Top 10 Walking Routes
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1. Southern Upland Way
The longest walking route in Scotland, and a wonderful mix of mountain, moor, forest, loch and pasture. It crosses the country from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east – the preferred direction if you want the wind at your back.
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2. West Highland Way
The first long-distance route, and still the most popular. Connecting Fort William and Glasgow, it winds past the Nevis and Glencoe ranges, crosses Rannoch Moor and skirts around every other mountain it can find. Stunning scenery, but rather close to the main road in parts.
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3. Speyside Way
Bordering one of Scotland’s most picturesque rivers, this path takes you from the Cairngorms to Moray’s coast (with spurs to Dufftown and Tomintoul). It is a walk full of interest, with distilleries galore, bridges, stately homes and a rich abundance of wildlife.
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4. Great Glen Way
The newest route to open and the one that probably packs in more dramatic scenery per mile than any other. The walk connects Fort William with Inverness. The southern half offers easier gradients along the banks of lochs Lochy and Oich. After Fort Augustus it climbs high above Loch Ness – if that doesn’t take your breath, the views will.
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5. Border Abbeys Way
A circular route that combines historical interest with the irresistible appeal of the gentle Borders landscape, with its rounded hills, rivers and forests. The track connects the four magnificent abbeys of Kelso, Melrose, Dryburgh and Jedburgh.
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6. Fife Coastal Path
One day this walk will connect the famous Tay and Forth Bridges. Currently it runs from North Queensferry, near Deep Sea World, to the East Neuk, taking in views across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh, as well as the enchanting fishing villages of Earlsferry, Elie, Crail Pittenweem and Anstruther.
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7. Cateran Trail
The Caterans, brigands and rustlers, roamed this area in the Middle Ages. Starting in Blair-gowrie’s soft-fruit hills, this circular route wends to the wild mountains of Glenshee, returning via beautiful Glenisla, offering some of the best of Perthshire. A quieter trail than most.
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8. St Cuthbert’s Way
The only cross-border route in Scotland. It starts in the abbey town of Melrose and ends on the amazing island of Lindisfarne (England). Not too strenuous a walk and a lovely mix of pasture, woodland, moor and coastal scenery. Check the tides for the last mile.
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9. Formantine and Buchan Way
An easy route – it’s completely flat – along an old railway line. It extends north from Dyce through the fertile rolling farmland of Buchan to the busy fishing port of Fraserburgh.
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10. Cowal Way
If you like things a little wilder, try this one. The route is only partially marked, so take a good map. Start on the coast west of Glasgow at Portavadie and cross the hills to Glendaruel, Strachur and Arrochar.
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