The Highlands have a reputation for serious mountains — Munros, scrambles, midge clouds. They also have the most genuinely family-friendly walking in the UK if you know where to look. Forest tracks, lochside paths, and old drovers’ roads cross terrain that feels properly wild but rarely climbs more than a few hundred meters. Plus: castles.

When to go

Late April through June, then September. July and August bring the midges — tiny biting flies that can turn an evening campfire into a hostage situation. May and early June give you long daylight, wildflowers, and far fewer bugs. September is dry, golden, and the deer are roaring (rutting season — thrilling for kids to hear from a distance).

Where to start

Loch Lomond — Conic Hill

The accessible Highland intro. From Balmaha village, a 90-minute climb to a 361m summit with a 360-degree view across Loch Lomond’s island chain. Steep in places but well-stepped, and younger kids can stop at the first viewpoint. Pub at the bottom serves real food. Ages 6+.

Cairngorms National Park — Loch an Eilein

A 5km flat loop around a perfect loch with a ruined castle on a small island. Old Caledonian pine forest, red squirrels (kids love spotting them), and an osprey hide in summer. Stroller- and toddler-friendly. The Boat of Garten or Aviemore make great bases.

Glencoe — Lost Valley (older kids)

A 4km out-and-back into a dramatic hidden valley used by the MacDonald clan to hide cattle. Some boulder-hopping near the entrance — best for ages 9+. The drama (cliffs, the river, the history of the 1692 massacre) makes it a memorable family hike.

Family-friendly tips

• Buy or download the OS Maps app — Scottish weather changes fast and trail signage is sparser than the Alps.
• Smidge is the local midge repellent that actually works. Avon Skin So Soft is the bizarre-but-effective backup.
• Wild camping is legal in Scotland (Land Reform Act) — but stick to formal sites with kids until you know the etiquette.
• Castles count as hikes when motivation flags — Eilean Donan, Urquhart on Loch Ness, and Stalker are all kid-rewards.
• Pack a thermos. “Sunny morning, four-season afternoon” is normal. A hot drink saves bad moods.

Practical info

Getting there: Fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow, rent a car. The west coast (Glencoe, Loch Lomond) is ~2hr from Glasgow; the Cairngorms ~2.5hr from Edinburgh. Cost: a campground pitch is £25-40/night; B&Bs £80-130. Trains help: the Caledonian Sleeper from London runs to Aviemore and Fort William — kids find it magic, you skip a day’s drive. Wildlife: red deer, golden eagles, otters if you’re patient near rivers.