Fancy a stroll this weekend? Here's your 1,300-mile route map

FROM the Annandale Way in the south to the Great Glen Way in the north, Scotland has 1,300 miles of long distance scenic paths allowing walkers to enjoy the countryside.

Now, for the first time, the 20 best routes are being promoted as one network, known as Scotland's Great Trails.

Yesterday environment minister Stewart Stevenson donned his hiking boots on the 53-mile Formartine and Buchan Way, which runs from the north of Aberdeen to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, to encourage more use of the paths.

The project is being promoted by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to encourage more people to use the routes for short or long trips and discover more of Scotland by foot, bike and horseback.

Mr Stevenson said: "Enjoying the great outdoors is hugely important to our health and wellbeing. It also plays a major role in Scotland's economy, particularly as a destination for tourism.

"We are very fortunate in this country to have so many long trails running through some fantastic landscapes from our world-renowned walks to more hidden treasures.

"It's entirely appropriate that these trails be promoted to as many people as possible, for shorter outings as much as the more serious long distance trips. The benefits of enjoying the outdoors are well documented, and this is an excellent way to reap those benefits."

SNH and VisitScotland have produced a new guide featuring short trips on all 20 long-distance routes.

Ian Jardine, SNH chief executive, said: "There is something for everyone in these trails. You can follow rivers from their source to the sea.

"You can immerse yourself in history, travel along old transport routes and find peace and quiet in wild, rugged landscapes. You can even get a blast of sea air on one of the coastal trails.

"Many are suitable for cycling or horse riding as well. And of course you don't have to do the whole route.

"We hope the guide will encourage people to explore trails close to where they live, and enjoy some of our finest countryside as well as the sights, sounds and smells along the way. Most also offer regular opportunities for refreshments and have interesting places to visit."

To mark the launch, a number of events are taking place on some of Scotland's Great Trails this weekend, including a Ghost Train Walk on the Dava Way; an Ayrshire Path walk on the Ayrshire Coastal Path; the Granite Challenge on the Formartine and Buchan Way; a guided walk from Nethybridge to Aviemore on the Speyside Way and the West Highland Way Race.

Shona Anderson, Aberdeen City and Shire regional director at VisitScotland, added: "Getting out and about and enjoying this country's magnificent scenery plays a key part in the year of Active Scotland.

"Our Surprise Yourself campaign highlights many of the fascinating things that Scotland has to offer and this guide is a brilliant way of showcasing our great outdoors."

There are 41 long distance routes in Scotland. The 20 chosen as Scotland's Great Trails had to meet a set of criteria including being a continuous, clearly identifiable and appropriately waymarked route between defined start and end points; be no more than 20-30 per cent on roads; be at least 25 miles and have potential for multi-day journeys by foot, bike and/or horse, or canoe; offer at least a basic range of visitor services, with information on the route, facilities and services available for users

Beauty spots

Routes in Scotland's Great Trails include:

Fife Coastal Path (93 miles, Forth Estuary-Tay Estuary), takes in award-winning beaches, sea cliffs, estuaries and wildlife reserves, and the fishing villages of the East Neuk.

John Muir Way (45 miles, East Lothian-Edinburgh-Borders), includes striking geological features such as the volcanic remains of the Bass Rock and North Berwick Law, cliffs at Dunbar and sandstone arches at Bilsdean,

Ayrshire Coastal Path (100 miles, Glenapp-Skelmorlie) covers fictional characters' sites such as Tam o' Shanter's Auld Brig o' Doon and Sawney Bean's Cave at Bennane Head, along with Culzean Castle,.

Formartine & Buchan Way (53 miles Aberdeen-Peterhead and Fraserburgh) takes in Aden Country Park, Drinnies Wood Observatory, Strichen Stone Circle and Deer Abbey.