Long Distance Paths

LDP's in Scotland & Ireland

In Scotland and Ireland, as a result of different walking traditions relatively few long distance routes have been developed, though the numbers are increasing. This does not mirror the tremendous walking opportunities to be found, but rather a reluctance to emphasise particular routes through true wilderness areas. This LDPs website covers the UK and so includes LDPs in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In Scotland there is a fine network of hill paths that can be combined into all manner of other long distance expeditions.  Scottish Hill Tracks describes some 350 routes across hills and moors and through glens and passes, in all areas from the Cheviots to the Highlands. Its map of Scotland shows graphically illustrates the wealth of long-distance cross-country walks across the hills and moors. The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society has been working to safeguard rights of way for 160 years. It is probably the oldest organisation in the world dedicated to improving countryside access. Its objects are the preservation, defence, restoration and acquisition of public rights of access for the public benefit over land in Scotland, including public rights of way. It deals with enquiries about problems with particular rights of way and other access matters. It records all the known rights of way in Scotland and many other routes and in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage maintains the National Catalogue of Rights of Way. It is an acknowledged expert on rights of way law and publishes books and leaflets on the subject.

(Image on Cateran Trail courtesy of Rucksack Readers)

In the Republic of Ireland, which is outside the scope of this website to cover in detail, an increasing number of walking routes are being developed, with route guides and waymarking. There are 31 National Waymarked Ways, offering walkers approximately 3,000 km of marked walking routes throughout Ireland. Waymarked Ways of Ireland (enquiry form online) gives an overview of the routes, a searchable map and details of each route in sections.

Route guides and maps, including digital maps, are available from EastWest Mapping (00 353 53 9377835 and e-mail: eastwest@eircom.net). Ordnance Survey Ireland provides maps for tourist and leisure activities. Full coverage is available at a scale of 1:50000 and some walking areas at 1:25000.

Visitor information is available from the Irish Tourist Board (online search and enquiry form; telephone enquiries handled regionally).

The Irish Youth Hostel Association (YHA Ireland) has 26 youth hostels located throughout Ireland. (00 353 1 830 4555 and mailbox@anoige.ie).

Some independent hostels are listed online: see Accommodation & Visitor Information. The publication ‘Ireland: All the Hostels’ contained information on over 400 Independent and Hostelling International Hostels in Ireland, with descriptions of 200 of the hostels in Ireland. It was available from: Ireland All The Hostels, Flat 2A, 72 Woodstock Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9BN, UK.