Scottish Hill Tracks is an essential companion for anyone with a keen interest in Scotland’s cultural heritage and for whom wide horizons, wild places and adventure beckon.

This rich, sprawling network journeys through farmland and forest, moorland and coastline, bladed ridges and high plateaux, deep glaciated glens and peatlands—and much else besides. An additional section and six new routes in the Western Isles contribute to a collective tally of 194,000m of ascent and over 7,600km of ancient tracks. Many of these are identified as Heritage Paths— historic routes which follow in the footsteps of Roman legionaries, mediaeval pilgrims and traders, cattle drovers and funeral parties, amongst others.

Many changes have since been wrought upon Scotland’s landscapes, and — 100 years on from Walter Smith’s Hill Paths in Scotland — this sixth edition offers a fresh perspective, with full resurveys of each of the 350 hill routes and 175 variants that crisscross the country’s mountains, hills and uplands.

The countryside continues to change, so please check below to see if we’ve posted any updates to the route(s) you’re planning to visit. If you discover a change to one of the routes that you’d like to share with other readers, please contact us to let us know, and if appropriate, we’ll add an update below.

Introduction #

Historical Background: there is an error in the introductory section about Kirk and Coffin Roads on page 22. The third sentence should read “One of the longest was the MacGregors’ route from Glen Lyon (route 148) to their traditional clan burial ground in Dalmally at the foot of Glen Orchy”.

Section 1​:​ Cheviot Hills #

No updates received.

Section 2​:​ Central and South-West Borders #

Route 11 Eskdalemuir or Burncleuch (Eskdale) to Craik (and Hawick or Roberton) 

November 2022: between NT 267 007 and Craik Cross Hill, the main route is on heavily overgrown forest rides with some fallen trees, and may be difficult to follow. An alternative route is described in the sixth edition.  

Route 12 Roberton to Teviothead or Newmill (Teviotdale) 

September 2021: A few gates were wired up and difficult to cross. 

Route 15 Moffat to Ramsaycleuch (Ettrick Valley) or Glendearg (Eskdale)  

In 2022, variant 15c in the 6th edition was impassible south-east from the watershed due to fallen trees. 

Route 17 Drumelzier (Broughton) to Cappercleuch (St Mary’s Loch) 

A horse rider has reported: An excellent riding route to do after a spell of dry weather.  Some nasty bogs on the top rule this out if the ground is wet. 

Route 18 Broughton to Stobo and Peebles 

In October 2024 it was reported that the car park at Broughton Place, NT119374 (marked on OS maps but not mentioned in the book) is no longer available for public use. Alternative parking is available in Broughton village.

A horse rider has reported: Excellent route for riders.  Well waymarked.  Horses should not use the walkers’ bridges but it is easy to go round or through the small ditches and burns. 

Route 19  Stobo (Tweeddale) to the Manor Valley and Craig Douglas (Yarrow Valley) 

A horse rider has reported: The first part of this route is an excellent ride. The next section from Glenrath not recommended for horses as it is very steep, rough and boggy. 

Route 20 Peebles to Cappercleuch (St Mary’s Loch) by the Manor Valley 

5th edition: part of this route as described in the 5th edition is no longer viable. A revised route is described in the sixth edition.

A horse rider has reported: the track from Manor Head is ride-able, though the Manor side is quite boggy, especially at the Megget/Manor march, and the Megget side very stony. 

Route 21 Peebles to Craig Douglas

There is a very wet area of bog adjacent to the fenceline at NT 264 303, which may not be visible when covered with snow. 

Route 23 Traquair (Innerleithen) to Yarrow Valley 

A horse rider has reported: Can be rather boggy near Glengaber. 

Route 24 Traquair (Innerleithen) to Yarrowford or Selkirk by Minchmoor 

Variant (a): in January 2022, it was reported that windblown trees create a significant obstruction around NT 377 327.

Route 28 Yarrow Feus (Yarrow Valley) to Redfordgreen (Roberton) or Ettrickbridge 

Variant (b): the whole of this variant route, from Sundhhope to the Yarrow Valley, is not well defined on the ground. 

Section 3: Lammermuir and Moorfoot Hills #

Route 40 Peebles to Innerleithen by Leithen Water 

Variant 40a (6th edition): in 2024, an area of windblown trees blocks the route approaching Shieldgreen Centre, between NT270426 and NT271428. It is possible to pick a way eastward through the plantation to join the track to the east at NT271425. 

Section 4​:​ Pentland Hills #

No updates received.

Section 5: Clydesdale and Lowther Hills #

Route 57 Roberton (Abington) to Douglas 

August 2021 Report that there may be some locked gates on the route that need to be climbed over.  

Route 60 Muirkirk to Kirkconnel 

August 2021 Report that a number of conifers had blown down across a forest break between NS 723 206 and 726 205 and that while these could be crossed, crossing them involved a degree of difficulty. 

Section 6: Galloway and South Ayrshire #

Route 71 Newton Stewart to Clatteringshaws by the Old Edinburgh Road 

April 2022 : Report that the route between NX 424 673 and NX 457 691 is obstructed in places by fences and a rebuilt stone wall and that parts of the old road between these two points are very overgrown and difficult to  get through. To detour around these obstacles, from NX 424 673,  continue north-east along public roads following route 70 for 4km as far as Auchinleck Bridge. Cross the bridge then after 100m at NX 448 706, turn south-east along a forest road for 2km to rejoin the Old Edinburgh Road at NX 457 691. 

Route 76 Bargrennan to Polharrow Bridge (St John’s Town of Dalry) by Blackhill of Bush 

Particular care is required when crossing the drainage channel on the east side of the Silver Flowe: it is steep sided, deep and fast flowing. 

Section 7: Arran, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire #

Route 87 Lochranza to Dougarie ( Machrie) by Glen Iorsa   

April 2022: A report that a pedestrian stile straddling a drystone dyke near the Dougarie end of the route is in need of repair and not particularly safe to use.  

Route 94 Eaglesham to Darvel by the Weavers Trail

June 2021: From Turbine 61 the route heads south across an area of felled forestry towards the main Spine Road through the windfarm. At first sight the felled area looks impassable. However, about 50m beyond Turbine 61 there is a gap in the bushes. Head about 20 or 30 metres into the felled area and you should be able to see a former forest ride that heads south across the felled area to the trees in the distance. There is a faint, narrow path along this corridor (boggy in places). 

Section 8: Argyll #

Route 100 Butterbridge (Glen Kinglas) to Ardlui (Loch Lomond)

In April 2025, there was electric fencing in the woodland above Ardlui, this can be crossed by a stile at NN 310 156.

Route 102 Loch Fyne to Inverarnan (Glen Falloch)

In November 2022, locked gates were reported across the route at NN 167 185 and NN 318 196. 

Route 105 Furnace (Loch Fyne) to Ford (Loch Awe)  

March 2022: There was a gate at the bridge at Loch Gainmheach which was not possible to open.

Section 9: Southern Highlands #

Route 123 Callander to Ardvorlich (Loch Earn) 

5th edition: the bridge at Arivuchardich which is described as missing in the 5th edition was replaced by 2016, but by 2022 the footbridge at NN 645 167 in Gleann an Dubh Choirein was missing, and fording the river here could be tricky (i.e. wet feet). The 6th edition incorporates these updates.

Route 124 Callander to Comrie by Glen Artney 

By 2022 the footbridge at NN 645 167 in Gleann an Dubh Choirein was missing, and fording the river here could be tricky (i.e. wet feet). The 6th edition incorporates this update.

Route 125 Comrie to Ardeonaig (Loch Tay) by Glen Lednock 

A horse rider has reported: Not recommended for horses. The track over the hill from the head of Loch is indistinct and in places very boggy.

Route 128: Crieff to Aberfeldy by General Wade’s Military Road 

April 2021: The ride through the plantation at the head of Glen Cochill at NN 890 437, along which Wades road traverses, is completely blocked with wind blown timber. The most direct alternative is to follow the A826 for about 4km. A lengthy detour may be possible using tracks to the west of this point: we would appreciate any advice as to the best alternative.

Section 10​:​ Ochils and Lomond Hills #

No updates received.

Section 11: Glen Coe & Appin #

Route 138 Dalmally or Bridge of Awe to Glen Etive and Glen Coe  

We would appreciate a report and/or photos showing the condition of the bridge over the River Kinglass at NN132357.  

Route 140 Bridge of Orchy to Clachaig Inn (Glen Coe)

In March 2025, a walker reported that descending the east (true right) side of Fhionn Ghleann was very difficult, with numerous steep-sided, loose, gullies reaching down into the burn. We don’t have a recent report as to whether the west side (true left) is easier or not. Please exercise extreme caution if attempting this route. Route 138 offers two alternative finishes further east in Glen Coe.

Section 12: Loch Tay to Loch Ericht #

Route 148 Killin to Bridge of Orchy or Tyndrum by Loch Lyon

The relevant Heritage Path is Loch Lyon Coffin Road and Drove Road to Killin.

Section 13: Loch Leven to Glen Spean #

Route 150 Achallader (Bridge of Orchy) to Bridge of Gaur (Loch Rannoch) and
Route 151 Achallader (Bridge of Orchy) to Pubil (Glen Lyon) by Gleann Meurain

In April 2025, it was reported that the bridge over the Water of Tulla at NN 379 480, 500m east of Gorton Bothy, had been washed away. Fording this river can be very difficult in spate.

Route 153 Bridge of Gaur (Loch Rannoch) to Dalwhinnie by Loch Ericht 

See our update regarding the closure of the level crossing at Dalwhinnie in July 2021 by Network Rail. An alternative route is possible via a track under the railway bridge at NN 634 841. 

Route 155 Corrour Station to Dalwhinnie or Linloch Laggan 

See our update regarding the closure of the level crossing at Dalwhinnie in July 2021 by Network Rail. An alternative route is possible via a track under the railway bridge at NN 634 841. 

Route 160 Corrour Station (Loch Ossian) to Kinlochleven 

July 2021 Report that there is a risk of heading off in the wrong direction where the path leaves the track at the south end of Loch Treig. An area has been fenced off and the path has become very indistinct and obscured by scrub growth. It is important to follow the Allt Feith Chiarain and exit the fenced area through a metal gate: if exiting through a wooden gate, follow the fence south to the metal gate where the path becomes more distinct. 

Section 14: Ardgour, Moidart & Morven #

Route 167 Ardnastang (Strontian) to Glenfinnan by Loch Shiel 

In 2025, the footbridge over the Callop River at the north end of the route, was replaced and reopened, having been closed for a number of years.

Route 171 Kilchoan (Ardnamurchan) to Acharacle 

2021: Report that, if following the route in reverse,  picking the correct path west of Fascadale requires careful attention as there is a potentially confusing array of paths. Find the old wall and follow it south west to pick up the small cairn at NM 496 705. 

Section 15: West Mounth & Sidlaw Hills #

No updates received.

Section 16: East Mounth #

Route 193 Bridge of Muick or Dinnet (Deeside) to Invermark (Glen Esk) by Mount Keen

In March 2025, Glen Tanar Trust advised that the bridge over the Water of Tanar at NO 406 895 was closed due to erosion of the bank. Please take extreme care if fording the river.

Route 199 Mowtie (Stonehaven) to Kincluny (Drumoak) by the Elsick Mounth

A 200 metre long section of the route north from NO 808 932 is prone to encroachment by self-seeded conifer trees. It was made passable by volunteers in 2024. The ground here is also rather wet. 

Section 17: Cairngorms #

Route 203 Blair Atholl or Calvine to Ruthven Barracks (Kingussie) by the Minigaig Pass

5th edition: part of this route as described in the 5th edition is no longer viable, due to the loss of bridges at NN753923 and NN755912 prior to 2016. The 6th edition provides a more detailed, and updated, description.

Route 205 Feshiebridge or Drumguish (Speyside) to Linn of Dee by Glen Feshie and Glen Geldie

The Carnachuin footbridge, swept away in 2009, is no longer expected to be replaced. The east bank of the Feshie is prone to landslips, so great care should be taken.

Section 18: North-East Cairngorms #

Route 213 Crathie to Tomintoul 

October 2021: There was a padlocked gate at NO 255 970, it was an ordinary stock gate so it was possible to lift a bike over but it would be impassable with a heavy bike or a horse.

Route 227 Grantown-on-Spey to Forres 

June 2021: There were two padlocked gates, at NJ 048 338 and NJ 041 440, which required to be climbed over. 

Section 19: Monadh Liath #

Route 230 Kinveachy (Boat of Garten) to Raigbeg (Tomatin) by General Wade’s Military Road 

At NH875213, where Wade’s Road crosses the Carrbridge Road, the gate northwards has been seen on several occasions since 2013 to have been padlocked. An alternative, described in the 6^th edition, is to turn east and go down the road for 200m and cut back west on a track.

Section 20: Loch Eil to Glen Shiel #

No updates received.

Section 21: Glen Affric, Kintail & Strathfarrar #

Route 261 Torgyle Bridge (Glen Moriston) to Tomich (Strathglass)  

2022: a bridge on variant 261a (6th edition) at NH 305 255 has been damaged and is unsafe to use. This can be detoured around by continuing north-east from NH304251 for 800m, then turning west on an ATV track which leads to the north-east side of the bridge to rejoin the route. 

Routes 269, 270, 271, 272 and 273 in Glen Strathfarrar and Monar Dam

Information relating to vehicular access through Glen Strathfarrar to Monar Dam is subject to change: please see the Mountaineering Scotland website for up-to-date information.

Route 271 Monar Dam (Glen Strathfarrar) to Killilan (Loch Long) by Glen Elchaig &
Route 272 Monar Dam (Glen Strathfarrar) to Attadale or Killilan (Loch Long) by Bendronaig Lodge 

June 2022: The suspension bridge over the Alt Riabhachan at NH 125 391 is narrow and somewhat bouncy, with no handrails other than fencing wire on one side only.

Route 278 Stromeferry to Killilan (Loch Long)

It was reported in May 2013 that the stile over the deer fence at NG930339 is no longer there; this was still the case in 2023.

Route 280 Strathconon to Loch Luichart Circular 

August 2022: Between the Loch Luichart dam and Arrieleitrach, dense bracken may make path finding difficult during the summer months. 

Section 22: Mull and Skye #

No updates received.

Section 23: Wester Ross #

No updates received.

Section 24: Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross #

Route 322 Inverlael (Loch Broom) to Ardgay (Dornoch Firth) 

August 2022 : Report that while the Glenbeg Bothy (at NH 313 834) was perfectly serviceable, there was a hole in the roof and it may not last much longer unless repaired. This bothy is no longer maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association.

Route 335 Kylestrome to Rhiconich or Achfary (Loch Stack) 

In 2020, it was reported that the ford of the Garbh Allt, at NC 268 498, was rather deep and would be difficult in spate.

Section 25​:​ Harris and Lewis #

No updates received.