The best walks and hikes around Culloden
4.4
(1127)
8,644
hikers
11
hikes
Hikes around Culloden navigate a landscape shaped by history and nature. The area is characterized by the open, windswept Culloden Moor and the adjacent, sheltered Culloden Wood. Trails consist of a mix of wide gravel paths and uneven earth surfaces, with some routes including gentle hills and moderate slopes.
Best hiking trails around Culloden
- The most popular hiking route is the Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield — Inverness, a 7.7 mile (12.3 km) trail that takes around 3 hours…
Last updated: October 25, 2026
4.5
(48)
155
hikers
12.3km
03:19
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(4)
54
hikers
4.80km
01:22
110m
110m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.6
(10)
25
hikers
15.5km
04:10
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.5
(22)
117
hikers
9.60km
02:35
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
25
hikers
3.40km
00:58
80m
80m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
Among the most important Jacobite clans at Culloden were the Cameron, Fraser, MacDonald, Murray, Drummond, MacLean, and Stewart of Appin. On the government side, the Argyll Militia – largely composed of men of the Clan Campbell – formed the most significant Scottish clan contingent. Many clans fielded fighters for both sides, and some were internally divided. Culloden was not simply a confrontation between Highland and Lowland, but a civil war within Scotland that ran across clans, families, and communities.
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0
Amazing to see these Cairns still intact after all these centuries!
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A part of Scotland's history. Worth a visit.
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History you can touch that gives you goosebumps.
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1
A reconstruction of an old cottage, used probably as a hospital for the battlefield
2
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Battlefield Restaurant and Bar close by at the corner, parking and Wifi, affordable yummy sides (if you're on a budget; vegetarian options), very friendly staff (and if you're a woman traveling alone with a mid-sized backpack you'll find the ladies roomy enough for that). Was welcomed as a walk-in, but came at a slow time off season.
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An optional little loop taking you through some forest, maybe 5 to 10 minutes if you walk normally, but really pretty in good weather. Rather narrow, foot trail throughout. There's been some care put into it, to make it passable even on rainy days by laying out treading stones/woods in the worst patches, but I wouldn't recommend it. Was glad ground was still almost frozen when I went and still sagged down some millimeters on a few treading stones. Only go with proper footwear, or avoid (as the loop is only a nice extra). Road traffic audible throughout since close to the road (was lucky to have come at a not-busy time).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to park for hiking in Culloden?
The main car park is at the Culloden Battlefield visitor centre, which is the starting point for many walks across the moor. For woodland trails, the
Culloden Woods car park
is a highly-regarded option and provides direct access to the forest paths.Are the hiking trails around Culloden dog-friendly?
Yes, many trails in the area are suitable for walking with dogs. Culloden Wood is particularly popular with local dog walkers. However, when walking on Culloden Moor, especially near livestock like Highland cows, it's essential to keep your dog on a lead and under control.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the area?
Certainly. For a shorter, sheltered walk that's great for families, the Spike Memorial Tree Stump – Wooden Bridge in the Forest loop from Smithton is an excellent choice. It's a gentle 1.7-mile (2.7 km) trail through Culloden Wood with minimal elevation gain.
What are the trails in Culloden Wood like?
The trails in Culloden Wood offer a sheltered hiking experience through a mix of broadleaf and conifer trees. Paths are typically wide and consist of gravel or earth surfaces, which can be uneven and muddy after rain. Some routes, like the Wooden Bridge in the Forest – St Mary's Well (Clootie Well) loop from Culloden, include some moderate slopes and lead to interesting sites like the historic clootie well.
How can I hike between Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns?
There is a popular route that connects these two major historical sites. The Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield — Inverness trail is a moderate 7.7-mile (12.3 km) hike that takes you through the countryside between the Bronze Age burial cairns and the famous battlefield.
Can I see the Culloden Viaduct on a hike?
Yes, you can. The Culloden Viaduct – Culloden Battlefield Cottage loop from Smithton is a longer, moderate hike of 9.6 miles (15.4 km) that incorporates views of the impressive railway viaduct as well as a walk across the historic moor.
What are some key historical points of interest on the trails?
The entire area is steeped in history. Besides the battlefield itself, you can hike to the prehistoric
Clava Cairns
, a 4,000-year-old burial site. Within Culloden Wood, the Culloden Battlefield Cottage – St Mary's Well (Clootie Well) loop from Culloden takes you past the Prisoners' Stone and St Mary's Well, a traditional 'clootie well'.Are there any pubs or cafes near the hiking trails?
The most convenient option is the visitor centre at the
Culloden Battlefield
, which has a cafe and facilities. It serves as an excellent start or end point for a hike, allowing you to get refreshments right by the trails.What are the general trail conditions in Culloden?
Trails are a mix of wide gravel paths and uneven earth surfaces. While generally well-maintained, paths, particularly in Culloden Wood, can become muddy and slippery after rainfall. The moor is very exposed and can be windy, so appropriate clothing is recommended.
What do other hikers think of the routes around Culloden?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique combination of natural beauty and profound history, as well as the variety of walks available through both open moorland and sheltered woods.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from in Culloden?
There are over 10 designated hiking routes around Culloden on komoot. These range from short, easy walks suitable for all abilities to more moderate hikes that take several hours to complete, ensuring there's a trail for every type of explorer.
Are the trails well-marked?
The main paths, especially around the Culloden Battlefield and within Culloden Wood, are generally clear and easy to follow. For longer routes that combine multiple sites, using a GPS device or the komoot app for navigation is recommended to ensure you stay on track.
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