5 Must-Do Classic Ridge Walks in Scotland This Summer

Ridge walks have a unique allure for many: the thrill of the physical challenge, the sweeping panoramic views and the buzz of feeling truly on top of the world. Scotland is blessed with some of the most iconic ridge routes in the UK, and summer is the ideal time to tackle them.

Here are five classic Scottish ridge walks to put on your bucket list this season – whether you’re a seasoned scrambler or looking to hire a guide for your first big ridge day.

The Aonach Eagach, Glencoe

This is arguably Scotland’s most famous ridge walk – and with good reason. The Aonach Eagach ridge stretches along the north side of Glencoe and is known for its knife-edge pinnacles, hardcore scrambling routes, and incredible views down the glen.

It’s a Grade 2 scramble, so it’s not for the faint-hearted – but with an experienced guide, it’s a thrilling and safe way to experience the Scottish mountains at their most challenging and majestic. Expect exposed sections, hands-on scrambling, and a huge sense of achievement.

The Cuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye

This is the most technical ridge in the UK and is very close to a European alpine experience. The Cuillin Ridge is a complex line of jagged peaks stretching for over 12km, with multiple Munros and serious scrambling or climbing along the way.

There are options to tackle individual sections like the Inaccessible Pinnacle or Sgùrr nan Gillean, or go all in with a guided full traverse and a night of bivving under the stars. Summer offers longer days and better weather windows, which are essential for a route of this scale.

Liathach, Torridon

A giant of the Northwest Highlands, Liathach dominates the Torridon skyline. The ridge is steep, rocky, and imposing, but offers some of the best mountain walking in the country.

The Am Fasarinen pinnacles provide an exciting scramble with a real sense of exposure. If you’re not keen on the full scramble, there's a bypass path – but for those up to the challenge, the true ridge route is unforgettable.

An Teallach, Dundonnell

Another classic ridge in the northwest, An Teallach is dramatic, remote, and beautiful. Its sandstone spires and buttresses make it one of Scotland’s most photogenic mountains.

The Corrag Bhuidhe pinnacles section involves Grade-3 scrambling with significant exposure, and best tackled with a guide unless you’re confident in route finding. It’s an adventurous day out in a wild and less-travelled part of the Highlands.

The Ring of Steall, Mamores

This is one of the best high-level walking circuits in the country, featuring four Munros and a classic horseshoe ridge above Glen Nevis. Depending on which route you take, it doesn’t involve technical scrambling like the others on this list, it offers superb ridge walking, stunning views, and a real physical challenge.

It’s ideal for those with a good level of fitness wanting a full day out in big mountain terrain without the hands-on exposure.