A wealth of long-distance walks in Scotland

The gorgeous and historic

long-distance walk, The Cateran Trail

Every year many thousands of walkers set out to walk one of Scotland's famous long-distance routes. From the "original" long-distance walk, The West Highland Way, to some of the "newest" long-distance routes, such as the Kintyre Way and the Cateran Trail, this stable of routes is spread across Scotland and offers a unique opportunity to walk to places you might never have thought to visit.

Many of the long-distance trails are waymarked on routes that may have been in existence for centuries. The Cateran Trail, in Angus, for example, follows many of the old drove roads and tracks once used by the Caterans, the cattle thieves that once roamed the lawless regions of the Highlands between the 15th and 17th centuries.

For walkers who are less experienced at off-the-beaten navigation, the long-distance waymarked trails are the ideal solution for a walk that provides a mix of challenges and the rewards of "ticking off" a hike. Many routes take days to walk and this only adds to the adventure of a walking holiday.

Knowing the approximate distance and the challenge that is laid out for you day after day is comforting for walkers who are not so fit or are less experienced.

Many long-distance walks also boast numerous places to stay overnight and eat/drink en route. Our favourite route, the Cateran Trail, offers numerous hotels, bunk houses and hostels along the way, many located in a convenient place after a day of walking.

Why not take advantage of services such as luggage transfer, as offered by Glentrek, which will make the walking even more pleasurable? There is little point in carrying a heavy rucksack when for a little extra cost you can have it delivered to your next overnight accommodation.

And just because the routes are waymarked it doesn't mean they do not offer a wealth of scenic treats. These routes are laid out to guide walkers through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes.

Now that winter is coming, many of the waymarked routes across Scotland will be ideal for walkers who are not so keen to go high-level but still want to get out and about in Scotland's great outdoors. Go on, why not choose a long-distance walk in Scotland and take steps to explore this great country?