Family Friendly Highlands Routes To Explore This Easter

The Easter holidays are unusually late this year, and outdoor enthusiasts will no doubt be keen to take advantage of the longer daylight hours and hopefully the better weather! April can be a wonderful month in the Scottish Highlands, so if you are looking for a UK destination for a family holiday, then it’s a good time to visit. 

Here are some ideas for family-friendly days out in the mountains. 

Tips for choosing a family-friendly climb

While the Highlands have some of the most beautiful but formidable mountains in the UK, there are also many routes that are suitable for children, or for those who are new to hillwalking. 

Look in guidebooks or search online for walks that have well maintained paths with few very steep or rocky sections, and shorter distances that you are confident your children will manage. 

However, do not underestimate your kids, and encourage them to push themselves within reason so that they can be rewarded with breathtaking views from higher vantage points. This will also give them confidence in their own abilities. 

Look for other ways to help them engage with the landscape and wildlife, such as pointing out landmarks and native birds, trees, plants and animals. 

Steall Falls and the Nevis Gorge

This is a short Glencoe hiking route of just over two miles, and should take a family group about two to three hours to complete. The path is clear and well-marked, although there are steep and rough sections in places, so sturdy boots with grippy soles are essential. 

At the end of the trail is the dramatic Steall Falls, which is Scotland’s second highest waterfall and cascade from a hanging valley beneath the peak of An Gearnach.  

The walk passes through ancient woodland growing on the steep sides of the Gorge, while a river winds through the boulder-strewn glacial glen below. Older kids will love the challenge of crossing the wire bridge over the river at the end of the walk. 

However, this does require good balance, and is best attempted when the river is not raging at full volume. Most of the time, the water is calm and shallow, and you may even be able to wade across in quiet weather conditions. 

Cow Hill Circuit

The Cow Hill circuit is a very enjoyable walk through forestry and heathland, with plenty of viewpoints, picnic benches, and information boards along the way. The route is about five miles long, and will take a family between three to four hours. It’s considered a moderate route, and a good stepping stone between a lower level walk and a full mountain ascent. 

The Sugar Loaf Hill viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Ben Nevis range and Loch Linnhe, and is also a historical site where cannonballs were fired during the siege of Fort William during the Jacobite uprising. Be sure to pick a fine day so that you can enjoy the scenery at its best, and give your kids a real taste of the beauty of the Highlands.