Looking to work up an appetite while exploring Scotland’s incredible landscapes? We have put together a list of eight routes that will leave you feeling refreshed and nourished
From lively cities to quiet rural woodlands, Scotland has plenty of scenic walks for food lovers looking to work up their appetites. We have put together a list of eight trails that promise to end in a top meal for walkers of all levels.
The Buttery
Distance: Under 1 mile (or 10 miles for those wanting to complete the full Kelvin Walkway)
Difficulty of the walk: Fairly easy
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8UF
The Kelvin Walkway offers a pleasant riverside stroll carrying you through West End streets, Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens. Expect historic stone bridges, ornate Victorian lamp posts and historical industrial features like aqueducts and viaducts along the way. The full Kelvin Walkway takes around five hours to complete on foot, but from the end of the path to The Buttery it is only around 30 minutes. You can decide how long to stretch your journey out before winding up at the five-star restaurant, where you will be greeted with pre-war decor rich oak panelling and stained glass that feels like a Victorian culinary time capsule.
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The room is decadent and intimate with tartan upholstery candlelit tables and private booths. Dishes champion Scottish produce with classics such as Cullen skink and chicken stuffed with haggis alongside Highland venison and pan fried halibut with scallops. The Buttery also offers a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu on request. Finish your walk with a table where old world elegance meets assured cooking and seasonal menus that celebrate the very best of Scotland.
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The Witchery
Distance: Under 1 mile
Difficulty of the walk: Fairly easy
Duration: 35 minutes
Location: Edinburgh EH1 2NF
People travel across the world to visit Scotland’s capital for its incredible food scene and walking tours, so it isn’t easy to pick just one. We recommended exploring three landmarks that have become neighbours when exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town. Start near George IV Bridge and weave down into Greyfriars Kirkyard to meet the tale of Greyfriars Bobby and atmospheric burial vaults, before moving through the lively Grassmarket. This once medieval market is now a hive of independent shops and pubs. This loop is packed with elevation changes and iconic photo opportunities, captured best at The Vennel steps. Here you will find a narrow medieval stone stairway that will show you the most celebrated framed view of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town tenements.
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Finish at the gates of Edinburgh Castle where you will find the famous and luxurious hotel and restaurant, The Witchery. Inside, the rooms are illuminated almost entirely by the soft glow of candlesticks, creating a moody, intimate and dramatic setting. The romantic interiors are housed in a historic 1595 merchant’s building with dark 17th-century oak panelling, heavy tapestries and antique furnishings. The menu serves Scottish fine dining with dry aged Scotch beef, local seafood, artisan cheeses and plant based options on request.
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The Grandtully Hotel
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty of the walk: Moderate
Duration: Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Location: Strathtay, Pitlochry, PH9 0PL
To eat like a king, you can first conquer the Caisteal Dubh Trail (also known as Castle Dow) and discover the ancient hillfort. Start at Grandtully Forest Car Park and follow winding forestry tracks under towering trees, to discover the original fortress remains. While there isn’t a lot left of the original structure, the summit proves to be worth the hike as visitors can see the original striking 19th-century stone cairns. The prehistoric site is backdropped with incredible views of the River Tay that explain why this spot was so important to defend.
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After the adventure, head back to The Grandtully Hotel to relax in rural luxury. This restored 1866 railway hotel holds two AA Rosettes and appears in the Michelin Guide with one Michelin Key. Once inside the cosy interiors lead you through a library lounge to a welcoming mid-century glam dining room, where modern British and seasonal Scottish cooking shines. Expect Isle of Mull crab, Perthshire wild mushrooms, a seven course tasting menu and a slower Sunday lunch. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
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The Pine Marten Bar & Scran
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty of the walk: Fairly easy
Duration: 45 minutes
Location: Glenmore Forest Park
The Old Logging Way is a scenic trail taking explorers through the heart of Cairngorms National Park. You can expect to discover a sandy beach and mountain views on the route, while also looking out for a famous 300-year-old ‘granny’ pine tree, red squirrels, deer and native woodland birds. For food lovers, the real treat is at the end of the hike at The Pine Marten Bar & Scran.
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Whether you’re enjoying a family camping holiday, returning from a day hiking or skiing in the Cairngorm mountains, this apres-ski themed pub is the perfect place to relax and refuel. The chefs are waiting to make you a fresh breakfast, lunch or dinner using locally sourced produce. With vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as lighter bites including their popular nachos and chicken wings, there’s something for everyone here.
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The Old Bridge Inn
Distance: 6.5 mile
Difficulty of the walk: Fairly easy
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Aviemore PH22 1RB
The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore makes an ideal start or finish for a peaceful riverside stroll through the Cairngorms. Tucked on the banks of the River Spey, this beloved pub offers old world charm and a warm welcome after a day on the trail.
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Wanderers should keep an eye out for goldeneye ducks and herons on the riverbank, while also taking in postcard-worthy coastal landscapes that look perfect any time of the day. Lucky explorers might even catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins far downstream where the Spey meets the sea at Spey Bay.
Back at the Inn, a former gamekeeper’s cottage, the atmosphere is cosy with a roaring log fire, vintage furnishings and dog friendly heated seating both inside and out. Hungry punters can have their pick of seasonal Scottish dishes, as the menu offers seafood and steaks as well as vegan choices. Pair your meal with a cask ale or a dram from an impressive whisky list and stick around for live music performances.
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The Drovers Inn
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty of the walk: Easy to moderate
Duration: 3.5 hours
Location: Arrochar G83 7DX
This scenic stretch of the West Highland Way offers a taste of the long distance route, for those not ready to commit to the full 96 mile trek. Beginning at Crianlarich, the trail threads through Glen Falloch with rivers and ancient woodland creating a cinematic backdrop. Expect to see dippers, the UK’s only aquatic songbirds, as well as possible red squirrel sightings.The path drops to Beinglass Farm and the footbridge into Inverarnan, where the 300-year-old Drovers Inn awaits.
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The historic pub is rumoured to be one of Scotland’s most haunted spots. Yet inside, the atmosphere is cosy with low beams, a roaring fire and a wild taxidermy collection. The menu leans into robust Scottish comfort such as steak pie and smoked haddock, while offering inventive vegan haggis and hearty root vegetable stews. Finish with sticky toffee pudding or a dairy-free berry crumble and a local ale.
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Chatelherault Inn
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty of the walk: Easy
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Location: Hamilton ML3 7UE
When searching for walks that combine nature and heritage, look no further than Chatelherault Country Park. Here, ancient woodland meets the dramatic gorge of the River Avon, offering explorers a peaceful escape around 30 minutes outside of Glasgow city centre. Sculpted landscapes, a dramatic viaduct and formal garden remnants make this a scenic and varied low level walk. Visitors can wander through the protected habitat’s expansive trails that wind beneath massive oak trees, providing a sanctuary for local wildlife including otters, kingfishers and deer.
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You can also spot the Cadzow White Park cattle, an extremely rare, ancient heritage breed of white cattle descended from the wild white cattle of the ancient Caledonian Forest in Scotland. Only two herds of these cattle are left with one small Cadzow herd at Chatelherault, and a larger herd at Chillingham in Northumberland. You can usually see them grazing in the fields beside the grand avenue.
After immersing yourself in the verdant beauty of the park, complete your journey at the welcoming Chatelherault Inn. This charming destination is ideal for food lovers who appreciate hearty, traditional fare served in a warm, inviting setting. Expect a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious British dishes, including a full vegan and vegetarian menu, before grabbing a drink to round off a busy day spent exploring South Lanarkshire’s countryside.
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The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant
Distance: 2 hours
Duration: Moderate
Location: Port Appin, Argyll PA38
Distance: 3 miles
Hidden in the picturesque fishing village of Port Appin on Loch Linnhe, the Pierhouse is a foodie’s ideal coastal base. Trails take you along the shoreline across saltmarsh and into pine-sheltered glens, with sweeping views to Lismore island, the Morvern hills and plenty of birdlife.
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After completing the circular woodland and shore walk, take yourself back at the double AA Rosette restaurant. Here you can expect excellent seasonally driven Scottish seafood such as Loch Linnhe langoustines, mussels and oysters, alongside hearty meat dishes. Although the kitchen focuses on its locally caught seafood, it also offers vegetarian and vegan choices so there is something for everyone. The menu is often created using fresh ingredients from Forage and Feast events, arranged by expert chef Lucy Cooke (widely known as “The Wild Cooke”). Finish with a whisky or sea salted dessert by the window to enjoy coastal views and wildlife.
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Have these Scottish walks for foodies inspired you to get outdoors? Tomás Gormley is a specialty grower and chef-owner of Cardinal, and speaks to us about the joys of running his own kitchen garden.
Tastemaker: Tomás Gormley, specialty grower and chef-owner of Cardinal
