We hope you enjoy this list of eight of Scotland's finest ‘hidden paths’, all mapped for the first time thanks to our award-winning Scottish Paths Map.

It’s been fun putting together a diverse list - including everything from short urban woodland loops to longer rural hill walks - to showcase the potential for the map to help all sorts of walkers to discover exciting new adventures.

Plan your next walking trip using the Scottish Paths Map - or you might even want to volunteer to check paths and record hidden trails near you. Please remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and that path assessments will always be subjective.   

 

1. Kellie Law, Fife

ramblers.org.uk/KellieLaw

 
This attractive path has never featured on Ordnance Survey or Open Street Map, despite being fairly popular among Fife locals in the know. It leads from the west of Kellie Law to eventually reach a scenic trig point with views across the Firth of Forth. By linking with recorded paths nearby, it creates a scenic loop, passing wildlife-filled hedgerows. Walkers should expect to need to climb a stile next to one locked gate. As always, never block farm access when parking.
 

2. Woods at Corpach, West Highlands 

ramblers.org.uk/Corpach  

 
This short circular woodland walk is a great example of how the Scottish Paths Map can help communities highlight the hidden gems on residents’ doorsteps. It leads from streets in Corpach village, a heartland of West Highlands industry. These well-used paths include a few steep climbs, passing through a mixed woodland on informal paths. For people looking to extend the walk, a stile at the north end of the loop connects to the open fields and hillside above.
  

3. Philipston Muir, West Lothian 

ramblers.org.uk/PhilipstonMuir  

 

This woodland path is short but very useful, as it allows people enjoying the popular tow path next to the Union Canal at Philipston Muir to create quiet and varied loop walks. Nearby there is an interesting large bing, a hill created by the heaped tailings of former mining in the area. This path, which runs just to the east of the bing and near the Edinburgh-Glasgow rail line, has never been mapped before. We think it is a great find! 

 

4. Kingussie hillside, Cairngorms 

ramblers.org.uk/KingussieHillside  

 
This path is just outside Kingussie, yet even on a busy summer day, it feels a world away from the bustle of the lively Cairngorm town. It skirts the base of dense pinewoods and offers spectacular views to the Cairngorm plateau, with minimum effort. Walkers can enjoy the sound of woodpeckers in the trees, the sweet smell of the pine trees and colourful heather either side of the trail. The path starts at a short flight of steps on West Terrace, where there is some limited parking available. Remember to shut all gates as horses are sometimes kept in fields along the route.  

 

5. Lurg Loch & Little Dumglow near Cleish, Perth & Kinross 

ramblers.org.uk/LurgLoch

 
While existing maps include a few paths on this hillside, there are also several ‘hidden paths’ such as this one, which opens a range of new options. It allows walkers to loop around the waterlily and rush-covered Lurg Loch, and to link with two more hidden paths. One of the latter follows the grassy ridge to the scenic mini-peak of Little Dumglow while another heads northeast to a parking spot via self-closing gates. Watch out for buzzards, wheatear and big views towards Loch Leven.  
 

6. Shaw Wood in Paisley, Renfrewshire 

ramblers.org.uk/ShawWood  

 
These little-known paths in south-east Paisley are perfect for residents in the many nearby housing estates to stretch their legs. Some sections are quite muddy underfoot in the field section and there are a few tight squeeze openings next to gates for visitors to negotiate. However, intrepid walkers will be rewarded by unexpected peri-urban parkland among attractive trees and open clearings. 

 

7. Crookston Wood, Glasgow 

ramblers.org.uk/CrookstonWood  

 

It is remarkable that that beautiful path in Pollok area of Glasgow has never before been mapped, either on print maps or online, so we are proud to showcase it on the Scottish Paths Map! There are three separate entrances to Crookston Wood that all link with the main circular loop, which features well-maintained paths and towering trees on a small hillside. 

 

8. Craig Rossie and Beld Hil near Auchterarder, Perth & Kinross 

ramblers.org.uk/CraigRossie

 
This characterful hill above Auchterarder affords expansive views north over Strathearn that are disproportionate to its modest 410-metre height. It allows a two to three-hour circular walk. There is very limited parking at the north end of this walk, so consider car sharing if you are in a group and never block any farm gates. It is surprising that the path has never before been mapped as it follows a well-used walking path that has been widened through use by a quad bike. There is one locked gate on the north side of Craig Rossie next to a low wire fence. We believe there are other unmapped paths nearby that we would love volunteers to add to the Scottish Paths Map.