A walking holiday is one of the healthiest and most enjoyable countryside experiences and the wilds of Scotland have some of the most breathtaking scenery in Great Britain.
The Hartwell Clothing team have first hand experience of walking in this stunning region, and it’s been a good testing ground for leggings, jackets and scarves from the Hartwell collection.
With healthy exercise the heart muscle is able to work more efficiently in delivering nutrients and oxygen to your body. Walking regularly can reduce the risk of a heart attack, raise good cholesterol while decreasing bad cholesterol, manage your weight and lower blood pressure.
While you’re in Scotland enjoying the huge range of walks you will want to look fantastic in Hartwell Contemporary Countrywear, so get shopping.
Let’s head to the Highlands.
Great Scottish Walks
Scotland may be a small country but there’s a lot to choose from, so we’ve listed some of the best hikes and walks in Scotland, from the Rob Roy way to The Cobbler and the magnificent Scottish National Trail.
The beauty of walking in Scotland is that by law everyone is allowed to hike, bike, and even canoe, anywhere they please.
Stac Pollaidh Walk
A nice easy walk to start with but the Stac Pollaidh Walk that has some of the most memorable views in Scotland with lovely views over Assynt to the north and the Summer Isles and Achiltibuie to the south and west.
Stac Pollaidh is not a big mountain, in fact it’s actually one of the smallest in Scotland at only 613m high. Even at that height though the air can be chilly so pack one of Hartwell’s stunning knitwear tops like the Amanda Pheasants round neck top, with the perfect Pheasant design for the Scottish Highlands and made with 50% wool.
A well maintained path makes the going good underfoot and the hike is around 3 hours long and it’s a fairly steep, winding trail. At the peak of the ridges, you will experience panoramic views that are rivalled by no other view in Scotland.
Take a small picnic and spend some time at the peak to soak up the view, including the view of Mt. Suilven and Cul Mor. Reaching the true summit of Stac Pollaidh does involve a slight scramble.
Loch Eilein Walk
If you have a family that is into hiking, the beautiful Loch Eilein walk of approximately 4.2 miles is a perfect destination that is located in the heart of Rothiemurchus forest. Surrounded by Caledonian pine the trail delivers a lovely view of the island castle, which was built back in the 13th century.
The magnificent pines of Rothiemurchus Forest are reflected in the water, and the ruined island castle is the final touch to help make this one of the most popular short walks in Scotland. The forest is teeming with wildlife including Scottish crossbills, and red squirrels.
Enjoy the wild flowers and wonderful stillness that only a great pine forest can deliver. In 2010 Loch Eilein won the prize for the best picnic spot and the low-level trail around the lake is perfect for families.
With plenty of nearby pubs, cafes and restaurants, you can pack one of your beautiful Hartwell dresses which will give you that chic, contemporary country look for a superb long lunch or dinner featuring local produce.
The National Trail
Fancy hiking an 864 kilometre long-distance walking route that runs the length of Scotland?
The Scottish National Trail is for serious hikers with a bit of time on their hands and can spend a few days in Scotland enjoying many of the country’s beauty spots.
The Trail runs from Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders to Cape Wrath in the far northeast, and mostly follows long-established footpaths, including parts of St. Cuthbert’s Way, the Southern Upland Way, the River Tweed, the Union, Forth and Clyde Canals, the West Highland Way, the Rob Roy Way, the Great Glen Way, and the Cape Wrath Trail.
It’s a kind of ‘Best Of Scotland’ hiking trail.
Pack light but with plenty of options as it is likely that there will be twists and turns in your plans.
Leggings or stretch jeans are ideal with your hiking books, but dresses and a beautiful Hartwell shirt over some comfortable shorts will work. Add in some of our Spring/Summer 2023 collection like the very versatile Tara Linen Shirt Dresses.
Rob Roy Way
For History and nature Lovers, following the long distance path that was once taken by infamous Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland’s most notorious outlaw, makes for a fantastic walking break.
Starting in the village of Drymen the trail is approximately 79 miles long and takes you through the southern Highlands, across the Trossachs, through Perthshire and finishes at the lovely Highland town of Pitlochry.
The trail has been fairly recently waymarked and is now easier to follow through ancient forests, past lochs, across open moorlands, and over rolling hills.
Be at one with nature as you stroll through towering forests, past shimmering lochs, across open moorlands and rolling hills, some with stunning waterfalls. It passes through the lands once home to Highland clans, including its famous namesake Rob Roy MacGregor.
With long hikes you are always likely to encounter changing weather in Scotland and Hartwell’s lovely range of countryside themed tops are perfect for hiking. The Suzy Navy Pheasants cotton sweatshirt, with its vibrant Pheasant print on a rich navy 95% cotton fabric, is the country casual look redefined!
Born in 1671 in Glengyle, close to Loch Katrine, Rob Roy was a cattle drover, an outlaw and a Jacobite supporter. He protected local farmers from cattle thieves, albeit using some rather drastic measures. His romantic life has been immortalised by the novels of Sir Walter Scott, and later on, in a rather colourful portrayal by Liam Neeson in the 1990s film.
The Cobbler
A quick mention for The Cobbler or Ben Arthur as one of the Hartwell team member’s favourite hikes and one of the most popular climbs in the highlands.
At 2,900 ft it is not the highest of the Arrochar Alps but is considered the most spectacular. It gets its name from the distinctive, large rocky summit which looks like a cobbler bending over his last.
Each walk up into the Arrochar Alps starts the same way, with a zig zagging path that takes you up through the woods and lovely views back to Loch Long and out across to Ben Lomond.
At the top of the zig zags you pop out on a hillside strewn with the huge boulders and then follow the path alongside the Allt a’ Bhalachain stream right to the base of The Cobbler.
Cooling your feet in the steam is almost a right of passage for walkers, and a pair of rolled up Hartwell Jeans make it easy to maintain your modesty while stretched out with your legs in the water.
Walking to our Scottish stockists
When you’re out and about across Scotland a final must do is to call into one of our lovely and very welcoming Hartwell Stockists in Scotland. Great for topping up the wardrobe or to quickly shop for that sudden impromptu dinner or opportunist meeting.
All About Countrywear Farmfit
31 High Street    Kellywood Road
North Berwick    Dumfries
EH39 4HH Â Â Â DG1 4HF
www.allaboutcountrywear.co.uk    www.farmfituk.com/
The Last Notes
Planning a walking holiday in Scotland can be a challenge as the country features so many attractive hiking destinations. In addition to this, it has a rich history and culture.
We hope you have enjoyed this introduction to walking in the mythical landscape of Scotland. Now get planning and start shopping for some of the stunning Hartwell Clothing items you will need for the trip to make you feel truly special whatever the setting you find yourself in.
Live well, Dress well, Hartwell.
