Country: Scotland

'Scotland's National Forest Estate covers nearly 9% of Scotland and comprises forests, woodland and open ground. It's a national treasure and it's our privilege to be looking after it.'

'Heritage Paths are old routes that have been used for a specific purpose, examples include: Roman roads | Drove roads | Pilgrimage routes | Miners’ paths | Trading paths | Military roads | Turnpike roads | Shieling paths. There are many more types of path out there - a heritage path that you know of could have an entirely unique history and could be in a group of its own ...'

'From Unst to St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve and from the islands of St Kilda and Iona to the mountains of Glencoe and Mar Lodge Estate, we look after some of Scotland's finest landscapes and wildlife ...'

'Formerly known as Long Distance Routes, Scotland's Great Trails are nationally promoted trails for people-powered journeys. Each is distinctively waymarked, largely off-road and has a range of visitor services. With each trail being at least 25 miles in length, all are suitable for multi-day journeys as well as day trips.'

'Refresh and enliven your senses in Scotland, a country perfect for walking. Whether you want a gentle stroll in the countryside among the trees and rivers, a breezy coastal stroll along sandy beaches or a walk through the wild mountain and loch scenery, Scotland has all of this in abundance.'

'Walkhighlands' misson is to encourage the enjoyment of walking through being the best information source and social network for walkers in Scotland. In doing so we also aim to help the small, local tourism businesses so vital to Scotland's rural economy through providing low-cost, highly-targetted advertising.'

'Welcome to Scotland, land of the brave and fearless. It is also land for the adventurous walker, camper and intrepid explorer. www.walkscotland.com is a comprehensive list of walking tours, mountain treks and adventure spots for walking, treking and camping in Scotland's beautiful hills, trails and mountains.'

'National Scenic Areas (NSAs) were designated in 1980 in recognition of their outstanding scenery. Along with Scotland’s two National Parks, they represent our nation’s finest landscapes, and are equivalent to the Areas of Outstanding Beauty (AONBs) found in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.'

'Be inspired by the magic and beauty of Scotland's National Nature Reserves. These Reserves help protect an amazing range of wildlife and landscapes and each one is waiting to be discovered by you.'

'U3A in Scotland is an umbrella group for all U3As within Scotland, providing help and advice for new U3As, and encouraging the exchange of information and ideas between member U3As. There are currently over 7,000 members in 44 U3As in Scotland, from Shetland to the Borders, from west coast islands to east coast cities, from central belt bustle to quiet Highland towns.'

Includes a range of locations for information about paths and trails.

'The quintessential Victorian "Highland" estate, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park on the Isle of Arran is the perfect place for a family day out. Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell mountain, the grand red sandstone Scottish baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde ...'

'Bute Forest is located on the north end of the Isle of Bute. The community owned land merges with that owned by other parties and the paths, trails and interesting sites run throughout.'

'Since we started C-N-Do Scotland in 1984, thousands of walkers have experienced something special on our range of Independent walking holidays & Guided walking holidays in Scotland. You say our walking guides and back up team are the best – low key but professional, fun but informative, always helping you to achieve your ambitions & beyond.'

'Walking is by far the most popular activity in the Cairngorms National Park, and probably the most varied - not just in terms of length and difficulty but also in terms of surroundings. The sheer size, scale and remoteness of the Cairngorms make them one of the most dramatic and harsh mountain environments in Britain, a challenge to even the most seasoned hillwalkers ...'

'We are a walking group based in Caithness. Most of our walks are done in Caithness and sometimes in Sutherland. Now and again we even go further afield if we fancy doing some hills or walks which have been recommended.'

Walking in Caithness - & Some Sutherland 'Caithness has a huge range of walking possibilities from coastal paths along spectacular cliffs or inland to see castles, brochs or pictish places.   Caithness is also one of the least developed counties in Scotland so you may often find that interesting places are not sign posted.  A map or local book of the area will be of great help ...'

'This wooded valley is an important link between the former mining communities of Cardenden, Dundonald and Chapel on the edge of Kirkcaldy. There's an enticing network of paths through the mixed woodland of colourful broadleaves and conifers, including an easy stroll along the Den Burn, and the wood is full of history and wildlife. Find the remains of 16th century Carden Tower high above the burn and enjoy sweeping views across to the Lomond Hills. Our guide map of Cardenden will help you explore.'

'Walking Scotland is a series of books published by Clan Books and written by Mary Welsh. Christine Isherwood, artist and walking enthusiast now helps with the research and creates the detailed maps and illustrations.'

'Scotland is full of dramatic landscapes – majestic mountains, peaceful lochs, spectacular cliffs and deserted beaches ...'

'Self-guided walking holidays in Scotland ... Simply tell us what you’d like to do and we’ll take care of all bookings for your walking holiday – accommodation, door to door baggage transfers at each stage of your walk and taxi transfers if required. Our first class service is supplemented by detailed local knowledge of each route.'

'Vast geographical encyclopaedia, featuring details of towns, villages, bens and glens from the Scottish Borders to the Northern Isles. The first comprehensive gazetteer produced for Scotland since 1885, it includes tourist attractions, industries and historical sites, together with histories of family names and clans, biographies of famous Scots and descriptions of historical events associated with Scotland.'

Usually held mid May.

'Medal Routes are three short circular walking routes that start and finish at the same location. These routes are designed to take approximately 15, 30 and 60 minutes. The starting/finishing point is called a Hub. We try to pick Hubs such as a café, sports centre, library, or health centre – somewhere that you can relax after your walk with a cup of tea or continue to do another activity or hobby.'

'Whether you’re an elite climber, just learning the ropes at a climbing wall, or getting into hill walking and wanting to learn about safety, the MCofS is here to help you get even more from your chosen mountain activity in this great country.'

'MunroMagic.com is your resource for Munro, Corbett & Graham information. All 282 Munros, 221 Corbetts and 223 Grahams are covered in detail including descriptions, pictures, location maps, walking routes, weather reports, and many tools to help you find all the mountain information you require.'

'We are a partnership of organisations committed to promoting walking for health and the development of multi-use path networks in Scotland.'

'Since 2005 Local Authorities and National Park Authorities (Access Authorities) have been busy preparing Core Paths Plans (CPP). Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 every Access Authority has a duty to prepare a CPP. Some plans have been completed whilst others are still going through the planning process. If you would like to know more about the process of making a plan have a look at Core Paths Plans: A Guide to Good Practice.'

'Scotland has world-class access to most land and inland water, and yet our path density is one of the lowest in Europe ... Ramblers Scotland is working to improve the situation'

Scotland has world-class rights of access to most land and inland water, and yet our path density is one of the lowest in Europe.  We have the right to walk over most land in Scotland, as long as we do so responsibly, but compared to England and Wales we have very few paths to use, especially in lowland areas.  Ramblers Scotland is working to improve this situation.

- See more at: http://www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland/what-we-do/protecting-and-expanding-where-we-walk/developing-path-networks.aspx#sthash.2k1HK4wX.dpuf

d and inland water, and yet our path density is one of the lowest in Europe.  We have the right to walk over most land in Scotland, as long as we do so responsibly, but compared to England and Wales we have very few paths to use, especially in lowland areas.  - See more at: http://www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland/what-we-do/protecting-and-expanding-where-we-walk/developing-path-networks.aspx#sthash.i3eyiy1d.dpuf

'We pride ourselves in delivering a full and varied programme of events - from gentle walks to hill-walking expeditions and cycle trips. We offer both day events and weekend trips and welcome men and women, young or old, beginners or experienced.'

'Walking along a canal path can give you a completely different view on a place, even somewhere you know well. Enjoy well maintained paths and a traffic free atmosphere, ideal whether you choose to run or walk.'

'Formed in 1984, The Scottish Christian Hillwalking Club brings together Christian men and woman, young and old from across the country who enjoy hillwalking and fellowship amidst God’s wonderful creation. We warmly welcome non-Christians to meets and members are encouraged to bring non-Christian friends to meets thus introducing them to a Christian community.'

'We produce the definitive Climbers' Guides to Scotland's mountains and outcrops, the authoritative guide to Munros and guides for hillwalkers and scramblers in Scotland.'

'Scottish Government has designated the National Walking and Cycling Network (NWCN) as a national development in the latest National Planning Framework. The development of a strategic network of well-maintained long-distance paths and trails through Scotland will enhance visitor and recreation experiences for all users, as well as supporting active travel and improving health and well-being. Scottish Natural Heritage, along with Sustrans and Scottish Canals, are leading this project ...'

'Protected Areas represent the very best of Scotland's landscapes, plants and animals, rocks, fossils and landforms.  Their protection and management will help to ensure that they remain in good health for all to enjoy, both now and for future generations. They may be designated to meet the needs of international directives and treaties, national legislation and policies or more local needs and interests.'

'Scotland is a unique country with some of the best access rights in Europe.. You don't have to go far to explore, you just have to go out.  The great outdoors can be discovered from your doorstep ...'

'Brings together the travels of Scotland's Celtic Saints and Medieval traditions of pilgrimage with modern faith journeys. In time a network of Pilgrim Journeys will crisscross the whole of Scotland, encompassing many local routes and sites.'

'Safeguarding public access in Scotland since 1845.' Also, access to details of the Scottish Heritage Paths Project.

'We are the social activity group for ordinary people who want to do extraordinary things! Our membership group is nationwide with hundreds of local varied events every month plus an international holiday programme so you're sure to meet new people, make friends and have fun by doing some great activities ...'

'Stroll along peaceful paths under the canopies of towering trees and take in the attractive herbaceous displays, water features, the rock garden and woodland. The glasshouses contain plants which would not otherwise flourish in the St. Andrews climate. These include plants from warmer regions such as South East Asia. Whatever the weather or season, there are always plants in flower and attractive foliage to be admired both in the glasshouses and outdoors.'

'The National Walking Strategy outlines our vision of a Scotland where everyone benefits from walking. It contains recommendations from a working group to create a walking culture.'

'Walk Across Scotland is a new and exciting Scottish walking holiday organiser, specialising in independent, self-guided walking holidays across our country’s most beautiful and awe inspiring landscapes.'

'Friendly, guided, small group walking holidays.'

'Providing long distance walkers with a personalised, quality and comprehensive service for self led and guided walks.'

'Be prepared is a very sensible approach to life so I would not suggest anyone attempting this walk without careful planning but even with the top in cloud and a section of the path covered in snow it was impossible to get lost ...'

'From Dalraddy to Ruthven near Kingussie, the Badenoch Way winds through native woodland offering magnificent views of Highland glens, mountains, and rivers, with diverse wildlife abundant, including red squirrel, osprey, swans & deer.'

'Stretching for some 48km from Cockburnspath in the north down to the English Border and Berwick-upon-Tweed, the Berwickshire Coastal Path provides some superb walking. The northern end of the route links up with the Southern Upland Way, whilst the John Muir Way which continues round the coastline of East Lothian is accessible via a short link.'

'Circular walk in the heart of the Scottish Borders, full of attractive countryside passing by four 12th Century Abbeys and through several Border Towns.'

'Fills the 55 km gap between the top of the Ayrshire Coastal Path and the West Highland Way It is an essential link in the International Appalachian Trail (Scotland) which traverses the entire western seaboard of Scotland from the Mull of Galloway to Cape Wrath.'

'Takes you on a 65km/40 mile journey, Glasgow City Centre to the World Heritage Site of New Lanark, passing through spectacular scenery and many interesting and important sites which offer insights into the rich cultural, natural and industrial heritage of the Clyde Valley'

'Discover the oldest rocks in Britain, fossils of early life and evidence of a massive asteroid impact. Learn about Coigach’s journey across the planet in the last 3 billion years and how it has been shaped in deserts, floods and under ice. The trail takes you on a series of geological excursions around the peninsula and visits spectacular coastline, beaches and hills with commanding views of the Summer Isles and the mountains of Coigach and Assynt.'

'The key paths in our area are called Core Paths, and give the public reasonable access throughout the area. The Paths cater for all types of users, for example walkers, cyclists, horse riders, canoeists, people with disabilities.'

'Links the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. The total distance from the centres is 24 miles (38km), of which 22 miles (35 km) are in open countryside. Almost all of the route follows the old Highland Railway line and is off road and safe from traffic ... On a clear day as you cross Dava moor you are rewarded with views to the north over the shire counties of Nairn, Inverness, Moray, Ross & Cromarty, and Sutherland whilst to the south the Cromdale Hills and the Cairngorm Mountains dominate the skyline.'

Military Road/Drove Road between Tomich and Jenkins Park.

'A fantastic hill walk from Peebles, taking in the four peaks surrounding Glensax with extensive views in all directions. Peat bogs in places.'

‘For 400 years, St Andrews was one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Medieval Europe ... The Fife Pilgrim Way follows one of the routes taken by countless pilgrims to Scotland’s holy hot-spot.’

'The five degree west line of longitude runs from the southern tip of the Cowal Peninsula to Cape Wrath and traverses some of the finest walking terrain in Scotland. The route described here was pioneered by the author in 2004 and attempts to follow the five degree line as closely as possible from south to north. It represents one of the most challenging long distance walks in Britain.'

The twelfth (and longest) of 12 Routes :'Galashiels lies in the central area of the region next to the historic town of Melrose. The town was built up around the Gala Water. The routes follow varied terrain from riverside to open hill and follow a section of the Southern Upland Way.'

'An exciting nature watching opportunity to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery is now attracting the attention of walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers and birdwatchers in Dumfries and Galloway and from much further afield.' ALERT Original Website referenced here inaccessible at Review.

'This route is only suitable for those with some hillwalking experience, particularly in winter and spring when the hills are snow-covered. On a dry summer day, however, it should present no problems.’

'Used in the 18th and 19th centuries when the herring industry was strong.  It was used by people bringing home a stock of salted herring for winter use and also by fishwives carrying huge creels of herring from Dunbar to the markets in Lauder ... Gradually the speed and ease of the railway lines left little need for people to carry huge weights of fish over this high pass and it fell out of use.  It is probably a long time since a herring has passed by this way. Another historic route similarly used for the trade in fish is the Buckie Fishwives Path, Moray.'

'Scotland's hills are grouped here into Regions to enable you to find something in the area that you're visiting ...'

'Provides both low level walks and continuous walking around the coast of Arran. Walkers can now use a route around Arran's coastline in all weather conditions, that passes through most of the villages on the island.'

Access to some details of a range of 'long distance trails in the Highlands'.

'Was built towards the end of the 16th century and replaced an earlier route called Comyn's Road, constructed by David Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. Although there are few precise facts about when the latter was laid, the route was certainly in use during the 16th century. The story goes that Comyn created his link between Blair Atholl and Kingussie to transport a particularly fine ale from an inn near the Perthshire village to his Badenoch home ...'

'The coastline and settlements of Moray are linked by a waymarked coastal trail of approximately 50 miles from Forres to Findhorn, Cullen and all the places between.'

A part of the (rather elusive) North Sea Trail, between John O'Groats and Cullen: 'The trail is not a continuous route, but a network of paths and trails. These avoid main roads, and feature some of the most interesting and scenic sections of the coast.' ALERT Unfortunately, a Moray Firth Trail Website and a Page Turning e-Brochure originally referenced on the Website no longer seem accessible; nor now a 32-page PDF Leaflet.  But the Moray Firth Partnership itself continues to be active.

'Runs from the Mull to Stranraer and continues north as the Loch Ryan Coastal Path for a total distance of 35 miles to Glenapp in South Ayrshire where it links with the Ayrshire Coastal Path.'

‘The North Highland Way (Scottish Gaelic: A Tuath na Gàidhealtachd dòigh) is a 241 kilometres (150 mi) hiking trail under development in Scotland. It starts from Duncansby Head on the North East coast to Cape Wrath in the North West of Scotland's coast. The North Highland Way connects the Cape Wrath Trail (which opened in January, 2013) in the west with the Moray Firth trail in the east. The North Coast 500 is a driving route, which follows a similar line to the North Highland Way.’

'East Ayrshire ... just waiting to be enjoyed! Experience Ayrshire’s most varied and beautiful countryside, enjoy relaxing accommodation, welcoming pubs and award winning restaurants.' ALERT Website Link changed from original.

ScottishSport 'provides practical sports information to amateur sports people (read that as "for normal folk who do a bit of sport"), whether residents of Scotland or visitors to the country. The website is run using our own resources with the income from clubs and organisations featured on the site ensuring that the site is financially viable ... We are not Sport Scotland, the official Government body for Sport in Scotland'.

'The trail stretches for approximately 28 miles between Loch Tarff near Fort Augustus to Torbreck on the edge of Inverness via Whitebridge, Foyers, Inverfarigaig and Dores.'

'This long route was used for centuries by cattle thieves making their way south and west from the Central Highlands. It passes by two of the great mountains in Scotland, Ben Alder and Ben Nevis, and heads over the northern edge of Rannoch Moor.'

Note The 'route survey is at least 15 years old, so we would be grateful to anyone who supplies us with an updated version'.

'Vision ...to identify a 50-mile sustainable loop route which would provide stunning views and varied terrain for walkers and riders alike and to eventually waymark it. Landowners and managers were contacted to gain their views on the project, most of which were favourable. Some negotiations have taken place and this vision is now nearing fruition. '

'We love Scotland. We love exploring the beautiful mountains & glens of the Scottish Highlands. We love meeting people and sharing our passion. We decided to combine this energy into creating a small friendly guiding company that offers a highly personalized service for individuals or groups at an affordable price. So whether you want to climb the UK's highest mountain Ben Nevis, tackle one of our challenges, backpack through the mountains or just go for a wee wander we have something for you.'

'The route is waymarked, running the complete length of the Island of Bute for around 40 kilometres. It crosses a varied landscape, with a fascinating stretch of coastline, beaches, rich farmland, moors, forests and fine views of Arran and the Cowal peninsula.'