Scotland’s Great Trails

Scotland’s Great Trails are nationally promoted trails for people-powered journeys. Each is distinctively waymarked, largely off road and has a range of visitor services. At least 25 miles in length, they are suitable for multi-day outings as well as day trips. Collectively the 29 routes provide over 1,900 miles of well managed paths from the Borders to the Highlands. They offer great opportunities to explore the best of Scotland’s nature and landscape and to experience our amazing history and culture.

Spread your adventure over several days. Even the youngest members of the family can bag a trail when you split it into bite-sized chunks to enjoy over a few weekends.

You can even make a holiday of the longer routes. Book tent pitches or accommodation in advance – or have a tour company do it for you – and send bags ahead on a baggage transfer service.

Where will Scotland’s Great Trails take you?

Source to sea routes

Breathe in heady summer scents, picnic on riverbanks and plunge weary toes into inviting pools as you journey alongside some of our bigger rivers.

• Annandale Way
• Clyde Walkway
• River Ayr Way
• Speyside Way

Coastal trails

Seascapes, salty air, sand dunes and seabirds – Scotland’s coastal trails are yours to savour.

• Arran Coastal Way
• Ayrshire Coastal Path
• Berwickshire Coastal Path
• Fife Coastal Path
• John Muir Way
• Kintyre Way
• Moray Coast Trail
• Mull of Galloway Trail
• West Island Way

Historical trails

Travel back in time. Follow in the footsteps of a saint or an outlaw turned hero. Or travel on routes used by drovers and ambushed by cattle thieves.

• Borders Abbeys Way
• Cateran Trail
• Cross Borders Drove Road
• Rob Roy Way
• Romans and Reivers Route
• St Cuthbert’s Way

Transport and travel routes

Stroll on one of two canal towpaths that join at the Falkirk Wheel – or go the whole distance. Routes along old railway lines are another easy-going option.

• Dava Way
• Formartine and Buchan Way
• Forth and Clyde Canal and Union Canal towpaths

Mountain and loch trails

If it’s wild and wonderful you want, pack your sack and head for any of these trails. Some of Scotland’s most dramatic mountain and loch scenery awaits you.

• Great Glen Canoe Trail
• Great Glen Way
• Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
• Southern Upland Way
• The Great Trossachs Path
• Three Lochs Way
• West Highland Way

Find out more

• Scotland’s Great Trails map
• Scotland's Great Trails Brand Guidelines
• Scotland's Great Trails - Brand Resources (full set of logos)
• Engaging Young People in Scotland's Great Trails