As the Newest Long-Distance Trail Is About to Be Opened for Walkers, We
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14 SCENIC Fiona near Helensburgh on the trail WALK THIS WAY Fiona and her dog Whispa on the new John Muir trail walk on the wild side is far simpler A when following a long-distance hiking route. Scotland’s many great trails offer easy access to the countryside and the reassurance of signs and markers. Yet a waymarked walking route needn’t feel too tame as many of SCOTLAND THE these pathways cross diverse and rugged landscapes and skirt dramatic coasts. It’s no wonder then that these multi-day walks are becoming ever more popular – and that many new trails are being created. In recent TRAILBLAZER years, walkers have discovered Scotland’s first As the newest long-distance trail is about to be You don’t source-to-sea route, ‘‘ the River Ayr Way, the opened for walkers, we look at other great need to new East Highland Way and two island plan the paths, Bute’s West Island routes that combine a good dose of exercise Way and the Arran route or Coastal Way. And next month, with fantastic views of our beautiful country. be a Scotland’s newest long-distance brilliant walk, the extended navigator John Muir Way, Great Glen Way, running 79 miles trails, you will usually find clear is to open. from Fort William to Inverness. signposting. Paul, who has The 134-mile The variety of Scottish completed a trail every Easter for route will link long-distance trails means the last decade, rates the Southern Dunbar on the east coast with there’s a walking route to suit all Upland Way as his favourite. Helensburgh on the west. fitness levels, ages, interests and He said: “All of the many routes I The trail, which pays tribute to the time-scales. have completed, including the West Scots-born founder of the American While some people choose to Highland Way, East Highland Way , national parks, launches on Monday, walk a short section during a half or Cateran Trail, Speyside Way and April 21. full day, others hike the full route Great Glen Way, are fantastic. A nine-day John Muir Festival will over many consecutive days. “They get people out and enjoying celebrate the opening with events FIONA Paul McGreal is a fan of the the countryside quickly and easily. taking place along the trail. RUSSELL long-distance trails and has walked “But for me, it is the Southern However, it is still the grandaddy of and run a dozen of the routes. Upland Way, that is my absolute them all, the West Highland Events organiser Paul, from favourite. It is what waymarked Way, that is the most popular Selkirk, said: “The big appeal for me trails should be – easy to locate, a long-distance hike in Scotland. and others is the ease of getting to pleasure to walk and out there Approaching its 35th anniversary, these walks and then following where it’s at in Scotland’s the waymarked trail – which starts in them. You don’t need to think too amazing landscape. You just can’t Milngavie, north of Glasgow, and much about planning the route and beat that, can you?” runs 96 miles to Fort William – nor do you need to be a brilliant The West Highland Way will also attracts an estimated 85,000 navigator.” host the Caledonian Challenge walkers annually. Of course, it is always important ultra-marathon, which covers 54 Other established paths include the to be aware of your vulnerability in miles of the most scenic section on 212-mile Southern Upland Way, in the great outdoors, so a map and Saturday, June 14. the Borders, and the 65-mile Speyside compass or GPS device is a ■ For details, visit Way from Buckie to Aviemore. valuable asset. www.caledonianchallenge.com Another of the original four is the But on most of the well-trodden www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk WAY TO GO Fiona at John Muir Way sign.