The best walks and hikes around Kiltarlity

Yes, there is a wide selection of trails. You can explore over 100 different routes around Kiltarlity, with a fairly even split between easy and moderate difficulties, ensuring there's a path for every type of walker.

The trails are very well-regarded by the komoot community. With an average rating of 4.5 stars, hikers often praise the mix of accessible forest paths, the beautiful scenery around the River Beauly, and the well-maintained tracks within areas like the Abriachan Forest.

Absolutely. The area is great for families. A good option is the Carn na Leitire Summit Cairn – Carved Wildlife Bench loop, which is a short and manageable walk through the woods. The paths in Reelig Glen are also a popular choice, offering a magical experience among some of Britain's tallest trees.

Most trails in the Scottish Highlands, including those around Kiltarlity, are welcoming to dogs. The extensive network of forest and riverside paths provides plenty of space for them to explore. Please keep your dog under control, especially near farmland with livestock or during bird nesting seasons.

The region boasts several stunning waterfalls. Dog Falls in Glen Affric is a well-known spot with marked trails. For a truly dramatic sight, Plodda Falls is highly recommended, featuring a 46-meter cascade and a viewing platform that extends out over the gorge.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For a pleasant walk that takes you along the river, consider the Lovat Bridge loop from Kilmorack. It's a relatively flat and scenic circular route perfect for a relaxed day out.

Kiltarlity is surrounded by beautiful woodlands. Abriachan Forest offers a network of trails with interesting features like a reconstructed Bronze Age hut. For a different experience, Reelig Glen is famous for its towering Douglas Firs, creating a unique and impressive woodland atmosphere.

Kiltarlity's local trails offer wonderful, accessible walks through forests and along the river, perfect for shorter outings. Glen Affric, often called Scotland's most beautiful glen, provides a more epic, wilder landscape of native pinewoods, lochs, and mountains. It's a short drive away and well worth a day trip for a more immersive Highland experience.

Many trails offer rewarding views. The routes that ascend into the Abriachan hills, such as the Carved Wildlife Bench – Heather Hut Shelter loop, provide excellent panoramas over Loch Ness and the surrounding glens from their higher points.

Most popular trailheads and visitor attractions have dedicated parking. For example, there are car parks at Dog Falls, Plodda Falls, and for the Abriachan Forest Trust trails. These can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak season, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea.

Accessing trailheads directly via public transport can be challenging in this rural area. Bus services may run to nearby villages like Kiltarlity and Beauly, but you would likely need to walk a considerable distance to reach the start of most hill or forest trails. Using a car is generally the most practical option for exploring the region's hikes.