SCOTLAND has dominated a list of the best winter walking routes to traverse in 2025.
All but one of the spots ranked were in Scotland with Grasmere in the Lake District making the cut.
The list, which was compiled by the award-winning Crerar Hotels Group, aims to highlight walks that will best help hikers rest and recuperate.
Scotland dominates list of the best winter walking routes to try this year
These are the Scottish spots named among the best winter walks in the UK by the Crerar Hotels Group.
Inveraray
Inveraray Castle (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) According to the hotel group, the "picturesque" Argyll town of Inveraray is not only home to the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, but also plenty of "lush" forest trails and "scenic" lochside walks.
The relatively easy Dùn na Cuaiche woodland walk begins at the base of Inverary Castle and leads up to the Dùn na Cuaiche watchtower, boasting an "impressive" view over Loch Fyne.
The Inveraray Forest Circuit walking route also allows visitors to experience the entire town of Inveraray.
Nairn
East Beach in Nairn (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The beaches in Inverness are said to be some of the best in Scotland with the town of Nairn being near two well-known beaches – Nairn Beach and Nairn’s East Beach.
Both of these stretch for miles with "glorious views" across the Moray Firth. Here, visitors can also enjoy beautiful sunsets and see the Northern Lights on occasion.
Those looking for a more secluded and romantic stroll may be able to find the secret beach, known as Whiteness Sands.
Brora Beach is said to be one of the region's more rugged beaches and is rich in wildlife, including seals and dolphins.
Ballater
Old bridge over the river Dee at Invercauld (Image: George Robertson) The "beautiful" Victorian village is home to Balmoral Castle which boasts miles of stunning grounds ready to be explored.
Visitors should make sure they pack their walking boots and prepare for an uphill journey when coming here.
They can also reward themselves with a "wee tipple" at Balmoral Arms, a traditional Scottish inn with "luxurious" interiors.
Glencoe
Mountain landscape at Glen Coe (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Glencoe is said to have a range of walks which allow hikers the opportunity to discover some of the "most stunning" scenes around.
The challenging Coire Gabhail walk takes hikers through the rocky hanging valley between the first two sisters of the Three Sisters mountains.
The Devil’s Staircase, one of the highlights of the long-distance footpath on the West Highland Way, is also challenging and extremely popular.
Pitlochry
River Braan (Image: Getty Images) Pitlochry, in the heart of Perthshire, was dubbed a "walker's paradise". The town is surrounded by "dramatic" scenery and hosts a number of well-marked routes.
The short walk at Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder provides access to the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre, an "excellent" attraction for kids, while the Falls of Bruar walk is often described as "Perthshire's Greatest Walk".
The "more challenging" Ben Vrackie route offers "spectacular" views over Pitlochry and is suitable for those looking for a reasonable climb in Scotland.
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Dunkeld
The "historic" town of Dunkeld is apparently a "gateway" to the Highlands.
The Atholl Woods circuit on the north side of Dunkeld has a number of stunning places along the way including, Cally Loch, Polney Loch and Mill Dam.
On the Hermitage and Braan Path, visitors can walk along the sheltered woods on the River Braan to Ossian's Hall in The Hermitage, where they can admire the impressive Black Linn Falls.
For a more strenuous route, the Birnam Hill Path is ideal. After exploring the route, head to Dunkeld House Hotel to continue to relax.