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To mark the 10th anniversary of the John Muir Way, a path that extends from Dunbar, on the southeast coast, to the seaside town of Helensburgh in the west, we’re revealing our top ideas for an active break across the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands on foot.

Tackle the John Muir Way, the Scottish Version of ‘Coast to Coast’

John Muir was born in 1838 in Dunbar, on Scotland’s southeast coast, and as a child developed a deep love of the natural world around him.

Best known for encouraging the establishment of the Yosemite National Park (USA), Scotland honoured its famous son in 2014 with the John Muir Way, which symbolically links Dunbar with Scotland’s first National Park (Loch Lomond and the Trossachs) and the seaside town of Helensburgh in the west, forming a Scottish coast-to-coast route.

Looking along the course of the Antonine Wall | <i>John Millen</i>

Dunbar Castle and the sea | <i>John Millen</i>

Dungalss Hill and Highland cattle | <i>John Millen</i>

Discover What Makes the Isle of Arran ‘Scotland in a Miniature'

From smuggler caves to iron-age stone circles, no two days are the same on this new walking trip.

The most accessible island on Scotland’s West Coast, the Isle of Arran is also known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’: over a week you will experience classic Highlands and Lowlands scenery, hairy coos and sheep, scenic waterfalls and white sand beaches, as well as locally brewed whisky and traditional haggis.

Discover the Machrie Moor Standing Stones on the Isle of Arran

Looking at Goatfell Mountain on the Isle of Arran

Explore the natural beauty of the Isle of Arran, in Scotland

Follow the Old Military Roads of the West Highland Way

The perfect entry-level long-distance hike, the West Highland Way connects Britain’s largest lake with its highest mountain, from the south of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest lake, to Fort William and the foot of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.

The route is a step back into history: many stages follow military roads that date back to the 1700s and were used to link the Highlands to the Lowlands, as well as hotels that originated from droving inns that operated for centuries.

Hiking in the West Highland Way | <i>Duncan Andison</i>

Looking upstream while standing on the Bridge of Orchy | <i>Tom Riddle</i>

Relive the Legend of the Notorious Scottish Outlaw on the Rob Roy Way

Scottish Rob Roy MacGregor was a notorious outlaw who, after escaping capture several times, became a folk hero (in later life, due to his fame or notoriety, King George l gave him a pardon).

The 80-mile Rob Roy Way goes through classic Highland scenery and areas that were his old haunts.

It begins in Drymen, whose Clachan Inn is the oldest registered licensed pub in Scotland and, at one point in its history, was run by Rob Roy’s sister.

Hiking through the unspoilt forest of the Rob Roy Way | <i>Kenny Lam</i>

A walker admiring the view on the summit of Ben A an on the Rob Roy Way. | <i>Kenny Lam</i>

Find Your Favourite Loch Along the Great Glen Way

An exhilarating long-distance trail starting at Fort William and concluding at Inverness, Scotland’s northernmost city.

Following mostly canal- and loch-side footpaths, the Great Glen Way passes by the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

Scattered along the shores of Loch Ness, the centuries-old forts and castles remain a silent witness to the country’s turbulent past.