Best Tools for Hiking in Scotland: Walkhighlands routes and OS Maps
- aarondowds
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Moment Scotland Opened Up to Me
I still remember the moment Scotland truly opened up to me.
I was standing on a small hill above Saline, looking across at the sweeping ridges of the Ochil Hills. They looked majestic — rolling green waves stretching across the horizon.
I remember thinking how incredible it would be to explore them.
There was just one problem.
I had no idea where to start.
Where do you park? Which path is the right one? How do you know you won’t get lost?
Before 2020, I had explored very little of Scotland’s hills. I loved the outdoors, but the thought of navigating unknown routes felt intimidating.
That day started a search that led me to two tools that would completely change my adventures in Scotland:
And honestly, I’m not exaggerating when I say they opened up a whole country to me.
Walkhighlands – Scotland’s Incredible Library of Routes
If you love hiking in Scotland and haven’t discovered Walkhighlands yet, you are missing one of the most valuable outdoor resources available.
Walkhighlands routes is essentially a massive library of walking routes across Scotland, covering everything from gentle woodland strolls to challenging mountain adventures.
Each route typically includes:
A clear step-by-step route description
Distance, ascent and estimated time
Detailed maps
Elevation profiles
User tips and comments
A downloadable GPX file
A Google Maps link to the start car park
That last feature is brilliant. When you're heading somewhere new in Scotland — often down a small single-track road in a remote glen — knowing exactly where to start removes so much uncertainty.
The site was created by passionate outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to make Scotland’s incredible walking routes easier for everyone to discover. What started as a passion project has grown into one of the most trusted hiking resources in the country.
And what I love most is that it isn’t just about Munros.
Walkhighlands includes:
Island walks
Coastal trails
Woodland paths
Family-friendly routes
Hidden gems across Scotland
In other words, it’s a gateway to exploring the whole country.
Pairing Walkhighlands with OS Maps
While Walkhighlands helps me discover routes, the OS Maps app helps me navigate them confidently.
Here’s the simple system I use before every hike.
Step 1 – Find the Route on Walkhighlands
I read the full route description carefully.
Often it contains great insights such as:
terrain challenges
navigation tips
scenic viewpoints
hidden places worth exploring nearby
The community comments are often a goldmine of helpful information too.
Step 2 – Download the GPX File
Walkhighlands provides a GPX file for most routes.
This is essentially a digital track of the entire walk.
Step 3 – Upload It to OS Maps
I upload that GPX file into OS Maps, and the full route appears directly on my Ordnance Survey map.
While walking, my phone shows:
exactly where I am
exactly where the route goes
It’s like having a guide walking beside you.
Step 4 – Download the Map for Offline Use
Many of Scotland’s best routes have no mobile signal, so before leaving home I always download the route and map so everything works offline.
That way the navigation is always available, even deep in the Highlands.
My Safety Backups
Technology is brilliant, but I always take a few precautions.
Before every hike I also:
Carry a fully charged backup phone with the route downloaded
Bring a map and compass
Check the weather forecast carefully
Having a few simple backups means I can explore confidently while still respecting the mountains.
The Confidence to Explore Scotland
More than anything, these two tools gave me something invaluable:
confidence.
Confidence to explore new places.
Confidence to try new routes.
Confidence to step into landscapes that once felt intimidating.
Since that first day looking across at the Ochil Hills, I’ve explored stunning parts of Scotland I might never have discovered otherwise.
From quiet forest trails to dramatic mountain ridges, each adventure began with a simple search on Walkhighlands.
Hiking has also had a powerful impact on my wellbeing. Spending time in Scotland’s landscapes brings a deep sense of clarity and calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. If you’re interested in that side of things, you might enjoy reading my post on the mental health benefits of hiking.
Scotland isn’t short of adventure — sometimes we just need the right tools to find it.
A Recommendation I Wholeheartedly Stand Behind
If you are new to hillwalking or simply want to explore more of Scotland, I genuinely believe Walkhighlands is one of the greatest resources available.
The routes are clearly explained, the GPX downloads make navigation simple, and the community tips often highlight places you might otherwise miss. It removes so much uncertainty from planning a hike and replaces it with something much better — excitement for the adventure ahead.
A Small Bonus Thought
One of the things I love most about Walkhighlands is that it feels bigger than just a website.
It feels like a community of people who love exploring Scotland.
Walkhighlands has helped thousands of people discover Scotland’s hills — I’m just one of them.
From first-time walkers wondering where to start, to experienced hillwalkers searching for their next adventure, the site has quietly guided countless journeys across the country.
And that’s what makes it so special.
It isn’t just a tool for planning routes. It’s a gateway that has helped many of us step out the door, lace up our boots, and discover places we might never have found otherwise.
A Huge Thank You
So to the people behind Walkhighlands — thank you.
Your work has helped countless people discover Scotland’s mountains, glens, forests and coastlines.
I’m certainly one of them.
Without your site, I might never have explored many of the places that have now become some of my favourite memories.
And the adventure continues.
What About You?
What tools do you use to plan your hikes in Scotland?
If you have any favourites, feel free to share them in the comments — I’m always looking for new routes and ideas.
And if you’re just getting started, I highly recommend exploring Walkhighlands and OS Maps.
They might just open up a whole new world of adventure. 🥾
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