If you’re searching for the ultimate Inverness-shire Highland Trails, this guide uncovers 15 breathtaking walks and lochs—many of them under-the-radar—across one of Scotland’s most captivating regions.
From peaceful forest paths to remote loch side views, these routes combine accessibility with wild beauty, making them perfect for both casual walkers and seasoned explorers.
🌄 1. Loch Affric Circuit (Classic but Quiet Corners)
- Distance: 18 km (shorter options available)
- Access: Car park at River Affric
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Year-round: Yes (best spring–autumn)
A famous glen, but wander beyond the main path and you’ll find tranquil lochside stretches with barely a soul.
🌲 2. Plodda Falls & Dog Falls Loop
- Distance: 5–8 km
- Access: Well-marked forestry tracks
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Year-round: Yes
A great mix of waterfalls and woodland, ideal if you want something dramatic without a long hike.
🏞️ 3. Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin Shore Walk
(View from Beinn Alligin)
- Distance: 4–6 km (flexible)
- Access: Small parking areas
- Difficulty: Easy
- Year-round: Yes
Less visited than nearby lochs, with scattered islands and mirror-like reflections.
🌿 4. Abriachan Forest Trails (Loch Ness Views Without Crowds)
- Distance: ~9 km
- Access: Community forest parking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Year-round: Yes
A peaceful alternative to busy Loch Ness viewpoints—perfect for a short escape.
🌊 5. Loch Duntelchaig Circular
- Distance: ~14 km
- Access: Roadside parking
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Year-round: Yes
A hidden gem with a full loop around a peaceful loch—rarely busy.
🏔️ 6. Glen Strathfarrar Loch Monar Viewpoint Walk
- Distance: 6–12 km
- Access: Restricted road (check times)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Year-round: Limited winter access
Wild, remote, and dramatically beautiful—feels like true wilderness.
🌾 7. Suidhe Viewpoint & Loch Ness Quiet Trail
- Distance: 2–5 km
- Access: Layby parking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Year-round: Yes
Skip the crowds and enjoy sweeping views in solitude.
🌄 8. Loch Tarff Hidden Path
- Distance: ~8 km
- Access: Minor road
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Year-round: Mostly (watch winter conditions)
Quiet, atmospheric, and rarely featured in guidebooks.
🌳 9. Reelig Glen Woodland Walk
- Distance: 2–4 km
- Access: Car park nearby
- Difficulty: Easy
- Year-round: Yes
Towering trees and lush greenery—feels almost otherworldly.
🏞️ 10. Loch Ruthven Nature Reserve Walk
- Distance: 1 km
- Access: Easy parking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Year-round: Yes
Perfect for wildlife lovers, especially birdwatching.
🏔️ 11. Glen Cannich Riverside Trail
- Distance: ~10 km
- Access: Single-track road
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Year-round: Mostly
A lesser-known glen offering solitude and sweeping scenery.
🌊 12. Falls of Foyers & Loch Ness Shore
- Distance: 3–6 km
- Access: Village parking
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Year-round: Yes
A dramatic waterfall paired with lochside wandering.
🌄 13. Loch Knockie Short Climb
- Distance: 3 km
- Access: Easy roadside start
- Difficulty: Easy
- Year-round: Yes
Short, rewarding, and often overlooked.
🌿 14. Drumnadrochit Woodland & River Walks
- Distance: 8 km
- Access: Village-based
- Difficulty: Easy
- Year-round: Yes
Great for combining nature with a café stop nearby.
🏞️ 15. Loch Bran Hidden Track
- Distance: 5–9 km
- Access: Rough track
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Year-round: Weather dependent
A true hidden gem—perfect if you want complete quiet.
Weather in Inverness-shire: What to Expect Year-Round
The beauty of the Highland Trails comes with one constant: unpredictable weather.
Being prepared can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a challenging day out.
Spring (March – May)
- Conditions: Cool, fresh, often damp
- Temperatures: ~5–12°C
- What to expect: Melting snow in higher areas, muddy trails, and fast-changing conditions
- Tip: Waterproof boots are essential, and layers are key
Spring is a fantastic time for quieter trails and emerging greenery, but expect sudden showers and chilly winds.
Summer (June – August)
- Conditions: Mild to warm, longer daylight hours
- Temperatures: ~12–20°C
- What to expect: Best overall hiking conditions, but midges (tiny biting insects) can be intense
- Tip: Bring midge repellent and consider early morning or breezy locations
This is the most accessible season for remote trails and lochs, with long evenings perfect for exploring.
Autumn (September – November)
- Conditions: Crisp, colourful, increasingly wet
- Temperatures: ~6–15°C
- What to expect: Stunning foliage, quieter paths, but shorter days and more rain
- Tip: Start walks early and carry a head torch
Arguably the most scenic season, especially around woodland trails like Reelig Glen.
Winter (December – February)
- Conditions: Cold, often icy or snowy
- Temperatures: ~-5 to 7°C
- What to expect: Limited daylight, possible snow on higher ground, some remote roads inaccessible
- Tip: Stick to lower-level trails unless experienced and properly equipped
Some routes (like Glen Strathfarrar) may have restricted or difficult access, but easier woodland walks remain possible year-round.
Quick Preparation Tips
- Always pack: waterproof jacket, layers, map or offline GPS
- Check weather before heading out (conditions can change hourly)
- Tell someone your route if heading somewhere remote
Have a read of our outdoor gear guides
Final Thoughts
Exploring Inverness-shire offers more than just scenery—it’s about finding stillness, space, and that sense of discovery. Whether you’re after an easy woodland stroll or a remote loch adventure, these trails give you the freedom to experience the Highlands without the crowds.