11 hours ago
Scotland's best summer walks for spectacular sunrises and sunsets
Cairnpapple Hill, near Torphichen, West Lothian
Many of Scotland's fascinating Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, stone circles and cairns appear to have been built around the position of the sun at the summer and winter solstices.
Among those thought to have been used in this vein is Cairnpapple Hill. An important site for ceremonies and burials for at least 4,000 years – its Neolithic henge dates from about 3,800 BCE, later used for Bronze Age rituals.
Not only does it provide a powerful connection to the past, but it occupies a lofty perch proffering incredible views across Central Scotland to the Bass Rock and Berwick Law in the east and the distant mountains of Arran to the west.
Afterwards head to the Hideaway Cafe at Beecraigs Country Park where the menu includes soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, slushies, ice cream and homemade cakes.
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Montrose Basin, Angus
A while back I saw a breathtaking sunset picture that, at first glance, I mistook for an oil painting rather than a photograph. It showed Montrose Basin in late June and the vivid colours of the sky – every shade of pink, orange and red – reflecting off the water were spellbinding.
Here's hoping for more of the same in the days to come. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is hosting a guided summer solstice walk from 7pm-9pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with the chance to see brown hare and roe deer, as well as mute swans, skylarks, yellowhammers and shelducks.
There's a small coffee shop at the Montrose Basin Visitor Centre. This closes at 5pm, so, if you're heading along a bit later, aim to grab a bite to eat in nearby Montrose.
The Roo's Leap restaurant, despite the distinctly Aussie-sounding moniker, offers a globe-trotting odyssey of international cuisine, from quesadillas and katsu curry to bitterballen and Cajun king prawns.
Bird watching at Montrose Basin (Image: J Brogan)
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
With its wow-inducing, 360-degree panoramas across the Edinburgh skyline, Firth of Forth, Fife and the Lothians, Arthur's Seat is a magnificent vantage point – haar permitting – for a life-affirming daunder.
Seen from afar this extinct volcano in Holyrood Park – which rises to 823ft (251m) – variously resembles a recumbent lion, or the rounded backside of an elephant with its trunk stretching out in front, depending on your perspective.
The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston is a perfect post-walk pit stop, serving steaks, pasta, burgers and stone-baked pizzas. The shared plates are top-tier, with a selection that includes padron peppers, slow-cooked beef croquettes and halloumi fries.
Kinnoull Hill, Perthshire
With its bird's eye view of the winding, silvery waters of the River Tay and the photogenic folly of Kinnoull Tower, this is always a joyous spot for a sunrise hike.
In fact, Kinnoull Hill is gorgeous at any time of the day, home to mature woodland with beech and pine trees. Afterwards head to Perth's cafe quarter for a yummy brunch – or to grab coffee and a sweet treat.
The French brasserie Cafe Tabou is the place to go for delectable eggs (benedict, royale, scrambled, omelettes) and freshly baked pastries. Hinterland is another delightful option, with tasty bagels, topped toasts and filled rolls – the menu even has a 'cake for breakfast' section.
Ayrshire Coastal Path
If you're more of a sunset person, than an early bird who loves catching a sunrise, then you probably need a west-facing adventure, with the Ayrshire Coastal Path ideal in that respect.
Covering 106 miles (170km) from Glenapp Kirk to Skelmorlie, it boasts a long list of castles, beaches, harbours and picture-postcard landscapes.
For a sandy beach stroll with impressive vistas, take your pick from Ayr, Troon or lesser-known gems such as Maidens. The stretch around Lendalfoot is known for its unusual coastal geology, with the brilliantly named sea stacks 'Forest of Rocks' and the 'Old and Young Laird'.
Dunure is another scenic setting with its pretty harbour and crumbling castle ruins. The village has two excellent eateries, The Harbourside and The Anchorage.
Ayrshire Coastal Path (Image: unknown)
Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @
