Best Winter Walks and Hikes in Scotland

1. Conic Hill

• Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km (return)
• Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Starting Point: Balmaha car park
• Difficulty: Moderate

One of the most iconic viewpoints in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Conic Hill rewards walkers with breathtaking views over the loch’s islands and the Highland Boundary Fault. The climb is steady but well-maintained, making it manageable on a clear winter day.

The trail from Balmaha is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) return, with a steady but short ascent that takes most walkers 1.5–2 hours. The path is well-maintained, mostly grass and dirt with some rocky sections near the top, and is suitable for experienced walkers in winter, though caution is advised if the ground is icy or wet.

2. Circular Routes at Balloch Castle Country Park

• Distance: Various routes
• Estimated Time:  Various times
• Starting Point: Multiple locations
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Balloch Castle Country Park is home to several well-marked circular routes that can be enjoyed individually or combined for a longer visit:

• The Yellow Route is a 3 km loop starting from the main entrance or visitor car park, passing the Walled Gardens, Old Castle site, shore, children’s and teenage playparks, the boathouse kiosk, and Balloch Castle.
• The Red Route is a 2 km circuit from the visitor car park, taking in Balloch Castle, the loch shore, playparks, the boathouse kiosk, and the Fairy Glen, with the option to continue on the Whinny Hill circular. 
• The Blue Route, 1.5 km in length, begins at the visitor car park and winds through the more natural wooded areas of the park, joining the Red Route at Fairy Glen.
• For those seeking a more challenging walk, the Whinny Hill 3 km circular route follows the Red or Blue routes from the visitor car park and continues along Woodland Trust waymarkers to Boturich Road.

All routes provide spectacular views across Loch Lomond, including panoramic vistas of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southern Munro, making the park a perfect winter walking destination accessible by car from Cameron House.

5. Loch Morlich Circuit (Cairngorms)

•  Distance: ~6 km / 3.75 miles
•  Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
•  Starting Point: Loch Morlich car park
•  Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

The Loch Morlich Circuit is a gentle, scenic loop that winds around the loch at the foot of the northern Cairngorm mountains, offering classic winter scenery with snow-framed peaks reflected in the still waters. The route is mostly flat and follows well-defined paths, making it suitable for walkers of all abilities, including families, though winter conditions can make sections icy or muddy.

For visitors at Cameron House, the circuit makes for a longer day trip, with an approximate 3-hour drive one-way, but the dramatic Cairngorm landscape and easily accessible route make the journey worthwhile. Combine the circuit with other nearby attractions such as the Cairngorms National Park trails or Aviemore village for a full day of exploration.

6. Clatteringshaws Loch (Galloway Forest Park)

• Distance: 5.5 km / 3.5 miles
• Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Starting Point: Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
• Difficulty: Easy

This scenic walk in southern Scotland follows the edge of Clatteringshaws Loch through woodland and open views, with the chance of frosted trees and loch reflections in cold weather. The route is mostly flat with well-defined paths, making it suitable for walkers of all abilities, including families, though winter weather can make sections slippery.

For those travelling from the Loch Lomond area, Clatteringshaws Loch makes an excellent day trip, with roughly a 2.5-hour drive one-way. The peaceful forest setting and scenic waterside paths make it a rewarding destination, and it can easily be combined with other nearby Galloway Forest Park trails or visitor attractions.