Grab your hiking boots, step off the train and unlock walking adventures
In Scotland you never need to travel far to experience the great outdoors and if you're taking our Scottish Grand Tour , you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to incredible walking destinations. Lochs, mountains and centuries of history - it's all there waiting to be discovered.
Here's a few of our top picks, all easily accessible when you take the Scottish Grand Tour.
Craigellachie, Aviemore
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve is a great place for a walk at any time of the year. During the warmer months the place is alive with glorious flora, enchanting birdsong and the constant buzz of insect life.
Get off the train at Aviemore, on the eastern end of the reserve.
There’s a network of established paths through the reserve; you can follow a suggested route or create your own. You can wander through the peaceful birch woods, head for the tree-fringed lochs, or hike to the craggy summit where you’ll find great views of the Cairngorms. Look out for peregrine falcons overhead, and rare butterflies and moths closer to the ground.
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
The West Highland Line is widely considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. This walk mirrors part of the line along the famous West Highland Way.
Alight the train at Lower Tyndrum and the walk from there to Bridge of Orchy will take you around two hours.
It’s a great route to get a feeling for the West Highland Way without committing to the full 96-mile trek, and there’s still plenty to see from idyllic glens to the magnificent Beinn Dorain.
Before you know it, you’ll be walking alongside the River Orchy as you approach the village, where you can stop for a well earned rest, hop back on the train and continue the Scottish Grand Tour.
Loch Faskally and Pitlochry
If you’re looking for a leisurely short walk with plenty to see, try this scenic route around the outer edges of Pitlochry.
Get the train to Pitlochry, head south and to the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre. The main attraction is the fish ladder – a series of thirty-four tiered pools that help salmon to move upriver. There’s a viewing area where you can get a good look at the salmon.
After a couple of miles you’ll reach the shore of Loch Faskally – a man-made reservoir which is a perfect place to stop for a picnic.
The walk only takes around an hour in total, so there’s plenty of time to retrace your steps back to the train station.
Stirling Castle and Gowanhill
This short walk around Stirling Castle and Gowanhill should only take you an hour or so to complete. But it’s packed with history along the way, and the views are superb.
It’s uphill all the way to the castle but when you get there the views are worth it. You can look across the plains towards the Highlands, and maybe spot Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi on a clear day.
A little later head for Mote hill where you’ll find two old cannons and the 'Beheading Stone' - formerly used in executions.
The journey back is a bit gentler, and the hospitality of the old town will welcome you with open arms.
For walkers, Scotland has everything. There’s always a path to tread, beach to saunter or wilderness to wander. Reach them all for just £89 on the Scottish Grand Tour.
Buy online or from any ScotRail staffed station.
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