Long Distance Routes

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Long Distance Route (sometimes referred to as 'LDR') is an official term for maintained long-distance footpaths in Scotland that require several days to walk. Legislation to create them was passed in 1967, but the first - the 95 mile long West Highland Way - was not opened officially until 1980. There are currently four in total , the other three are the Speyside Way (84 miles of route including spurs, first part opened 1981, completed in 2000), the Southern Upland Way (212 miles, opened 1984) and the Great Glen Way (73 miles, opened 2002).

Proposals for new LDRs originate from Scottish Natural Heritage, who make proposals to the Scottish Executive. Responsibility for creating and maintaining each LDR lies with each local authority through which a route passes, but Scottish Natural Heritage provides some of the finance and publicity.