👉 Dare to lift the kilt and uncover what really lies beyond the mist. Have you been to the Highlands—or is it still on your list?
Ancient funeral paths that are now some of Scotland’s most atmospheric hiking and cycling trails
Scotland’s coffin roads are among the country’s most haunting and meaningful historical routes. These ancient footpaths once served a vital purpose: carrying coffins from remote communities to distant burial grounds, often across wild Highland landscapes. Today, many of these routes survive as scenic walking trails that connect the past with the present.
Before modern roads and hearses, villagers in the Highlands and islands had to carry their dead on foot—sometimes for miles—to consecrated ground. The coffins were often basic wooden structures, and those who bore them would rest at coffin stones along the way. These coffin roads (sometimes called coffin routes) became fixed paths etched into the land—and into local memory.
One of the most famous is the Coffin Road on the Isle of Harris, which crosses the island from Rhenigidale to Luskentyre. This three-mile route is still walkable today and offers panoramic views of mountains, moorland, and sea. Flat stones along the path mark traditional resting places.
👉 Walk the Isle of Harris Coffin Road
You’ll find coffin roads throughout the Highlands, particularly in remote and rugged regions where travel was once difficult. Some of the most notable areas include:
Highland Regions with Historic Coffin Roads:
- Isle of Harris – Outer Hebrides’ most famous coffin trail
- Lochaber – routes through glens to churchyards
- Assynt – ancient footpaths linking scattered crofting communities
- Cairngorms – mountain routes still used by walkers
- Wester Ross – trails through Torridon and beyond
Though rooted in grief, Scotland’s coffin roads have taken on new life. Many have become hiking and cycling trails, offering peaceful, poignant journeys through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. These paths honour the resilience of past generations—and provide modern travellers with a quiet connection to Scotland’s deep cultural heritage. 👉 See more places of interest in the Highlands
Would you walk one of Scotland’s coffin roads—or have you already? 👉 Share your story or tag a fellow traveller who loves Scottish history!
👉 Dare to lift the kilt and uncover what really lies beyond the mist. Have you been to the Highlands—or is it still on your list?
Secure Your Dream Scottish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Scotland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions dampen your adventure. Iconic experiences like exploring Edinburgh Castle, cruising along Loch Ness, or wandering through the mystical Isle of Skye often fill up fast—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Scotland's hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
***************************************************
DISCLAIMER Last updated May 29, 2023
WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
The information provided by Love to Visit LLC ('we', 'us', or 'our') on https:/loveotvisitscotland.com (the 'Site') is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
EXTERNAL LINKS DISCLAIMER
The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site) links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us.
WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. WE WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following:
- Viator
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.
