch Lomond, TSPL

As the weather improves, now is a great time to get outside and enjoy all that Scotland has to offer. For walkers looking to see some of the best sights, here is our pick of the top walks with beautiful loch views.

The Cairngorms

Containing five of the six highest peaks in the UK, the Cairngorms are a must for any Scottish hiker, but it is the views of Loch An Eilein that are particularly stunning.

Walking round Loch An Eilein in the ancient Caledonian Forest, the Rothiemurchus Forest in Glen More is essential. It has a beautiful island with a small ruined castle in its centre.

Strath of Appin to Port Appin

This west coast walk is ideal for family days out as it uses part of the old railway line, which runs though the Strath of Appin and then crosses over to Loch Laich to reach a coastal road for Port Appin.

At Loch Laich, you get a lovely view of Castle Stalker, run by the Stewarts of Appin in the 16th century. Curving away from Loch Laich, the final mile takes you along the sheltered edge of Loch Linnhe - the ferry point for the island of Lismore.

Faskally Woods

Though Faskally attracts its largest crowds in September and October when it’s lit up by a sea of lights known as the Enchanted Forest, the wooded area is also well worth a visit at any time of the year. Loch Faskally is sandwiched between steep sections of forest – a circuit of the man-made reservoir makes for an leisurely and pleasant stroll – ideal for a day out in Perthshire.

Great Glen Way

Beginning on the shores of Loch Linnhe and concluding in Inverness on the banks of the Moray Firth, this coast to coast walk follows the Great Glen fault-line which divides the Grampian Mountains from the Northwest Highlands.

Walkers who take the 117km walk be able to take in some of Scotland’s most picturesque lochs, including Loch Lochy, Loch Ness and Loch Oich. The hardiest of hikers can incorporate this into a longer walk connecting up with either the East or West Highland Way.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Boasting a range of ‘Wee Hills with Big Views’ that can be enjoyed by people of all levels of fitness and experience, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs offers a range of walks in which to enjoy sights of the bonnie banks.

Home to many walks, thanks to the sheer scale of the Park, if you’re looking for a different day out the try the boat trip to the enchanting Inchcailloch island. Follow the easy-going way-marked trail up to the island’s highest point (85m) to experience panoramic view of the peaks of many mountains including the iconic Munro, Ben Lomond.