scotland walking tours self guided

                      Walking and Hiking Tours in Scotland

Scotland's Western Highlands and Isle of Skye

Scotland: Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides

Scotland: The Great Glen Way Self-Guided Tour

• Sup erb Guid es
• Over 30 years of experience
• Quaint and Authentic hotels, inns and B&B's
• "Pub" life
• Carefully created intineraries
• Moors, Woodland, Lakes, Lush Valley's, and Mountains
• History, Culture and Literature

Guided & Self-Guided Walking and Hiking Tours in Scotland

Scotland: Western HIghlands and Isle of Skye

GUIDED 

$3,975 - 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS

The Scottish Highlands-- a vast land of raw beauty and rugged mountains, unspoiled wilderness and majestic scenery. 

$3,975 - 7 Nights / 8 Days

And off-shore lie the Hebrides, a myriad of magical islands rugged landscapes that  slide unhurriedly into the Atlantic.

The Great Glen Way

SELF-GUIDED

$1,350 - 8 Nights / 9 Days / 7 Days Walking

Discovering the impressive castles on the route, including Uruhart Castle and Ardverikie Castle.

West Highland Way - North Section

$975 - 6 Nights / 7 Days / 5 Days Walking

Climbing the challenging highland section of the West Highland Way..

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Walkabout Scotland Self-guided Walking Holidays

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Scotland

Go off the beaten track with a self guided adventure of Scotland. Travel and experience the freedom of creating a holiday on your own terms. With 19 tours lasting from 4 days up to 12 days, fulfil your wanderlust and set off on your own adventure!

19 Self-Guided tour packages in Scotland with 22 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Classic Scotland Self Drive

Tour operators were quick to answer any questions, hotels booked through tour operator were nice accommodations, rental car agency was friendly and car quality good. Would recommend this tour company and use again in the future.

• Coach / Bus

Hebridean Escape

Andy the tour guide was excellent. I would do another tour with him anytime. Took us ways that others didn't know about and showed us great sites. We enjoyed every minute of it

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Self Guide Cycle Tour - Hebridean Way

• Christmas & New Year

Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)

NC500 Self Drive Tour

Taste of Scotland

• Food & Culinary

Scotland Culinary

• Hiking & Trekking

Walking the Rob Roy Way

London and Edinburgh in a week

St. Cuthbert's Way

St Cuthbert's Way - 8 Days

Walking the West Highland Way

Edinburgh | The Athens Of The North

Walking the Speyside Way

John Muir Way

What people love about self-guided tours in scotland.

Overall it was a very nice trip, I think it was well laid out for traveling

Very comprehensive & enjoyable tour.

Travel Styles

• Self-Guided
• Self-Guided Tours: 6 Things You Need To Know
• Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Tel: 01324 238 292

Self Guided Walking Holidays

Discover Scotland with EasyWays on one of our Self-Guided Walking Tours.  Make your choice from our selection of traditional highland hills and glens or coastal pathways with the assurance that your accommodation and baggage transfer will be expertly managed throughout.

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most popular long-distance walking route, linking the Central Lowlands with the Highlands on a spectacular journey through farmland, beside lochs, across moors, through glens and over mountains.

Arran Costal Trail

A magnificent circular walk, discovering the rugged mountains, granite peaks and deep glens of the north of the island, and the more gentle, low-lying farmland, woodland and moorland of the south.

Cateran Trail

An easy to moderate, fully way-marked, circular walk, named after the marauding bands of cattle thieves who used these paths in bygone days. The Cateran Trail offers fast flowing rivers, hill paths, forested ways and over-rich fertile farmland.

Clyde Islands

Experience Arran, Islay, Jura and Gigha along with parts of the Kintyre and Argyll Peninsulas in a combination of tour options that provide something for everyone. Begin in Arran and end in Islay. 

Fife Costal Path

Dramatic cliffs and caves, rocky seashores, miles of sandy beaches, numerous lovely fishing villages with quaint harbours, ancient castles and stunning sea views across the Firth of Forth to the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh, Bass Rock and the Isle of May.

Great Glen Way

Cross the landscape of lochs, hills and forests, with glorious views over Loch Ness on one of Scotland’s most popular long-distance walking routes, that stretches from Fort William, at the foot of the mighty Ben Nevis to the highland capital of Inverness.

Hadrian's Wall Path

Hadrian’s Wall Path follows the line of the historic Roman wall that divided England and Scotland almost 2000 years ago. Discover a fascinating combination of ancient history and the flora and fauna of the wild Northumberland landscape, with overnight stops in the comfort of traditional villages.

Hadrian's Wall & English Lake District

This tour offers the opportunity to walk alongside the best parts of Hadrian’s Wall with an extended break in the heart of the English Lake District.

Isle of Skye

An exciting trek through the world-famous Isle of Skye over a route that is truly spectacular, involving a rich blend of coastal walking and trekking through the famous Cuillin Mountains. Our popular package takes you to the best parts of this magical island, and offers you a variety of routes.

John O'Groat's Trail

The  John O’ Groats Trail  offers an amazing walk experience over the 147 mile coastal route from Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, to John O’ Groats in the far north of Scotland.

Kintyre Way

Pass through a variety of landscapes, taking in tiny fishing villages, extensive conifer forests, stretches of fine coastline, open hills and moors. The narrow peninsula means that the sea is never far away.

Loch Lomond & Cowal Way

Take in the wonderful landscapes of Argyll, passing by forests and glens, waterfalls and sea-lochs and the distinctive Cobbler Mountain. Step into history, visiting the ruined 15th century Asgog Castle or the Strachur Smiddy museum.

Loch Ness 360

This circular route around the Loch Ness, the largest freshwater expanse of water in the UK, begins and ends in Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands”.   

Moray Costal Route

Moray offers a stunning coastline with wide sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, coastal formations and attractive fishing villages, making it an excellent walking route.

North Coast Trail

Explore the remote, sparsely-populated, far north coast of Scotland, enjoying spectacular cliff-top views, puffin bird colonies and the lighthouse at Cape Wrath with an optional day trip by ferry to the Orkney Islands to discover its rich Viking Heritage.

Outer Hebrides

A wonderful tour encapsulating all that these spectacular islands have to offer.  Beginning in Barra take in Vatersay before heading ever north through the Uists, Benbecula, Harris to end at Lewis on a carefully chosen selection of routes at the most scenic and historic locations.

Rob Roy Way

Discover many of the places linked to Rob Roy MacGregor, the legendary Scottish outlaw of the early 1700s on this beautiful and historic route along woodland paths passing by the lovely waters of Lochs Venachar, Lubnaig, Earn and Tay.

Speyside Way

Follow the winding River Spey on old railway tracks, forest trails and cross farmland to reach the Cairngorm Mountains and the Highland Resort of Aviemore. Along the way there are many attractive villages, whisky distilleries, including Aberlour and Craigellachie. 

St Cuthbert's Way

Discover the Border Country in the south of Scotland, where those with an interest in history and culture coupled with a love of the countryside, its flora and fauna, will enjoy a heart-warming and invigorating experience.

Want to book an Easy Ways walk?

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Loch Ness 360° - Self-Guided Walking Holiday

The Loch Ness 360° takes you on a tour around Scotland’s most iconic Loch. We’ve combined the South Loch Ness Trail and the northern half of the Great Glen Way to create a 77.5 mile route through the beautiful Great Glen.

Established in Scotland in 2004, Absolute Escapes is an award-winning specialist in self-guided walking holidays in Scotland. Our exceptional reputation has developed through a deep passion and knowledge of the Scottish walking market - we firmly believe that your visit should be truly unforgettable.

Our self-guided packages on the Loch Ness 360° include:

• carefully-selected accommodation
• door-to-door baggage transfers
• guidebook/maps
• comprehensive information pack
• our emergency contact details

Walking the Loch Ness 360°

A self-guided hike is the perfect way to experience this superb long-distance walking trail at your own pace.

Our most popular itinerary covers the full Loch Ness 360° route over 7 days / 8 nights. Click here to see all of the itineraries we offer.

Fair Prices

While many travel companies like to promote low prices, we believe that value for money is more important. This translates into charging a fair price for your walking holiday - whether staying in simple guest houses or luxurious hotels - and not compromising on quality. We want you to travel with us again and know that you will not do this if you feel that you paid too much for your arrangements.

Booking Your Walk

If you would like us to send you a personalised proposal and quotation for your walk on the Loch Ness 360° please get in touch with us via the following methods:

Complete our Online Enquiry Form

Email us at [email protected]

Phone us on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

From £565 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

March — October

Contact details

• +44 (0131) 6101210
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Drumnadrochit
• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Edinburgh Airport
• Fort Augustus
• Fort William
• Glasgow Airport
• Glasgow City Centre
• Invermoriston
• Inverness Airport
• Inverness City Centre
• Inverness, Loch Ness & Nairn
• Loch Ness area
• Outdoor Activities
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £565 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Absolute escapes.

Absolute Escapes is a leading specialist in self-guided walking holidays and tailor-made travel to Scotland. We offer self-guided walking holidays on some of the finest long-distance trails in Scotland, including the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Speyside Way, and Skye Trail. We also specialise in tailor-made travel to Scotland including self-drive itineraries and escorted tours. We customise all of our itineraries to your exact requirements based on our experience and intimate knowledge of Scotland.

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Opening times

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 17.00.

Other tours from this company

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Cateran Trail - Self-Guided Walking Holiday

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John Muir Way - Self-Guided Walking Holiday

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

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Scotland Walking Tours: Self Guided

Our walking holidays in Scotland show off the iconic Highlands landscape in all its rugged beauty. Walking the West Highland Way allows you to truly connect with the environment, traversing the fault line that divides the lowlands from the highlands so you can witness the shift in terrain underfoot.

A self-guided Scotland walking tour grants you flexibility in scheduling so you can choose the best time to go. Looking for guided walking tours in Scotland instead of going on your own? We’d love to take you on a short break!

We also offer tours in several other destinations. Check out our Self Guided Walking Tours in Ireland for a variety of other walking route options. We’re always happy to discuss the various routes we offer, so get in touch and let’s chat about your holiday plans!

About Our Scotland Hiking Trips

Our self-guided hiking trips in Scotland follow the iconic West Highland Way. This 96-mile hike traverses the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering you plenty of jaw-dropping vistas en route. You can choose the number of days you’d like to walk and total distance covered.

• This is how our self-guided Scotland walking holidays work:
• We work with you to plan your ideal holiday itinerary.
• We will pre-book all your accommodations.
• We also pre-arrange all of your daily luggage transfers to your next accommodation so you can walk more comfortably with just a small daypack.
• We will provide you with detailed maps, virtual route notes and GPX tracks for your journey.
• You’ll also get plenty of travel information, including recommendations for the best restaurants, pubs, and other places of interest to visit along the way.

We are making the important switch to a paperless system in order to align with our commitment to sustainability. By going paperless we aim to significantly reduce our environmental footprint by cutting down on paper waste, decreasing the need for printing, and overall lessening our reliance on natural resources. This means we can now streamline our processes in the digital world for our company and clients by taking this eco-friendly approach to our Route Notes.

Take a look at our suggested itineraries below, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us and we’d be delighted to help.

Explore Our Self Guided Scotland Walking Tours

West Highland Way – 10 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

Grade: Moderate

West Highland Way – 6 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

Grade: Easy to Moderate

West Highland Way – 7 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

We're proud of our excellent reviews.

From short independent walks to a 1000+km self-guided hiking adventure. Britain has it all. Castles, pristine lakes, historic settlements, tranquil countryside, green hills and fertile lowlands, pubs and a variety of inn to inn long-distance walking routes to suit every taste.

Great Glen Way (various tour options) €1065

St. Cuthbert’s Way (various tour options) €1160

West Highland Way (various tour options) €1125

West highland way: the best section €865.

Self-Guided Hiking Tours of Scotland

Imagine a Scotland hiking tour designed to meet your needs

A hiking tour where you tell us what you want, what day you’d like to start, when you want to finish and how far you wish to hike each day.

A hiking tour where you let us take care of all the accommodation and bag-transfer arrangements for you, tell you all about Scottish history and folklore and show you where to find the tastiest food and the best local whisky.

And to help you pick the perfect hiking trip in Scotland, we have carefully selected some of the best hiking trails in Scotland for you.

Where will your next hiking adventure be?

What People Say about Hillwalk Tours

See More Reviews Here

• Self-Guided Choose from 4 unique trails in Scotland with multiple itinerary options
• Customizable Pick the dates & the number of days you want to walk
• Made for You Decide how many daily miles/km (on average) you want to walk
• Cosy Stay in highly-rated guesthouses with friendly hosts
• Hassle-Free Walk freely: we'll move your luggage for you!
• Contact Us Give us a call ( +353 91 429 619 ) or email us , our team is here to help

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Coast to Coast MTB

An exciting, adventurous and rewarding traverse from the east coast to the west coast of the Scottish Highlands

Orkney Discovery 'Delux'

Lovely mix of coastal walks and visits to archaeology sites, with accommodation in undoubtedly the best hotel on the island

Great Glen Way

April to September

North to Cape Wrath

A stunning and remote walking journey from Ullapool to Cape Wrath, taking in Assynt and beautiful Sandwood Bay

Isle of Skye Taster

Walk orkney.

Wonderful mix of walking and history on these beautiful Northern Isles. Includes visits to Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar

Viking Footsteps

An unforgettable walking exploration of these stunning islands. Visit Mykines, Tórshavn, Gjógv and Vestmanna Bird Cliffs

Hills of the Outer Hebrides

Unique hill walking holiday which ventures onto some of the least visited and distinctive hills in the Outer Hebrides

Highlands & Hebrides Explorer

The ultimate walking and cultural tour of the Highlands and Islands, including Harris and Skye. Visit Callanish and Eilean Donan Castle

Tailor-Made

Big Sky Blog

Private Groups

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Find your perfect trip, destinations, holiday styles.

Walking Holidays in Scotland

Explore Great Glens and Fells with Walking Holidays in Scotland

It’s easy to forget how much of Scotland is still wild and under-explored. Hiking Scotland’s hills has often figured as a way of finding respite from the frenetic pace of the city.  For those looking for a challenge think The West Highland Way . An island escape,  The Isle of Arran . For a more leisurely walk in Scotland, following the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness – look no further than  The Great Glen Way .

• Destination Guide

Explore Scotland's Beautiful Walks

West Highland Way

• Duration: 4 to 10 nights
• Length: 44 to 96 mls (km)
• Location: West Scotland
• Grade: Moderate to Challenging
• Season: Mar to Oct

St Cuthbert’s Way

• Duration: 6 to 8 nights
• Length: 62 mls (km)
• Location: Scottish Borders
• Grade: Moderate

Great Glen Way

• Length: 73 mls (km)
• Location: Mid Scotland
• Grade: Easy to Moderate

Cateran Trail

• Duration: 6 to 7 nights
• Length: 64 to 64 mls (km)
• Location: Central Scotland

Isle of Arran Coastal Way

• Duration: 7 nights
• Length: 65 mls (km)
• Location: Northern Scotland

John Muir Way

• Duration: 11 to 12 nights
• Length: 134 mls (km)
• Location: Southern Scotland
• From: £1470

Fife Coastal Path

• Duration: 8 to 10 nights
• Length: 82 mls (km)
• Location: Eastern Scotland
• From: £1135

Speyside Way

• Location: North East Scotland
• Grade: Easy

Borders Abbeys Way

• Length: 69 mls (km)

Rob Roy Way

• Duration: 7 to 8 nights
• Length: 79 mls (km)

Overview of Scotland's Walking Routes

The most northerly region of the UK also contains the most mountainous terrain, with the highest mountain in Britain (Ben Nevis) towering over Scotland's distinctive highlands. Generally, the south and central lowlands are characterised by gentler forested areas in comparison to more rugged features of the north. Scotland's topography is divided between mainland and islands and dominated by the cavernous lochs sprawling across its landmass - 90% of the standing fresh water volume of Great Britain lies within Scotland.

Explore highlands, lochs and deep glens in Scotland's areas of iconic natural beauty. Your walking holiday can take you into areas full of echoes of Scottish history. Choose from walking the romantic Rob Roy Way in Scotland's Southern Highlands, along the shores of Loch Lomond with its islands set against stunning mountain backdrops and ascend the Devil's Staircase on the West Highland Way  or the beautiful  Isle of Arran , ‘Scotland in miniature’. End your time walking with a day in Edinburgh for a final experience of Scotland’s fascinating history.

Best Time to Walk in Scotland

Scotland is significantly colder and wetter than England and Wales. For this reason it is best to avoid the winter months (November through to March), which can be very challenging. The warmest months, and best time to visit are from April through to October. Dry weather cannot unfortunately be guaranteed, but the days will be warmer, lighter and better for walking.

Unlike the rest of the UK, Scottish school holidays generally run from late June until mid-August and so those wishing to miss the busiest months should avoid these times.

Those hoping to walk the West Highland Way or the Great Glen Way should also be aware of the much hated ‘midge’. These tiny, biting insects exist in high numbers in the north-west of Scotland and are at their worst during the hottest months, especially August. For this reason, May, June and September can be better months to visit the North West Highlands.

Traveling to Scotland

By Plane:  The quickest way to get to Scotland is by plane. Scotland has 3 international airports, Edinburgh and Glasgow in the south and Aberdeen in the north. Edinburgh and Glasgow both have excellent transport links into the rest of Scotland, whilst Aberdeen is slightly more isolated.

As Scotland is quite far from London, it is generally easier to fly directly into a Scottish airport rather flying into a London airport and then making your way to Scotland. However there are regular daily flights into Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen from all of the major London airports. Likewise if you are starting your holiday in a different part of England or Wales, you will find regular flights to Scotland from most British airports.

By Eurostar/ Train:  If travelling from mainland Europe, the UK can be reached by train from Paris, Brussels and Lille using the Eurostar. The Eurostar arrives in London, and from there you will find excellent train and bus connections to Scotland.

A train from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow will take approximately 4 ½ hours. Both cities then have excellent train connections with the rest of Scotland. Alternatively, you can take the Caledonian Sleeper, which is an overnight sleeper train from London to major Scottish destinations, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. It is a particularly good option if you're travelling to northern Scotland.

Other major British cities with good train connections into Scotland include Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. You should book train journeys as far in advance as possible to secure the best fares.

By Ferry:  If traveling from mainland Europe, there is an overnight car ferry from IJmuiden in Holland to the city of Newcastle, which lies just south of the Scottish border. The journey takes 17 hours, although a cabin is included in your fare. From Newcastle, there are very good transport links into Scotland.

It is also possible to travel by ferry from Northern Ireland to Glasgow.

Scotland Client Reviews

4.8 /5 based on 234 reviews.

Keen to find out more?

Walking in scotland destination guide, medical cover.

No vaccinations are required for entry into Britain. All citizens of the EU are entitled to free medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). If you are travelling from outside the EU you will receive free treatment from the Accident and Emergency Unit, but not if you are admitted into hospital or receive treatment at a general doctor's surgery. Consequently health insurance is highly recommended.

Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept all major debit and credit cards, although you should always carry a bit of cash on you, particularly when visiting more rural areas or when using small businesses. You will also find an ATM in most small towns.

Tipping is expected in most cafés and restaurants but not mandatory. Anything between 5% and 15%, depending on the quality of service is acceptable. It is not necessary to tip bar staff as you will usually order and collect your drinks at the bar.

Internet and Phone coverage

Good, speedy internet and phone coverage in Scotland is generally clustered around the more urban areas, although reception in rural areas is generally reliable. That being said, you should always be aware that in more remote areas coverage is patchy, and in places like the Cairngorms National Park - coverage is sporadic at best. It is increasingly common to have free wi-fi in cafés, hotels and B&Bs but not guaranteed.

Travel Documents

Citizens of the EU are free to visit the UK for any length of time with just their passports, whilst those from the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand can visit for 6 months with just their passports. Those from other countries will need to look into Visas. Once you have arrived in Scotland, you are free to cross the borders of England and Wales without having your documents checked again.

Getting Around

Celtic Trails will arrange necessary transfers for yourself and your luggage for the duration of the walk. This is included in the price of the holiday, but does not include transport to the start of the walk. We are very happy to arrange private transfer to the start of your walk at an additional cost. Alternatively, there are the following options:

Train:  The entire UK has an excellent train network and it is the most popular form of public transport because it is comfortable, safe and fast. It covers all cities and most towns and is also suitable for travelling on with large pieces of luggage.

In Scotland, most train routes centre on Edinburgh and Glasgow. From both of these cities you can travel north along the east coast towards Aberdeen, along the west coast towards Fort William and also through the centre towards Inverness. There are also train routes going south along both the east and west coasts.

In order to check train routes and times visit  www.nationalrail.co.uk . If you would like advice on which is the nearest train station to the start/end of your walk please get in touch. Train tickets can be bought on the National Rail website or at the train station on the day.

Coach: Coach travel is often one of the most affordable ways of making long journeys across the UK (but not necessarily the quickest). National Express www.nationalexpress.com and Megabus www.uk.megabus.com are the main long distance coach companies in the UK serving major towns, cities and airports. Tickets for long distance coach journeys should always be bought online well in advance.

Bus : Buses (generally smaller than coaches) are used across Scotland for shorter journeys. There are thousands of bus routes and you will find a service running through most towns in Scotland. They are particularly useful in more rural parts, where there is not a train service. Tickets are bought from the bus driver. Timetables in Scotland can be checked at www.travelinescotland.com

Taxi:  Travelling by taxi is not cheap but it is the most convenient way of travelling if you only have a small number of journeys to make. If you are in particularly rural area or need a taxi late at night, it is advisable that you book a day or two in advance. Taxi journeys should always be booked in advance unless you are in a major city or airport. Celtic Trails are very happy to provide you with the numbers of local, trustworthy taxi companies and also to book a taxi if enough notice is given.

Car: If you plan to drive to the start of your walking holiday, please let us know as we can provide advice on where to leave your car whilst walking.

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Enquire about walking in Scotland

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Why Celtic Trails?

Classic Walking Trails in Scotland

Discover scotland's most popular walking trails.

Take on the challenge of walking one of Scotland’s classic long-distance trails and enjoy a feeling of immense freedom and adventure. Soak up the breathtaking scenery and spectacular wilderness as you walk through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, then celebrate your achievement with a dram of whisky in a traditional pub.

West Highland Way

Great glen way, rob roy way, speyside way.

From £710pp

• Experience one of the world's most famous long-distance walks
• Enjoy breathtaking scenery from Loch Lomond into the heart of the Scottish Highlands
• Relish the wonderful international camaraderie of your fellow walkers

• Experience one of Scotland's most famous long-distance walks
• Explore mysterious Loch Ness and enjoy a cruise on the loch
• Hike through deep glens, ancient forests and dramatic mountains

From £860pp

• Follow in the footsteps of legendary Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor
• Walk through beautiful forests and alongside some of Scotland's finest lochs, rivers and waterfalls
• Discover the well-worn track used during the dramatic Jacobite uprisings and clan feuds

From £895pp

• Sample whisky at some of Scotland's finest distilleries, such as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich
• Walk through the magnificent Cairngorms - Britain's largest National Park
• Visit Ballindalloch Castle, one of the most romantic castles in Scotland

The Best Places You Should Visit on Your Edinburgh Self Guided Tour

• Published on: April 24, 2022

Welcome to one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A city steeped in rich history, picturesque medieval architecture, and a vibrant culture; Edinburgh will keep you coming back for more. Follow this Edinburgh self-walking tour for some of the best highlights of Edinburgh’s Old Town along with some spectacular hidden gems.

Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours

Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)

• Get to and from the Airport:  Save on airport transfers with HolidayTaxis .  F rom only US$69.08
• The easiest way to  get around Edinburgh is to use the City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Get Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets starting   at US$22.48 

With 11 main stops around Edinburgh’s Old Town , you can see the absolute best of the city in a short amount of time. Use the guide as an Edinburgh itinerary, a self-guided walking tour, or a bucket list of must-see spots in the Scottish capital.

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1. Ross Fountain

Start your Edinburgh self-walking tour at Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens. This iconic cast-iron fountain was first installed in 1872 and later restored in 2017 and 2018. It’s a beloved spot by both locals and tourists and also boasts magical views of the Edinburgh Castle.

2. Scott Monument

Follow through Princes Street Garden as you make your way to the other side of the park. Follow the stairs and exit the park on the right-hand side. You’ll soon come across the tall-standing Scott Monument. The historic monument is dedicated to renowned Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. He was born in Edinburgh in 1771 and passed away in 1832.

“ Is death the last step? No, it is the final awakening. ” – Sir Walter Scott

Follow past the Scottish National Gallery to arrive at your next stop. If you have time, explore the gallery to see works by Van Gogh, Monet, Dalí, and more. Have more time in Edinburgh? Pencil it in for another day! The gallery, like all public museums in the UK, is free to enter.

3. Edinburgh Self-Walking Tour and The Writers Museum

Somewhat of a hidden gem, the Writers Museum in the picturesque Lady Stair’s Close is a must-see in Edinburgh. Enter this free museum to learn more about Sir Walter Scott and other famous Scottish writers, or simply soak up the beauty of this tucked-away spot off the Royal Mile.

4. Edinburgh Castle

Of course, we can’t forget Edinburgh’s main attraction! Follow up a portion of the Royal Mile dotted in jolly bagpipe players and long-standing medieval architecture.

You can pay to enter the castle grounds or admire it from outside. Whatever your budget, time, and interests decide!

Inhabited since the Iron Age, the Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest places in the city. Here you will also have fantastic views overlooking parts of Edinburgh, providing a sneak peek to one of the next stops on this self-guided Edinburgh walking tour.

Did you know that the Edinburgh Castle is built on top of an extinct volcano?

5. Victoria Street

Easily one of the most interesting and colourful streets in Edinburgh , your next step of  Edinburgh self-walking tour is Victoria Street. Built during the early 1800s, this beautiful hilly spot is lined with incredible shops, boutiques, and cafes and even features a unique second-level walkway to get even more marvellous views of the street.

6. Grassmarket

Walk up Victoria Street which loops into W Bow. Take a left and you’ll find yourself at Grassmarket, a pedestrian-friendly historic marketplace. Here you may find some street vendors along with lots of surrounding pubs and restaurants. It’s a favourite area among locals and tourists alike.

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7. the vennel viewpoint.

Walk to the other end of Grassmarket and look to your left for a tall staircase. Avoid the temptation to look back – just yet – until you make it to the top of the stairs.

Turn around and enjoy one of the most picturesque views of the Edinburgh Castle!

Here you’ll also find the Flodden Walls which were built in 1560 to protect against an English invasion (which never actually came).

8. The Elephant House

Make your way back down the stairs and through Grassmarket again as you keep right. You’ll soon stumble upon The Elephant House on Merchant Street. This is a book lover’s paradise as it was a favourite spot for JK Rowling when she was writing the Harry Potter series while looking out at Edinburgh Castle .

It’s easy to say much of Harry Potter was inspired by the architecture, charm, and people of Edinburgh. The more time you spend here (and the more Harry Potter you read or write), it will quickly become apparent.

9. St. Giles’ Cathedral

One of the city’s most stunning cathedrals, situated between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the famous Royal Mile. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Giles, who is the patron saint of Edinburgh.

Walk inside and experience the historical charm of this building. On the southeast corner, there is the peculiar, gothic-style Thistle Chapel, one of the most important parts of the church

10. Dunbars Close

Leisurely continue down the Royal Mil e until you find the cobbled Dunbars Close on the left-hand side. Hop off the tourist path and into this secret 17th-century garden. The hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile swiftly fades away when you enter into this tranquil oasis. Spend as much time as you’d like meandering through this piece of Edinburgh greenery.

11. Edinburgh Self-Walking Tour and Calton Hill

Your final stop on your Edinburgh self-walking tour will take you to the iconic Calton Hill at the end of Princes Street.

The views of Edinburgh from Calton Hill are just as stunning as the hill’s monuments themselves. Witness the Athens-like National Monument of Scotland and the early 19th-century Nelson Tower built to honour Vice-Admiral Nelson after his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Calton Hill is lovely both day and evening, but if you time it right, you can catch a gorgeous sunset here

READ ALSO: HOW TO EXPERIENCE EDINBURGH LIKE A LOCAL. A GUIDE TO STOCKBRIDGE

Discover other things to do in edinburgh.

Edinburgh is a city of legends and history. The city has a lot to offer and walking tours are one of the most popular activities to explore one of the world’s most culturally rich and beautiful cities. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, history enthusiast or on the ghost haunting mission, there’s a walking tour in Edinburgh to suit everyone!

Check our article on the best Edinburgh’s walking tours.

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My name is Kate and I created Scotland Itinerary Planning to give you those life-changing experiences right in the beautiful country I call home.

I’m proud to live in Edinburgh, Scotland , one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Living in Edinburgh has provided me a base to explore extensively around this magical little country.

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Guided Walking Holidays – Hiking in Scotland in 2024

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Our Scotland guided walking holidays bring you up close and in touch with landscapes, nature, wildlife and people.

We design versatile and authentic hiking tours so you can relax in the comfort of a well-planned and interesting journey. You’ll feel safe in the hands of our qualified and experienced local guides who love showing you their homeland, its wild places, its history and its cultural treasures. Enjoy the personal and flexible ambience of our small group tours (no more than 8) for a balanced mix of outdoor adventure, peaceful relaxation and friendly company of mainly solo travellers while hiking in the Highlands.

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Scotland is blessed with a  huge variety of different landscapes, from the mountainous, pine forested Cairngorms to white sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast, from rugged Highland peaks to remote Hebridean islands such as Mull and Iona and the famous Outer Hebrides. 

Choose one of our guided small group walking holidays or a taster one day hiking tour . There are  hiking holidays specifically for women and our brand new Sailing and Walking trip . Can’t see exactly what you want? Get in touch to plan your own customised Scottish walking holiday with your personal private hiking guide.

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Four Hebridean Jewels – Island Hopping Mull, Iona, Staffa and Kerrera

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Sailing and Walking Holiday – The Isle of Skye and the Small Isles

Sailing and Walking Adventure for Women – The Inner Hebrides

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The Mythical Western Isles – A Women’s Tour To The Outer Hebrides

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Bosnia and herzegovina, czech republic, liechtenstein, netherlands, north macedonia, switzerland, türkiye/turkey, united kingdom, bike & boat, multi-activity, vessels & boats, advanced search, scotland walking tours, explore scotland your way on a beautiful walking holiday.

Scotland’s enviable blend of vibrant cities, heritage towns and soul-stirring scenery littered with historic treasures makes it an attractive destination for travellers after a rich mix of culture, nature and history.

This is a rugged, remote land of dramatic landscapes, from craggy mountains, ancient forests and brilliant green glens to fjord-like lochs and a complex coastline dotted with lonely islands and wave-beaten cliffs—perfect for walking and hiking trips.

Explore the spectacular scenery of the unspoiled, uncrowded Inner Hebrides archipelago by foot; or hike through the timeless countryside of the Scottish Highlands, discovering historic towns, highland villages and stunning mountains, lochs and glens. Hike beneath or to the top of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain; or follow the legend of cattle-rustling folk hero, Rob Roy, across some of Scotland's greatest landscapes.

Whichever itinerary you choose, you won’t regret a walking tour out into Scotland’s epic wilderness.

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Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.

Explore Scotland at your own pace

On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.

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Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Scotland exactly the way you want.

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2 replies to this topic

See Trip reports at ##55 and 56 here for trips with Hillwalk Tours:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186591-i88-k6712685-o50-Ireland_by_Bus_and_Train_Local_Day_Tours_Trip_Reports-Ireland.html

The person who posted those reports now has a different username, which you can access at entry #6 here:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186591-i88-k10874597-Inn_to_inn_hiking_companies-Ireland.html

No doubt others will chime in with different options and personal recommendations.

Molly, if you're planning your trip for this July, you might see where you can get accommodations this late in the game. When you find them, come back and no doubt you'll have suggestions from those in the know.

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