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Start here for NC500 hiking trails that match your pace. Walk to Stac Pollaidh for a sharp, rewarding ascent. Roam the sand dunes and cliffs of Faraid Head, or take a gentle riverside stroll at the Falls of Shin. This guide groups scenic hiking routes in the Highlands so you can plan days by distance, difficulty and landscape. Expect short forest walks, waterfall detours, exposed cliff paths and longer munro days on Ben Klibreck. Use the routes to shape mornings and afternoons, return each evening to your hotel each evening for a hot meal and a dry kit, then set out again refreshed.
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A short, sharp climb to wide Highland views.
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What to expect
A well-trodden path that becomes steeper and rockier as you near the ridge. The final section requires scrambling and sure footing, and there are steep drops around the summit area. Facilities are minimal, parking can fill early, and the route can be muddy after rain. Dogs are welcome but keep them under control near the edges.
Plan your visit
Aim to arrive early to avoid a full car park and to enjoy quieter paths. Use sturdy footwear and carry water, a waterproof layer and a basic first-aid kit. Follow the main ascent path out and back if the descent route looks heavily eroded. Respect fences and signage, take litter home, and give other walkers space on narrow sections. If you are on the NC500, allow time in your schedule for the short climb and a stop in Ullapool afterwards.
Image / Horizon Rando
Dunes, cliffs and a lighthouse on the NC500 , walk where the land meets the sea.
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What to expect
Expect a firm but uneven path across dunes and short clifftop sections. You will find open, exposed ground with strong coastal wind and clear seaward views. Wildlife is a draw: seabirds and wildflowers are common, and you may see grazing heather and coastal grasses. The walk is straightforward but brings you away from facilities, so come prepared.
Plan your visit
Bring sturdy footwear, layered clothing and binoculars for birdwatching. Pack water and a picnic, as there are no services on the headland. Follow marked paths and keep back from cliff edges for safety. If you are visiting with a dog, keep it under close control on dunes and near nesting birds. Combine the stop with other NC500 viewpoints along the coast to make a day of it.
Image / Water and Wild
Sheltered pine walks, butterflies and easy paths, a calm stop on the NC500.
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What to expect
Expect flat, mostly gravel paths winding through mature pines and pockets of undergrowth. The canopy keeps the walk sheltered from wind, and you may see butterflies and hear woodland birds. There is a small marsh or pond area where the path can be muddier. The layout is informal rather than waymarked, so paths feel natural and unhurried.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy footwear for occasional muddy sections and stick to the gravel tracks to protect the undergrowth. If you have a dog, bring a lead and use the dog bins provided by local volunteers. Binoculars are useful for bird and butterfly spotting. The forest is compact, so it works well as a short stop on a longer drive or a gentle walk with family.
Image / Scotland Off the Beaten Track
Climb into wide skies and open moorland, then look out across Sutherland and the far coast.
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What to expect
Expect a long, straightforward climb rather than technical scrambling. The lower ground is heath and peat, the slopes can be steep and the top is exposed. Paths can be faint in places, so navigation matters. Wildlife is part of the scene: you may see red deer and upland birds. Weather can change fast, which shapes the mood and the views.
Plan your visit
Approach Ben Klibreck from the NC500 corridor, using Lairg as the nearest base for supplies. Choose a route that matches your experience: a direct ascent gets you there sooner, a longer ridge walk adds variety. Wear sturdy boots, bring waterproofs and layers, and carry a map, compass and a charged phone with offline mapping. Carry enough water and food for the day, and allow extra time for single-track roads and passing places on the way.
Image / Scotland-Landscapes.com
Climb Beinn Uidhe for a clear, spare taste of the Highlands.
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What to expect
You should expect open, often windswept terrain with stretches of heather and peat. Paths can be faint in places, so simple route-finding helps. After rain the ground can be boggy, and exposed sections feel colder and breezier than the valley below. Wildlife is often glimpsed from a distance rather than up close.
Plan your visit
Wear waterproof boots and layer for changeable weather. Carry a map and compass or a charged GPS device, and plan for slower walking over wet ground. Pack water and a mid-hill snack. Respect farming access and close gates behind you. If you want a longer day, pair the climb with nearby lochside stops or a coastal stretch of the NC500.
Image / Scotland Off the Beaten Track
A raw Skye ridge with wide sea views and a rewarding climb.
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What to expect
A steady ascent over uneven ground and short sections of loose rock. Path lines can be faint in places, so you will navigate contour and cairn rather than a surfaced track. Expect open, exposed ground with little shelter and sweeping coastal views from the top. There are no facilities on the route, and livestock may be present on summer grazing land.
Plan your visit
Plan as a proper hill day: check the weather and leave extra time for slow ground and changing conditions. Bring map and compass or a reliable GPS track, sturdy boots, waterproofs and enough food and water. If you travel with dogs, keep them under control near livestock. Leave no trace and stick to obvious lines where the vegetation is fragile.
Image / On the road again
A short climb, a wide view: a peaceful stop on the NC500.
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What to expect
You will follow a gravel track to a small parking area, then walk a short route up to a sculpture that sits on a low hillock. Trails are marked and maintained, with a mix of trees, interesting rock formations and flowering gorse in season. There are picnic tables but no toilets. You may also notice carved timber remains and areas affected by recent logging as you explore the valley.
Plan your visit
Approach from the NC500 and look for the Borgie Glen turnoff east of the river, the walk sign can be discreet. Expect a short gravel drive to a small car park, then follow the waymarkers. Wear good footwear and a waterproof layer; paths drain well but conditions can change quickly. Bring a picnic and water, and keep dogs under control around wildlife and forestry works. Leave no trace and take care on narrow Highland roads.
Image / Rexby
A short, rugged walk to a roar of water and mossy rocks.
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What to expect
Expect a brief but uneven walk over loose stones, boggy ground and short climbs. You will feel spray when you get close, so waterproofs help. The path is not ideal for people with mobility issues. Dogs should be kept out of the water because of the public supply warning. Bring sturdy footwear and take care on wet rock and riverbanks.
Plan your visit
Wear walking boots or shoes with good grip and a waterproof layer. Pack a small towel or spare top for the spray if you want to get near the fall. Travel light on the path, and keep children close on the steeper sections. If you have a dog, keep it on a lead and away from the stream. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the few roadside visitors, and leave no trace of your visit.
Image / North Highland Initiative
At the very tip of mainland Britain, where the coast opens out and the sea takes over.
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What to expect
You will find a mix of easy coastal paths and rougher cliff-top sections. The terrain is mostly clear underfoot, with some stony tracks and grass stretches. Wildlife sightings are common, from seabirds to occasional dolphins and seals. There are places to stop for coffee, toilets and small gift shops in the village, plus parking close to the shore. Strong winds and changeable weather shape the experience here, so scenery can feel dramatic and elemental.
Plan your visit
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes, the weather can change fast and wind is a constant. Plan a visit that includes a short walk along the headland and time for a coffee in the village afterwards. If you are tackling longer sections bring water and a map, and allow extra time for photo stops and wildlife watching. Combine this stop with other NC500 highlights or a ferry link to nearby islands if that fits your route.
Image / The Walking Northerners
Where a burn meets the sea.
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What to expect
You will hear surf and running water at once, with spray on the wind and pebbles underfoot. The site is small and intimate: you can view the falls from beach level and from the raised path above. Footing can be uneven and the stream’s flow varies with recent rain.
Plan your visit
Plan a short stop rather than a full-day outing. Check the weather and recent rainfall if you want a stronger fall. Wear sturdy shoes and a waterproof layer, especially if you plan to walk along wet rocks or climb to the top. Bring a towel if you’ll get close to the spray, and keep dogs and children under close supervision on uneven ground.
Image / Venture North
A short riverside walk with a suspension bridge and woodland views.
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What to expect
Expect a well-defined trail with short stretches of uneven ground and tree roots. A narrow suspension bridge gives a close view of the river below. The path runs through pockets of conifer and broadleaf woodland and offers several lookout points over the river and nearby falls. The trail is family-friendly but includes short slopes and steps.
Plan your visit
Bring sturdy shoes and a windproof layer, as conditions can change quickly. Pack snacks and water: the riverside café is not always open. If you have a camera or binoculars, bring them for wildlife and river views. Keep dogs on a lead around the bridge and any livestock. Combine this stop with a drive along the NC500 or a visit to nearby viewpoints for a fuller day out.
Image / Forestry and Land Scotland
Where river, forest and leaping salmon meet
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What to expect
Expect a compact, sensory walk: the river’s rapids and spray, pine-scented paths, tree roots and boardwalks underfoot. You will find clear educational signs, picnic benches and a children’s play area. The viewing platform gives a close look at the falls and the salmon when the run is on. Paths include a sloped approach to the platform, though some routes are uneven and can be muddy after rain.
Plan your visit
Bring waterproofs and sturdy shoes, and allow time for both a quick look at the falls and a longer woodland loop. Check ahead for visitor-centre services before you go, especially outside summer months. Observe on-site parking information to avoid fines, and supervise children close to the river. If you are on the NC500, Falls of Shin makes a natural break between longer driving sections.
Image / Easter Ross Peninsula
A short climb with wide Highland views.
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What to expect
Expect a mix of well tended tracks and rougher mountain‑bike lines through pine and birch. The ascent is hillier in places so you will find steeper stretches rather than a flat promenade. The summit area is marked by a large stone and gives an open vantage point, while the lower trails feel quietly wooded and sheltered. Dogs are common, so keep yours under control and bring bags.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground and expect some muddier sections after rain. If you want more distance, take a map or an app so you can extend the route along linked tracks. Bring water and spare layers, the weather changes quickly in the Highlands. If you are travelling the NC500, this is an easy stop to stretch legs and break up driving.
Image / Hidden Scotland
A cool, shady gorge tucked into the NC500 route.
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What to expect
You will follow a well-marked trail through mixed woodland, with boardwalks and a few stepped sections. The air feels cooler as you enter the gorge and the sound of falling water grows louder. Some parts are wet and can be slippery after rain, but most visitors find the route easy to moderate. Dogs are welcome on leads and there are several good vantage points, though the best view is usually from the bottom of the falls.
Plan your visit
Allow time to move slowly, especially where the path narrows and boards are wet. Wear sturdy footwear and a light waterproof layer. There is free parking nearby, then a short walk to the trailhead. Keep dogs under control and follow any on-site signs where access is restricted. Combine this stop with a broader NC500 day, but leave room to linger by the water if you want to explore the lower gorge.
Image / Tripadvisor
Walk where river, moor and loch meet
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What to expect
Expect three distinct stages: a sheltered riverside path with plenty of stopping points, an exposed moorland section where you may spot deer, and a final approach that follows the loch and a paved road back into Lochinver. The trail is not always clearly waymarked, surfaces range from firm tracks to muddy sections, and parts can be narrow or stony. Bring waterproof boots and a basic map or phone GPS, and allow time to pause for views and wildlife.
Plan your visit
Start from Lochinver, where you can park and pick up snacks before you set off. Wear waterproof boots and layered clothing, and carry water and a simple map or GPS. If you prefer to avoid the paved road section on the return, make the walk an out-and-back to Glencanisp Lodge. Dogs are welcome, but keep them under control around wildlife. Check the weather and leave plenty of daylight for the moorland stretch.
Image / www.highlandcoasthotels.com
Highland Coast Hotels is a collection of hotels across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to the far north coast. Each property sits within the landscape, with warm rooms, honest food and local knowledge at every stop on the North Coast 500. Choose your hotel and start planning your trip.
