Accessible Walks in Scotland
Being outdoors is a great way to keep healthy, get some exercise and improve our mental well-being and emotional health. Being surrounded by clean air, wildlife and the stunning natural beauty of the environment can be a great way to recharge your batteries! Whether that’s a get-together with family and friends or a quiet time to just enjoy the tranquility on your own.
There are many accessible walks and trails in Scotland.
Accessible guide to National Trust for Scotland properties (PDF)
Although many are historic buildings there are a lot of walks in countryside areas and also grounds of other properties. You can contact the National Trust for Scotland before setting out on a trail to make sure it’s suitable.
Schiehallion (one of Scotland’s most popular mountains) has been named as the first Munro that is considered wheelchair friendly. Schiehallion, which stands at 3,547 feet, was approved as being wheelchair accessible by the FieldFare Trust, who suggested that the path to the summit of East Schiehallion from the Braes of Foss car park would be suitable for those in wheelchairs for the first third of the journey, with the second two thirds of the journey being up to the individual to assess whether they can manage to make the ascent successfully.
Glenmore accessible walk – near Aviemore, Highland
Creag Meagaidh – All Abilities walk – Aberarder, Highland
Leitir Easaidh All-Abilities path, Little Assynt – Highland
Glenlivet Estate accessible trail – Highland
Pentland Hills accessible walk – Edinburgh
Fife accessible coastal paths – Fife
Accessible Attractions in the Scottish Borders – Scottish Borders
There are many more accessible walks featured on this fantastic blog!
National Parks
In Britain we have 15 National Parks and in Scotland we are really fortunate to have the impressive Cairngorms National Park which is the largest National Park in the UK, and the stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The National Parks website has a great page Access for All where you can find out more information on trails designed to accommodate all abilities, mobility vehicle hire, accessible toilets and parking for disabled people.
Cairngorms National Park
There are lots of places in the Park with easy access, and a small number of organisations which provide accessible outdoor activities and facilities such as Adventure Unlimited who specialise in activities for people with disabilities. There is also a dedicated webpage Cairngorms – Access for All which lists lots of useful information on accessible paths in the park, where to stay and community transport. We’ve listed some information on accessible walks below, but there are plenty more on their website to check out. Atholl Estate at Blair Atholl is home to the grand white-walled Blair Castle with plenty wheelchair friendly paths passing through the beautiful castle grounds. Craigellachie National Nature Reserve by Aviemore offers a wealth of wildlife watching opportunities from the easy access Lochan trail. Glenlivet Estate, Tomintoul provides some easy access trails and visitor centres to help you discover the rich history and landscape of this special place. Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve near Aboyne has lots to offer from visitor facilities to easy access trails through native woodlands, and a ranger service to support your visit. You might also find it useful to check out Euan’s Guide, a disabled access review website. There are some reviews of accessible adventures in the Cairngorms National Park.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
There are many paths in the National Park that provide particularly good opportunities for disabled people or those looking for easy gradients and smooth surfaces in a variety of scenic locations. Check out the All Abilities section of their website for more information. We’ve listed a few local places and things to do below. Aberfoyle – village is suited to visitors with limited mobility as the area is generally of a level nature. The village has cafes and restaurants with disabled facilities. Balloch Village (including Balloch Castle Country Park Scooter Routes). View the Balloch Castle Country Park scooter routes. Callander – town is suited to visitors with limited mobility and has many cafes/restaurants and hotels which have disabled facilities. Coulam wheelie boat can be accessed by pier/ramp. Wheelchair is lowered by hydraulic lift and equipped with an easy starting pull start engine. The Fisheries also has a landing craft type front loader and electric start engine. If you need any further information on accessibility of any of the national parks you can also get in touch with the National Parks at info@nationalparks.gov.uk.
Walking groups and support organisations
If you are unable to get to one of the national parks or just want to get out and about closer to home, there are some great local walks and activities in and around nearby cities and towns in the UK. We’ve listed some organisations that can provide information, advice or support.
Paths for All is a Scottish charity that champion everyday walking as the way to a happier, healthier Scotland. You can search their online directory for a walking group in your local area. Their Health Walks are short, safe, social, local, low level, with a trained leader to show you the way. You can also find out about wheelchair friendly walks and Dementia friendly walks which are available in some areas.
The Disabled Ramblers exists to help disabled people to get out into the countryside. They ramble in all weathers and over a variety of terrain. Rambles are graded according to difficulty. A few are suitable for shopping buggies and power chairs whilst most need large scooters capable of travelling over rough ground. Their website includes links to local disability rambler associations, and many local rambling groups have a number of scooters for use if you don’t have your own.
In Scotland there are 2 groups: Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers, and Highland Disabled Ramblers
The Ramblers also have a helpful guide for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
Information last updated on 1 February 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Access & Accessibility, Holidays & Leisure:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I search for accessible places to visit in Scotland?
Whether you are planning a meal out, a weekend trip or day out to one of Scotland’s parks, there are websites and ‘apps’ that you can use in your search for an accessible venue or activity.
Euan’s Guide is a disabled access review website and app that aims to ‘remove the fear of the unknown’ and inspire people to try new places.
OpenBritain is your website that provides information on accessible tourism in the UK and includes day trips and tourist attractions.
Disabled Go provide access information on venues across the UK and Ireland.
For more information on accessible places to visit in Scotland search our Scottish Disability Directory and select the ‘Holidays/Respite’ category.
How can I get a RADAR key?
The National Key Scheme (NKS), often referred to as RADAR keys, offer disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. You can buy from Disability Rights UK either over the phone or through their website.
You can also purchase RADAR keys through some chemists and online.
For further information see our Accessible Toilets information guide or the Disability Rights UK website.
Call the Disability Information Scotland helpline on: 0300 323 9961
I am going on holiday, how do I hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair?
Shopmobility have members throughout the UK who rent out wheelchairs and scooters to help people access shopping centres and leisure activities. You can find a list of their members here Find a ShopMobility Centre | ShopMobility UK
In Wales, Northern Ireland and England you may be able to rent a wheelchair from the Red Cross Rent or hire a wheelchair | British Red Cross
The website Mobility Equipment Hire Direct connects you to commercial suppliers in the UK and across the world.
You can search for local providers in Scotland using our Scottish Disability Directory or contact us and one of our information workers can help you search.
Helpline: 0300 323 9961
For further information on hiring equipment away from home check out our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
Access & Accessibility, Holidays & Leisure:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
Organisation | Description |
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Market House | Accessible venue hire in Shetland |
Match 4 Me | Dating service for people who have learning disabilities in Stirling |
MBM Healthcare | At MBM Healthcare, our aim is to be a trusted partner for healthcare facilities, and individuals, providing them with the highest quality medical equipment and services. We are committed to offering exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, an… |
Med-Ecosse Ltd | Description of service: Sell a wide range of disability aids and equipment to assist disabled and elderly people in daily living. Also service powered wheelchairs and scooters. Products sold include wheelchairs, scooters, riser / recliner chairs, walki… |
Mesogeios Holiday Dialysis Centre | Dialysis Centre in Heraklion, Crete |
Milan (Senior Welfare Organisation) Ltd | Aims: Provide services for people over 50 years of age from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Mauritian communities living in Edinburgh and the Lothians which meet their social, cultural, recreational, language and care needs. Services provided: Infor… |
Minority Ethnic Health Inclusion Services (MEHIS) NHS Lothian | MEHIS Aims to Improve the health and wellbeing of all minority ethnic communities, including refugees and asylum seekers across Lothian. Provide a multi-lingual Link-worker / Advocacy service. Address health inequalities. Encourage best practice and ra… |
Mobility & Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) | Advisor on disability issues in relation to transport policies in Scotland |
Mobility in Motion | We’re here for wherever you want to go, with a range of accessible car adaptations for disabled drivers and passengers that will give you the independence you desire and deserve. Loading and Stowage Make easy work of loading and unloading a whee… |
Mobility Matters Limited | A family run business, with over 20 years experience in the supply and repair of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, rise and recline chairs and beds, and daily living aids. With Stores across Ayrshire, and over 200 new and used Scooters and Wheelchairs in… |