Five best Scottish walks with spectacular views and seafood shacks

The Herald Scotland

04-05-2025

Oban, Argyll
Beinn Lora is a brilliant spot for a mini adventure. There are a choice of trails: the Coastal Climb ascending the steep, craggy hillside above Benderloch proffers views across Tralee Bay and the Lynn of Lorn, while the Eagle's Eyrie yields incredible vistas over Ardmucknish Bay.
Perhaps, though, you are in the mood for some island-hopping? Work up an appetite by jumping on a ferry from Oban for the short jaunt to Kerrera. There is a picturesque circuit around the southern part of the island that takes in the crumbling ruins of Gylen Castle.
Afterwards head to Oban Seafood Hut, aka the Green Shack, where a tall blackboard, updated daily, lists staples and seasonal specials: hot smoked salmon sandwiches, langoustines and king scallops with garlic butter, squid in sweet chilli and glorious sharing platters.
North Berwick, East Lothian
If you fancy getting some elevation into the legs, the conical-shaped hill of North Berwick Law – a 'crag-and-tail' glacial landform sculpted during the last ice age – sits at 613ft (187m).
From the top, on a clear day, you will be rewarded with panoramas of the Firth of Forth and the bird haven of the Bass Rock, as well as the Edinburgh skyline and Arthur's Seat, the Pentlands, Fife and the Lammermuir Hills.
The summit bears the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, alongside erstwhile military observation posts with links to both the Napoleonic Wars and Second World War. There are lovely walks too around North Berwick's beaches and harbour.
The latter is home to the Lobster Shack where the mouth-watering menu features the likes of seafood chowder, Cajun prawn flatbread and haddock tacos, with signature dishes including grilled North Berwick lobster and Douglas Flannigan's dressed crab.
Carbost, Skye
The Cuillin mountain range with croft farm, sheep and Loch Harport (Image: Getty Images)
Tuck into freshly shucked oysters with views over Loch Harport and the unmistakable, rugged terrain of the Cuillins.
The Oyster Shed, just up the hill from the village of Carbost, is a farm shop/kitchen selling a delectable cornucopia of seafood, from smoked salmon, mussels, crab and scallops to the yummy delights of a half lobster with chips.
Which brings us to our next order of business: your pre-or-post feast daunder. The area around the Carbost Waterfront is ideal for a gentle meander, watching the comings and goings at the pier and pontoons.
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Housed in a converted horsebox, the Seafood Bothy in Stonehaven always seems to come up with some of the most imaginative specials: lobster quiche, mussels in a katsu curry sauce and a warm crumpet with crab. The mackerel pate with crackers is the best £5 you'll spend all year.
There are some superb coastal walking routes in and around Stonehaven, but it is well-worth spreading your wings slightly further to explore Dunnottar Woods on the south side of the town.
The red waymarked trail, which covers roughly 2 miles (3.4 km) through deciduous woodland, is an excellent way to learn more about the fascinating history behind an intriguingly named bunch of local landmarks, including Shell House, Lady Kennedy's Bath and Gallow's Hill.
Applecross, Wester Ross
Applecross (Image: unknown)
It is always worth stating that Applecross is not a single village, but rather a sizeable peninsula comprising more than 20 crofting townships.
In this instance, I'm referring to the stretch around Applecross Bay, a horseshoe-shaped sandy inlet, with a cluster of fantastic places to eat, sleep and shop nearby.
There are plenty of gorgeous paths to check out in the vicinity too, such as the Smiddy Walk, Carnach Woodland Trail and Keppoch Track, each throwing up a clutch of charming surprises.
The Applecross Inn-Side Out is a retro-style takeaway food truck rustling up fish and chips, prawn and crab salads, as well as must-try locally made sausage rolls. Dine al fresco with magnificent views across the Inner Sound towards Raasay and Skye.
Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @susanswarbrick.bsky.social