Visit Scotland reveals the best walking routes for wildlife

Introducing the list, the tourism organisation said: "With its breathtaking nature and rich biodiversity, Scotland’s home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife.

"What better way to connect with nature than by observing these remarkable species in their natural environments while getting your steps in?"

Visit Scotland names the best walking routes for nature enthusiasts

Here are the best Scottish walking routes for nature enthusiasts, according to Visit Scotland.

Treshnish Coast on the Isle of Mull was said to be a good place to see puffins (Image: Getty)

Treshnish Coast and the Whisky Cave - Isle of Mull 

Visit Scotland says that "observing majestic white-tailed sea eagles soaring through the skies, encountering charming puffins, watching playful otters along the shores, or thrilling trips to spot dolphins" are the highlights of a trip to the Isle of Mull.

Discussing the walking route, Visit Scotland says: "This 11-km loop trail, considered a moderately challenging route, takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The circular stroll unfolds along a fascinating stretch of coastline on the Treshnish peninsula, encompassing dramatic cliff landscapes, opportunities to spot wildlife and even a visit to the legendary whisky cave."

Seals and whales can be seen all-year-round off the coast of Shetland (Image: Getty)

Burravoe & Heoga Ness - Shetland  

Visit Scotland said: "Embark on a scenic journey with this circular walk, spanning approximately 6 km and about 1 hour and 30 minutes of exploration.

"Commencing from the picturesque marina in Burravoe, get ready to be mesmerised by cliff vistas and panoramic views of the sea, offering a glimpse into the natural world of otters, seals, whales and nesting seabirds. 

"This captivating trail is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Along the rugged cliffs you'll be able to spot breeding colonies of kittiwakes, arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, and of course the charming puffins Shetland is renowned for, which usually arrive on the cliffs from April to August every year."

The Orkney route takes around 2 hours to complete (Image: Getty)

The Gloup Circular - Orkney

Discussing the route, the tourism group said: "Experience the charm of this 9-km loop trail near Orkney, weaving through the scenic landscapes and embracing the tranquillity of Mull Head Nature Reserve. With a moderate level of difficulty, the trail typically takes around 2 hours to complete. 

"Keep an eye on the cliffs, as curious seals might accompany you along the way. And those with sharp vision might even catch a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises, or even majestic whales. "

St Abb's Head is located in the Scottish Borders (Image: Getty)

St Abb's Head – Eyemouth, Scottish Borders  

Visit Scotland said: "This awe-inspiring out-and-back trail is approximately 8 km and takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, making it a moderately challenging route. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. 

"The sheer cliffs, deep gullies, and offshore stacks of St Abb's Head create a perfect habitat for tens of thousands of seabirds nesting here. Located on the mainland, St Abb's Head stands as one of the more accessible seabird colonies in the UK. When exploring be mindful of the presence of new seabird families. 

"It is renowned for hosting internationally significant numbers of guillemots, which are Scotland’s version of penguins. With one of the largest eggs relative to their size, guillemots exhibit remarkable bravery - at just 15 days old, their chicks courageously leap off cliffs, guided by adults to the safety of open water, where they gradually develop their flight feathers."

Killiecrankie offers great views no matter the season (Image: Getty)

Killiecrankie and Loch Faskally Circular – Pitlochry, Perthshire 

Visit Scotland told visitors to start their walk to Killiecrankie at the visitor centre where opportunities to delve into the geology, wildlife, and history of the area await.

Discussing the route, the organisation said: "This scenic 14.3-km loop trail near Pitlochry is moderately challenging and typically takes around 4 hours to complete. Despite its popularity, you can still find moments of tranquillity during quieter times of the day. Open year-round, the trail offers stunning views at any season."

Recommended Reading:

Scottish walks named among the most 'stunning' ancient pathways in the UK

These five popular walking routes have the 'best views' in Scotland 

The Torry Battery looks over Aberdeen (Image: Getty)

Torry Battery and Girdle Ness Circular - Aberdeen

Visit Scotland said: "This trail is considered an easier one as it’s about 4.7km long and takes 1 hour to complete. 

"Aberdeen's Torry Battery consistently earns recognition as one of the prime locations in Britain for observing bottlenose dolphins from the shore. The dolphins at Aberdeen Harbour are amongst the biggest in the world too, with some growing up to 4 metres long. 

"Make sure to visit Greyhope Centre as you get great views over the harbour from there, and it’s a great place to see the dolphins all while you have some coffee and cake. 

"To optimize your likelihood of spotting dolphins, the ideal period extends from January to June. Within this timeframe, the dolphins tend to feed closer to the water's surface, reaching their peak numbers."