Best Day Hikes in the Scottish Highlands – 4 Wild Peaks to Conquer

Want to Feel Truly Free? Conquer These 4 Wild Day Hikes in the Scottish Highlands

Lace up your boots – Scotland’s lesser-known peaks in the Summer Isles are calling. These four of our favourite rugged climbs offer adventure, solitude, and breathtaking views that will leave you speechless.

These aren’t your average Sunday strolls. Expect heart-pounding climbs, a bit of scrambling, and the kind of scenery that makes every step worth it. You might pass a fellow mountaineer or two, but more often than not, it’s just you, the trail, and the endless horizon.

Stac Pollaidh, Cul Mor, Ben Mor Coigach, and the mighty Suilven are in our back garden, and if you’re up for the challenge, you could even bag them all in a long weekend. No excuses!

1. Stac Pollaidh

📏 Height: 612m (2,008ft)
📍 Location: Near Achiltibuie, North West Highlands
⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate
⏳ Time to Complete: 2–4 hours

Why Go? A short, sharp climb with maximum reward – soaring views, a thrilling scramble, and that unbeatable summit feeling.

How to Get There:
From Ullapool, take the A835 north, then turn left onto the single-track road towards Achiltibuie. The car park is just off the road, clearly signposted.
📍 Stac Pollaidh Trail

Trail:

The first stretch is always humbling as it starts a little steep.. a warm-up before the real work begins. A steep climb leads to the rugged ridgeline, where the final scramble delivers breathtaking panoramas.

2. Cul Mor

📏 Height: 849m (2,785ft)
📍 Location: Near Loch Broom, north of Ullapool
⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
⏳ Time to Complete: 5–6 hours

Why Go? A longer, tougher climb with a huge sense of solitude and some of the best 360° views in the Highlands.

How to Get There:
Stay on the A835 north from Ullapool and pass Knockan Crag. A small, nondescript parking area is on the opposite side of the road from the trailhead.
📍 Cul Mor Trail

Trail:

The path starts off boggy (welcome to Scotland!) but soon turns into a steady ascent. The final stretch is steep and wild, but the reward? A sweeping vista of mountains, lochs, and coastline that will stop you in your tracks.

3. Ben Mor Coigach

📏 Height: 743m (2,438ft)
📍 Location: Coigach, near Loch Broom
⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
⏳ Time to Complete: 5–6 hours

Why Go? A rugged and narrow ridge walk where you’ll feel like the only person left on earth.

How to Get There:
From Ullapool, take the A835 towards Achiltibuie. Pass through the village, then continue towards Culnacraig. Park in the small car park before the road begins to turn.
📍 Ben Mor Coigach Trail

Trail:
Starting from Culnacraig, the climb is steady before leading to an exposed ridgeline – dramatic, exhilarating, and completely worth the effort. The views stretch over the open sea, Loch Lurgainn and beyond, making it feel like a true wilderness adventure.

4. Suilven

📏 Height: 731m (2,398ft)
📍 Location: Near Lochinver
⛰️ Difficulty: Hard
⏳ Time to Complete: 7–8 hours

Why Go? A demanding, unforgettable climb up one of Scotland’s most iconic peaks – Suilven’s silhouette alone is enough to lure you in.

How to Get There:
From Lochinver, take the A837 towards Inverkirkaig and park at the designated car park.
📍 Suilven Trail

Trail:
The approach is long and relentless before you even reach the real climb. But once you’re on the final ascent, every aching step fades into the background as the insane views unfold around you. If you want to truly escape, this is the mountain for you.

Final Word

If you’re looking for day hikes in the Scottish Highlands, these mountains will push you, reward you, and remind you why we climb in the first place. So grab your boots, pack a flask, and get ready for an adventure that’ll stay with you long after your legs stop aching. Scotland’s wild beauty is waiting – go fill your cup.

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Related Guides:

• Wild Camping in Scotland
• Best Beaches in the Summer Isles
• Kayaking The Summer Isles