There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you reach a Scottish summit.
The wind catches your breath, the heather-clad hills stretch out like a purple-hued ocean, and the silence is broken only by the distant call of a buzzard.
But let’s be honest: that moment is made infinitely better by the "pffft" of a cold can being cracked open.
When you’re hiking in the Highlands, weight and space are everything.
That’s why the can is the king of the trail - lightweight, easy to keep chilled and simple to crush and carry back out.
From low-level loch-side wanders to Munro bagging, here are our top Scottish trail picks and the Williams Bros. brews that deserve a spot in your rucksack.
The Social Climb: Conic Hill, Loch Lomond
The Trail: If you want "maximum view for minimum effort," Conic Hill is your go-to. It offers a spectacular vista over the "Line of Fault" islands that dot Loch Lomond. It’s a popular spot, meaning you’re rarely alone at the top.
The Can: Ceilidh Lager (4.7%) This is the perfect companion for Conic Hill. Named after the traditional Scottish gathering, Ceilidh is all about bringing people together.
It’s a crisp, refreshing Helles-style lager brewed with locally grown Scottish barley and a lightly citrusy twist from a sprinkling of Tango hops. It’s light enough for the descent but has a bready, satisfying finish that tastes like victory.
The Ancient Path: The West Highland Way (Glencoe Section)
The Trail: Walking through the "Great Glen" feels like stepping into a film set. The section through Glencoe, passing the majestic Buachaille Etive Mòr, is steeped in history and raw, rugged beauty.
The Can: Chillax IPA (4.3%) When you’re walking through a landscape that hasn’t changed in millennia, a relaxed landscape, you want a similar chilled out craft beer.
Chillax is a laid back, gluten free IPA including citrus and pine notes, the perfect reflection of the tree-lined landscape.
The Urban Peak: Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
The Trail: You don't always have to leave the city to find a summit. Arthur’s Seat provides a panoramic look at the capital’s skyline and the Firth of Forth beyond. It’s a short, sharp burst of cardio that earns you a treat.
The Can: Joker IPA (5.0%) Our "agent of chaos" is the ideal reward for an urban hike.
Joker is a complex layer of malts and blended hops that delivers a bittersweet, citrusy punch.
It’s bold, bright, and puts a smile on your face - ideal for when you’re looking down over the Royal Mile.
The Summer Stroll: The Fife Coastal Path
The Trail: Not every hike needs to be a vertical climb. The coastal path offers golden beaches, hidden caves, and picturesque fishing villages.
The Can: Birds & Bees (4.3%) This bright, golden ale was practically designed for sunshine. Infused with elderflower and lemon zest, Birds & Bees is incredibly aromatic and refreshing.
It’s the ultimate "cool-down" beer for those long, light Scottish summer evenings.
A Final Note for the Hill
Scotland’s wilderness is beautiful because it’s pristine.
Please remember the hiker’s golden rule: Leave No Trace.
Cans are easy to pack, and even easier to take back down the trail. Keep our hills beautiful so the next hiker can enjoy their summit moment just as much as you did.