Berwickshire Coastal Path

Start point: Cockburnspath
End point: Berwick-upon-Tweed
Distance or area: 28 miles (45km)
Type: Scotlands Great Trails
Location: Southern Scotland

The Berwickshire Coast Path may not be the longest of its kind but it still offers a terrific walking experience packed with geological sites and places of historic interest as well as uninterrupted views of the North Sea and the second highest cliffs on Britain’s east coast.

More information:www.scotborders.gov.uk/berwickshire_coastal_path

Ayrshire Coastal Path

Start point: Glenapp
End point: Skelmorlie
Distance or area: 100 miles (161km)
Type: Scotlands Great Trails
Location: Southern Scotland

This 100 mile route takes walkers along one of the finest coastlines in the British Isles, hugging cliff tops and skirting along beaches all the while offering views of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde.

More information:www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org

West Highland Way

Start point: Milnagavie, nr Glasgow
End point: Fort William
Distance or area: 96 miles (155km)
Type: Scotlands Great Trails
Location: Central Scotland

One of the longer of Scotland’s Great Trails, the West Highland Way is an epic walk. It starts close to Scotland’s largest city, follows the shores of its biggest loch and passes at the foot of its tallest mountain. It was also the first of Scotland’s paths to be made an official long distance route in 1980.

More information:www.west-highland-way.co.uk

West Island Way

Start point: Kilchattan Bay
End point: Port Bannatyne
Distance or area: 30 miles (48km)
Type: Scotlands Great Trails
Location: Southern Scotland

Not to be confused with the West Highland Way, the West Island Way opened in 2000 to mark the millennium and was Scotland’s first long distance island footpath. It runs the complete length of the Isle of Bute featuring seashore, moorland, farmland and forest – not forgetting the great views of Arran and the Cowal peninsula.

More information:www.visitbute.com/Walking+on+Bute

Forth & Clyde and Union Canal Towpaths

Start point: Bowling
End point: Fountainbridge, Edinburgh
Distance or area: 66 miles (106km)
Type: Scotlands Great Trails
Location: Central Scotland

As the name suggests this route is a tale of two canals, the Forth & Clyde and the Union, which meet at the Falkirk Wheel boatlift to form a waterway and walking route from the mouth of the River Clyde on the west coast of Scotland to the capital on the east.

More information:www.scottishcanals.co.uk