Scotland is already a popular destination for walkers, many of whom are keen to complete a long-distance trail. Some of the most popular routes are the West Highland Way, the Kintyre Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way. Now there is news that a new project will add even more miles – around 500 miles – to walking routes across Scotland as 30 new trails are developed over the next five years. The National Walking and Cycling project plan was launched this month and has the overall aims of joining up many existing routes to offer more walking trails, as well as opening up more routes to more people The initiative, which is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, Sustrans and Scottish Canals, wants to “encourage more people to enjoy the natural environment”. There are plans to create a North Solway coastal path, a Pilgrim’s Way across Scotland, between St Andrews and Iona, and to extend the Clyde walkway in Lanarkshire. Improvement plans will focus on the Cowal Way and the Clyde Coast path, among others. In the meantime, there are still many hundreds of miles of walking to enjoy in Scotland and a great stable of long-distance trails.

Choose a walking trail for you

Whatever your interests or aspirations there is a long-distance walking trail in Scotland for you. 


Fife Coastal Path.

Walk the coast: If you love seascapes, the smell of sea salt and the chance to explore sand-dunes and see amazing shoreline birdlife, a long-distance coastal trail is the perfect choice. How about the Fife Coastal Path on the east coast of Scotland, the Ayrshire Coastal Path in the south west, the Berwickshire Coastal Path on the south east, the Moray Coast Trail in the north-east or the Arran Coastal Way? 


Borders Abbeys Way.

For history fans: Walk back in time on some wonderfully atmospheric walking trails. You could follow in the footsteps of St Cuthbert on the St Cuthbert’s Way.

Walk from source to sea: You’ll enjoy the purpose of these walks and the accompaniment of water along the entire route. Choose from the Annandale Way, the Clyde Walkway, the River Ayr Way and the Speyside Way.


Great Glen Way.

For mountains and lochs: Embrace the scenery that Scotland is famed for including high rise mountains, glorious glens and stunning lochs. We love the Great Glen Way, the Three Lochs Way, the West Highland Way, the Glen Affric Trail and the East Highland Way.