Child-Friendly Walks in the Highlands
Getting outside can feel like a challenge, especially at the start of a busy new year with young children in tow. But what if we told you there’s a world of child-friendly walks in the Highlands, ready to inspire little adventurers and give everyone a much-needed breath of fresh air, rain or shine?
This January the Seasgair team took part in a mental health challenge ‘Red January’, which sees us head outside for at least 30 minutes a day. Discovering child-friendly walks in the Highlands has been an unexpected bonus. Let us share a few of our favourites that have helped persuade our kids to get out exploring…
Loch an Eilein Circular, Cairngorms National Park
The Loch an Eilein Circular is a stunning 7 kilometre walk around a tranquil loch in the Cairngorms National Park. The path is relatively easy and well-marked, making it accessible for most walkers, even those with little legs! It offers breathtaking views of the loch, forest, and an atmospheric 13th-century island castle, adding a touch of history and mystery to your walk. Wildlife is abundant; you might spot red squirrels, deer, and a variety of birds.
Tom a’ Ghrianain (Signal Rock), An Torr, and Hagrid’s Hut Circular, Glencoe National Nature Reserve
This is a delightful 2.5 kilometre trail. It offers scenic views of woodlands, rivers, and mountains. The trail also includes a section called Hagrid’s Hut Circular, named after the Harry Potter character, making it a delightful experience for little fans and adding a magical touch that is a sure fire way to get the kids out of the house exploring!
A great child-friendly walk around Urquhart Castle, this easy 2 kilometre loop trail offers a pleasant stroll through woodland, along the River Enrick, and to the peaceful shores of Loch Ness. Kids will enjoy the adventure of crossing the river (when water levels are low) and exploring the beautiful scenery. The trail is also very dog-friendly and provides lovely views of the loch and the magic of trying to spot the Loch Ness monster!
Meall a’ Bhuachaille, Glenmore
The walk to the summit offers stunning views of the Cairngorms and the surrounding highlands. The trail starts from Glenmore Forest Park and passes by the picturesque An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch). It’s a moderately challenging hike, but worth it for the breathtaking panoramic views from the top, which are particularly rewarding on a clear day. The route is well-marked and includes both forest and open moorland, this one is perfect for a day’s adventure in the wild.
The Shandwick Beach Path in Tain is a scenic 3 kilometre out-and-back trail. Starting from Balintore, it offers a lovely stroll along the sandy beach, with far-reaching views of the Moray Firth. The path can be extended through grassy areas parallel to the beach; what walk isn’t made better by some time on the beach! It’s an easy, dog-friendly walk, perfect for families. The trail is generally quiet, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful, picturesque walk.
The Birks of Aberfeldy is a scenic woodland walk located near Aberfeldy. Made famous by Robert Burns’ poem “The Birks of Aberfeldy,” this picturesque trail follows the course of the Moness Burn and features a series of stunning waterfalls. The circular path is approximately 3.5 kilometres long and it includes some steep steps and bridges crossing the burn. The walk is surrounded by native birch trees, providing some shelter from sunshine, rain and wind alike. Along the route, you’ll find several viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the cascading waterfalls and the lush glen.