Short Distance Walking Trails in Argyll & the Isles

Scotland's Walking Coast

Argyll & the Isles is the perfect place for an endless choice of short walks. Discover all of our Outdoor Active routes below, or discover various walks across Argyll & the Isles by jumping to your preferred location. Why not invite family and friends to join you?

If you want to stretch your legs and enjoy nature alongside stunning views, you can select a short walk based on duration or place. With easy-to-follow trails and signposted routes, you can enjoy a day's excursion or link a few as part of a mini-break adventure.

All Short Walking Trails

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Places of Choice for Short Walks

Short Walks on Bute
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Loch Na Leighe David Albon
Short Walks in Dunoon & Cowal
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Pucks Glen Credit Forestry And Land Scotland
Short Walks in Kintyre & Gigha
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Bodach And Cailleach Gigha
Short Walks in Kilmartin Glen & Inveraray
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Salmon Leaps On The River Aray, Heathery Heights
Short Walks on Mull & Iona
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Calgary Beach Isle Of Mull
Short Walks in Oban & Lorn
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Robin Mckelvie Oban Oban 2
Short Walks in Arrochar & Tarbet
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Cowal Fest Arrochar
Short Walks in Tarbert & Loch Fyne
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Dun Na Cuaiche And Inveraray From Dun Corr Bhile, Heathery Heights

Short Walks on Bute

Ancient Ruins, Woodland Trails & Sandy Beaches
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St Blane's Church

Explore the ancient ruins of St Blane’s Church on the Isle of Bute, Argyll. This easy 1.5-mile walk from the nearby car park takes you through peaceful countryside to one of Scotland’s most atmospheric early Christian sites. Discover 12th-century church remains, monastic ruins, and stunning coastal views. Perfect for a short, scenic heritage walk. 

Visit our Outdoor Active profile linked below for more route information.

Kilchattan Bay to Rubh' an Eun Lighthouse

Discover the stunning coastal walk from Kilchattan Bay to Rubh’ an Eun Lighthouse, featuring rugged shorelines and stunning views of Glencallum Bay. This moderate route is perfect for nature lovers seeking scenic beauty and historic charm on the Isle of Bute.

Visit our Outdoor Active profile linked below for more route information.

Kilchattan Bay Circular (West Island Way)

A scenic 5-mile circular walk from Kilchattan Bay, this route explores the southern end of the Isle of Bute with spectacular views to Great and Little Cumbrae and across to Arran. Rugged in places, particularly along the east coast, it meanders inland past Loch na Leighe and the historic ruins of St Blane’s Church before returning to Kilchattan, following waymarked paths throughout.

Visit our Outdoor Active profile linked below for more route information.

Short Walks in Dunoon & Cowal

Scenic Hills, Woodland Trails & Lush Glens
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Black Gates & Puck's Glen

Enjoy a forest hike through Puck’s Glen to the Black Gates, set amidst the natural beauty of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. This moderate walk winds through the magical, moss-covered gorge of Puck’s Glen, with cascading waterfalls, wooden bridges, and towering conifers that create a fairytale feel.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Kilbride Hill Trail

This moderate hillside walk takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and rewards you with wide-reaching views over Dunoon, the Firth of Clyde, and the surrounding woodland. It’s an ideal route for walkers and trail runners who enjoy a mix of peaceful forest paths and open hilltop scenery.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Berry Burn Trail

The Berry Burn Trail is a 4.3 km easy woodland loop near Dunoon, ideal for a peaceful walk through forest paths alongside the Berry Burn. Ideal for families and nature lovers seeking gentle terrain and seasonal beauty.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Bishop’s Glen & Reservoir Walk

The Bishop’s Glen Reservoir Walk is a gentle 2.6 km circular route just above Dunoon, ideal for a short escape into nature. This easy woodland trail follows forest paths and gravel tracks around a peaceful reservoir, with views of the dam, burn, and surrounding hills. Perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a quiet, scenic walk close to town.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Short Walks in Kintyre & Gigha

Wild Coastlines, Ancient Abbeys & Standing Stones
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Dunaverty and Keil

The Dunaverty and Keil Trail is a moderate 3.7 mile coastal loop in Argyll, offering spectacular views of Kilbrannan Sound and the Isle of Arran. Walkers can explore rugged cliffs, historic Keil Caves, and peaceful woodland, making it a perfect half-day hike for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Gigha: Achamore Gardens, Kilchattan Chapel & the Ogham Stone

This gentle 5.2 km circular walk on the Isle of Gigha offers a perfect mix of garden beauty, historic sites, and coastal charm. Starting from Ardminish, the trail explores the lush Achamore Gardens, visits the ruins of Kilchattan Chapel, and climbs to the ancient Ogham Stone for stunning views. Ideal for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful walk with island scenery.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Short Walks in Kilmartin Glen & Inveraray

Standing Stones, Ancient Kings & Coastal Trails
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Kilmartin: Lady's Seat and Glebe Cairn

The Kilmartin: Lady’s Seat & Glebe Cairn trail is a 5.2 km circular walk through the heart of Kilmartin Glen’s prehistoric landscape. This scenic route takes in ancient burial cairns, woodland tracks, and panoramic views from Lady’s Seat—perfect for both history lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Kilmartin: Linear Cemetry and Standing Stones

Explore the rich history of Kilmartin Glen on this leisurely 5–6 km circular walk, which features ancient Bronze Age cairns, mysterious standing stones, and the renowned Temple Wood stone circles. Perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Inveraray: River Aray and Carloonan Bridge

This easy, circular walk from Inveraray Castle explores the scenic banks of the River Aray, passing historic stone bridges and peaceful woodland. Ideal for families and casual walkers, the 4.3 km trail offers beautiful views of Loch Fyne, glimpses of local wildlife, and a relaxing way to experience the heritage of Argyll.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Inveraray: Dun na Cuaiche and the Watchtower

This moderate to steep woodland walk spans approximately 4.7 km (3 miles) with 236 m of ascent. Starting at the Inveraray Castle car park, the route is waymarked along estate drives, woodland tracks, and a hillside path, offering walkers breathtaking views from the historic watchtower—a perfect blend of natural beauty, heritage, and panoramic scenery within a short hike.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Short Walks on Mull & Iona

Ancient Abbeys, Wildlife Trails & Stunning Coastlines
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Fionnphort to the Lazy Cow Cafe via Loch Pottie

An easy and accessible circular walk from Fionnphort, this scenic 4.7 km trail loops around Loch Pottie and ends with a relaxing stop at the popular Lazy Cow Café—ideal for families, dogs, and all abilities.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Fionnphort to Fidden Beaches

This short, scenic walk is ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful coastal experience. The beaches are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, featuring seals and a diverse array of bird species. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs on the road and tracks, though the uneven ground near the shore may pose challenges.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Loch Pottie Circular

The Loch Pottie Circular is a delightful 9 km loop on the Isle of Mull, ideal for those seeking a moderate hike with diverse landscapes. Starting and ending in Fionnphort, the trail offers a blend of forested paths, farm tracks, and coastal views, making it a perfect choice for a half-day adventure.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Short Walks in Oban & Lorn

Coastal Castles, Island Loops & Sandy Beaches
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Oban: Dunstaffnage Castle Circular

A short, easy walk exploring Dunstaffnage Castle, the remains of the 13th Century Chapel built by the MacDougalls before heading round the headland (you can also explore several paths down to the small coves on the headland) and through the woods to reach Camas Rubha na Liathaig from which it is an easy walk to the Ocean Explorer Centre and refreshments at the Beach Café. 

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Barcaline: Sutherland's Grove and Gleann Dubh Reservoir

A lovely woodland walk taking in the towering Douglas Fir trees planted in Sutherland's Grove, some of which were planted in memory of Lord Sutherland, who helped set up the Forestry Commission in 1919 and held the position of Assistant Commissioner (for Scotland), then Chief Commissioner until 1942.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Barcaline: Sutherland's Grove 'River Walk'

The Sutherland’s Grove River Walk is a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) circular trail that takes around 1–1.5 hours. It offers a mix of gentle forest trails and riverbank paths, showcasing towering conifers, moss-covered boulders, and the serene beauty of the River Laroch. Ideal for walkers seeking a peaceful woodland escape close to Oban.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Short Walks in Arrochar & Tarbet

Woodland Trails, Ancient Legends & Hill Views
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Arrochar Walk to Robert's Bridge

A pleasant walk up to Robert's Bridge and the superb viewpoint over Loch Long and across to The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) and Arrochar Alps.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Mini Circular from Arrochar

The Mini Circular from Arrochar is a scenic 4.8 km walking trail in the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, perfect for a short escape into the Highlands.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Tarbet to Loch Long Viewpoint

An out and back route for those who may not wish to have to ascend or descend steeper or uneven paths on the slightly longer Hidden Heritage Trail, but which still gives excellent views over to Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond, Loch Long and the Arrochar Alps. 

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Cruach Tairbeirt (Hill Walk)

This is a superb wee hill for its views. A Marilyn at 415m, it stands proud with Loch Lomond to its east and Glen Loin to its west. Its position offers exceptional views both up and down Loch Lomond, as well as over to the Arrochar Alps.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Short Walks in Tarbert & Loch Fyne

Castle Views, Coastal Hill Walks & Sandy Shores
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Tarbert Castle and Viewpoint

The route begins at the car park located opposite Tarbert Parish Church. Strolling along the seafront, you can enjoy the bustle of Tarbert Harbour before ascending the steps and path opposite the pier to Tarbert Castle for some lovely views over the village and up Loch Fyne. You have now also joined the Kintyre Way, which you will initially follow and return on.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Mealdarroch Circular: Hill and Coastal Walk

The scenic Hill and Coastal Walk (Mealdarroch Circular) near Tarbert in Argyll offers an invigorating 8.2 km moderate hiking trail featuring a stunning mix of woodland paths, coastal scenery, and historic shell beaches.

Visit our Outdoor Active for a shorter alternative. 

Cnoc Mor and White Shore

The 7km Cnoc Mor and White Shore Trail is a moderate circular hike covering diverse terrain, including grassy hills, rugged coastline, and woodland paths.

Visit our Outdoor Active collection for more route details & inspiration.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

In Scotland, you can walk on most land to enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly. This is known as Scottish access rights and differs from the position in England and Wales. When enjoying the outdoors, it is essential to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

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