Which Scottish Walk Is Right for You?
Choosing a long-distance walk in Scotland is not just about mileage or scenery. It is about who you are as a walker.
Do you crave dramatic views and a sense of achievement? Prefer peaceful lochs and steady miles? Love history, wildlife, or wild, rugged landscapes?
This personality-style guide will help you discover which Scottish Great Walk best matches your walking style, mindset, and sense of adventure.
The West Highland Way
Perfect for: The Classic Adventurer
You love iconic routes, big scenery, and that unbeatable feeling of following in the footsteps of thousands of walkers before you. You enjoy lively trail towns, well-marked paths, and a real sense of progression from start to finish.
Why you will love it:
Scotland’s most famous long-distance walk
A journey from lowland charm to full Highland drama
Social, supportive, and full of character
If you like the buzz of the trail, varied landscapes, and the satisfaction of completing a legendary route, the West Highland Way is calling.
The Great Glen Way
Perfect for: The Calm Explorer
You walk to unwind, reset, and breathe. You enjoy long stretches beside water, gentle gradients, and space to think. You are less about chasing summits and more about steady, meaningful miles.
Why you will love it:
Peaceful paths along lochs and canals
Fewer crowds, more quiet moments
Ideal for reflection and first-time multi-day walkers
If your idea of a perfect walk includes lochside views, quiet evenings, and a strong connection to nature, the Great Glen Way will suit you beautifully.
The Rob Roy Way
Perfect for: The Nature Lover
You walk for wildlife, woodland, and stories hidden in the landscape. You enjoy varied terrain, traditional villages, and routes that feel personal rather than busy.
Why you will love it:
Forest trails, glens, and open countryside
Rich history linked to Rob Roy MacGregor
A quieter alternative with just as much beauty
If you love feeling immersed in nature and discovering Scotland at a gentler, more intimate pace, the Rob Roy Way is a wonderful choice.
The Southern Upland Way
Perfect for: The Endurance Seeker
You are in it for the long haul. You enjoy quiet landscapes, big days, and the satisfaction that comes from persistence rather than drama. You are happy with fewer crowds and wide open spaces.
Why you will love it:
Scotland’s longest waymarked long-distance route
Rolling hills, remote moorland, and peaceful valleys
A true test of stamina and commitment
If you value solitude, resilience, and the slow reward of covering serious distance, the Southern Upland Way is your perfect match.
Still Not Sure?
Many walkers find themselves drawn to more than one route, and that is part of the magic. Scotland’s Great Walks offer something different each time, depending on your mood, experience, and stage of life.
Some start with the West Highland Way and later seek quieter paths. Others fall in love with peaceful lochs before tackling wilder terrain. There is no right order, only the next adventure.
Celebrate Your Walk
Whichever route you choose, completing a Great Walk is something to be proud of. It is not just about the miles, but the memories made along the way.
Explore route-inspired keepsakes, medals, and walking mementos in The Walkers Club Store and mark your journey in a way that lasts.
Explore the collection - here
So, which Scottish Great Walk are you?
Let the landscape guide you, trust your instincts, and enjoy every step of the journey. See you on the hills, Walkers!