Scottish Walks for All

Scotland is a land that was made for walking. From invigorating coastal and beach walks, to challenging mountain hikes and everything in between, arguably the best way to explore this country is on foot.

But how do you fare if you’re less mobile, and maybe use a wheelchair  but are  still keen to get into Scotland’s Great Outdoors?  You may also have a young family and use a pushchair, however Scotland is working to be inclusive for all, and getting outdoors is a great family and friends activity that everyone should be able to share together.  

Scotland has a great range of accessible trails – from lovely woodland walks to an ascent up the slopes of one of our most popular Munros. The Fieldfare Trust as part of their Phototrails programme, surveys and publicises a number of these routes and below are 10 of the 90+ routes they have on the Phototrails website. But what’s your favourite accessible walk?  Doesn’t have to be one of the 90! Tell us where your accessible walk is and why you like it.

1.       Aberdeenshire – Bennachie Discovery Trail, Inverurie 

The Bennachie hills are amongst the most popular in the region. This route starts at the visitor centre and heads through some lovely woodland.

2.       Argyll – Barnluasgan Wildlife Trail, Knapdale Forest, near Lochgilphead

The forest is home to a number of beavers as well as a host of other wildlife.

3.     Dumfries & Galloway – Mabie Wood 

A lovely route through the trees with wooden sculptures to enjoy along the way, leading to a sensory garden.

(Pic credit: Forestry Commission Picture Library)

4.       Falkirk – Falkirk Wheel South Trail - 

Starting at the visitor centre car park, this route is quite steep, taking you above the Union Canal,   with seats along the route.

5.     Kingdom of Fife - Devilla Red Squirrel Walk 

As the trail name suggests, there’s a good chance of spotting red squirrels if you’re able to go quietly in this lovely forest, not far from Kincardine.

(Pic credit: Lorne Gill)

6.       Cairngorms National Park – Allt Mhor, Glenmore

A short woodland route with lovely mountain views, not far from the National Outdoor Centre at Glenmore Lodge.

7.       West Highlands – Glencoe Lochan 

This route at Glencoe village takes in beautiful views of the surrounding and iconic mountains.

8.       Perth & Kinross – The Hermitage, Dunkeld 

This route heads along the riverside through woodlands and heads uphill, leading to ‘Ossian’s Folly’ where you can enjoy views of dramatic Black Linn Falls.

9.       Perth & Kinross – Schiehallion, near Kinloch Rannoch 

The ‘faerie hill of the Caledonians’ this iconic peak, managed by the John Muir Trust, has a wheelchair accessible track, starting at the Braes of Foss car park east of the peak, that covers the first third of the summit route. This is Scotland’s first accessible Munro.

10.   West Dunbartonshire – Balloch Castle Country Park 

This is a great route to tie in with a visit to Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre. It’s a longer route with a number of rest stops along the way.