With the beautiful sounds, smells, and colours of spring blossoming through, now is a great time to plan a staycation in Scotland. An extraordinary landscape of mountains, lochs, and wild coastline; experience the outdoors in all its glory. Struggling for inspiration? Here are some of our favourite OS Pathfinder walks and the paper maps and guidebooks you’ll need to discover them.

1. Isla of Iona - Lock na Keal, Isle of Mull: 8.5 miles

A wonderful walk with compelling scenery, beautiful beaches, and a fascinating collection of religious buildings. The route explores a large portion of Iona, touching on all four sides of the island’s coastline.

The Herald: IonaIona

North Beach - Isle of Iona

OS Pathfinder Guide: Oban, Mull and Kintyre

OS Explorer: 373

 

2. Lochgoilhead and Donich Water – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: 2.5 miles

Tucked at the head of a long, graceful sea loch, this wonderful short walk climbs through Gleann Donich Forest, before heading down past a pretty rock pool and lively waterfalls, towards splendid views across Loch Goil and the surrounding mountains.

The Herald:

OS Pathfinder Guide: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling

OS Explorer: OL37

Map extract from OS Pathfinder Guide - Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling

 

3. The Lily Loch and Loch an Eilein – Cairngorms: 6 miles

Lochan Mor is one of the Cairngorms scenic gems. It forms an enchanting setting in summer, with its abundance of water lilies, pine-fringed shore, and backdrop of mountains. This circular walk makes a pleasant evening stroll, with no taxing gradients.

The Herald:

OS Pathfinder Guide: Cairngorms

OS Explorer: OL57

View across Loch an Eilein - Cairngorms

 

4. Lochnagar and Loch Muick – Deeside and Lochnagar: 14 miles

For those looking for a challenge, this full-day walking bonanza should only be attempted in favourable weather. Lochnagar is a monarch among mountains, and the view from the summit on a clear day takes in the grandest of all corries and landscape.

The Herald:

Lock Muick – Deeside and Lochnagar

OS Pathfinder Guide: Cairngorms

OS Explorer: OL57

 

5. Pap of Glencoe – Ben Nevis and Glen Coe: 5.25miles

The Pap of Glencoe is a fine summit, and one of the great landmark peaks in Glen Coe. Setting off from Glencoe village, climb to the steep and rocky top for magnificent views up Glen Coe, and a sweeping panorama view over Loch Leven.

The Herald:

Glencoe at sunrise

The Herald:

OS Pathfinder Guide: Fort William and Glen Coe

OS Explorer: 384

Mapping extract from 100 Outstanding British Walks – Ordnance Survey

With spring now here, there's no better time to explore these great staycation locations. Discover similar walks in OS Pathfinder Guides and 100 Outstanding British Walks or find longer hikes with Epic British Walks. Alternatively, use OS paper maps to plan your own walks and find points of interest.

os.uk/adventure