Scotland’s best pub walks including stunning beaches & historic sights

SCOTLAND boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

Visitors travel from far and wide to soak in some of the rich culture, breathtaking sights and a wee tipple of Scotland’s national drink -whisky.

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The national tourism board VisitScotland’s newest statistics show that walking and hiking is the number one planned activity by tourists – and many will nip into a good old fashioned Scottish pub during their visit.

The tourism organisation has listed some of Scotland’s most picturesque ‘pub walks’.

The list features great hiking paths that take you through the country’s most stunning landscapes with the added bonus of a cosy pub to grab some food or drink and put your feet up at the end of a long day.

VisitScotland’s outdoor tourism marketing lead Steve Duncan said: “Our research shows that walking and food and drink experiences are two of the most popular activities for visitors to Scotland.

“Pub walks offer a great way to combine these, encouraging people to explore an area on foot and enjoy our natural landscapes as well as sampling locally produced food and drink.”

Sand to Applecross Bay and Applecross Inn in Wester Ross

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This two-hour trek from the rocky bay at Applecross to the stunning beach at Sand, which offers breathtaking views across the water to Skye, Rona, and Raasay. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the acclaimed Applecross Inn.

Arthur’s Seat and Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh

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This pub walk, which takes no longer than two hours, takes you to the top of Arthur’s Seat in the nation’s capital.

The famous ancient volcano offers visitors spectacular views of the city and across to Fife and down the east coast route to Duddingston Village and the Sheep Heid Inn.

The inn dates back to the 14th century, making it one of Scotland’s oldest pubs.

Heaval and Castlebay Hotel Barra on the Isle of Barra

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Visitors who make the two to three hour hike up Heaval, the highest summit on the Isle of Barra, can soak in the views across Castlebay to the nearby island of Vatersay.

Once you’ve had your fill of the scenery, you can fill up and enjoy food and drink at the cosy Castlebay Hotel and Bar, which boasts views over the harbour and the 15th century Kisimul Castle, the historic seat of the Clan MacNeil.

Beinn Dubh and Loch Lomond Arms in Luss

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Starting off in the delightful village of Luss, this hike involves taking an adventurous climb up Beinn Dubh and the Glen Striddle horseshoe, serving up striking views across Loch Lomond and the surrounding Arrochar Alps. To finish off why not take a trip to the Loch Lomond Arms, a former 17th century coaching inn.

Keiloch Crag and The Flying Stag at Fife Arms in Braemar, Aberdeenshire

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The short Keiloch Crag pub walk, usually taking no longer than two hours, is a circular walk around the the Invercauld Estate which takes visitors through pinewood tree to views across the iconic Cairngorms mountain range.

After completing your walk you can nip into the Fife Arms hotel and its homey and rustic pub, The Flying Stag.

Wideford Hill and Helgi’s in Kirkwall, Orkney

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The hike up Wideford Hill, which can take visitors two and a half to three hours, is well worth the trek. Offering sweeping views of Kirkwall and its surrounding islands from its peak, afterwards you can take a visit to Helgi’s, a traditional pub inspired by Orkney’s Viking past.

Burns Circular Walk and the Globe Inn, Dumfries & Galloway

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Why not take a leaf out of Robert Burn’s book and take a trip along the River Nith, where the nations most famous and beloved poet walked along himself. The Burns Circular Walk takes in sights such as the Burns House Museum and the bard’s Mausoleum, finishing at The Globe Inn – Burns’ favourite pub, where you can have yourself a ‘guid auld Scotch drink’ as the great man himself once put it.

Gullane and the Bonnie Badger, in Gullane, East Lothian

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Taking you on a journey around the dramatic coastline of Gullane in East Lothian, this stunning route takes in sandy beaches and forest paths – and even features remnants of World War Two tanks and finishes off at quaint pub, The Bonnie Badger.

Eildon Hills and The Ship Inn, in the Scottish Borders

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This Scottish Borders walk has inspired the likes of Sir Walter Scott, James Hogg and Thomas the Rhymer. The Eildon Hills is one of the longest hikes on the list, taking between three and four hours. Beginning at Melrose, sightseers are treated to spectacular views from the peak of the trail – before circling back to the Ship Inn pub.

Lerwick Explorer and the Douglas Arms, Shetland

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Last but not least, the walk around Shetland’s historic 17th-century harbour town and port takes in the regions one-of-a-kind coastal views and gives you a tour around the beautiful capital, before it’s back to the town for a drink and some grub in the Douglas Arms.