Many people come to Scotland to experience the wonders of largely untouched natural landscapes and the joys of walking in higher altitudes. The Highland area is celebrated for rare and diverse plants, wildlife and geology, but it is also rich in cultural and historical interest. Here are some of the ancient trails that tell the story of Scotland’s past.
The Drover’s Roads
Drover’s roads are ancient tracks that were used to move cattle, sheep and other livestock from the Highlands to lowland areas of Scotland and even on to England to sell at markets, or to overwinter in less harsh conditions. The drovers were typically crofters who farmed tenured land, and walked long distances, travelling between ten to 20 miles per day.
They had few navigational tools, and had to rely on natural landmarks and even the position of the stars, sun and moon to guide them. Over the centuries, defined tacks crisscrossed the length and breadth of the country, connecting remote rural areas with towns and cities. Many of these ancient routes remain today, often punctuated by former inns.
Famous Highland Drove Walk is, as its name suggests, one of the most famous routes. It begins in the Skye Cuillin Munros and wends its way through glens, lochsides, and wild landscapes all the way to Crieff in Perthshire.
The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way runs from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands, and was Scotland’s first Long Distance Route. The 96 mile long trail opened in 1980, but its origins are much more ancient. The path follows old drover’s roads, military roads that were used during the Jacobite uprisings, and old coaching routes.
The whole route typically takes seven to eight days to walk, with overnight accommodation available in the villages along the route. More experienced walkers may prefer to wild camp. Of course, it’s also possible to complete the route in stages, or tackle areas of particular interest.
For example, north of Rowardennan, the route passes along the shores of the famous Loch Lomond and along the lower slopes of Ben Lomond. North of Inversnaid, the trail passes a cavern known as Rob Roy’s cave, which according to legend was the hiding place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.
The Coffin Roads
Coffin roads, as the name suggests, are routes that were used by funeral processions to transport the deceased to their place of rest. It is Scottish tradition to hold the wake in the dwelling of the deceased person before the burial, and the mourners would gather before accompanying the coffin to the churchyard.
On longer coffin routes, the coffin bearers would change at regular intervals to share load, and it was common practice to call at inns or other places of rest for refreshments along the way.
A well-known coffin route can be found on the Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris, starting by Loch Stocinis. Another notable Highland route is Newtonmore, a short distance path that ends where St Brides Church used to stand.